Frank Cooper's Vintage 'Oxford' Marmalade

'Behind every great man is a great woman' and Frank Cooper was no exception. His wife, Sarah Jane Cooper, made the first batch of Cooper's marmalade in her High Street kitchen in 1874. She was the first in Oxford to bottle and market her homemade marmalade commercially and 'Cooper's Marmalade' debuted in the family owned grocery store (on High Street) with great success. 

A favourite amongst Oxford University's dons and undergrads, Cooper’s Oxford Marmalade became an essential part of college breakfasts and demand followed Oxford men far and wide - Even the Queen is said to enjoy Frank Cooper's at breakfast! (The company holds a Royal Warrant).

Fancy Facts 
1 Did you know that a  jar of Frank Cooper's marmalade went all the way to Antarctica with Captain Robert Falcon Scott? It was found, many years later, buried in the ice! 2 A jar of Frank Cooper's marmalade can be seen down the rabbit hole in the original 'Illustrated Alice in Wonderland.' 3 The Jam Factory, on Park End Street, (Frank Cooper's original marmalade factory) is now home to an uber-cool restaurant, gallery and bar. 4 There's an 'Oxfordshire Blue Plaque' at 83 High Street, commemorating Sarah Cooper's achievements. 

Frank Cooper's Marmalade is now owned by Premier Foods and continues to be sold to this day.

I'd LOVE to hear from anyone who's tried it. Personally, Vegemite's my favourite. 

What's your favourite spread?

Sir Roger Bannister

On this day in 1954, Sir Roger Bannister, a 25 year old medical student became the first man to 

run a mile in less than four minutes. Cheered on by over 3000 spectators at the Iffley Road Sports Stadium, Bannister completed the 'miracle mile' in 3:59:04. His main rival, Australian athlete John Landy broke this record just one month later, however the current record is held by Moroccan, Hicham El Guerrouj who ran a time of 3:43:13 in Rome, 1999. 

For those of you who are up for the challenge, (or like me would simply like to visit), day passes for the 'Roger Bannister' running track can be purchased for approx £3 at the Iffley Rd Sports Stadium.

Today, the stadium remains the central focus for Oxford University sport and includes; a 25 meter swimming pool, a small gym and weights room with state of the art rowing equipment, badminton courts, grass tennis courts, an indoor rock climbing wall, and a grandstand housing a rugby pitch and the famous Roger Bannister running track. The best news of all, although it is not widely advertised, is that membership is open to both students and members of the general public.

Those visiting the Iffley Rd Sports Complex will find this Blue Plaque just outside on Iffley Rd. 

If you look carefully, you'll find lots of these plaques sprinkled throughout Oxfordshire, commemorating the significant people, places and events that have shaped Oxfordshire's past.

Whilst running the first sub-four minute mile was surely one of his greatest achievements,  

Bannister was also the first Chairman of the Sports Council, (now called Sport England) and was knighted for his service in 1975. During his time in Oxford he attended Merton College and became 

a distinguished neurologist and Master of Pembroke College, before retiring in 2001. 

Hungry for more? Check out "The First Four Minutes", Roger Bannister's own account of becoming the first man to run a mile in under four minutes.