Your View of Oxford?
Nick Jones, Exeter:'The Laura Spence business has indelibly tarnished Oxford's reputation. I think it was justifiable that she wasn't accepted, considering the high calibre of the other students. There are some kids from what you might describe as 'privileged ' backgrounds at Exeter but you can't criticise someone because their daddy earns a bit more than yours'.
Darren Howard, Manager, The Wig & Pen:'I've been working here for four years now and can count on one hand the amount of 'incidents' we've had in this pub. There's no tension between 'town and gown' here at all. I can't distinguish an Oxford student from a local lad and have never tried to. My pub welcomes anyone'.
Edmund Phillips, St' Peters:'The Oxford stereotype is manufactured by the press, who seem to get thrills out of dissing this place. I know who went to public school from my college and who didn't, but as soon as you get here everyone's in the same boat and there's absolutely no prejudice. Walking through the town it's impossible to say if someone's from the university or not'.
Terry Pierce, Housewife: 'I was a mature student and I felt that most people at my Polytechnic were from fairly ordinary backgrounds, doing everything possible to make ends meet. However, I've lived in East Oxford for several years now, and have noticed a growing number of students, from obviously affluent backgrounds colonising my area. They've all got their own cars and public school accents. The whole Laura Spence affair is outrageous and typical of narrow-minded Oxford attitudes'.
19th Oct 2000