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Category: Thame news

  • Bid for a single Oxfordshire council submitted to government

    COUNCILLORS John Cotton, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, Matthew Barber, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, and  Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council jointly announced today (23/3) that they have submitted proposals for a single council for Oxfordshire to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

    Cllrs John Cotton (L) Ian Hudspeth (centre) and Matthew Barber

    A joint statement published today, said: “Our three councils have listened to the views of residents, businesses and other organisations across Oxfordshire and worked hard to address any concerns in the final bid – and with seventy percent of those surveyed showing support for a single unitary, we know we are on the right track.”

    It is estimated that the proposed unification of the six councils could save authorities £100m over the first five years, with initial savings of £20.5m coming from the reduction of council posts and office space, with £20m further efficiencies annually. (figures from PSE – Public Services Executive). Oxford City Council is against the proposal, as is Cherwell District and West Oxfordshire District Councils.

    Last month Cherwell launched a petition against the proposals and is encouraging residents and business leaders to add their names until it closes at the end of March. The petition will be sumitted to the Government, CDC has said, to show that residents oppose the unitary model.

    To sign the petition go to change.org/p/stop-plans-for-a-unitary-authority-in-oxfordshire

    To read the full statement from the three Unitary Council proponents, see LINK

  • Third development plan for The Elms – Thame

    RECTORY Homes has submitted its third planning application for a development on land at The Elms, off Upper High Street.

    Meadow land at ‘The Elms’ in Thame, that Rectory Homes wants to build on

    The application is for the erection of an Extra Care housing development (Use Class C2) comprising apartments, houses and a communal residents’ centre with basement parking and storage areas and creation of new public open space, provision of new vehicle access from Elms Road and a new pedestrian/cycle link onto Upper High Street with associated infrastructure works and landscaping.

    You can see details of the application, which is No. P17/S1069/FUL can be viewed on South Oxfordshire District Council’s website HERE 

    A previous application by Rectory Homes for 37 dwellings on land at The Elms, was awarded Planning Permission almost two years ago, despite extensive opposition including a petition of hundreds of names of local people objecting to it. A second application, for an Extra Care housing development submitted last August, was later withdrawn.

    PREVIOUS articles on this subject: (1)  LINK  (2) LINK (3) LINK

  • Barnaby’s death was ‘accidental’ says Coroner

    AN inquest into the death of four-year-old Barnaby Cork of Thame, has concluded that his death was accidental.

    The inquest held this morning heard how Barnaby died after being hit by his father’s reversing car in the car park at Thame Leisure Centre on December 10, 2016.

    The father, Stephan Cork, had just dropped off his wife Ella and their two other children for swimming lessons when the accident happened.

    Although Barnaby’s family did not attend the inquest, Mr Cork had submitted written evidence in which he said that he had neither seen or heard his son, as he – Barnaby – was shorter than the back window.

    The plan had been to take Barnaby to choose a Christmas tree after dropping the rest of the family off at the Leisure Centre, but Barnaby then changed his mind and said he wanted to go swimming instead. After Mr and Mrs Cork changed their arrangements so that Barnaby could go, Stefan got back into the car and started to reverse. Ella then walked around the front of the car and saw only two siblings on the pavement. She then asked where Barnaby was and one of the siblings pointed towards the road where Barnaby was lying.

    Barnaby suffered serious head injuries and went into cardiac arrest on his way to the John Radcliffe hospital, after several attempts to help resuscitate him. He was pronounced dead later at the hospital.

    The inquest heard that Mr Cork had told PC Victoria Jones that he did not hear his parking sensor and further evidence from Forensic Collision Investigator, PC James Henderson, showed that Barnaby would have been too short to spot from the rear window of the car.

    Coroner, Darren Salter, concluded that the incident was an accident, and determined the cause of death to be head injuries, concluding: “The sad facts are not in dispute. I offer my condolences under these awful circumstances to the parents and family.”

    Since the boy’s death, Mr Cork has set up set up an online fundraising page to raise money for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, which so far has raised over £30,000.

  • Thame’s Squash juniors in top form

    Allegra Michoplou, one of Racquets’ junior Academicians

    RACQUETS Fitness Centre’s Squash Academy’s juniors were on top form last weekend, showing off their obvious potential competing in a National England Sanctioned event held at Racquets Fitness Centre.

    Over the weekend of March 18-19, Racquets hosted this Bronze England Sanctioned squash tournament, attracting top juniors from all over the UK. The ability of the 45 junior entrants was as expected, wide-ranging from county level to regional and national level. Racquets its self had many juniors competing in the tournament and for most, it was their first ever England Sanctioned Tournament.

    Four juniors from Racquets shone in their age categories; Ollie Ralphs in the boys Under 19s, Ollie Cartwright in the boys Under 15s, Artie Shrimpton in the boys Under 11s and Allegra Michoplou in the girls Under 11s. Ollie Ralphs competed in his first ever England Squash tournament. “Ollie has always been keen and determined to better his game,” said Head coach, Sue Martin Downhill, “and to reach his full potential. Not that long ago he suffered a terrible sports injury which put him out for months, leading to him not being able to train or even get on court and hit a ball. However, he has made a fantastic comeback and is playing some of the best squash he has ever played. Ollie played out of his skin and was keen to show what he was made of and ended up as runner-up in his age category which is a fantastic achievement. I am extremely proud Ollie has made it this far in the game and expect him to progress even further in the near future.”

    Competing in the boys under 15s was Ollie Cartwright. Ollie C, a more experience player in terms of National Junior tournaments, had only recently moved up an age group meaning he was to face older, stronger and more conditioned opponents. “Ollie is improving at an alarming rate, training at racquets five or six days a week and striving to become a better player,” said Ollie’s coach, Ben Hedger. “He was unfortunate to draw the number one seed in his first round but gave the top player a good run for his money. Ollie’s mindset is impeccable and didn’t let this phase him. He continued to play his own game throughout the tournament and ended up placed third in his age category.

    “I am extremely impressed in the way Ollie dealt with more accomplished opponents, and he shows high potential to do well in his age category.”

    In the boys under 11s, Artie Shrimpton who placed runner-up in the Plate, and in the girls under 11s, Allegra Michoplou. Artie and Allegra joined Racquets at the same time, both showing great talent and earning their place in the Racquets Academy, where they have shown great willingness to learn. They are both down at the club nearly every day receiving free coaching from coaches Ben and Sue, as they are in the academy, alongside 10 other juniors. This was also their first ever England Squash tournament. They have both only been playing seriously for about four months which goes to show the rapid rate of improvement they have achieved – both great prospects for the future. “They and are great role models for other juniors at Racquets,” added Sue.

    For more information about playing squash, whether a youngster starting out, or starting later in life, contact Sue, Simon or Ben at Racquets Fitness Centre on 01844 261754.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Ben Hedger

  • Count down to Carnival 2017

    FOLLOWING a hugely successful carnival in 2016, the organisers, 21st Century Thame, are planning to make this year’s event even better! Raising money for the Fire Fighters and Sobell House Hospice charities, the carnival will be taking place on Saturday, June 10 and will have a 1940’s theme.

    The Carnival parade is always a fantastic way to start proceedings and a wonderful opportunity for local schools and organisations to come together. It will set off from Elms Park and process right through Thame town centre, ending at the Southern Road Recreation Ground where the afternoons entertainment will begin!

    Along with a huge choice of food and drink at the fete, there will also be the opportunity to enjoy giant games, inflatables, egg throwing, street entertainers and much more, all in aid of this year’s charities. Local produce, toys and sweets from a large array of stalls will be on site to provide visitors with products sourced from the local area and beyond.

    The stage will featuring local bands throughout the day, and will once again be compered by the wonderful Dan Blasor. Entertainment in the arena will be provided by local dance and theatre groups.

    For further information visit the Thame Carnival Facebook page HERE

  • Number plates stolen from car

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following the theft from vehicle in Sydenham, Chinnor.

    Between midday on Sunday (19/3) and 7.30am on Monday (20/3) unknown offender(s) stole the number plates from a Silver Mazda estate (OV**FRR) From Sydenham Road, Sydenham, Chinnor.

    If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message please call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.

    Alternatively if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • Out of nowhere a champion – by Sue Martin Downhill

    EVERY for to six weeks Racquets Fitness Centre runs a one-day Junior Squash Tournament. New and experienced junior players from the club are encouraged to enter. We see great changes in the juniors from one tournament to the next.

    Cameron Law was one such example. Cameron played in his first one-day tournament in January of this year. He played in a group of players all of similar standard where he struggled, finishing near the bottom of the section.

    For the past two months with regular coaching from Roger Ridler and joining in the group coaching sessions on a Monday every week, Cameron has worked hard and with dedication has gained in confidence and playing ability.

    Cameron played on Saturday, March 18, in the second level of standard. He showed all the other players what a great style and understanding of the game can achieve. Cameron won all of his games. Many of the games were close but Cameron’s strong mind set this time round meant he came out on top in every match. Alex Glover and Thomas Taylor were both notable in their attempt to derail Cameron’s win but were unsuccessful.

    Well done Cameron !!

    The lower grade included eight of the newest Racquets Academy kids. From St Josephs and John Hampden primary schools we saw plenty of extremely close matches. Joe Johnson and Artie Shrimpton fell to the floor at the end of their first place final match because it was such a long and hard fought contest. Joe came out on top in a perfectly spirited competitive game. Allegra Michopoulou, the only girl in the competition, fought well to come in third.

    In the top grade the visitors, Sam Crowley and Alex Smith from Abingdon took the top places. But Dryw McLaren and Silas Glover put up excellent fights.

    The Racquets Academy has two places available at the moment for any Year 5 or 6 children who want to take up a sport and have the opportunity to excel in it. Please contact sue@racquets-fitness-centre.com if you might be interested. If you’re looking for a sport just for fun then please come along to any of our squash lessons available throughout the week.

  • Wall of death rider fights fascism in Franco’s Spain!

    TOWNSEND PRODUCTIONS present Dare Devil Rides To Jarama, on Sunday, March 26, written by Neil Gore, who described his play as:” ..an exciting and evocative piece about the incredible contribution made by the volunteers that made up the International Brigades to fight the forces of fascism and to uphold the power of democracy.”

    A speedway star forges a friendship with a literary critic, poet and aeronautical expert in a country miles from home. This unlikely friendship is celebrated in DARE DEVIL RIDES TO JARAMA, a moving account of why so many ordinary people made the extraordinary choice to leave family and livelihoods and fight in the brutal Spanish Civil War so far from home.

    It’s 80 years since the Spaniards rose up to resist General Franco’s military rebellion. This compelling and humorous play, contrasts the lives of International Brigaders Clem Beckett and Christopher Caudwell who were killed together at Jarama in February 1937, having become friends as members of the British Battalion’s machine-gun company.

    The play, a critical success on its first tour, captures the humour, raw passion and emotion produced by the idealism of these men through immersive storytelling, stirring song, poetry, and movement. A cast of two play multiple roles in a grand theatrical style with music of the period arranged by acclaimed folk musician John Kirkpatrick.

    Neil Gore, the playwright also said: “The play is also an important examination of the fascinating and brilliant life of Clem Beckett who achieved so much in such a short time as a top speedway rider and a rider in the Wall of Death around Europe. His life touched on so many of the major happenings in the 1930s from involvement in campaigns such as better conditions in his sport, the Mass Trespass in Derbyshire to participation in anti-fascist demonstrations in Manchester, as well as visits to the Soviet Union with a contingent of sportsmen and women and ultimately to his involvement in the Spanish Civil War.”

    Dare Devil Rides To Jarma is Directed by Louise Townsend, and is at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, starting at 7.45pm on Sunday, March 26. Tickets are £10 (concessions £9) available from Spear Travels, 01844 217228 or online from www.thameplayers.co.uk

  • Vision for a Strategic Cycle Network for Oxfordshire

    THE Oxfordshire Cycling Network (OCN) has launched its vision of a future Strategic Cycle Network for Oxfordshire, which it believes could bring £112 million a year in health and travel time benefits to the county, by linking the major towns, workplaces and transport hubs with safe, direct and attractive cycle routes.

    “Our vision is that people of all abilities can choose to cycle anywhere, feeling safe and comfortable,” said Robin Tucker, Chair of OCN. The only proven way to achieve this is to have high quality routes linking places that people want to go.”

    “All ages, all abilities. These are the four As of best-practice standards for cycling. The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark – and even Cambridge – have shown that this works. Now let’s bring similar 4A benefits to Oxfordshire,” said Simon Hunt, Chair of Cyclox.

    Image courtesy of CyclingUK

    “The 366-mile network would bring huge economic and health benefits to Oxfordshire people, whether or not they cycle. The first gain is improved health, because people who cycle live longer and are healthier, removing a cost burden from the health services. Secondly, switching from cars to bikes cuts air pollution, increasingly recognised as killer in urban environments. The third benefit is shorter journey times, both by reducing congestion on the roads and because cycling is simply quicker for short journeys – everyone wins. Robin notes, “Instead of stop-starting in traffic jams, fretting about where to park, I can bike the five miles from home to Abingdon more quickly and more
    predictably.  Plus, I will have done my exercise for the day.”

    All ages, all abilities means routes similar to Dutch or German standards. Smooth tarmac, at least three metres wide and separated from busy roads by a green verge. In town, cycle tracks would be separated from both pedestrians and motor vehicles, and would continue across junctions.

    OCN calculates that increasing cycling to 10% of journeys1 in the county compared to 3% today is worth £112 million per year in health and journey time benefits2.

    “There will be other benefits too”, says Kevin Wilkinson, Chair of workplace cycling group HarBUG. “Cyclists spend more in local shops and cycling links attract businesses, employees and tourists to a location.”

    You can read more HERE including a map of the proposed network, which includes Thame.

  • More than £1 million for community groups in South Oxfordshire

    THOMLEY Activity Centre, based at Worminghall near Thame, has been awarded part of £1 million grant funding for community groups, charities and support organisation across the district.

    South Oxfordshire District Council, which has awarded the funding, intends the money to help ensure that important services such as support for disabled people, carers, and the elderly can continue to be available locally for South Oxfordshire residents.

    The lucky groups awarded funding, including Thomley

    The revenue grant funding will help groups to pay for things such as salary costs, rent and rates, marketing and publicity, and transport and utility costs. The groups receiving funding are:

    Thomley Activity Centre – £97,500
    Age UK Oxfordshire – £93,289
    Berinsfield Information and Volunteer Centre – £56,814
    Community First Oxfordshire – £74,250
    FISH Volunteer Centre – £12,000
    Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire – £66,706
    My Life My Choice – £16,840
    Nomad Youth & Community Project – £80,000
    Oxfordshire Association for the Blind – £25,000
    Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre – £52,500
    Riverside Counselling Service – £65,000
    South & Vale Carers Centre – £83,508
    South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance – £94,000
    Style Acre – £66,000
    The Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children – £100,000
    TRAIN – £79,297

    Cllr Elizabeth Gillespie, Cabinet Member for Grants at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “As a council we are delighted to still in be a position to offer this significant funding to these organisations. They all play a vital role in providing support services to many people across the South Oxfordshire community and this funding will help to ensure that residents will continue to benefit from these services over the coming years.”

    Grant Hayward of Collaborent, who assisted council officers with workshops for the grants application process, said “Not only is it good to see the financial commitment from South Oxfordshire District Council, but I have been really impressed with the range of support it has provided to these charities and groups in helping them explore new opportunities of becoming more sustainable and less dependent upon grant funding.”

    The council’s grants officers will work with these organisations to ensure spending is appropriate over the four year grant period.

    Community groups in South Oxfordshire looking to improve their facilities, such as carrying out building improvements, can now apply for Capital Grant – for more information visit www.southoxon.gov.uk/grants.