Oxford (an ancient city of dreaming spires)
Oxford is one of England’s most beautiful cities, many of the ancient buildings over 1000 years old. It’s thought that Hitler did not bomb Oxford, as he admired the architecture and wanted to make it his capital, he had won the Second World War.
Morse fans will recognise the name of Woodstock, just north of Oxford. And nearby is Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. No matter if you are not political, take this lovely virtual walking tour with fitness trainer Lucy Wyndham-Read, who walks you through the lovely grounds, with a few lunges in between!
Founded in the 12 century, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world (a few worldwide are older, including Bologna and Morocco). The skyline is known for its honey-coloured spires and domes, with the Radcliffe Camera (a library) one of the most photographed and painted buildings.
We also have to be careful here to avoid ‘education snobbery’. A well-qualified plumber who goes to a technical college, it could be argued is more useful than someone studying media studies at a top university!
VERO (Oxford boffins against animal research)
One of the hidden horrors of England is the amount of innocent animals that are tortured in the name of ‘medical research’ still, despite there being plenty of alternatives.
Most of us giving the emotional arguments are ignored. But VERO is a group of Oxford boffins, who give scientific arguments to switch research and donations to humane medical research. Much of which could be carried out at Oxford university, which presently uses animals (as does the Open University).
The highest percentage of published authors
More published writers have graduated from Oxford, than anywhere else on earth. These include C S Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings), Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest), Paul Kingsnorth (Against the Machine), Graham Greene (Brighton Rock) and poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Actors who graduated from Oxford include Rosamund Pike, Hugh Grant, Hugh Dancy, Michael Palin, Sally Phillips, Dudley Moore and Claire Foy.
Independent Oxford (supporting local shops)
Independent Oxford is a local organisation that champions independent shops and businesses, via online listings and an app for those who prefer to shop at them. The directory shows that there is nearly always an independent alternative to choose, over big chains and supermarkets.
Local independent shops can apply for membership. This costs around £20 per month (plus a £50 set-up fee). And includes a directly listing to reach 20,000 monthly readers, unlimited event listings, invitations to attend regular meet-ups and a members-only newsletter to hear the latest community news.
Supporting indie shops in Oxford helps to keep money circulating in communities. For every £5 or £10 you spend each week at an independent shop, this brings collectively billions back into the local economy over a year.
This is because local businesses use local suppliers, pay local taxes, use local signwriters, and tend to eat and drink locally too. Profits go to shop owners, not to shareholders and companies abroad.
Run an indie shop? Many seeds, flowers, plants (and plantable cards) are toxic to pets, so learn what not to sell to households with pets.
Fabulous finds in Oxford city!
- Blackwell’s is one of the world’s largest independent bookstores. It also rents out textbooks to local students.
- Wild Honey is a independent health shop, founded by a musician and dancer (two people!) offering local organic produce from favourite suppliers. Every penny you spend here, stays in the local community.
- Veg-Hub Oxford is run to help the many vegans in the city. Find the best places to eat out, and meet-ups to find like-minded friends, for good eating! One of their recommendations is The Oxford Blue, one of England’s first all-vegan pubs (you can even pop by at the weekend for an Oxford Wellington roast!)
- The Village Refill is a local zero waste shop. But not only that, it will refill on your doorstep in returnable containers, which they take back for you and wash to use again. Online deliveries also available.
- Acorn Community Bank is for anyone living in Oxford and surrounding areas. This is a credit union owned and run by local people, which uses savings (there are many options) to give affordable loans to local businesses.
- Velocity is a local bicycle courier for city deliveries. This is not just greener but also faster, as bikes can use dedicated cycle lanes, so don’t get stuck in traffic too much. And often cheaper, as you’re not paying for the rising cost of petrol!
- Waste 2 Taste is a way to eat out with a difference, because all the ingredients are made from surplus food. This community interest company also accepted Pay it Forward donations. That means if you visit you can ‘buy another meal’ for someone who can come in and eat, and not have to pay).
- Proof Social Bakehouse is an artisan wholesale bakery that creates bread and sourdough, made by people serving (or recently released from) prison sentences, to offer paid training and employment. Part of the Tap Social beer movement.
Pop ring-pulls back over holes (and pinch tops shut) before recycling cans, to stop wildlife getting trapped.
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race (its interesting history)
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race began in 1829, covering a 4.2 mile stretch of the Thames, from Putney and Mortlake in London. Each boat has 8 rowers and a coxswain, who steers the boat and sets the race plan.
In 1877, the only only dead heat occurred (there were rumours however that the judge had fallen asleep or blind in one eye). As of today, Cambridge leads the winnings for both the men’s and women’s races.
One former rower for Oxford was TV presenter Dan Snow (for Oxford, now an ambassador for electoral reform).
In 1912 (strangely the same year the Titanic also sank) , both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather. In 1978, Cambridge’s boat sank and again in 1984 (after hitting a barge before the race had even started).
In recent years, the French brand Chanel has taken over sponsoring the Boat Race. This has appalled some, as Chanel has a ‘not good enough’ score at Good on You.
The decision was take to ‘celebrate the historic race’, but of course it’s to sell expensive watches. We recommend instead sustainable vegan watches ).
Chief Inspector Morse (and links with Oxford)
Inspector Endeavour Morse, created by novelist Colin Dexter (who actually studied at Cambridge and had a cameo in each episode) was an Oxford detective, known for his quiet intelligence, love for crosswords, Wager and beer (and born into a Quaker family (hence the name Endeavour).
The most popular TV detective in the 90s, handsome John Thaw looked older than he was due to his white hair (he was 44 when filming began, and only 60 when he died). When the series ended, John refused the offer of the famed red Jaguar, saying ‘it was too slow and terrible to drive!’
Once upon a time, we solved crime with a brain and a notebook. These days it’s pie charts and a notebook. The romance is gone. Chief Inspector Morse
There are quite a few crossover links in this series. Some episodes (including Fat Chance with the cigar-smoking vicar) were directed by Roy Battersby (who was married to Judy Loe – the widow of Richard Beckinsale who played Morse’s love interest in later episodes).
He also directed episodes of A Touch of Frost (Morse’s daughter played the police woman standing in for Mullett in the famous episode Keys to the Car ‘(the new mantra is TEAM etc).
And Kevin Whatley’s wife in real life played Beryl, the choir singer stabbed in the classic episode Mason Mysteries.
The character was named after Sir Jeremy Morse, a crossword enthusiastic and friend of Colin Dexter. Many young actors cut their teeth playing parts in early Morse episodes, including Elizabeth Hurley and Julia Sawalha (as students at a posh school – along with outstanding Irish actress Frances Tomelty). And Rachel Weisz (who played the daughter of a man who turned out to be a former Nazi officer).
The countryside surrounding Oxford
Oxfordshire is a fairly large affluent county, home to part of the Chiltern hills and the Thames path, which makes for lovely walks.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
The Cotswolds and Chilterns (part of The Cotswolds are is in Oxfordshire, including the towns of Witney (a thriving market town with a history of making blankets) and Burford (home to many antique shops).
Thame is a lovely old-fashioned town at the foot of the Chiltern Hills (often used for filming Midsomer Murders).
