A Guide to the County of Oxfordshire, Naturally
Oxfordshire is a large county in southeast England, not too far from London and Bristol. The city of Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, founded in the 12 century (a few worldwide universities are older including Bologna and one in Morocco).
The skyline of this city is known for its honey-coloured spires and domes, with the Radcliffe Camera (a library) one of the most photographed and painted buildings.
There is controversy over animal testing at the university. VERO is made up of Oxford boffins, who give the scientific arguments to switch to humane medical research.
Henley-on-Thames (and the royal regatta)
A well-known sailing regatta in England is in Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Around since 1839, this time competitors row boats, rather than sail yachts.
It’s a highlight of the English social season, with a strict dress code. Men must wear a lounge suit or jacket (with trousers and tie) and women must wear dresses or skirts below the knees (or trouser suits) and are encouraged to wear hats.
Former MP Boris Johnson of course caused disgrace, by partying while people were not allowed to hold the hands of their dying relatives during the pandemic. When he was considering standing again in this safe Tory seat to return to politics, one local member of the Conservative Association said the former Prime Minister would only take up his old seat ‘over my dead body’.
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race
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.
Over the years, there have been dead heats. In 1912, both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather. One former rower was Hugh Laurie, in the race when his team (Cambridge) lost, after clashing oars!
The Man Who Broke the Four-Minute Mile
Fellow medical students celebrate, after Roger’s win
Roger Bannister is the man who broke the four-minute mile, something deemed impossible before he did it. Even today, only 20 seconds or so has been shaved off that time by Olympic runners.
Born in Harrow (London) in 1929, medical student Roger balanced training with his studies. In 1954, he lined up for the race in Oxford that would define him, and crossed the finish in 3 minutes, 59 seconds.
Australian runner John Landy broke the record just weeks later, as Roger had unlocked a new mindset that the four-minute mile was possible for a human. Roger soon retired from athletics, and become a respected neurologist and Master of Pembroke College.
Yet still humans have nothing on wild cheetahs. Although they can only run in short bursts, a cheetah could run a mile in 56 seconds!
Independent Oxford: Championing Local Businesses
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.
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.
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.
Why Support Indie Shops in Oxfordshire?
For a start, to help shops in Oxford, instead of chain stores and supermarkets. 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. Plus ‘top profits’ go the retail shop owner, rather out-of-county to shareholders and companies abroad.
The Lasting Appeal of Chief Inspector Morse
Inspector Endeavour Morse, created by novelist Colin Dexter (who like Alfred Hitchcock, always made a silent cameo appearance in each episode), was an Oxford-based fictional detective, known for his intelligence and quirks.
Morse stands out from most detectives because he often lets his emotions guide him. Born into a Quaker family (hence his hidden first name – Quakers often call children after aspirations – Hope, Faith, Charity etc), he became the most popular TV detective in the 1990s.
He loves opera, enjoys crossword puzzles, and rarely shares much about his past. These layers give him depth and make him hard to pin down, adding to his appeal. He never marries, but is a hopeless romantic.
The Inspector Morse TV series first aired on ITV in 1987, running for thirty-three episodes until 2000. John Thaw played Morse, capturing the detective’s mix of prickliness and humanity.
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!’
Shows like these, prove that kindness sells (think of Sir David Attenborough’s shows). Real talent and personality – means bullying, nastiness, ghosting and gossip are never needed, to entertain.
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
