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  • Thame pool to get new £353,000 changing area

    SWIMMERS at Thame Leisure Centre are to benefit from a major upgrade to the changing area with new cubicles, improved changing and shower areas and better lighting.

    South Oxfordshire District Council is investing £353,000 in the new facilities which will also include new bench seating, new lockers, toilets, dryers, and new ceilings with LED lighting.

    Work on the changing area is expected to start on Monday, April 3, and will take around 14 weeks to complete. During this time the swimming pool and all other facilities will remain open with a temporary changing area available pool side.

    Cllr Anna Badcock, Cabinet Member for Leisure at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The refurbished area will provide a much better environment for people at Thame Leisure Centre before and after they swim. This investment is part of our ongoing commitment to provide the best leisure facilities for all our residents across South Oxfordshire.”

  • ‘Let’s all work together on Thame’s Travel Plan’

    FOLLOWING the first public meeting to talk about the progress of Thame’s Transport Plan Working Group (TPWG), Thame’s Town Clerk is now asking for help from the community to plan the future of travel and transport around the town.

    In a message aimed at those who attended the meeting on February 28, but with a wider message for everyone, the Town Clerk, Graham Hunt wrote: “Thank you for your continued interest in the work of the Transport Plan Working Group (TPWG). For those of you who were able to attend the first meeting of the TPWG, thank you all for your specific contributions on the night. For the benefit of those newly involved, we attach the Thame Travel Plan – discussion paper June 16  (as prepared as input to the Green Living Plan by the RSA Thame Group). This, along with various other inputs, provided some of the basis for the four proposed frameworks for the TPWG to work within (Walking & Cycling, Traffic Management, Public Transport and Parking provision).

    “The meeting on Tuesday (28/02) confirmed again the complexity of what we are trying to achieve and in particular the significant overlap with the good work already underway by the RSA Thame Group as they draft the transport aspects of the Green Living Plan (Ed. A project that forms part of the Thame Neighbourood Plan), working with the Green Living Plan Working Group (GLPWG).

    Deciding and co-ordinating responsibilities

    “The TPWG Terms of Reference (LINK HERE) confirms the need to ensure basic responsibilities are allocated between the various Working Groups. As we drill down, there will be some aspects that the RSA Thame Group take forward, with or without TPWG support, as an integral part of the Green Living Plan. Others will be more of a collaborative effort and in other cases there will be items that the TPWG moves forward on its own. Whatever, it is essential that we establish agreement of which group is responsible for what as we progress.

    “In the same way that our Market Town Co-Ordinator, Becky Reid, has taken on the chairmanship of the Town Centre Working Group (TCWG), Graeme Markland, our Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer, will now take over from the interim Chairman, Cllr Bob Austin, in taking a lead on the TPWG and ensuring relevant co-ordination (in agreement with TPWG members) and allocation of responsibilities. Some will also overlap with the work of the TCWG and he will work with Becky on those. Graeme already has regular meetings with the RSA Thame Group and is involved in the GLPWG which will also help.

    Volunteers & comments needed to help take the next step

    “The next step is to seek all of your further input into the four TPWG frameworks. Are they the right set? How will they work together? Is there anything that needs adding to them? We would welcome any written comments, so that they can be refined further. There was some progress in establishing separate leaders (on behalf of the TPWG aspects) for each of the four frameworks – if anyone else wishes to volunteer to have a greater lead role then that would be appreciated too. If you don’t have time for that, then it would be good to at least know which of the four frameworks you would most like to be involved in – it could be one, two, three or all four of them. Can everyone please just spend up to 15 minutes over the next week or so to reply in some way…[I have set replies to go to Graeme by default as he will be co-ordinating from now on].

    Money is there – help Thame to spend it wisely!

    “There were 47 attendees at the first meeting. That was amazing. Other towns are jealous of the way that so many people want to get involved to find ways of making our town even better than it is. I know that by working together (and also engaging even more with the District and County Councils in this area) we will make Thame a better place, with the appropriate infrastructure to support all its residents, workers and visitors. There is significant funding we can call on – let’s get it spent wisely, based on all our inputs.”

  • Thame Players win sponsorship for new projection equipment

    THAME Players’ productions are about to get a whole lot more exciting and streamlined, after a local developer has agreed to make a major contribution to the purchase of state-of-the-art stage projection equipment.

    A scene from Thame Players’ recent production of Peter Pan, with one of Robert Duncan’s images back-projected

    Haddenham-based developers, Rectory Homes, are to make this investment as part of their three-year sponsorship of Thame Players, the amateur theatre group and registered charity which has been staging productions in Thame for over 70 years.

    Pat Shepherd is Chairman of Thame Players. She explained: “The new back-screen projection equipment will be used to achieve rapid special effects and scene changes which would otherwise be impossible without entailing multiple laborious set changes, adding a professional touch that will bring excitement and special magic to future productions, from plays to pantomimes.

    “By sponsoring Thame Players, Rectory are also contributing to arts and entertainment provision in Thame,” she added.

    Rectory Homes’ sponsorship of Thame Players, currently in its second year, consists of two strands; one related to creative development, the other to capital improvements of the former church hall, which is over 100 years old and was converted into a theatre by Thame Players nearly 40 years ago. This year, Rectory’s contribution is not only enabling Thame Players to achieve special effects through the new stage projection equipment, but also helping them fund musical direction and choreography for their forthcoming production of Honk, the award-winning musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling.

    Simon Vickers, founder and chief executive of Rectory Homes, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Thame Players, a gem of an asset to the town of Thame. We take community support very seriously.”

    Pat Shephard concluded: “Rectory Homes have already supported us with sponsorship of two open-air Shakespeare productions, Much Ado About Nothing (2014) and Macbeth (2016), as well as contributing to the funding of other productions and celebrity appearances we would otherwise not be able to afford. Their generous sponsorship over three years is very much appreciated and we look forward to continuing to work with them on our creative programme and building and technical projects. Rectory’s support, advice and encouragement is tremendously valued by all of us at Thame Players.”

  • Over 60s can swim for a whole month for just £5

    PEOPLE aged 60 and over, living in rural areas across southern Oxfordshire can claim a month’s swimming sessions for just £5.

    GO Active Gold is offering vouchers to use at district council leisure centres from April 1, to May 31. Residents can sign up for the offer by visiting www.getoxfordshireactive.org/go-active-gold or by calling 01235 422240. To claim this offer you must register by Saturday, April 1.

    The leisure centres where the offer can be used are:
    Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield
    Didcot Wave
    Faringdon Leisure Centre
    Henley Leisure Centre
    Thame Leisure Centre
    Wantage Leisure Centre
    White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, Abingdon
    Please note – this offer is not available to existing ‘Better’ members.

    Cllr Anna Badcock, Cabinet Member for Leisure at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Since launching in 2016 GO Active Gold has helped over a thousand people get more active across southern Oxfordshire. The £5 swimming offer is another example of the significant benefits it is bringing to people in our rural communities.”

    GO Active Gold is a Sport England funded, three year project that aims to increase health and well-being amongst people aged 60 and over living in rural areas across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse.

  • Rats found in food storage area of Thame restaurant

    An Indian restaurant has been temporarily stopped from using a food storage area and cellar after Environmental Health Officers found evidence of rat activity.

    The Star and Garter restaurant in Thame

    Officers from South Oxfordshire District Council visited The Star and Garter, in Wellington St, Thame, on Thursday, March 9, to carry out an unannounced routine food hygiene inspection. During the inspection the officers found rat droppings and clear damage to the structure of the rear storage area and cellar.

    To prevent the restaurant using the storage area and cellar until the problem had been resolved, and sufficient measures taken to prevent it from happening in the future, the officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

    The Environmental Health Officers visited the premises again on Monday, March 13, and were satisfied that the business had taken steps to remove the risk to the public by carrying out necessary improvements. As a result, they issued a certificate allowing the restaurant to operate as normal.

    On Tuesday, March 14, Oxford Magistrates’ endorsed the decision to issue the prohibition notice, agreeing that there had been an imminent risk to peoples’ health. The Star and Garter was also ordered to pay the council’s £1,443 costs.

    South Oxfordshire District Council continues to work with the business to help it improve its compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements.

    Cllr Tony Harbour, Cabinet Member for Food and Safety at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Food premises have an obligation to ensure they protect against potential pest problems. If they fail to do this they could put customers’ health at risk and we would have no alternative but to take immediate action.”

    SOURCE: Press release from South Oxfordshire District Council

  • Hell or High Water at Thame Cinema

    THAME Cinema 4 All will be showing HELL OR HIGH WATER on Saturday, March 18. This 15 Certificate film is Directed by David Mackenzie,  and stars Jeff Bridges Ben Foster, Chris Pine, Katy Mixon.

    Film notes
    This droll and satirical western / heist / thriller was a nominee for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars, and while it might have had a lower profile that some of the other contenders, it was no less deserving of its place on the shortlist. Texas brothers Toby (the smart one) and Tanner (the ex-con loose cannon) get together after a prolonged period apart to stage a series of bank robberies. They are targeting branches of one bank: the bank that persuaded their father to sign away the family farm, and are now threatening to foreclose following the death of their mother. Meanwhile, Marcus, a crusty and cynical Texas Ranger, on the verge of a reluctant retirement, (Jeff Bridges) is hot on their heels with his partner Alberto, taking a sort of bleak relish in this last case.

    This film does not depart from the demands of the heist genre – which is to say that things will not go according to plan, and a showdown between hunter and hunted will ensue. And it is also a Western, revelling in the vast hard-baked Texan landscape, and reminiscent of the Coen brothers’ No Country for Old Men in its contemplation of the values of the old West, versus the values of the present. It has been described as a Western for the Occupy generation, taking a swipe at the financial institutions and sustained reckless corporate greed that has robbed the brothers and so many of their generation of a reliable future.

    Laced with acidic humour, great performances, a Nick Cave soundtrack and magnificent cinematography, the film scored 98% approval on the review website, Rotten Tomatoes. Watch the trailer here; LINK HERE

    This Saturday 18th March 8pm
    Film tickets are available on the door or online- CLICK HERE
    Note: The Players Theatre has a capacity is 130 seats. Up to 100 seats for pre-booking online are allocated, reserving 30 for those who prefer to buy on the door. N.B. When buying online there is no need to print-out the ticket nor to have this sent to your mobile as there will be a list of ticket sales at the box office. All seats are unreserved.

    Doors open half an hour before film starts at 7.30pm, admission £5, licensed bar
    Thame Cinema 4 All at Thame Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame.

  • South Oxfordshire Local Plan consultation – Have your say

    SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council will shortly launch a public consultation on its draft plan to meet future needs for housing and employment in the district.

    Its new Local Plan will explain where, and why, it considers new houses and employment should be located up until the year 2033. The draft plan will also explain how the district council will raise money to provide infrastructure for things like roads, schools, leisure centres, parks and shops.

    The draft plan is expected to include SODC’s preferred option for additional employment land in Thame, new convenience food retail space in Thame of up to 1,500m2, and an additional 600 new homes. The draft plan is also expected to support the proposal for the Cattle Market site, identified in the Thame neighbourhood Plan for a mixed-use redevelopment to include retail and other town centres uses. This allocation specifically excludes a foodstore. It will also propose that a review of the Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan should consider whether a small-format foodstore would be appropriate in this location to meet the need for additional convenience floorspace in the town.

    You can read the draft Local Plan on SODC’s website from Wednesday, March 29, at www.southoxon.gov.uk/localplan. You’ll also be able to find out more information about the plan, including details on how to provide your feedback. Paper copies of the plan will be available at libraries across the district as well as at SODC’s office during usual opening hours.

    The Local Plan will be available for you to comment on for seven weeks until May 17m 2017. The standard consultation period has been extended by one week to allow for the Easter holiday.

    SODC will also be holding a series of drop-in events for the public to go to and view the plans for themselves and to ask any questions they may have about the plan. These drop-in events will be held at:

     Didcot – Cornerstone, 1pm – 7pm on Wednesday, April 5, 2017
     Wallingford – Regal Centre, 3pm – 7pm on Friday, April 7, 2017
    Thame – Barns Centre, 10am – 4pm on Saturday, April 8, 2017
     Henley – The Christ Church Centre, 10am – 4pm on Saturday, April 22, 2017

    For more information, email SODC’s Planning department via policy@southoxon.gov.uk or call 01235 422600.

  • Primary Schools Tag Tournament

    CHINNOR RFC in Thame will be hosting a tag rugby tournament for local primary schools.

    Thirteen schools have taken up the club’s invitation to bring along teams of girls and boys in Years 5 & 6 (Unders 10s and Under 11s). The principles of Rugby will be at the core of this tournament: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. And fun of course!

    Contact Chinnor RFC’s Community Officer Carol Bradbrook-Taylor for more information. Carolbt@btinternet.com

  • Five reasons to keep Thame tidy!

    DID you know that around 2.25m pieces of litter are dropped on the streets of the UK every day? Thirty million tonnes of rubbish are collected from England’s streets each year and it costs councils more than £1bn a year to clean up?

    Members of Grace Church, Thame, help tidy Thame, 2016

    We can all do our bit to help bring this figure down. Saturday, March 25, is an important day in the local calendar because it’s time for the annual Thame Tidy and Moreton Muck-Out Day. Rosemary Bryant, organiser on behalf of 21st Century Thame, said: “We need as many people as possible to come along to the Town Hall on the day and help us tidy Thame and Moreton. Anyone can join in – young or old, individuals or groups; families welcome. Just come along any time between 10 am and 3 pm and collect litter pickers, hi-vis jackets, recycling and rubbish bags from the Thame Lions gazebo outside the Town Hall and get litter-picking!”

    Rosemary continued: “There will be eight drop-off points around the town where litter can be left and the Fire Service will help with collecting heavy items. Litter will be collected from the drop-off points by ASM and taken to the Recreation Ground at Southern Road for Biffa to collect on the followingMonday. So come and join us and help keep Thame litter-free! We are also grateful to our sponsors Unicarriers for their support of this event.”

    Rosemary pointed to five good reasons (with kind acknowledgements to Litter Heroes http://www.litterheroes.co.uk ) why you should come along and help pick litter in Thame and Moreton on Saturday, March 25.

    1. It’s enjoyable and a great excuse to get out in the fresh air, get some exercise and do something useful.
    2. You’ll make a big difference – twenty minutes litter picking can really transform an area. Today’s litter is so in-your-face that removing it makes a big difference.
    3. You’ll feel good – litter picking is surprisingly rewarding. It’s very satisfying to look back on a clean, rubbish free street and know it’s down to your efforts.
    4. You’ll help prevent further littering – studies have shown that people are less likely to drop litter in areas which are litter-free. By helping keep somewhere clean, you’ll discourage
    littering.
    5. Your countryside needs you – we live on a smal,l overcrowded island. We do not have so much open space and countryside that we can afford to trash it with litter. Today’s litter is very long-lived, it doesn’t rot or degrade in a hurry. If we don’t pick this stuff up it will still be there for our great-great grandchildren.

    She added: “Thame is a delightful place to live and we need to feel proud of our place by keeping it litter-free! Please join us on Saturday, March 25, and make a vital difference.”

  • Theatre sponsor for food festival shuttle service

    VISITORS to Thame Food Festival will be able to take a FREE shuttle bus service from the town centre to Thame show ground, where this year’s festival will be held over the weekend, September 30 and October 1.

    Waterside Theatre, Thame

    The service will be sponsored by Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and will run back and forth to the show ground every half an hour.  Aylesbury Waterside Theatre will also have a stall at the event, where visitors will be able to pick up the latest brochure and find out more about forthcoming events and shows.

    Festival Patron and Director, Lotte Duncan, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Aylesbury Waterside Theatre are on board with us this year; a fabulous venue where you can see many stunning performances in some amazing shows.

    “We are so happy to be able to offer the FREE bus shuttle service to our Festival visitors. It means that no one need miss out on what is going to be the best TFF ever!”

    For more details, or to get involved by sponsoring or supporting this year’s festival, go to www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk.