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Map of Oxdown sparks memories from reporters who ‘covered’ town

A map of Oxdown has sparked memories of NCTJ exams past from journalists who “covered” the fictional town.

Oxdown was used as the setting for the NCTJ’s news reporting exams until 2006, meaning thousands of journalists in training covered its trials and tribulations over the years.

Its memory has now been revived after Kevin Bradford, a former Newsquest journalist, posted a map of the town on Twitter.

The image led to a number of different industry figures recalling their own memories of sitting exams set in Oxdown.

Oxdown

University of Sunderland journalism lecturer Carole Watson wrote: “I fear for house prices, most crime-ridden town in the UK.”

Telford & Wreakin local democracy reporter Alex Moore added: “Oxdownshire must have had a murder rate second only to Midsomer.”

Former Essex Chronicle editor Alan Geere recalled a tragedy he reported on for the fictional Oxdown Gazette.

He wrote: “A whole generation wiped out in that school bus crash in the mid-70s. Love Oxdown – forever on the green list.”

University of Gloucestershire journalism trainer Paul Wiltshire said: “I do love a map. Particularly if it’s of the newsiest town in the land.

“Happy memories of covering it – and training other people to cover it.”

Journalism trainer Sue Campbell described Oxdown as “an amazing place, where every possible crime, disaster and crisis occurred”.

She added: “Who can forget thrilling to the words: ‘You are a reporter on the Oxdown Gazette…’?”

And the University of Sheffield’s Lindsay Pantry concluded: “Never go here. It will end badly. There will be a dog.”