Open Mic Night At The Book Binders Jericho

Meet a couple of Couch Surfers at the Book Binders in Jericho on the Sunday Night, was a great night. The girls where from Russia and Denmark, had a great evening with them, and I hopefuly will be able to show them a little bit of Oxford tomorrow. The Open Mic night is very good at the Book Binders, and I am hoping that my friend Steve will be able to get up and have a go one day, these guys really enjoy playing to a local crowd.

Meat Delivery For Covered Market

Well, I am not sure what I can say about this photo, apart from I guess that our meat has to arrive at the butchers same how, so the back of a truck is how most other goods arrive so why should meat be any different?

Anyone interested in going for a swim from The Trout to the Head Of The River on Monday? A few of the locals are going to swim the 3.5miles in the morning, might be interesting to see or do, let me know.

Fish And Chips On Fridays

Just love this British Tradition, The Fish And Chip Shop. This one is on the Iffley Road, the old couple waiting for there order saw me taking the photo and the gentleman gave me a big wave, had a chat to him, he said this was the "Best" Chippy in Oxford.

Mayfield House Reflection

Sunny day today, and while visiting Mayfield House in Summertown this afternoon could not help but notice the reflection of the blue sky on the dark granite side of the building. They have just put up on this granite wall, the name of the building which is a good idea, as it was just a couple of doors before, bit confusing for visitors. Great reflection from from the dark surface.

Work To Remove A Tree Stump

Right in the middle of town, behind the Castle Complex they have removed a tree next to the Castle Stream and the new St Peter's College accommodation block. This afternoon I noticed that they have taken down part of the wall, built a temporary scaffold bridge from Paradise Street across the Stream to where there is a largish tree stump. Not sure how much damage this is going to cause to the wall, and also who is paying for this, the college or council, now that would be interesting to know?

Please Take Free

When I saw this in Magdalen Road Cowley it instantly reminded me of the time a friend of mine had upgraded his fridge, the old one was still in working condition and he just wanted it out of his apartment, so he put it like this guy did, in the front yard with a notice, Free Please Take. For a week that fridge just sat there with out anyone taking it, he decided that as it was free people may have thought it was worthless, so he put a sign on saying Fridge For Sale £100, when he got home that evening from work the fridge was gone!

Anyway this was a nice display of items that this guy was giving away, including a nearly empty jar of coffee, and half a packet of biscuits, and a cucumber.

On another note, this is the 800th Oxford Daily Photo posting, I have never really noticed the numbers before, but today I noticed that I was posting the 800th..

The Headington Shark

Was invited to a gathering at 2 New High Street in Headington by local BBC Radio presenter Bill Heine who was supporting local artist who had helped him over the years. I think it was a joint celebrations for the Sharks 23rd Birthday and the completion of same renovations on the property and Shark. Nice evening with few very nice pieces of art on display. Bill put this shark on the roof of his house back in 1986 as a protest, and it has now become a must see for visitors to Oxford.

East Oxford Cricket Club At Home

That was LBW out for the East Oxford Cricket Club batsman this afternoon against Deddington, at Lincoln College Cricket Ground in Cowley. Couldn't stay for the whole match as there was a very important game being played at The Oval in London. Can Australia get 546 in the next two days, I don't think will be giving up easily.

Busy Bee In Oxford

I heard a report on the BBC today saying that we need to put out a tray of water with a couple of spoonfuls of sugar next to our flowering plants so that exhausted bee's could have a drink as they have been working hard this summer. Bee's apparently aren't drinking enough and are becoming warn out before the end of the days work, they need a place to have a drink, I hope this guy gets a drink soon then.

London Oxford Airport Rebranding, Why?

This is the new name for Oxfords Airport just outside Oxford near Kidlington, I know that it is outside the 5km ring that I normally photograph however there is a lot of interest in the rebranding of the Airport and the use of the name London, as we are about 90 miles from London.

According to a government white paper in 2003 on the Future of Air Transport, airport was considered as a solution in providing expanding passenger numbers for the South East, with the possibility of expanding it to four runways, however this option was not seen as a solution to the capacity concerns.

This name change from Oxford Airport to London Oxford Airport has Oxford residents talking about why the name has changed as it has been known as Oxford Airport since 1935 when the City Council built it, it is now privately owned by the Reuben brothers who are on the UK Rich's 100 list. Other photo's.

Oxford City Skyline

Taken while out walking around Christ Church Meadow, looking back towards the High Street, you see in the centre of the picture University Church in the centre, which you can climb up the Spire to get a great view over the city, here is a photo I took in February from University Church

Wytham Village Car Boot Sale

What a great day for the Wytham Car Boot sale. I have never been out to this Boot Sale before and it was very busy. The boot sale is held on the village cricket green which is right in the middle of the village. Lots of stalls selling many items with lots of buyers as well getting the bargain's, I picked but a warning triangle for my trips to Europe for a £1 and also a nice jar of local jam made in the Village by Mama P.

Anyone For Kangaroo Rump?

Not seen this before in Oxford, Kangaroo Steaks at the butchers. Alcock's Organic Traditional Butchers on the Banbury Road always have interesting meats in there counters, and today I spotted this Kangaroo in the corner, the guys said that it has been popular, which I am sure it would be over Summer. I might try a bit next week myself, any idea's on how to cook it?

Great Afternoon For Punting The Cherwell

Great afternoon to go for a Punt along the River Cherwell today with the weather being good all afternoon, so the River was full of people using the punts from Magdalen Bridge. I bet a Pimms was out in force this afternoon.

Is That A Straight Fence?

I am not sure if I got the right shot here, but I like the lopsidedness of the this wiggly fence in the fields near Christ Church. Got a feeling that it might be replaced by a nice characterless shinny one soon.....

Ooopps!! Car Accident In St Giles

I hope that Traffic Enforcement Camera managed to get a better photo of this accident in St Giles than I did. I have never seen an accident at the confluence of the Woodstock and Banbury Roads before, however I have always imagined one happening like this one, a complete front on collision into the side of another car. This most have happened just a minute before I turned up as everyone was still in a little shock and not alot of traffic had built up, but that changed in ten minutes. No major injuries which is good, just a lot of paper work I think.

Park End Street Closed

This is normally the state of play for a Friday or Saturday Night in Park End Street, but tonight while walking home noticed alot of young language students about and then walked around into Park End Street to see this. Did not have my camera on me so this photo is from my iPhone, the street is closed both ends by police, ambulances and fire trucks are also down the street, looks very busy, stayed for a couple of minutes, but living not far from Park End Street I have seen it all before... Oxford by night is different to the Oxford by day.

Lines At Christ Church College Today

Boy are the tourist making the most of the weak pound at the moment. The Summer always brings tourists to Oxford, but I have not seen lines at the popular tourists spots like I have over the last few weeks. I think it must be the weaker English Pound that is bringing more people to the UK this Summer, coupled with the number of local holiday makers not going oversea due to the currencies weakness. This was the line to go into Christ Church College at about 2pm today, mad, just mad.

New South Parade poster is up, MacMillan Cancer, have a look.

Knock On Effect

This was the A34 today just after lunch, traffic heading East towards the M40 was not moving at all. Apparently all this traffic was held up because there was a car fire, I am not sure if the M40 North was closed or just reduced, but I know that the traffic all around Oxford this afternoon was just crawling along. I was told my a man with a Sunderland Accent that it took him over 30min to get from Botley to the Train station. Anyone have an more traffic nightmare stores from today?

Natalie Imbruglia Plays Oxford O2

This is the promotional poster for Natalie Imbruglia's gig at the O2 Academy on the Cowley Road, I am not sure why Natalie is playing Oxford, but I am glad she is as I will be at the gig tonight, might get a few additional photos for the blog later tonight. Anyone else going?

More Photo's from the gig here!

Movement - Cycling In Oxford

Walking around today I noticed that there was a lot of cyclist in Oxford this evening, I think it might be with the better weather that we had today, great evening for a bike ride. I took a lot of photo's of cyclist as they passed by me and it was a little hard to get a nice clear shot that gave the feeling of movement.

Another Wet Summers Day

I know that this photo could have been taken anywhere but believe me readers that it was taking in Oxford. I was trying to get a photo of the rain today for the blog, but all the photo's that I took didn't look right, then I spotted this flower trying to get a bit of sun, while it was raining and catching the rain. Not sure if you can see but there are drops of rain in the peddles of the flower. Also I have never used the word peddles in the blog, so that makes this photo even more special. Lets hope that we start to get Summer weather back soon before it is too late.

Busking In Cornmarket

With all the tourist in town at the moment, it is a great time to cash in on all this extra footfall in Cornmarket if you are a busker. These guys today up near the HSBC Bank had a very good sound that were attracting a large crowd, which can be annoying if you just want to get from A to B, however I was not in a hurry and enjoyed listening to them. For those who stopped and listened to this couple and enjoyed I hope you did like I did and gave a little back, wish I got there name or web address.

Ooopps!!

I don't think this is right? While in the car park at work today I noticed a colleague was having trouble with his parking, mmmm, just a little bit too close to the fence I think.

27 Park End Street

Not sure why I was interested in this today. This building forms part of the old Oxford Marmalade Factory, or as the new cafe at the back of the building is called, The Jam Factory. It also houses the offices of the local Member of Parliament, Dr Evan Harris.

I would like to thank Vanessa and M1keez who have been posting while I was away on my month long drive to Moscow, which was great. You guys have posted great photo's and feel free to post when ever you get "that" great shot of Oxford, so all can see...

Beautiful Wedding Reception

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the wedding reception of Anita and Gurd, Anita being the daughter of a work colleague. As you can see from this photo, the special couple where clearly enjoying the day. It was truly a celebration of love, friendship, and family, everyone looked fantastic it was a very great night. Thanks Anita and Gurd for the allowing me to share this evening as a guest at your wedding reception.

Boats on the River Thames

Boats near Sandford Lock

Car Boot Sale

Wytham Village Boot sale. Early Bargain Hunters.

Said Business School

Established in 1996, Oxford University’s Saïd Business School is one of Europe’s youngest and most entrepreneurial business schools, with a reputation for innovative business education. The School combines the highest standards of academic rigour with a practical understanding of business and wealth creation.

The Oxford Ox

Iffley Lock was built in 1632. It was one of three to be built in the 17th century – the others are at Sandford, and Swift Ditch (near Abingdon Lock).

When the lock was rebuilt in 1924 it was opened by Lord Desborough, then Chairman of the Thames Conservancy. This is commemorated by a small stone block bridge and landing stage which carries a large bronze bull’s head and coat of arms; it’s the ‘starting ring’ presented to the Oxford University Boat Club. Iffley marks the starting point of organised rowing races - there are around 10 regattas every year - in Oxford.

Originally Uploaded by M1keez

The New Oxford Mosque

This is a view of the tallest part of the building.

The detail is amazing. Work has ceased for a long time now.

Can anyone shed any light to the reasons why work has stopped.

Originally Uploaded by M1keez

Dawn , River Thames Iffley

This was taken on the day of the University Eights.

It's hard to Imagine that a few hours later this place

would be crowded with people.

Originally Uploaded by M1keez

Radcliffe Infirmary Oxford

View of the fountain outside The Radcliffe Infirmary.

It is now closed and this building will be used for University Offices.

Originally Uploaded by M1keez

The Old Lucy's Site

What a transformation . I could not believe the new buildings

that had been built. Very expensive I have been told.

Originally uploaded by M1keez

Botanic Gardens

Cowley Road Fringe Carnival

Took these photos on Sunday at the Cowley Road Fringe Carnival, that took place in the side streets of the Cowley Road. These clowns were aptly performing in Circus Street as part of the Oxford Circus School. The bottom clown was pretending to be an orangutan and chasing someone dressed up as one - but she was not playing!

The street was enclosed with straw bales, lots of equipment in the centre and children learning the diabolo, tightrope walking, the rudiments of the unicycle etc.

Not sure what the consensus was of Cowley Road versus the Park site for alternative Carnival. I do know that no public money was spent on the Cowley Road Fringe, hence its low key feel. But it was a truly local event and enjoyed.

Alice Day

Today was Alice Day in Oxford. This lively theatre company called Mad Dogs from Shiplake College performed a promenade performance of scenes from Alice in Wonderland inside the Botanic Gardens.

Giant Wooden Hand

This interesting wooden installation is in the Grandpont Nature Park. I think the site was something to do with the old Oxford gas works.

OCS Boot Repair Department

OCS Boot Repairing Department 1933 - St Marys Road, East Oxford

A simplistic Cape Dutch style building set back off St Marys Road. The squatters have moved in and the flytippers deposited. The building in front has been demolished leaving this facade visible.

What was the OCS Boot Repairing Department? Can anyone help with any further information please?

Abandoned Bikes

Abandoned bicycles clogging up the bike racks. Ever found it difficult to lock up your bike? It doesn't just happen in the city centre. These photos were taken on the Iffley Road and The Plain. I gather there is a scheme afoot to remove bikes at the end of the term as students leave, and recycle them.

At present the council tags them, to warn of their impending removal. Sometimes the tagged bikes just get left behind and are still there the year after.

Lets hope this new scheme is more effective.

Osney Lock

Derelict building behind Osney Lock

Allotments on the river edge

If you are going to have an allotment this has to be the best place, on the bank of the river. The shot above is a crop of the photo below, which has more river (and more poppies).

Stone Bridge

I like the crumbling stonework on this bridge that carries the Botley Road over the river thames.

A Scheduled Ancient Monument

Old LMS swingbridge behind the Said Business School

This dates from the time of two railway companies bringing trains into Oxford. The Buckinghamshire Railway Company (later became the LMS) could not get agreement to come in to Oxford via the Great Western Railway lines, so they had to come into Rewley Road station (now under the Said Business School) via new lines over a variety of channels. The swingbridge was one of their solutions. It is now listed as an historic ancient monument - take a closer look at the sign below:

The swing bridge has recently been cleared of vegetation. It looks like they are planning on doing something with it. I wonder what it could be .