Oxford News
Ballet boys are on stage at the Apollo Theatre in Oxford
“You’re a sissy” was a regular cry at boys’ schools if anyone mentioned dancing – rugby, football, cricket and athletics were seen as more masculine activities there.
But the three above proved that you could still be a boy and excel at dancing on stage.
James Prior, Edmund Wood and Thomas Kennedy played the parts of pages in a production of Swan Lake by the London Festival Ballet at the Apollo Theatre (now the New) in Oxford in April 1988.
James, 10, of Webbs Way, and Edmund, eight, of Cherry Close, both in Kidlington, were pupils at the Paulson School of Dance in the village.
Thomas, 12, of Heyford Road, Kirtlington, was a pupil at Marlborough School, Woodstock, and had been recommended to dance instructor Hettie Paulson for the role.
As their appearance on stage approached, Mrs Paulson, who had been teaching dance at Kidlington Baptist Church for 28 years, told the Oxford Mail: “They have the usual butterflies, but they are looking forward very much to performing.
“It is a marvellous opportunity for them and encourages them to do even better in their dance training.”
The boys were due to take part in all performances during the week-long show. Their picture appeared in the Mail under the headline, ‘Paging the beautiful movers’.
James and Edmund had appeared with the London Festival Ballet once before and according to Mrs Paulson, were thinking of becoming professional dancers.
She said: “Boys can be beautiful dancers, but they have to take a lot of ribbing from their friends and not many youngsters take it up.”
Three Year 10 pupils from Aureus School in Didcot travelled to London for the Royal Navy International Women’s Day event, held on HMS President during Careers Week and designed to showcase opportunities within the Royal Navy and beyond.
Students Antonia Pop, Ellie Swan and Tilly Mulvey are all taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Ellie Swan said: “It was fantastic to see the possible career paths within the Navy.”
Rob Hayden, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award manager at Aureus School, accompanied the students to the event.
He said: “During the day, students had talks from individuals within the Navy and from guest speakers, including Hannah Botterman, who last year won both the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations with England.”
He said: “Students also had the chance to network with the speakers and other attendees.
“The event showed the students a wide range of inspirational females within the Navy and other careers.”
Aureus School, part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, says its vision is focused on ‘cultivating ambition’ and ‘high standards for all’.
Headteacher Kirsty Rogers says the Didcot-based co-educational comprehensive has undergone a ‘transformative journey’, creating a community where students feel a strong sense of belonging. She emphasises inclusivity, high expectations, and a broad curriculum that encourages ambition, resilience and respect, supported by dedicated staff and diverse extra-curricular opportunities.
The flights mark a major boost to the airport’s connectivity ahead of the budget airline’s record Summer 2026 schedule.
The new routes form part of Ryanair’s expanded Glasgow programme for Summer 2026, which will see the airline operate over 100 weekly flights across eight routes.
The new double-daily London Stansted service further strengthens Glasgow’s access to the English capital, while the launch of the Warsaw service enhances Glasgow’s international offering.
Jonathan Ford, portfolio manager at AGS Airports, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ryanair’s new services to London Stansted and Warsaw take off today.
“The double-daily Stansted route offers even more flexibility for business and leisure travellers heading to and from England’s innovation corridor, while Warsaw provides a valuable new link that expands the international connectivity available to our passengers.
“These launches mark the start of what will be a record summer for Ryanair at Glasgow, and we look forward to welcoming even more travellers through our doors.”
Last month, Ryanair launched its 2026 plan for Glasgow with 10 routes, including holiday hotspots like Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona and Pisa.
The budget airline will also operate extra frequencies on its Alicante, Faro, Pisa, Malaga and Murcia routes.
The new schedule is underpinned by Ryanair’s two Glasgow Prestwick-based aircraft.
Thames Valley Police said it stopped a vehicle yesterday evening (Saturday March 28) after noting it had defective lights in Woodstock.
The car “smelt of cannabis” and following a “positive drugs test” the police arrested the motorist.
READ MORE: Investigation launched as unidentified Toyota ‘hits’ pedestrian near Uni Parks
A spokesperson for the the roads policing unit said they “stopped a vehicle this evening with defective lights in Woodstock”.
They added: “The vehicle smelt of cannabis. The driver provided a positive drug wipe and was arrested.”
Driving under the influence of drugs (drug driving) is a criminal offence and if found guilty, the driver could face an automatic driving ban, a hefty fine, and potential prison time.
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