Recession But A Full Car Park

The sky maybe grey, and we maybe in a recession but the car park is full at this Cowley box store centre.  I was reading in the papers today we will not go into recession until early next year as that is when the Australian band AC/DC will be touring the UK. Every tour of the UK that AC/DC has done has been while the UK economy has been in recession, mean while shoppers still shop and fight for car parking spaces in order to buy the bands latest album which is currently at #1.

Bill Heine New Book

Being a local blog about local things I could not post a photo about Bill Heine and his new book which is launched today, even though my promised invite to the launch never arrived.  Bill who is very passionate about Oxford is also the local talk back radio presenter on BBC Radio Oxford, so I am sure is book is going to be popular with the both visitors and locals alike for his points of views on Oxford.  Apparently he sailed the Atlantic once, which is something that I would like to do, not sure if that tale is in the book. Not sure where you will be able to buy it if you are not in Oxford, but for all you local visitors check out the local book stores shortly.

You either Love Bill Heine or you Love to Hate him, he is that type Radio Presenter. 

Always Sunny in Oxford

Filming of a another episode of Lewis at the Randolph Hotel this afternoon, they put lights out side the hotel to imitate sunlight as the filming was going on inside at the Morse Bar.  It is always sunny in Oxford in the TV show, in truth we had a cold day in Oxford today, look at the coat that woman has on in the photo. Saw a lot of cameras and people in the Bar  however I could not see Kevin Whatley but I am, sure he was around as I could see his car around the corner.

Pro Wrestling Oxford Town Hall

Tonight I was asked if I would like to go to the wrestling at the Oxford Town Hall.  I have never been to the wrestling before so it sounded like a good evening, and I was interested to see where in the Town Hall the wrestling would take place.  It was in the main hall that I had been in a few weeks ago for the Real Ale Festival.  The night was different to say the least, a disappointing turn out from the citizens of Oxford but an enjoyable night all the same, Click here for more photo's

Autumn Sunset

Taken a few hours ago, we have now turned our clocks back an hour so the sun is setting a little earlier than last week. Today was one of the chillier days of the season with not a lot of cloud cover as you can see, which made it cooler, the flip side to that was that we had a nice sun set.

Blockbuster Summertown Closed

As the sign in the window says, this store will close on Sunday the 26th of October 2008.  The video/DVD rental stores are starting to become like pubs across the country, closing down as you can now get DVD's from the supermarkets for the price of a weekly rent, or rent them online instantly without leaving the house from places like Apples iTunes. The video store is quickly becoming one of those things that we used to have on the corner.

 

Bristol Motors Refurbishment

The Peugeot  dealership on the Iffley Road, Bristol Motors is currently undergoing a major refurbishment.  However during this refurbishment they are still trading, I think from out the back of the site. Will pop back once it is all complete to see how it went.

Big Job Changing Pizza Hut Signs

Very close to Carfax on the High Street in Oxford we have a Pizza Hut.  I am not sure how long it has been in this location, there is a newer one on George Street as well.  It was announced this month that Pizza Hut will be changing there name in 2009, to Pasta Hut, so someone is going to have to change the signage of the 700+ restaurants in the UK.  Anyone have any more information about how long this Pizza Hut has been in the High Street?

Old Motor Repair Business

Right in the middle of Jericho is this old motor mechanic business, which I am not sure if it is still in use.  The paint work and outside look like it is disused but I could be wrong.  It amazes me the things your come across in the centre of a residential areas in Oxford.

Christ Christ Cathedral

The light was great for taking photo's today and the Cathedral at Christ Church College looked great.  I am sure that I have posted this angled photo before, but I am doing it again as it looked great this afternoon.  This is the smallest Cathedral in the United Kingdom I have been told.

Rolls Royce At The Randolph Hotel

An Old Rolls with waiting Driver outside Oxford's famous Randolph Hotel.  This photo was taken over the weekend when the Randolph had a wedding expo for those lucky couples planning the big day. Not sure how many people will be able to afford a wedding at the Randolph in the current economic climate.

Early Morning On The Isis

Out and about before most this morning just before sun rise I was walking along the River Isis near this big old boat, the owner must have just started up the coal fire as the smoke coning from the chimney looked great at this time of the morning.

Oxford Beer Festival

Tip, if you are going to the Oxford Beer Festival, get there early or have a limited selection of beer at the end of the event.  Had a Saturday afternoon at the Festival, was enjoyable, meet new friends and had a few nice pints.

Jericho Cafe

A friendly little cafe on Walton Street in Jericho, always busy when ever I walk past.

Pusey House

Was riding past Pusey Street this evening and saw that the lights were on in the church, so I tried to get a shot of the Church, the stained glass windows, and the streets around it.  This was the best of about 10 shots that I took this evening.  Taken from St Giles, I managed to get the glass windows and also a passing taxi!

Half Price Poster Sale

Every year around the time students are starting there new year the Half Price Poster Sale comes to town, at the Oxford Union.  I have purchased a few world maps from there in the past, and I am sure they help make the students accommodation a little more homely at a good price. This year the posters were for sale in the debating chamber of the Oxford Union.  Think they are in town till Wednesday.

What Credit Crunch?

It was very busy today in Oxford's malls and cafe's around the city centre, I am not sure if the good people of Oxford know what is happening to the worlds financial markets and that we are heading for tuff times ahead, cause the people are still spending! 

Markets At Gloucester Green

What a nice Autumn day to have the antiques market in Gloucester Green.  I just wondered around enjoying the sun, didn't buy anything, the credit crunch is on so I have to watch my pennys.

A34 Viaduct Road Works

The heavy equipment was out in force today at the Viaduct replacement on the A34. This work is costing over £44 million pounds to complete and is not expected to be completed until the middle of 2010, so I am hoping to get out this way again and take another couple of photo's.

Sunderland Avenue

Not sure why I took this photo this afternoon,trying to get a nice photo of the Street Sign, but I don't think it worked.  Also confused to why the name Sunderland Avenue, Oxford is a long way from Sunderland?  Maybe the residents were big supporters of The Black Cats?

College Starting At LMH

Students arriving with all there kit at Lady Margaret Hall this morning, the roads around a few of the colleges were busy has students arrive with all there computers, clothing, musical instruments etc.  Not sure if these guys are first year students just starting at Oxford or students returning after the summer holidays. Those trolleys were in demand for sure.

You Need Your Umbrella In Oxford Today

Coast, scarfs, and umbrella's are what is needed today in Oxford, the weather has turned we are now heading towards Winter.....  Busy weekend, sorry for the no posts over the last couple of days.. 

Going To London From Oxford

One of the many coaches that make the Oxford/London trip each day.  We are very lucky in Oxford that we have so many choices when it comes to getting to London, two coach companies and the train.  The coaches leave every 20 minutes at the busy times to London, we are well connected to the Nations Capital. On the number plate you can see CF53 OXF.

Moscow State Circus In Oxford

The lights above the Box Office for the visiting Moscow State Circus which is in Oxford till Sunday.  Tonights show was the first of a full week for the Circus which has set up just off Oxpens Road next the Ice Rink.  All of the performers are from Russia and there are no animals in the Circus, so I am sure it is a very good family show.  I have not been to a Circus for years!

Loch Fyne Seafood Bar And Grill

Never dined at this popular Seafood restaurant chain's Walton Street's branch, but I hope to one day.  You don't have to eat at the restaurant, they also sell seafood for you to take home and cook, which is a little different for a restaurant. It always looks nice as I am walking by, especially at night.

The Leaves Are Turning

I have been watching the vines on the side of this house all summer and noticed how red they are today, which is a sign of the season. The side away from the camera has more red then closer, so I must say that it has to do with the shade from the house next door. Will take a photo in Winter to show you what had happened.

Very Foggy Cornmarket

Oxford  was covered in fog this morning, you could not see from one end of Cornmarket to the other, only about half way.  This young lady was also feeling the chill in the air was well.  It did get better as the day went on.

Flags Of Every Country

Just off Queen Street in the centre of Oxford is a very resourceful trader who among other goods including balloons and cards, has a very large range of country and novelty flags for sale.  I am not sure why I have not posted a photo of his display before as I am very interested in flags.  This afternoon with the sun out  the flags looked very good.

The Two Sides Of Oxford

Not the best photo to illustrate this but one that I managed to quickly get this afternoon.  An Oxford Student in full academic attire with one would imagine wealthy parents walking past a group of Oxford homeless in St Michael's  Street waiting for the night shelter to open. Wonder what Oxford means to each of them?

Botley Public Library

Looking down the back of the shops on Elms Parade in Botley towards the small Botley Public Library. Not sure why I took this shot, just liked liked the large letters of the sign above the Library.

The Holly Bush

Had a question/comment posted a few days asking in The Holly Bush in Osney was still around, so while in the area today decided to get a snap of it.  As you can see the landlords have also gone into the Bed and Breakfast business at the pub, which I am sure is a good idea, nice and close to the station and city centre.

Enjoying the Sun

Another Sunny day in Oxford today, and while it is out, enjoy it, even while waiting for friends in George Street.

Earth from The Air At Oxford Castle

An outdoor exibition displaying large photo's of Earth from the air has opened around the Oxford Castle site, and is well worth a visit. Apart from the photo's on display there is a large flat map of the Earth which you are allowed to walk on, which is kinda nice. If you are visiting Oxford I would spend 15 minutes walking around the site and looking at the photography, also pop into the Malmaison Hotel to see what they have done with the old Oxford Prison.

OU58 ZXS My First 58 Plate

Well it was only going to be a number of days before I spotted a car in North Oxford with the new 58 rego.  I know the rest of the world is in a Credit Crunch, but news of this may not have hit North Oxford yet as I sure I will see more 58 plates in the area over the next few days.  Not a Mini this time!!  Have a look at the other Number Plate posts for information about the British Plate system, or  my diplomatic plate page.

River Thames Repairs

The Thames has been flowing fast over the last few weeks with the flooding that other parts of the country has been having making it's way into the river systems, noticed this morning on one of my walks the banks of the river being repaired.  Good to see, in fact all this area just off the Botley Road has been or is being reworked with the paths being repaired and the banks getting a little attention. Should be good when finished to ride your bike up to The Perch along the river.

Rugby In The Park

What a Oxford photo, Rugby in the Park with Magdalen College in the background. These guys looked like they where having good time getting ready for then they are at Oxford University. 

When In Oxford Don't Call The Breakdown Service

When in Oxford and you are having car troubles like this guy was with his Mercedes in Broad Street, don't call the Breakdown vans, just wait by your car and the friendly Thames Valley Police will drive past and offer to change your tyre for you.  Oh, and all you have to do it stand by and watch, such is life in sunny Oxford, where the Police are only too happy to assist you in any way they can.

Waiting For The Cutteslowe Bus 17

Few of the older folk of Oxford sitting outside County Hall chatting while waiting for the Number 17 Bus to Cutteslowe just before lunch today. You can see that the season's are changing with a few fallen leaves on the ground. Autumn is with us.

Radcliffe Camera With A Sore

You can never have or post too many good photo's of the Radcliffe Camera, not that I think my photo's are great, but today when I was walking past the Camera I noticed that it is having a little external work.  It is nice to think that these old building are getting the maintenance that they need when they need it, and with this little sore on the side you can take a photo of the Camera without getting this scaffolding in the shot, which is good for visitors to Oxford.

Misty Morning In Oxford

Very misty this morning while out and about in Oxford, as you can see from the dew on this spiders web, looks like the dew is weighing this web down a lot.  I am not sure if you can make out where this is, but that is the Head Of The River in the background. Click on the photo to see it larger!

The Perch To Re-open Next Week

Happen to be in Binsey this morning and noticed that alot of the work/construction around The Perch was gone.  I managed to have a chat with a guy who was doing a bit of gardening and he said that the old Pub will be re-opening on Thursday next week.  So I am going to make an effort to get down and have a look at what they have done to the Perch since the fire. Have a look how the pub was in May last year.

Leaving Oxford On Train

This week I have been leaving Oxford every morning for a course, on a couple of days I was on the 0730hrs train to Reading.  This photo was taken just as we where leaving the station this morning.

Evening At St Giles Fair

When the Sun goes down the lights come on and the fair becomes very busy with all the rides and stalls.  I like the fair in the evening as it looks a lot prettier and fair like, tomorrow morning all this will be gone and St Giles will be back to normal, full of traffic!

St Giles Fair Sweet Stalls

mmmm, All part of the fair the sweet stalls.  I think the sweet stalls are the best part of any fair, and the doughnuts at fairs are great when warm and fresh, mmmm.

Broad Street Contruction

More works are going on in Broad Street near Blackwells Poster store at the moment, I think the scaffolding business must be doing well in Oxford, as it is everywhere all year.

St Giles Fair Is Coming

Warnings are in place around the city centre advising people that bikes will be removed from around the St Giles if left after Saturday in preparation for St Giles Fair which will be on Monday and Tuesday next week.

Jesus Festival In Oxford

How about a nice hamburger, that was the first thing that I received when I visited the big yellow tent that is currently set up next to the Ice Rink on Oxpens Road, along with a strong welcome.  The Oxford Jesus Festival is being run my Oxford Jesus Army and is a three day free festival honouring Jesus.  Not a lot was happening when I visited early in the afternoon, but in side the large tent was a coffee shop, stage and band, people enjoying arts, and also a corner for younger kids.  Looked like a lot of the activities are taking place over the weekend, and evenings.

Royal Mail Van In Cornmarket

I think there is a problem with the mail today?  This is not suppose to happen, looks like it was a bad day for the postie in the city centre today, rain, wind and then a van that was not working!

Weather In Oxford Today

After a fine start to the day, the weather forecast for heavy down showers in the afternoon were exactly right, coming both fast and heavy, luckily they did not last too long.

Stealing Bikes In Oxford

With the Student population due to start in Oxford anytime now the local cycle thief's are starting to step up there activity in and around the city centre, to be able to sell these bikes on to new students.  I witnessed this guy this morning steeling this bike from outside the Church at 25 Woodstock Road.  Visitors and Oxford residents, get the best lock you can afford as these guys are not afraid to smash/cut a lock in a busy area during the day.

Keep and eye out for a 40ish year old male with a Sainsbury's Bag For Life with all his equipment in, looking at bikes in the Oxford area.