Coffee Republic Becomes Java And Co

I am not sure how long ago this change happened, but a couple of weeks ago I remember this business/coffee cafe was called Coffee Republic.  Today when I walked past it was called Java and Co, I looked them up online and this store is the second store to open, the only other store is in Maidenhead. I do like it when an independent store open up in Oxford, it helps make Oxford that little different.  The later opening hours of this store is sure going to be popular with Oxford, as all the large chain stores close at 6pm, however Java and Co is going to close at 8 during the week.

National Westminster Bank Open Late Tonight

There was a major computer problem within the Natwest Bank system today across the whole of the country.  This system error has meant that Natwest customer are experiencing delays in accessing certain information about there accounts.  As a result of this computer malfunction selected branches of the bank are staying open longer in Oxford the main branch on Cornmarket was staying open till 7pm to assist effected customers.  If they are not open, maybe you can ring the door bell?

Broad Street Early In The Morning

Taken before 6am this morning, this photo is looking up towards the Sheldonian Theatre were Aung San Suu Kyi would be visiting later on this morning to receive her Honorary Degree from the University of Oxford. Would have loved to have been around when this ceremony took place but I was working out of town this afternoon, so this early morning photo will have to do.

Faiths Walking Together

Tonight while in St Giles I come across a very large group of people walking behind a banner that read, "Faiths Walking Together".  I had never read or heard about this group before, and I was given a leaflet by one of the balloon holding walkers.  This is the 8th time this event has happened in Oxford, and it is a walk for anyone of any religious faith, from the synagogue in Richmond Street, up to the Church on St Giles, which is where the group had just left as I took this photo.  From here they walked to Radcliffe Square to hear Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh prayers, before heading to the Central Mosque on the Cowley Road.   

Wahoo, Keep Off The Grass?

One of Oxford's main sports bar, Wahoo on Hythe Bridge Street, has done a strange thing I think.  Perhaps to promote the European Football Cup they have laid synthetic grass out the front of the bar, which is also the entrance, then put up these signs saying "Keep Off The Grass"?  How are you suppose to get into the bar, if there are signs saying Keep Off? Strange marketing in my opinion

Fire Engine At St John's College

Anyone have an idea why there was so many fire engines and an ambulance outside St John's College early this morning.  I was driving into the city centre just before 7am this morning and noticed a lot of emergency vehicles, blue lights flashing around St John's college.

Grass Is Greener On The Other Side

Even sheep think the grass is greener on the other side.  This sheep had a nice little stone walled paddock to keep it's self fed, but no it is up on two legs trying to eat what is on the other side of the fence.  Why are we not happy with what we have and always want what other have, even sheep?

Flood

There was only a few minutes today that it was raining, this morning the rain was particularly heavy, and with all this rain the drains and roads become very full.  Here on the Woodstock Road the council had to put out signs warning motorist of flooding on the roads.  Traffic was very slow this morning with the heavy rainfall disrupting a lot of the buses and trains in the city.

The End In Walton Street

Taken this afternoon at the front of the Phoenix Picture House in Walton Street. Walton Street has been having a little road works between Oxford University Press and this cinema, so I guess this sign was left over from that project. They are screening Moonrise Kingdom at the moment, the poster is on the left of the photo above the bike, anyone seen it?

Union Flag Umbrella's At Republic

Yes it is still raining in Oxford, which is not that good for the tourist trade, this should be the start of our busy tourist season, however I am not sure the weather is helping.  I did find this photo a little funny, with these visiting French students out the front of the clothing store Republic all with their Union Flag umbrella's. Ah, the Republic v's the Monarchy.

The Jubilee Weekend Was Great

Everyone across the country really showed there colours this Jubilee Weekend, and despite the weather not being the greatest for this time of year, most celebrated in style.  Just look at this little Jack Russell going for a walk wearing his Union Flag, oh and those wellingtons look fab as well.  Happy Jubilee Everyone, it was fantastic.

Jericho's Jubilee Street Party

What a great street party this afternoon in Jericho, we had Beer, Bands, and a bit of blue sky for the Jubilee Street Party in Jericho today.  Always lots of fun the Jericho Street Party, and this year the Book Binders had re opened, so the main focal point for the bands was the stage which was back in the usual location in front of this great pub.  Plenty of food and drink, I had a couple of nice crepe's from the Book Binders Stall, and tried a couple of the other food stalls, the food stalls are always popular.

Country Has Gone Into Jubilee Mode

Everywhere you look this weekend you will see loads of Union Flags and Red, White and Blue on houses, businesses and cars.  Some people have gone to a lot of trouble with their Royal decorations, like this house, who has made a nice Crown and ER for the gate out the front of their house.

The Hassan's Kebab Van

Oxford is famous for the number of Kebab Van's that come into the City centre after dark.  These van's provide quick cheap meals for those coming home late after a night out on the town.  Hannan's Kebab Van on Broad Street is very popular with students from the three college's on Turl Street as well as the two on Broad Street, a prime location in Oxford I would suggest.

Union Flags Out For Diamond Jubilee

The Diamond Jubilee weekend has started. Oxford is ready for the celebration that has been 60 years in the making, with the Union Flag everywhere around Oxford, on houses, businesses, bikes, and in the street like here in St Ebbes.  I think the newspaper seller has dressed this area of Oxford up beautifully with hundreds of little Union Flags.  Well done, I am hoping to get to London for the Office Jubilee celebrations but we will have to wait and see.

Atomic Burger Cowley

Always wanted to visit and try out this infamous burger bar on the Cowley Road, at the start of the week a couple of friends asked if I wanted to join them tonight.  Unfortunately this morning I heard that the meal this evening was off, however I had been looking forward to visiting so much, I went anyway and I was glad I did.  A very nice atmosphere, sat outside as the weather was nice, and I had a very enjoyable Audrey Hepburn Burger.

The Importance Of Being Earnest

Spotted this on the notice board of Nuffield College this afternoon, local theatre production company from Exeter College, Exon Productions are running for the rest of the week, The Importance of Being Earnest at Corpus Christi College. Do like these summer plays that the local theatre put on within the college's, the settings can be and are so unique, and they are very reasonably priced worth a look if you are visiting Oxford over the summer.

John Howard Addresses The Oxford Union

The former Australian Prime Minister, John Howard addressed members of the Oxford Union this afternoon in the Union's famous debating hall.  Mr Howard gave a 45min speech off the cuff about his achievements as Prime Minister of Australia after Oxford Union President, Isabel Ernst introduced Mr Howard mistakenly as Australia's 2nd largest serving Prime Minister, over 2nd longest service PM.  After his remarks, the floor was opened and Mr Howard took questions for about 30mins  

Early Morning At Oxford Station

Taken this morning on Platform 2, while waiting for the 0656 to Worcester Foregate Street. Fortunately the trains at this time of the morning are normally on time, so I it was only a couple of minutes later I was on the train.  Not to many people going my way this morning, however the train on Platform 1 to London Paddington was very busy.

Hotter Coming To Queen Street

Hotter is coming to Queen Street, and I am not talking about the weather this time, although it was the hottest day of the year according to the BBC reports this morning.  I am talking about Hotter the comfortable shoe store has started to move into the Old Nationwide site, right next to Marks and Spencer, very good spot for this type of store I would think. Not seen a Hotter store in other town's I know they do a lot of online sales, anyone seen a Hotter store in there High Street?

Well This Is Oxford, We Have A Lot Of Bikes

Took this photo this afternoon while in St Michaels Street, for the blog.  I was just sitting in the street when I noticed this guy fixing his bike in front of Bike Zone, thought that this would be a nice photo for todays post.  Then I looked at yesterday's photo, and it was of a bike...  Should I post or not, well I had to the photo was already taken.

Cycle Racing In St Giles

Did you see what was happening in St Giles today?  Not exactly sure what it was all about but the street was closed off for the whole day, and we had a day of speed cycling around the whole of St Giles.  I know at one stage there was going to be a Varsity Cycle Race between Oxford and the Light Blues, but surely they did not close the whole of St Giles for this?

Oxford Mail had an article on their website this afternoon.

Bee Gees In Concert Poster

I noticed this advertising poster on the side of the New Theatre in George Street this morning on my walk to work, I had just heard the news of Robin Gibb's passing on the news before I left the house. The poster is for a cover/tribute band that will be performing on July, it was just a bit uncanny that I happen to notice it this morning.  Question, as the Gibb Brothers started the Bee Gees in Australia, would you call them an Australian Band?

PS.  Look at the shadows on the footpath, we had some sun out this afternoon in Oxford.

Notice From Thames Water

Noticed this large advert on the side of a house at the end of South Parade informing us that a couple of wet weeks may not be enough to counter the two years of dry weather.  Like the message, but I am not sure that everyone will agree. With all the rivers still high, why can't be store this water that is running away?

Slut Walk 2012

I am not sure of this is a national event, but this afternoon 100's of Women and Men walked peacefully through the street of Oxford protesting against the plaining or excusing the rape by the way women dress. This movement is only a year old, starting in Toronto, Canada after a police office advised women to keep out of trouble by not dressing "like sluts".
The Oxford march started at Radcliffe Camera and I came across them in the High Street. Not exactly sure where they ended up, but good to see the public supporting and agreeing with the protesters. Was this the first Slut Walk in Oxford?  The banner has '12, not sure if this will be an annual protest?

Good article in the Oxford Student at the movement, click here

No Space For Pedestrians

Don't you just hate all those bloody "A" frames on the footpaths in Oxford? Look at this photo taken this afternoon in the High Street, one of the busiest streets for locals and tourists alike, you just can not move on the footpath.  This area is also one of the major bus stops for this end of the High Street, so when a bus  is emptying 20 or so people you just can not move. Chuck in a couple of bins, and two friends having a chat and you can not move, it must be a nightmare for wheelchair users and parents with prams. Ban All "A" Frames I say from the city centre.

New Sainsbury's Local In Summertown

Isn't it a shame that it was only just a couple of years ago that the lovely parade of shops in Summertown had a good range and variety of locally owned or independent stores.  Unfortunately all we have now, thanks to poor local councillor who will not stand up for local residents and business operators are, real estate agents, charity stores and chain supermarkets like the new Sainsbury's Local that opened this morning, were a newsagents and local wine merchant was traded.
I am not sure if local councillor Jean Fooks was at the opening, she normally tries to get herself in the paper at any opportunity mainly for small trivial things like a new park bench etc.  Knowing that there was so much opposition to this unnecessary addition to Summertown she may decided not to be at the opening and press launch.  This development could have been good for the local community had the councillors been creative.  Where's the Summertown Post Office?

Clinton Cards Westgate Shopping Centre

I was sad to hear the news last week that the High Street greeting card retailer, Clinton Cards had gone into administration putting the future of stores like this one in the Westgate Shopping Centre at risk.  According to their website, Clinton Cards, which started in 1968 has over 700 store, with two of them in Oxford, the other being in Summertown.  

Oxford Arts Week Is On Now

It is that time of the year again when you are able to get close to local artists from around Oxford and Oxfordshire and see them working in there studio's.  It called ArtWeeks it happened every year and there are about 500 artist taking part in this years event.  Have a look at there website for more information, and if you see these flags and bunting outside a business or home, then your in luck as they are part of this event.

Pick Your Vessel

 At last we have some nice weather. As a bonus it is happening on the weekend.  Took a walk along the Oxford canal, and it was magical with the warm sun on out face, really like being outside when it is sunny.  Some of the houses that back on to the Oxford Canal have amazing gardens and summerhouses, liked the fact that this guy has three boats to choose from if they want to enjoy the canal.  

Happy To Help ITV Filming In Oxford

Did anyone see this guy sitting in the Happy To Help box in front of Carfax Tower? When I first saw it I was thinking it was a new tourist information centre for the Summer, as you know we get a lot of visitors to Oxford during the Summer, but I was wrong.
See the black tent that looks to a workman shelter with the cones around it, there is a TV camera in there and a few more hidden around the place, as this whole set up was part of a new blooper/set up comedy show that is to be shown on ITV.  Now I am not sure what the show will be called, but I know that it have been filmed in a few locations around the country and it was in Oxford this week.  Not sure how successful it was with the weather we have been having.  Anyone know anymore about this programme?

View From South Parks

The tree's are starting to get a few small buds of leaves on them now, oh please can we have a few warms days.  Up in South Parks today and it was reasonably fine, having rain earlier on in the day, so I was able to get a few nice photos with Oxford in the background. Don't get up this way as often as I should, nice park to relax and watch Oxford go by.

Burger War About To Start In Oxford

I couple of weeks ago I posted a photo of a new burger restaurant Byron see here, and that it was going to be only a couple of doors down from Gourmet Burger Kitchen, well look what is happening to the GBK, it also is under refurbishment. However from the looks of the amount of work still needed at the Byron site, I would say that the GBK will be reopened shortly.

Polling Day On Woodstock Road

Today is the day that England goes to the Poll's, now I am sure there's a joke in there but I can not remember how it ended. All over Oxford in churches and community halls Polling Stations are open tonight till 10pm, for voting in many local council elections.  I went to this Polling Station on the Woodstock Road to vote, however when I went in I was told that I could not vote at this one, I had the wrong station, did eventually find my correct station.

Bratman Hits The Streets Of Oxford

I have seen a lot on the streets of Oxford since I began taking photo's for the Oxford Daily Photo Blog back in October 2006, wow that long ago!  This street vendor would have to be up their with the most unusual and also ingenious, it is a mobile BBQ on a back pack.  It is called Bratman, they are selling from the street, hot freshly cooked German Bratwurst sausage in a roll with a choice of sauce for £3. I think today was the launch of the business, and they were getting a lot of looks and interest.

You know Richard Branson started his Virgin empire not far from where this guy is standing now, so you never know Oxford this could be the start of the next big thing, I wish them success.  I had one for a late snack, very nice indeed.

We Need More Rain

Not the clearest photo's, but I was trying to get a person with an umbrella walking past this Oxford Mail both with the headline, "We Need More Rain - Despite Flood's" It is just a little crazy here at the moment,  we have had the wrong rain the Environment Agency is saying and even with the River very high and flooding in area's we still need more rain. I say capture this flood water and store it!

All That Water Is Moving Fast

As you can see from this photo, it has stopped raining in Oxford, well for a little while anyway.  However with al that rain of the past couple of days we have a lot of water in the Rivers and Streams, and they are full and flowing fast. This photo taken this afternoon, on Paradise Street shows how high the Castle Mill Stream is, last week there was very little water in this Stream and there was a couple of ducks nesting in the middle it was what low. More rain expected over night, going to be a wet May Day in Oxford this year.

Rain And Flood Warnings Everywhere

A couple of weeks ago I was writing about the hosepipe band that had been put in place, and the drought that we were in. Today and this weekend we have seen a lot of rain, and along with very strong winds, resulting in a lot of water sitting around not being able to run away.  The met off have issued 172 Flood Alerts, which means Flooding possible, be prepared, and 32 Flood Warnings, which means Flooding is expected immediate action required. Luckily none of these have been issued for the Oxford area as of Sunday, but please keep and eye on the Environment Agency website for any changes.

Goodbye AnnaBelinda

As the sign in the window says, End of an Era.  Just been reading the achievements over the 40 years that this Oxford based dress makers and designer has had, it is incredible, have a look. For over 40 years, starting with a couple of sewing machines and £100, this business has been successfully creating and trading out of a this small premises next to the New Theatres stage door.  Oxford is losing all our unique sole traders, soon we will just like anyone city in the UK, undefinable.

Oxford Shark

The famous Oxford Shark, which is coming out of the roof of a residential house in Headington.

Sorry for the lack of posts the last couple of days, I  have been away but I had taken a few photo's and loaded them into the blogspot to be posted while I was away, but I see this has not happened.  Think I will have to relook at what I did wrong.

Great View Of Oxford

If you are visiting Oxford and it is a sunny day, take a nice walk up to the top of South Park, in Headington for a great view over Oxford.  It is from up here that you can see how small Oxford really is, and lucky we are to have so much country side around us.

Richard Fords Second Hand Store

Love these old second hand stores that we have around the place, you never know what you will find in them.  Richard Ford in Headington always has a variety of stuff, many items that you may have never seen before or in a long time.

Lord Of The Flies At Oxford Mound

Still getting used to this new blogger update that blogspot have put in place, I am going to set the photo a little larger to see how it works on the blog.

This is an amazing photo of the Oxford Mound taken while the first ever theatre production is being performed on and around this medieval site.  Lord Of The Flies which is being staged at the site until the 28th of April, uses the Oxford Mound as a stage.  The play is happening in the top left of this photo.  If you manage to get along to see Lord of the Flies at the Oxford Castle, please let me know how this unique setting was used to help the storey.

Record Store Day

For those who didn't know today is a special day, apart from being HM The Queen's 86th birthday it is also Record Store Day.  We only have one independent record store that I can think of in Oxford, and that is Truck Store on the Cowley Road, and in the tradition of supporting this important day, they have been having local bands perform in store. Over 400 artists have got behind todays 5th annual Record Store Day, with today being the release of of more than 400 new vinyl items, many in limited numbers.

Short Bursts Of Rain

The weather is crazy at the moment, we are having periods during the day where is it lovely and everyone is walking around like it is a nice Spring day in the sun shine, and then very quickly it is raining so hard that the water can not get away.  Just look at this giant puddle that is car has ended up in.  Crazy because after this intense rain, it is back to nice Spring day.

Drought This Summer In Oxford

I was reading in the Oxford Mail last week that we could be in for a tuff summer if the current drought continues. Water restrictions will be in place if the current predictions are correct, but why is this the case when it is always raining? This was Cornmarket this after, every other person had an umbrella and others had the typical "Oxford" thing to do when you don't have an umbrella, use a book. The forecast is rain for the rest of the week, so get those welly's out!

More Scaffolding And A New Hotel

Just off George Street above Jamie's Restaurant there is going to be a new budget hotel, the name of this new hotel is Bocardo, and it is opening on the 1st of May. There has been a lot of work happening in the space above the restaurant to turn the space in the hotel accommodation. To have this work done there has has been a lot of scaffolding around the building, which was being taken down this afternoon.

Oxford Road Old Marston

This is the entry into Old Marston, as you are coming off the Marston Ferry Road. Marston is only about 3km from the city centre and you can easily access the University Parks from here via the cycle ways.

Marston played an important role in the Civil War, as it was here that the parliamentary forces set up camp and where Oliver Cromwell signed treaty of surrender of Oxford in 1646. I will have to get a photo of the house where this took place for a future Oxford Daily Photo.

Oxford's Titanic Link

As I am sure all readers will know today is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of SS Titanic. With this historic date, I started to ask if Oxford had a connection to this event and found out that one of the eight musicians who continued to play while the ship was sinking, was from Headington in Oxford. John Wesley Woodward was the cellist on the ship, taking his best cello for the maiden voyage from his mothers home at 15 Windmill Road. This photo is of a brass plaque at the Methodist Church in Lime Walk Headington, where Wesley attended, Oxford Titanic connection. More information on Woodward here.

Road Works Continue On The Iffley Road

Look at this, no cars on the Iffley Road. There has been road works with all the delays and inconvenience that major works like this cause since the 9th of January. I am sure that the residents and users of this major arterial road will be glad with the Olympic Torch arrives in the UK, that is when all road works in the UK must be completed by. Didn't know that the original name of Iffley Road was Henley Road.