Andy Mitchell
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Articles by Andy Mitchell
MARCH 2026 ROAD TO SELECTION UPDATE - IT'S HOTTING UP!
Things are getting tight in the England Racketball Road To 2026 Selection process! With all the remaining events in the qualifying period now fully subscribed, and all the major players in action, it is make or break time for those wishing to achieve England Team representation at the London 2026 Internationals.
Embracing the Mystery
Rebecca Auman is a “pragmatic witch” with the most honeyed non-offensive Southern accent you’ve ever heard. She first ensorcelled me on the Deep Dive. I booked a reading faster than you can say “blessed be” and we got on like a house on fire. I interviewed her for my forthcoming book on intuition, and she then interviewed moi on her podcast, Voices in the River, which is medicinal and mindblowing. Cards from my year ahead reading with Rebecca. Pls send help in June and July.
TEN TRIPS | Kirkus Reviews
If the authors are serious, this is a silly, distasteful book. If they are not, it’s a brilliant satire. The authors have created a sort of anti-Book of Virtues in this encyclopedic compendium of the ways and means of power. Everyone wants power and everyone is in a constant duplicitous game to gain more power at the expense of others, according to Greene, a screenwriter and former editor at Esquire (Elffers, a book packager, designed the volume, with its attractive marginalia).
Help clients understand fees ahead of total cost reporting
You can read the full survey report on our website, but for the purposes of this column, I would like to highlight some results that stood out for us this year. We were pleased to see that satisfaction with advisors remains very high at over 90%, and that the vast majority (85+%) of mutual fund and ETF investors said they are knowledgeable or very knowledgeable about investing in those funds.
Photos: Rocket makes a Southland spectacle as U.S. Space Force mission launches from Vandenberg
If you thought you saw a rocket fly through the Southern California sky Thursday night, chances are you witnessed the latest launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The rocket, belonging to Texas-based rocket launch company Firefly Aerospace, took off at 7:27 p.m. as part of the latest mission for the United States Space Force.
Oxfordshire County Council reveal 'shocking' costs of placing children in care
Bills of up to £20,000 per-child-per-week for Oxfordshire County Council to place children into care are being blamed on past mistakes. The authority finds itself having to fund a £6.7 million shortfall to cover the cost of just 13 extra placements for children with complex needs – a budget of £100,000 was set to cover one such placement ahead of the new financial year that began in April.
Oxfordshire's doctor booking system and appointments to be reviewed
Frustrated patients in Oxfordshire “gave up” trying to get GP appointments having hit log-jammed switchboards. Healthwatch Oxfordshire, an organisation that seeks to shape health and social care services by representing the view of the public, also found some people have even been “making up information” in order to access the right services through online portals.
Councillor admits Jericho parking fee rises 'could have been handled better'
An eminent county councillor believes the trebling of car parking charges in an area of Oxford “should have been better handled” with “more gradual” increases. Councillor Susanna Pressel, the vice chair of Oxfordshire County Council who has also served for more than a quarter of a century on Oxford City Council, argued the hike in Jericho would be counterproductive.
Bicester Greggs drive-thru plans delayed over pathway row
A decision on whether Greggs can build a drive-thru on the edge of Bicester has been delayed amid confusion over highways advice. An application from Create Life Three (Bicester) Limited, recommended for approval by planning officers, sought to place an outlet of the popular bakery chain on the Launton Road roundabout that links A roads surrounding Bicester. It would go on land next to Wyndham Hall care home, using the same road access.
Hundreds back calls for more buses in Oxford after Stagecoach withdraws number nine service
A request for Oxfordshire County Council to fund doubling the number of buses serving Risinghurst in Oxford has been backed by more than 500 people. It asks for county councillors to consider subsidising “a full half-hourly bus service” in the area after private providers reduced provision at the end of October 2021. That came as a result of Stagecoach withdrawing its number nine service, one that is still provided as an hourly bus through the day by Oxford Bus Company.
Threat to cut CCTV in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington 'an attention seeking move'
Claims have been made that the threat of cuts to CCTV in parts of Oxfordshire is an 'attention seeking' move. The proposed cuts of £99,000 to funding could affect the areas of Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington. But Councillor Andrew McHugh (Con, Adderbury, Bloxham & Bodicote) has claimed that the potential cuts to Cherwell District Council’s funding had been put forward to get attention from police bosses and push through a long-awaited review of how the system works.
Oxfordshire council tax rise will pay for 20mph zones and new children's centres
Oxfordshire's ruling coalition has defended its decision to raise council tax and borrow millions of pounds. On Tuesday (February 8), Oxfordshire’s Fair Deal Alliance – the ruling body of county councillors made up of Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green Party members – voted through its first budget since taking control last year.
Fury at plans for glamping pods on 'sacred ground' where Midsomer Murders is filmed
Plans to install new glamping pods in a part of rural Oxfordshire which regularly appears in ITV crime show Midsomer Murders have been resoundingly rejected. Councillor Jo Robb, chair of South Oxfordshire District Council, savaged a proposal for five one-bedroom pods and a permanent flat for a manager to be built on Grove Farm, Patemore Lane, Pishill. The application by Country Snugs was supported by council officers despite a flurry of objections from parish councils and residents.
Burford lorry ban debate sparks call for councillors to 'respect each other'
Calls have been made for councillors to be more respectful during debates at council meetings. Councillor Richard Webber (Lib Dem, Sutton Courtenay & Marcham) has called for his colleagues of all political persuasions to consider their behaviour when discussing and debating matters. The address came just before a debate over weight restrictions for lorries travelling through Burford.
Oxfordshire council wants to make it 'socially unacceptable' to drive over 20mph
A raft of new 20mph speed limits could be introduced across Oxfordshire, if the man in charge of the county's highways gets his way. Councillor Tom Bearder, of Oxfordshire County Council, has said he wants more cameras to enforce the limits, in response to critics saying that lowering limits will be ineffective.
Event to challenge Thames Water over raw sewage 'in the pipeline'
Thames Water will hold surgeries for all councillors to attend following concerns over the releasing of raw sewage into rivers. While these will be more 'informative' sessions, events where the public will be able to challenge the water company are also in the pipeline. Councillors are keen to stand united for residents after protests took place in Oxford on Sunday (January 23) over the frequency of the water company releasing raw sewage into rivers.
Oxford United's management comes under fire over Kidlington stadium move
Questions marks have been raised over whether Oxford United FC is capable of overseeing the build of a new stadium. The club is in negotiations with Oxfordshire County Council over the plans to build a new stadium at Stratfield Brake Sports Ground, Kidlington. The new venue would have the capacity to hold 18,000 fans, alongside other facilities including a hotel, retail and conferencing facilities and training and community grounds.
Oxford United FC's move to new Kidlington stadium 'will be no quick fix'
A councillor has issued a warning over a potential move for the city's football club to a new stadium. Building a new stadium in Kidlington will be "no quick and easy" fix, the councillor has said after United announced talks with Oxfordshire County Council, over a potential new stadium.
Oxfordshire County Council launches scheme to tackle gender pay gap
Oxfordshire County Council is taking action to ensure more of its female employees can climb out of its lowest pay brackets. While the difference in wages between the sexes is close to vanishing, the council's Gender Pay Gap Report 2020 showed men still hold a disproportionate amount of the top roles.
Banbury and other Cherwell areas to see dog fouling fines double
Fines issued to people who fail to clear up their dog's mess in Cherwell will be doubled. Cherwell District Council has agreed to raise the level of fines it issues, bringing them up to similar levels seen in other parts of Oxfordshire. Those caught leaving behind dog faeces or litter now face a £100 penalty, reduced to £75 if it is paid within 10 days. That is up from £50 for dog fouling and £75 for littering with no early payment discount previously applied.
Oxfordshire County Council vows no repeat of parking fee blunder that cost taxpayers over £1m
Councillors have vowed there won't be a repeat of the mistakes which cost over £1.6m of Oxfordshire taxpayers' money. In June 2019, Marston Holdings Limited filed a legal claim against Oxfordshire County Council after it lost the contract to carry out parking enforcement, which it went on to win. The council's head of procurement and contract management Melissa Sage, who was in not place when these errors were made, recently gave a report to its audit and governance committee.
Burford lorry ban could be scrapped over Brexit and Covid pressures
A rule banning lorries of a certain weight driving through an Oxfordshire town could be scrapped. But there have been calls for Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet to reconsider removing weigh restrictions that are currently in place in Burford. Traffic through the town has changed since Covid and Brexit pressures, it has been claimed, so the heavier goods lorries may not be having as much of an impact as before.
150 Oxfordshire Omicron cases a 'gross underestimate' county health boss warns
The latest 'Plan B' measures to tackle the Omicron variant will prove “particularly important”, Oxfordshire's director of public health has warned. Ahead of Christmas the government announced people would need an NHS Covid Pass or negative test result to enter certain settings, mandatory face coverings would be required in shops and on public transport and everyone should work from home where possible.
The police operation trying to save Bicester children from a life of crime
The police are taking extra steps to prevent a group of troubled children from being drawn into a life of crime. Superintendent Emma Garside, Thames Valley Police’s commander for the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire area, told Cherwell District councillors how 'Operation Jealousy' was trying to crack down on the potential for child criminal exploitation in Bicester.
Oxfordshire veterans will have their pensions protected when seeking housing support
Military veterans and their spouses will not lose out when applying for housing benefits from an Oxfordshire council. The Vale of White Horse District Council has agreed to disregard all income from war pensions or war widow(er)s’ pensions when considering claims for housing. The policy has been in place since the 1990s but needed revisiting through a vote of all councillors. It was agreed without challenge.
Second Oxfordshire council vows to fight Abingdon reservoir plans
Councillors have vowed fight plans to build “the largest bunded reservoir in Europe” in Oxfordshire, unless independent evidence for its need comes forward. The controversial Abingdon reservoir proposal is one of a combination of 15 solutions to meet the nation’s water needs that have been the subject of a public consultation by Ofwat, the water regulator in England and Wales. A public inquiry scotched similar proposals in March 2011 when it was found there was “no immediate need”.
New Abingdon home plans scrapped to make way for new office block
Six new homes that would have been built near Abingdon have been scrapped, so developers can build a new office block instead. In September 2014 plans for 64 new homes at Wootton Business Park were approved, but developers now want to reduce that 58 to create employment space. Critics of the move say the revised plans have not moved with the times.
Witney sheltered housing block will be demolished and rebuilt
Sheltered housing for the elderly will be demolished and rebuilt. West Oxfordshire District Council has approved the expansion of St Mary’s Court in The Crofts, which is more than 50 years old and currently provides 26 units, including three bungalows.
Over 600 homes could be built in an Oxfordshire flood zone
Over 600 new homes could be built on land in an Oxfordshire flood zone. The planning committee on Cherwell District Council has provisionally approved plans for 540 homes near Yarnton and south of Begbroke by the A44, and a site at Stratfield Farm, Kidlington, which will be used for 120 homes. The two sites were the first to be identified as part of a bid to build 4,400 homes to meet the housing needs of the city of Oxford.
New tropical disease centre will be built in Oxford
A new research centre specialising in tropical diseases will be built in Oxford. Oxford University's Institute of Global Health will be built at its Old Road Campus in Headington. It will bring together staff from the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health and the Nuffield Department of Population Health.
New homes for Oxford students to be built on city suburb despite neighbours' objections
A suburban Oxford development will be demolished and rebuilt with twice as many homes, all earmarked for students. Oxford University will knock down the 36 existing homes at Court Place Gardens, between Iffley and Rose Hill, and replace them with 71 two and three-bedroom houses suitable for post-graduates and their families. The plans have been approved by Oxford City Council despite objections from those living nearby.
More Oxfordshire road closures planned after School Streets pilot success
Rush hour road closures on streets near schools could become a permanent fixture, following a successful pilot. Oxfordshire County Council launched its School Streets initiative to encourage more families to leave their cars at home during the school run. It involved a six-week pilot of road closures being implemented by volunteers and barriers outside nine primary schools across the count.
Health chief says vaccinating Oxfordshire's children is slowing the spread of Covid
Health bosses say moves to vaccinate local children have helped suppress the spread of Covid in Oxfordshire. However the county has still seen a 14 per cent rise in cases over the past week. Ansaf Azhar, the county’s director of public health, highlighted a downward trend over the past month for all groups aged 10 or older and said the power of vaccination had been proved by growing cases in unvaccinated children aged between five and nine.
Oxfordshire County councillor calls for 'compassion' over debt collection as families struggle
The councillor responsible for Oxfordshire County Council’s finances has advocated “showing some compassion” when it comes to debt collection. Councillor Calum Miller (Lib Dem, Otmoor), the county’s cabinet member for finance, was responding to a question over above-target levels of debt that requires impairment – debt that the council considers as unlikely to be paid in full.
Councillor questions whether new district council offices in Didcot are needed
The need for South Oxfordshire District Council to build new offices in Didcot has been questioned by one of its own councillors. Councillor David Bartholomew, for Sonning Common, is also a member of Oxfordshire County Council and raised the matter at a meeting of the county’s cabinet, suggesting existing council buildings could be used rather than spend millions of pounds on new provision.
Oxford Brookes University's controversial plans to demolish and rebuild student halls get go ahead
Three substitute councillors swung the vote to grant planning permission for the demolition and rebuild of 12 student accommodation blocks in Oxford. A planning review was called for by 13 Oxford City Council members over proposals from Oxford Brookes University to overhaul its existing student halls at Clive Booth Hall, John Garne Way.
Oxfordshire councillors vote to give themselves nine per cent pay rise
County councillors have voted to grant themselves a nine per cent increase in their allowances. An independent report commissioned by the council found Oxfordshire “had fallen behind” and an increase in the basic rate “to support a more diverse range of people” and achieve “wider representation” on the council would be appropriate. It was the council's first full pay review for councillors since December 2014, and leader Liz Leffman declared it “really absurd” they had to vote on their own pay.
Opinion: Being uprooted leads to new beginnings
Leaving home can be a sea of unknowns, but there’s always the opportunity to make the best of a new environment. Andy Mitchell, Digital Producer May 12, 2020 Four years ago, I spent my last days in a dying high school with a constant dull pang in my stomach, constantly overwhelming the elation that comes with graduation. My class had less than 100 students and my whole school had around 300. For a lot of K-12 Catholic schools, a low triple-digit student body is par for the course.
Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia
Line 9: Line 9: [[File:Premiair logo.png|250px|center]] [[File:Premiair logo.png|250px|center]] − In the late 1990s, Premiair adopted the look of its British sister airline, [[Airtours]]. + In the late 1990s, Premiair adopted the look of its British sister airline, Airtours. ==2002-2008== ==2002-2008== Latest revision as of 15:49, September 23, 2019 Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia was founded in 1993 when Conair and Scanair merged to form Premiair.
City Council declares a state of climate crisis
After months of discussion, The Iowa City City Council unanimously voted for a resolution to declare a climate crisis and adjust their carbon emission reduction goals.
In the news: UI Fulbright scholar to travel to Sierra Leone to study Ebola aftershocks
Fubright scholar Brittany Anderson poses for a portrait on July 19, 2019. Anderson will travel to Sierra Leone to examine how Ebola survivors navigate social, economic, and medical hardships. (Emily Wangen/The Daily Iowan) By Andy Mitchell, The Daily Iowan From 2014-2016, when an Ebola outbreak rocked several countries in Africa and made headlines worldwide, Sierra Leone was one of the hardest-hit places.
Iowa City officer-involved shooting suspect charged
Both the officer and the suspect have been released from hospital, and the suspect is in custody. Andy Mitchell, News Reporter July 31, 2019 Filed under Crime/Courts, Latest News, News The officer and suspect from yesterday’s officer-involved shooting have been released from hospital and initial charges have been filed, according to a press release. Cierra Lewis, 25, has been released from the hospital and transported to the Johnson County jail.
UI Fulbright scholar to travel to Sierra Leone to study Ebola aftershocks
Brittany Anderson will use her Fulbright grant to return to Sierra Leone to research the aftermath of Ebola outbreaks. Fubright scholar Brittany Anderson poses for a portrait on July 19, 2019. Anderson will travel to Sierra Leone to examine how Ebola survivors navigate social, economic, and medical hardships. (Emily Wangen/The Daily Iowan) Emily Wangen Fubright scholar Brittany Anderson poses for a portrait on July 19, 2019.
Blotter: July 29
Andy Mitchell, News Reporter July 29, 2019 Filed under Crime/Courts, News Richard Lange, 28, was charged July 29 with OWI. Mason Martin, 20, was charged July 29 with OWI and possessing a fictitious ID.
Stakeholders all over Johnson County come together for a mobile-home task force
Havenpark Capital’s purchase of numerous mobile-home parks in Johnson County and proposed lot-rent increases has spurred the creation of a mobile-home task force. Sunrise Village is seen on July 28, 2019. (Katie Goodale/The Daily Iowan) Katie Goodale Sunrise Village is seen on July 28, 2019. (Katie Goodale/The Daily Iowan) Katie Goodale Katie Goodale Sunrise Village is seen on July 28, 2019.
Law enforcement charges man with extortion
Andy Mitchell, News Reporter July 25, 2019 Filed under Crime/Courts, News Authorities have accused an Iowa City man of extorting a person he lived with. Randolph McClaine, 53, was charged July 23 with extortion and first-degree harassment.
Blotter: July 24
Andy Mitchell, News Reporter July 25, 2019 Filed under Crime/Courts, News Tamra Denny, 59, was charged July 23 with domestic assault. Ryan Deuel, 25, was charged July 24 with OWI. Rosalina Loops, 21, was charged July 23 with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, interference with official acts, and assault on police/fire/EMT personnel. Randolph McClaine, 53, was charged July 23 with first-degree harassment.
Local man faces numerous drug charges
Andy Mitchell, News Reporter July 25, 2019 Filed under Crime/Courts, News Authorities have issued a warrant an Iowa City man accused of having more than 900 grams of raw marijuana in his residence. Matthew Koelling, 22, has been charged with two counts of failure to affix drug stamp, possession of a controlled substance, and three counts of controlled-substance violation. According to the arrest affidavit, an Iowa narcotics warrant was executed at Koelling’s address.
Area man faces a number of sex charges
Andy Mitchell, News Reporter July 25, 2019 Filed under Crime/Courts, News Authorities have issued a warrant a Coralville man accused of performing sexual acts with a minor for three years. Daniel Wonlebaye, 36, was charged with two counts of third-degree sexual abuse, two counts of incest, two counts of child endangerment, and two counts of lascivious conduct with a minor.
In the news: UI student describes her trying times in Sudan during protests
Amani Ali (left) and Salma AshShareef (right) pose for a portrait in the Iowa City Public Library on July 18, 2019. (Emily Wangen/The Daily Iowan) By Andy Mitchell, The Daily Iowan Sudan has made headlines worldwide for its year of protests and the violent response to those protests by the Sudanese interim government. The effects of that conflict have been felt all over the world, including the University of Iowa.
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