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Category: Missed a ThameNews story?

  • Thame’s relaunched children’s centre flies once more

    ON behalf of the Trustees, John Hulett welcomed the Mayor Linda Emery, children and parents, and invited guests to the official opening of the Red Kite Family Centre this morning, one year after it was threatened with closure to be replaced by a distant ‘Hub’ elsewhere in Oxfordshire.

    Image © Sonja Francis

    “Last year was quite a journey,” explained John. “Our motivation to save the Centre was born out of a collective belief that family support only works properly when based in the locality it serves.” He went on to praise the ‘excellent and highly respected work’ of Amy, the new manager and her team who will now be running the Red Kite Family Centre, which is based in the old Thame Library in Southern Road.

    John thanked the Working Group for their efforts and others for their generous support, including Sharing Life Trust, Thame Welfare Trust, Oxfordshire County Council, Thame Town Council, Thame Rotary – especially mentioning Errol Bateman, who jumped out of an aircraft to raise funds for the centre – the Thame Partnership and many local individuals.  He also mentioned the Coop, who had provided the bear and gheko mascots that entertained the children throughout the morning, and thanked the Mayor, Linda Emery, who had chosen the Centre to be one of her designated local charities to raise funds for throughout her mayoral year, which ends in two weeks time.

    “We still face many challenges ahead,” reminded John, before leading everyone outside to witness the Mayor unveil the Centre’s new sign outside.

    One of the mums who uses the centre with her two year-old son, told Thame.Net what the Red Kite Family Centre means to her: “We’ve just moved to Thame after living abroad for ten years, to be near grand parents. For me the Centre is a great way to meet and get to know other parents, and for my son to start meeting and socialising with other children. We love coming here!”

    The Centre is open daily to all parents and children under five years-old. Visit the Facebook page LINK HERE to find out more.

    You can share some of the special moments from this very important and special day in the lives of the young children and parents of Thame –  IMAGES HERE

  • Thame’s London Marathon heroes

    AMONG the runners in last Sunday’s London Marathon were several from Thame. Included in those who did Thame proud were three members of Thame Runners, Roy Calcutt, and Sarah Janes and Roger Simmonds who came in on the same time. Their official times were:

    Roy Calcott –            time: 04:16:28
    Sarah Janes –            time: 05:06:50
    Roger Simmonds –  time: 05:06:50

    Simon Munday from Thame, was not a seasoned runner but trained specially for this year’s event, determined to raise funds for Kidney Research UK, a charity very close to his heart for family reasons. He ran the London Marathon at a very respectable 04:27:31

    A triumphant Simon Munday in the purple tutu he raced in, after the race.

    Simon explained on his JustGiving page how Kidney disease has affected his family for several years: “Kidney disease has affected my family since 1987 when my sister, Sally, was diagnosed with Polycystic kidneys. Over time this led to a deterioration of their capability to function resulting in the need for a transplant. In 2007 my mother donated one of her Kidneys and the operation was a success.

    “Unfortunately a donated Kidney does not last forever with the average functioning time between 12 and 20 years. Disappointingly, in 2013, my nephew was diagnosed with the same condition though as yet his kidneys are coping.

    “We are celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the kidney transplant this year, and running the marathon allows me to help in a small way as we are all aware that there will be more problems ahead.”

  • Contest for Thame’s next Mayor on-hold

    THAME Town Council has failed to elect a new Town Mayor, after a stale-mate situation – twice – arose at last night’s meeting of the full council.

    When a first ballot was held to decide between two candidates, Cllr Tom Wyse and Cllr David Dodds, the result was a tie. Normally in this situation the current Mayor, Linda Emery, would have the casting vote. However, other councillors said that they felt it was unfair that the result should rest on her shoulders and suggested that the ballot could be postponed until the council’s next meeting on May 9, when other councillors unable to make tonight’s meeting, would be present.

    Thame Town Councillors onto the next agenda item – new town boundary signs

    At this point it was suggested that a solution might be that other councillors present might add their names and a second ballot held. An ex Mayor himself, Cllr Peter Lambert, then ‘threw his name in the hat’ and a second ballot was held. This resulted in a three-way tie, and once again, the Mayor, Linda Emery felt unable to use her casting vote.

    After much discussion, including a separate discussion between the two original candidates, no resolution could be agreed upon, and the Town Clerk advised that the appropriate course of action would be to hold a ballot again at the next full meeting of the council on May 9, and this was agreed.

  • Thame man rebailed as part of murder enquiry

    A 43 year-old man from Thame who was arrested as part of a murder enquiry, and later bailed until April 10, has been rebailed until July 6. 2017.

    The man was originally arrested following the discovery of the body of 47 year-old Samantha Blake-Mizen at a property in The Green, in the village of Ludgershall, Buckinghamshire.

    PREVIOUS REPORT – LINK

  • A very special night for FREE at Thame’s FTMC!

    THE next edition of Thame’s First Thursday Music Club will feature three of the coolest Indie/Americana/Garage/Folk bands around at this time!

    The Epstein

    Topping the bill will be The Epstein, recently back from touring heavily around Europe. The roots/Americana, five-piece outfit are rockin’ houses throughout the country. Backing them up – and maybe even sitting in with each other – will be the magnificent August List featuring Kerraleigh and Martin and their backwards country/porch folk with a startling rock ‘n’ roll attitude.

    If that isn’t enough for you, Great Western Tears will also feature with their brand talent for heartfelt, acoustic Roots music inspired by the great pantheon of American Country, Folk and Blues.

    Earlier in the evening Clare Nicola, Guy Horner and Andy and Jez are lined up to play, as well as a whole host of other artists that will turn up on the night.

    The First Thursday Music Club still offers the opportunity for artists to play live in front of a warm and appreciative audience. The club maintains the Open Mic section of the evening where slots will always be available in the first hour on a ‘first come-first served’ basis with player sign-up by 7.30. The club has a full house PA system with keyboard, bass amp, guitar amp and jazz drum kit (bring breakables!) all set up on stage and ready to go.

    Another eclectic evening is guaranteed and entrance, as always, is FREE to all!

    ** First Thursday Music Club – At The Stables, James Figg Pub – Thame – Thursday 4th May 2017
    8pm (players sign up between 7.30 and 7.45pm)

  • ‘May the 4th be with you’ at The Crown in Sydenham

    THE force will be strong this May 4th, as The Crown Inn, Sydenham, celebrates International Star Wars Day.

    The Crown’s chocolate ‘Star Wars Battle Scene’ dessert

    Recently re-opened, the pub will be hosting a Star Wars-themed evening with a special three-course menu in support of the Star Wars linked ASSERT charity.

    Whether part of the Rebels, supporters of the Empire, or simply from a galaxy far far away, Star Wars fans of every ilk will be welcomed to The Crown Inn, Sydenham on Thursday, May 4, as the pub celebrates international Star Wars day.

    Droids, Wookies and Stormtroopers alike will be treated to a diverse feast, from ‘Skywalker’s Dagobah Rations’ with ‘Jakku Bread’, Yoda’s favourite ‘Rootleaf Stew’, or ‘Coruscant Beef – Two Ways’ (the ‘Light Side’, and the ‘Dark Side’), accompanied by flasks of ‘Bantha Blue Milkshake’ and ‘Jawa Juice’.

    Dessert will be a choice of ‘Leia’s (Cinnamon) Buns’, or the much anticipated re-appearance of The Crown Inn signature chocolate ‘Star Wars Battle Scene’, as featured on BBC South in December 2016.

    New management couple & avid Star Wars fans, Will & Pippa, were inspired to host the unique event, not only in celebration of the popular Disney movie franchise, but also in support of the ASSERT charity, which works with families affected by Angelman’s Syndrome.

    The chromosomal condition, which affects Star Wars ‘Rogue One’ Director Gareth Edwards’ niece Ella, also affects Will & Pippa’s niece Holly. ASSERT is The Crown Inn’s charitable partner, and proceeds from the Star Wars evening, as with all the pub’s events, will be donated to the charity.

    Landlady Pippa, explained: “Apart from being huge fans of the movies, there was such a great response from the original chocolate ‘Star Wars Battle Scene’ dessert, we were excited to expand the idea. We have as much fun creating memorable dining experiences for our visitors, as they do eating them, and being able to support & promote ASSERT even more is a fantastic feeling and result for us, and our niece Holly.”

    The popular community pub in Sydenham, located betweenThame & Chinnor, has been revived since the new team took over in October 2016, having been limited to a drinking establishment for the previous few of years.

  • The Bluebells are here!

    OUR beautiful Chilterns bluebell woods are already becoming covered with carpets of blue, as bluebells arrive early this year.

    The average peak flowering time for bluebells is late April into early May, but recent years have seen earlier showings in many local woods.

    “As woodland floors turn into a carpet of blue, get out there and make the most of them but do stick to footpaths!” asks the Chiltern Society.

    Half of the world’s bluebell woods are found in the UK so this is a spectacle that is very special to this country.

    Some of the best bluebell woods in the Chilterns are:

    • Wendover Woods, near Wendover
    • Adams Wood, near Lane End
    • Bradenham Woods, near High Wycombe
    • Angling Spring Wood, near Great Missenden
    • Ashridge Estate, near Berkhamsted
    • Cowleaze Woods, near Watlington
    • Ipsden Heath, near Henley-on-Thames

    Spring is a wonderful time of year to get out and enjoy our local countryside and enjoy the signs of Spring. You can find lots of information on the best places to see bluebells in the Chilterns, plus details of walks and bike rides, at www.chilternsaonb.org

  • Chinnor come from behind to beat Titans

    CHINNOR played host to fourth-placed Taunton Titans on Saturday, April 22, hoping to maintain their season-long unbeaten record at Kingsey Road and a National One play off place alive.

    On a pleasant sunny day ideal for running rugby, Chinnor’s right wing Luke Hibberd made an early break from deep. Pulled down just before the line, No 8 Tom Burns went over from the resulting scrum with Jonny Bentley converting for a 7-0 lead.

    From the restart, Titans full back Gary Kingdom missed a penalty opportunity to get the visitors on the scoreboard. Chinnor cleared and nearly went over again soon after when fly half Bentley made a break in midfield only for the ball to be held up over the line.

    The Titans were under pressure at this stage but moved upfield and levelled the game on 21 minutes when hooker Jon Gatford drove over from a 5m lineout. Kingdom converted from wide out.

    Chinnor’s flanker Alex Bradley was yellow carded on 26 minutes and Taunton made the extra man tell when No 8 Arron Gibbs crashed over after some sustained pressure. Kingdom again converted for a 14-7 lead.

    Taunton continued to press with ball in hand and went further ahead from another catch and drive close in. Gatford again the scorer. The conversion was missed and the half ended 19-7 to the visitors.

    Chinnor had it all to do in the second half and after some early pressure, Tom Burns drove over for his second try of the match. The conversion was missed and Taunton came straight back with a Kingdom penalty to make it 22-12.

    The Black & Whites needed to up their game and after a superb Tom Burns line break in midfield, were awarded a penalty try when Titans captain Nick Mason was adjudged to have deliberately knocked on a try scoring pass. Jonny Bentley converted for 22-19 on 57 minutes.

    Chinnor were now in full flow and on 60 minutes a delightfully executed cross field kick by Bentley put winger Charlie Broughton in at the corner. The conversion made it 26-22 and a try bonus point secured.

    Luke Hibberd went close to touching down soon after but from the 22m dropout, Chinnor captain Barnes dived over in the corner after a Bentley chip and catch. The conversion was missed for 31-22.

    With seven minutes to go a Danny Barnes break in midfield led to replacement hooker Jamie Townsend powering over for Chinnor’s 6th try. Greg Goodfellow took over the kicking duties and converted to make the score 38-22.

    As the clock ticked down, Titans pressed for their bonus point try and were rewarded when Lewis Webb crashed over on 80 minutes. An all-in melee delayed Gary Kingdom’s successful conversion which brought the game to a close 38-29.

    Chinnor remain unbeaten at home for the season and the try bonus point means the play off place will be decided in the last game next weekend.

    Titans head coach Tony Yapp said after the match: “Both teams looked to play as much rugby as they could. We started well but second half Chinnor got themselves back in the game and have some good players. Once the momentum had shifted, it was hard for us to get back into it.”

    For Chinnor DOR Matt Williams: “It was a very good second half performance after a nervous start. Fair play to Taunton, they gave us a scare but all credit to the players for scoring five tries after the break.”

    Teams

    Chinnor
    Kieran Goss, Luke Hibberd, Danny Barnes ©, Bevon Armitage, Charlie Broughton, Jonny Bentley, Greg Goodfellow, Tom Price, Mark Darlington, Jay Tyack, CJ Osazuwa, Ben Manning, Richard Thorpe, Alex Bradley, Tom Burns

    Interchanges: Joe Hutchinson, Andy Berry, Jamie Townsend, Ben Pienaar, Junior Fatialofa

    Taunton Titans
    Gary Kingdom, Oli Massy-Birch, Nick Mason ©, Tom Popham, Freddie Fraser, Ted Landray, Lewis Webb, Alec Chase, Jon Gatford, Charlie Tribble, Stuart Persey, Sean Lonsdale, Conor Harbison, Dan Frost, Arron Gibbs

    Interchanges: Elliot Roofe, Tom Rhodes, Blake Lugg, Tom Lawday, Will Siddle

    Scorers

    Chinnor
    Tries (time): Burns 7, 45, Pen 56, Broughton 60, Barnes 65, Townsend 74
    Conversions (time): Bentley 8, 57, 61, Goodfellow 75
    Penalty Goals (time):

    Taunton
    Tries (time): Gatford 20, Gibbs 28, Gatford 39, Webb 79
    Conversions (time): Kingdom 21, 29, 80
    Penalty Goals (time): Kingdom 47

    Referee: Mr Veryan Boscawen
    Attendance: 793
    Half time score: 7-19
    Full time score: 38-29
    Star man: Tom Burns – Chinnor

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan ‘ignored’ by planning authority says town council

    DESPITE assurances from government following the Localism Act 2011, that Neighbourhood Plans would give communities control over ‘where they want new homes, shops and offices built, and have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided’ (see LINK for full details), Thame Town Council are angry after a string of incidences where it says Thame’s NP has been ignored.

    Photo by the late Nick White

    As a result, Graeme Markland, Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer, has submitted evidence to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) on a list of key planning decisions, contrary to the Thame Neighbourhood Plan policies, that have been decided by South Oxfordshire District Council. In his evidence, Mr Markland states: “In each case the vision and objectives of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan have been seriously compromised.” He particularly highlighted the following examples:

    LOST JOBS
    Goodson Industrial Mews, Thame
    On an office/industrial development on the edge of Thame Town Centre an application for demolition and replacement with housing was approved. This was in spite of a policy in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan that prevents change of use without prior proof of active marketing of the site, and the site being no longer viable for employment purposes. No tangible proof was given by the developer. Using accepted Homes and Communities Agency methodology, we can see that space for between 60 – 75 jobs was lost from this single site because of this application. It is worth noting this decision was also contrary to the LPA’s own evidence from their Employment Land Review (November 2015) which stated that with vacancy rates so low for B-use class land and buildings in Thame, all employment land should be retained.

    Key details: Planning application P15/S3848/FUL, the policy ignored was Policy WS12 from the Thame Neighbourhood Plan.

    LOST OPPORTUNITY FOR STARTER HOMES
    Elm Tree Farm, Moreton, Thame
    A specific policy within the Thame Neighbourhood Plan aims to integrate windfall sites well into their surroundings. On an area of land in a small hamlet a developer had permission granted for two extremely large dwellings on a site of 0.4ha in area, a density of five dwellings per hectare. Adjacent, modest dwellings are developed at almost 23 per hectare. The site could have yielded much-needed starter or family accommodation for Moreton/Thame, in line with the vision and objectives of the Neighourhood Plan. The development was also against the LPA’s own Core Strategy policy regarding housing infill in villages. 

    Key details: Planning application P16/S1470/FUL, the policies ignored were Policy H5 from the Thame Neighbourhood Plan and Core Strategy Policy CSR1.

    HIGHER ENERGY BILLS & CARBON EMISSIONS
    Land at Wenman Road, Thame
    One of the core parts of the vision and objectives of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan was to encourage energy efficiency in developments. An application was submitted by a developer on an allocation site to remove the requirement to build their dwellings to Code Level 4, contrary to both Neighbourhood Plan and Core Strategy Plan policy. Although much of Code Level 4 has been brought into Government design standards/Building Regulations, the specific issue of energy conservation has not. A Ministerial Statement confirmed that local authorities would be able to continue to demand energy efficiency measures equivalent to Code Level 4, where a legacy policy exists. The LPA chose not to distinguish this element and granted permission. This will lead to the future occupants of these buildings paying much higher energy bills than their neighbours on the development next door. Associated carbon emissions will be similarly higher.

    Key details: Planning application P16/S2874/FUL, the Policy ignored was ESDQ13 from the Thame Neighbourhood Plan, CSQ2 from the Core Strategy and written Ministerial Statement of 25th March 2015.

    Additional Protection For Neighbourhood Plans

    Thame’s Town Clerk, Graham Hunt, told Thame.net: “it seems planning balance is currently in favour of the developers, though the Thame NP has also helped achieve some significant victories. All Neighbourhood Plans have recently been given additional protection by the December Ministerial Written Statement and there are already situations at SODC where NPs are being additionally supported as a result.”

    Amending Neighbourhood Plans?

    With regard to possible amendments to the TNP, Graham Hunt explained: “There is nothing major as yet from within Thame that has triggered a need for amendment, though a clear need for additional/refurbished employment land is emerging, to maintain and increase opportunities for Thame residents to work in Thame. I think that need would have triggered an amendment in the not too distant future, had legislation existed to allow amendment (current law is a complete rewrite / inspection / referendum – even to change just one sentence in a Neighbourhood Plan – which is why none have yet been amended). Thame would have been a trail blazer again!

    “BUT“, he warned, “the real trigger now is the emerging SODC Local Plan. Once that is adopted (expected some time in 2018), the current Thame Neighbourhood Plan will immediately have less weight in planning terms – though there are promises of a 12 month protection window beyond LP adoption for any new Neighbourhood Plan to be prepared. Given likely Local Plan content, that will require a significant overhaul of the current Thame Neighbourhood Plan, which would go through the full new plan process, as last time.

    Thame Needs More Infrastructure – A Battle Ahead!

    “We have already started evidence gathering. The opportunity will be taken to ensure that any new plan, as well as delivering housing allocation policies, will also provide even more for infrastructure needs. And probably much more detail on retail provision, employment land provision, elderly housing, etc. Our current position is that Thame needs significant infrastructure (as defined in the existing Neighbourhood Plan – a Community Facility / Health Hub / Education / Parking / Transport / Green Space / Burial Space / Sports Facilities / Town Centre infrastructure etc etc) to be developed before any further housing allocation, but controlling timing of further housing development will be a battle. We hope that we will be able to establish good evidence to support our position.”

    Graham Hunt concluded: “The detail of a new TNP is needed by April 2019. We have two years of lots of hard work ahead, to help ensure that Thame continues to be developed in the way that the community of Thame wants.”

  • Bucks Symphonic Wind Ensemble to perform in Thame

    THE Bucks Symphonic Wind Ensemble, a leading 48-piece wind band, will be performing a mixture of easy listening and classical in St Mary’s church on the night of 22 April. Conducted by Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs, Principal Director of Music for the Royal Air Force, the band is made up from a combination of professional musicians, semi-professional and amateur musicians, the band has built up a reputation for high quality, fun concerts with the occasional surprise.

    It is rare that people get the chance to hear a band of this quality and the event is sure to inspire those learning musical instruments both young and old. The concert is in support of Friends of St Mary’s, who were established in 1992 to help ensure that The Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, should continue to play a key role in the community, central to the lives of some and to many more a backdrop to daily life and a familiar landmark when returning home.

    The St Mary’s church building is a key landmark in Thame and continues to be the focus of many of life’s significant events.

    Come along on April, 22, for a great night’s music and support the local community. Tickets can be bought in advance from St Mary’s Church (Tel: 01844 213491) or on the night if still available.