Marlborough House Pub Closed

It has been awhile since I was down in this part if the city, and when I drove past this afternoon I could not help but notice the Marlborough House Pub was closed and all boarded up.  Have a look at the 2007 photo that I took.

With the economy, large supermarkets, and licensing regulations the traditional English Pub, or "Local" is struggling to survive, and the number of pubs closing across the country is on the rise.  So stop looking at this blog and get down to your local for a pint, right now!!

My First 09 Plate OU09 BZR

Well with the recession in full swing at the moment in the UK I was not sure when I would see an 09 plate.  Today I did however it was not on a Mini as the new plates in the past have been, today I saw this plate on a bus, looks like people are not rushing out to get new cars at the moment.

Longer Shadow's on Broad Street

Liking those longer shadows late in the afternoon, Summer is on it's way guys!!

Turf Tavern Real Ale

One of the better places I think in Oxford for Real Ale and nice atmosphere very close to the city centre would have to be the Turf Tavern, and the other weekend they had a Real Ale Festival with about 30 guest Ales on tap, unfortunately I did not manage to sample them all, but I get have a good try!

Sunny View Down Southmoor Road

Typical view of an English Street.  This is Southmoor Road in Jericho , no off street parking here, cars line both side of the road with very little room for passing, keep those wing mirrors in!!

St John's Bikes

Bike outside St John's College tonight on the way home from the movies.  During the day you see a few bikes in this area however in the evening when everyone is back in college all the bikes fight for space around the front of the college.

Why Why Why?

Obviously  words are not enough.  Why is it so hard to put rubbish in the correct place in the UK?  We must be the worst country in the EU for keeping our streets and citys clean.

Time Running Away

When I am out and about and see things like this, a clock in the stream, I think, How did this clock end up in the middle of the stream?  It just looks odd, I am not sure how it ended up here but I am sure there is a story behind it, only time will tell where it ends up next!

Lunch At Giraffe

The view from my table at Giraffe today, went for lunch to celebrate a Birthday.  Not mine, but my lovely wife's, Happy Birthday.

Village Shop Is Open - Wytham

I have not been out to sunny Wytham for about six months I would have to say, so decided to pop out to have a look around this lovely village.  As you would expect nothing has changed except the layout of the Village Shop, they have moved the counter around a little.  Lovely Village Wytham, far enough away to have a real village feel, but close enough to allow you to be in the centre of Oxford in 10 minutes, must be a real joy to live out there.

City Of Oxford School For Boys

Was in the Old City Of Oxford School For Boys in George Street today and noticed on the window ledge near the main hall this indentation.  The building dates back to 188o and was the school for boys until it closed in 1966 as it was becoming to small.  I must say that for a lot of those years the schools bell must of rested on this ledge and over the years it wore down the stone.  I was told by the warden that they do not know where the bell is that made this markings, but they have put a small sign to explain to visitors. The building is now used by the University of Oxfords History Department.

Green New Theatre Oxford For Riverdance

Noticed that the lights at the New Theatre on George Street tonight were Green!  Then I also noticed that Riverdance Farewell Tour is playing all this week, so think the Theatre staff are putting on an Irish theme around the Theatre. Nice to have a evening/night shot for the Oxford Daily Photo.

Michel's of Oxford Crêperie

Michel's of Oxford Crêperie  was having a Strove Tuesday sale this afternoon with all sweet crêpes being just £2, and there was a line everytime I when past.  

Stop The Oxford Animal Lab Protest

These guys pop up from time to time and I have never really had a chance to take a photo.  They are very well organised with there tables and banners, this photo was taken in Cornmarket, protesting about the use of animals in Oxford University's research labs.   I have noticed that whenever they are in town they always have a few coppers standing not that far away, just keeping an eye out on them.  I think they are now very restricted about when and where they can protest and doing so out side these days can get them arrested.

Yasmin Store Pinnocks Way Botley

Just a street shot around the Off Licence in Pinnocks Way Botley, taken this afternoon.

A34 At South Hinksey

Photo of traffic this afternoon moving along without any hold up along the A34 at the South Hinksey overpass.  This shot is looking North towards Botley.

Statue by Antony Gormley On Exeter College

Planning permission, what's that?  Don't the council know that Oxford University run this town?  First opportunity to get down and have a look at the new statue of a naked man on the corner of Turl and Broad Street's that was put up on Sunday with out planning permission.  The Labour Lord Mayor of Oxford officially unveiled the statue that has not been given planning permission, so I think we all know who she represents at council. Apparently it cost £250000 and is of the artist Anthony Gormley who was responsible for the Angle of the North.  I like it.

Somerfield In Summertown To Become Tesco

With the Co-Op buying out Somerfield last year, stores like the one in Summertown that have a Co-Op nearby have had to close due to competition rules, but the good news for the Summertown shoppers is that this store will now become a Tesco's.  Last day of trade for this store will be 14th March 2009.

Happy Valentines Patrick M

This large banner was on the Woodstock Road this morning, facing South Parade, so I guess Patrick M must travel down South Parade in the mornings and will I am sure be surprised and happy to see his Valentines Day message.  Patrick you are going to have be try and beat that!!!

Still Very Cold This Morning

Was in University Parks early this morning, and it was still a little cold with a lot of snow on the ground.  Down towards the River Cherwell which was very high this morning I noticed a couple of signs the University had placed around the pond in the corner.

Melting Snow Day

Today was the day that most of the snow that we have had over the last few days started to melt away.  Be careful if you are standing near buildings/houses like this one that has lots of snow just about to fall off the roof...That would be cold and wet if it fell on you.

Summertown Cycles Snowman

What a great snowman.  The Summertown Cycle cycling snowman on a bike out the front of the store.  Well done guys, he was getting a lot of attention when I was in the area, I would say might have been the most photographed snowman in Oxford!!

Snow On The Bridge At Wolvercote

Early morning photo of the snow covered bridge over the River Thames near the Trout Inn at Wolvercote.  As you can see not too many cars had passed this way after another heavy night of snow.  I must confess that I did not take this photo, it was emailed to me by a friend, Graham MacDonald, Thanks Graham.  More photo's from today here. If you have any photo's to add to the additional pages feel free to email me at percy@huttriverprovince.net

Snow All Over Oxford Again - Radcliffe Camera

Snow again overnight which was a bit of a surprise to me and a lot of others.  It made the city centre very interesting and I was able to get a few interesting shots of the city and colleges with snow all around.  Have a look at the other photo's from today here.

Lunch In Bonn Square

Group of visitors to Oxford enjoying lunch at the newly redeveloped Bonn Square, nice place to relax and watch the Oxford go by.

Snowy View Of Oxford

Late December I took a photo of a couple of joggers from this spot, decided to go back today and get a shot of the area with snow on the ground and Oxford in the back ground, it was very grey and white and Oxford was not that clear in the background, but you can see the spires if you click on the photo and enlarge it..

Snow Ball Fight At Summerfields School

What a great way to enjoy all the snow that we are having in Oxford, by having an old fashion snow ball fight at school.  The kids appear to be enjoying themselves and are not worried about the temperature, why is it that kids don't  care about the temperature? Think the white snow really shows up the red uniforms and paint work on the pavilion..   

Boswell's Closed For Stock Taking

Anyone heading into Oxford City centre today to visit Oxford's own department store Boswell's will be disappointed as it is closed today for Stock Take.  On a positive note I have noticed that over the last few months there refit is starting to show results, with new signage and posters around the store, looks good.

Oxford's Magistrate Open Day

I am sure you are normally not allowed to take photo's inside a Magistrate Court, but today the HM Court Service was having an open day, and it was allowed.  The open day was very well organised with access to all the courts, holding cells, prison vans, with the police dogs putting on a display as well.  In the courts they had mock trials with real lawyers, Magistrates, and Crown Prosecution staff putting on the trail.  Very interesting open day. This is Court room Three.

Lunch In A Historic Pub?

Back from a nice three days walk along the Thames.  Very enjoyable.  Now I am back to the normal life in Oxford and today while out getting Ham, I spotted this couple looking at the lunch menu of The Chequers in the High Street.  Not sure what made me snap this, but I think it is a nice moment shot in Black and White.

Sunset On Radcliffe Camera

Sunlight this evening made it great to photographing the detail of the Radcliffe Camera, which I have taken before but not like this I don't think.  The detail was very clear even with my old digital camera, the temperature was not that high when this was taken.

I am going for a walk over the next 3+ days so will not be any photo's for a few days, sorry will post once I am back from my bimble.

Dodge The Puddle Day

Bit of rain about today in Oxford, so when walking about like these students you need to keep an eye out for those puddles, but I guess some are more obvious than others.

Recession Proof Career

To all the younger readers of this blog, if you are looking at getting into a recession proof career this has to be it, Road Works.  These guys will dig up any stretch of road for up to a year at a time and then go straight onto the next bit.  They started in Cornmarket about three years ago and are now just down the road in St Aldate's, this must be the business to be in. Look at 28/02/08 and you can see my photo of them just up the road.

Obama Party's In Oxford

One of Oxford's newest night clubs, kukui, is having a Hawaiian President Obama themed party tonight to coincide with the inauguration of Mr Obama as the new President of the US.  

Red At The Lights

Traffic!  Is it just me or do you all think you spend forever at the Red Lights!!  This is at  our newish hamburger Round-A-Bout..

My first diplomatic plate for 2009 is up day have a look!

Empty Ha! Ha! Bar

Walked past the Ha! Ha! Bar in the Castle complex this morning and noticed that all the signage on the outside had been removed, on closer inspection I noticed that most if the fixtures inside had also been removed, so I think it is safe to say that the Ha! Ha! Bar in Oxford has closed. More than likely part of the Credit Crunch...

Flag At Half Mast

As a few of you will know I am very interested in Flags, and noticed the Union Flag flying at Half Mast this morning from the main gate of Oxford University Press in Walton Street.  I am not sure why it was flying at Half Mast, and have not been able to find out why on the internet, so if anyone has any idea's I would be interested.  

The Lost Village Of Seacourt

I did not know that Seacourt was once a village, where I am not sure, but I would guess around the area on the Botley Road close to the Seacourt Tower.  From what I have read on the internet Seacourt was first mentioned in 957 as a small village.  This is a photo of part of the Seacourt Tower, which must be Oxford's tallest building, I am not sure, but I don't think there is any taller.

Protest Over Israel In Oxford

About 200 people gathered in Cornmarket this evening to protest over the bombing in the Gaza Strip.  These protest are part of a national campaign to bring an end to the bombings in Gaza in which over 1000 people have been killed, including children. More marches have been planned for this weekend. More information here.

In The Wrong Spot!

We had a great sun set this evening in Oxford, and I was in the wrong spot to get any great shots, and at this time of day the traffic was clogging up the roads, so this was the best shot I could get, not really a good shot.  It looked like there was a bushfire just at the back of this house with all the red and orange colours, would have loved to have been down on Port Meadow...  Oh well..

New Marks and Spencer At Oxford Station

Not been over to the station for awhile, however when there today noticed that there is going to be a new Marks and Spencer Food store opening soon.  This will be good for the station and commuters.  The station was not that flash for a top tourist town, and with the refurbishment that is going on at the moment, I think they are giving the station a welcome fresh look. Will let you know when it is open..

The Standard Tandoori

Just back from seeing Slumdog Millionaire at the Phoenix in Walton Street.  Very busy tonight think both the movies they are showing are popular.  Slumdog Millionaire is very good and I would recommend it to anyone want to see a very good love storey.

64 Southmo

Just because really today.  I took a few photo's around this area, trying to get the wall, sign and house number, this was the first one that I took and did not like it out in the field but when I got back to the iMac to look really it was the best of the day.

Heavy Frost Today

This is not snow, it is a very heavy frost just on the outskirts of Oxford, but when I was driving around today it looked like it had been snowing. Everything was covered in white, all the fields, trees and houses, it looked very nice. And yes it was a little chilly.

Grey Day In Oxford

The weather has turned back to the normal grey overcast wintery maybe it will rain maybe it won't in Oxford now after our very cold clear days.  As you can see from this photo it is very grey in Oxford at the moment.

No Photo Today

Blogspot is not allowing me to upload photo's this evening, so I am sorry no photo today, will try later..

Sunset At Farmoor Reservoir

Was out at Farmoor Reservoir this evening just as the Sun was setting, it was very clear and chilly.  Nice looking trailer sailor in the reservoir this evening, strange to see a yacht so far inland?

You Can Not Canoe On A Frozen Oxford Canal

This cold snap has provided me with a new subject, and walking around you get to see the strangest things.  Walking up the Oxford Canal I saw a group with canoes on the roof racks of their cars pull in front of The Plough in Wolvercote and start to take them off.  I was thinking they are not going to try and put them in the Canal are they?  Over to the canal they came, and after hitting the ice with the paddle, they decided that if they put the canoe in or is that on the ice, and get in they might be able to break the ice, strange lot this group.  They where trying to paddle to Trupp??

They did get in and went no where, got out and decided to try the River Thames which was not frozen over.  One of there members put his canoe in on the other side and after about 30 minutes managed to get to the other side about 10 metres away.  More frozen Canoeist's here.

Ice Skating On Port Meadow

We have had a few chilly nights over the last couple of days which has frozen parts of the Oxford Canal and also a large area of Port Meadow, which this morning has become a giant Ice Skating area.  Loads of families and Ice Hockey players enjoying this very large flat ice rink.  So if you are in the area I would get your skates on and head on down to Port Meadow.  Additional Photo's here and I might have a bit of video here soon.

Sale On High Street Oxford

Sorry about yesterday, Friday's are hard for me, the end of the week and all that stuff.  Anyway last night and today have been very cold in Oxford, so we have had no clouds in the sky and the light has been great.

I was taking photo's of University Church on the High Street this afternoon when the reflection caught my eye and I decided to try get a shot of the SALE signage and the Church.  Took a few from a couple of stores, but I liked this one the best.

Two sides of the High Street in Oxford, on one side the Church of the University with all it's history and traditions, and on the other the retail store TOAST with it's traditional post Christmas Sale hoping to survive the current economic conditions so that it will not be history.  

Shopping Is The Same All Over The World

Oxford Daily Photo is part of a great Daily Photo Community from around the world, but I bet no matter what city you are in you could get a photo like this, people waiting in a checkout queue at the local supermarket.  In this case, Sainsbury's in the Westgate Centre.  Happy New Year, and let me know if I am right!!