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Category: Thame news

  • First league draw of the season for Thame

    DESPITE a brace from Conor McDonagh, Thame United were unable to secure a win at Wootton Bassett Town on Saturday (07/03) as they secured their first league draw since September.

    meadow view park (400x300) (2)The game got off to a frenetic opening, with the hosts taking the lead inside the opening minute. A ball in from the right by Joe Hiscock evaded both defenders and attackers, and went in off the far post with Matt Tapping in the Thame goal stranded. The lead, however only lasted for a couple of minutes. Dan West did well to earn a corner and from the resultant cross, McDonagh was on hand at the far post to finish confidently.

    With the game still less than 10 minutes old, Wootton Bassett Town then took the lead for a second time. A cross-field ball found Nathan Gamblin in space on the wide left, beat Ben Connelly and hit a powerful effort beyond Tapping from 20 yards. United then pressed forward in search of an equaliser with McDonagh going close following a direct through ball from Tapping, before Dan West hit a 20 yard volley just wide following good link-up play with Luke Ricketts.

    McDonagh then saw a deflected effort go wide for a corner, before the equaliser arrived on 28 minutes. West did well to force an error in the Wootton Bassett defence, squaring the ball to McDonagh who rolled the ball in to an unguarded goal from the edge of the box, scoring his seventh goal in three games in the process.

    With the game all square at half time, United came out the stronger of the two sides in the second half and McDonagh fired over from 15 yards on 53 minutes. Five minutes later and Dan Jones swung a corner in to the box that Ellis Hercules flicked on at the near post, but West was unable to connect when well placed. Shortly afterwards Luke Ricketts was presented with a chance following good play between McDonagh and West, but his effort from 20 yards went wide. Following the early pressure of the half, the home side gradually got a foot-hold in the game and pressed United with Tapping saving well on a couple of occasions.

    United thought they had taken the lead with 15 minutes to go. Dan West was fouled on the edge of the box, and took a quick free kick to McDonagh, who beat his marker and coolly side-footed the ball in to the far corner of the goal. Somewhat inexplicably, however, the referee called the game back for the free kick to be re-taken. That was the last meaningful goal mouth action of the game for United, although there was still time for McDonagh and Wootton Bassett captain, Steve Yeardley, to see red, and for Tapping to pull off a fine save low to his right.

    Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division – Wootton Bassett Town 2 Thame United 2

    United: Tapping, Connelly, Hall, Hercules, Mulholland, Lynch (Jesson), Jones (Gray), Morris, McDonagh, West, Ricketts.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Guns stolen in high value burglaries

    (Image for illustrative purposes only)
    (Image for illustrative purposes only)

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information after a series of burglaries in Chinnor that officers believe are linked. Several high value items and shotguns were taken during the incidents.

    Between 7.45am and 3.45pm on Friday (6/3) offenders gained entry to a property on Timber Way, Chinnor, by smashing a glass panel on the rear kitchen door panel and using the keys that were in the lock to open the door. The offenders forced a gun cabinet from the wall of the master bedroom and stole the four shotguns that were kept inside it.

    The victim inherited the shotguns, which previously belonged to the deceased father of the victim. The details are as follows:

    A rare Miroku Presidential over/under, 12 bore shot gun, which has an oval silver crest pressed into the wooden butt of the gun. This has been rounded and polished.
    A Miroku over/under 12 bore shot gun, pictured on the top of the above image.
    A Miroku over/under, 12 bore, self-loading shot gun
    A Miroku over/under, 12 bore shot gun
    A .22 air rifle

    A blue handbag containing shooting vests, ear defenders and shot gun certificates

    Several high-value pieces of jewellery inherited by the victim were also stolen in the incident. An Omega Constellation wrist watch, a pocket watch, and a Rolex GMT Master Wrist watch were taken in the incident.

    In a second incident, between 5.30pm and 8.45pm on Friday (6/3), offenders gained entry to a property on Station Road, Chinnor through the rear conservatory door by smashing the glass panel and using the keys that were in the lock to open the door. The victim’s wedding and engagement rings, two Royal Doulton figurines and a box of After Eight chocolates were taken in the incident. A bottle of kitchen cleaner was also taken; officers believe this was used by the offenders to attempt to remove fingerprints from the scene.

    In a third incident, between 8.40am and 6.40pm on Friday (6/3), offenders removed a UPVC patio door from its hinges to gain entry to a property on Chinnor Road, Aston Rowant. No items were taken during the incident, but several objects from the house that would have been touched by the offenders, such as the alarm panel and alarm from the wall, were found outside in a metal bin full of detergent water in an attempt to remove fingerprints.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsOfficers believe the three incidents from the weekend are connected to recent burglaries in Tilehurst and Reading, and also another burglary in Hampshire. (Full details including photograph of some of the guns HERE)

    Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the vicinity of these incidents on March 6, or the further two Reading incidents, and also to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the shotguns taken in the Timber Way incident.

    Investigating Officer PC Gavin Chan of Didcot CID said:
    “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure Chinnor residents that we are conducting a thorough investigation into the offence.

    “If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”

  • Elms Planning consideration delayed

    Meadow land at 'The Elms' where a development of 37 new homes is proposed
    Meadow land at ‘The Elms’ where a development of 37 new homes is proposed

    THAME Town Council will no longer be considering planning applications relating to Land at The Elms, Upper High Street, Thame, on March 10, 2015, as previously reported. The council has stated that it is waiting for South Oxfordshire District Council to complete, what TTC has described as ‘due diligence’ before making any recommendations.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsAccording to South Oxfordshire District Council’s Planning portal, it is considering a new application, P15/S0347/SCR, for an ‘EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment – screening opinion, for the erection of 45 dwellings and creation of new public open space’.

    The Consultation period is currently open for comment: http://tiny.cc/06n3ux

    This site has been controversial ever since its inclusion in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan. LINK HERE to related reports.

  • Have Your Say meetings with local police team

    HAVE Your Say meetings are an ideal opportunity for local residents to speak to their local police officers and PCSOs about any local issues. No appointment is necessary; just turn up and speak to your local officers. Future Have Your Say meetings planned are:–

    PCSOs_ThameWednesday 4 March, 11am – midday, at the Memorial Hall, Chinnor Road, Towersey, with PCSO Jacky Madden.

    Thursday 12 March, 11am – 11:30am, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, with PCSO Chris Hollis.

    Monday 16 March, 11am – 1pm, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, with PCSO Diane Jackson.

    Monday 23 March, 10am – 11am, at the Chinnor Village Centre, High Street, Chinnor, with PCSO Jacky Madden.

  • Beware ‘Good Samaritan’ on the road fraud

    THAMES Valley Police is urging people to look out for a fraud on the roads of the area, which is being reported around the South-East of England at the moment.

    crimeWhilst driving, the victim is flagged down by a man (or men) next to a broken down vehicle. The man states that he needs money to get petrol. As payment, the man offers the victim one to three ;gold’ rings and may also provide a business card suggesting links to Berlin, Germany or Glasgow, Scotland. The amount of cash taken is between £20 and £300. However, the rings are worthless and definitely not precious.

    Offences are occurring on ‘A’ roads and slip roads at major junctions in the South of England. One victim reports seeing the same offender(s) back at the same spot (the A41 bypass near Tring, on this occasion) two days later at approximately 12:50pm.

    All suspects are described as male and with dark hair. The description of the ‘broken down’ vehicle varies.

    Offenders seem to target men over the age of 55.  Prevention advice – Do not accept jewellery as payment!

  • World ranked squash player joins Racquets as coach

    LAST Sunday, March 1, Will John returned from his international travels to the far corners of the globe, playing top class squash, to join the Racquets Fitness Centre squash coaching team.

    Will-new-and-St-Jos-Year-6 (400x270)
    William John and some of the junior squash players having coaching at the club after school.

    In 2010 Will joined the professional tour where his highest world ranking was#209, after travelling to such places as Brazil, Australia, Japan and many other exciting countries to compete at the highest level.

    Will started playing squash at Racquets in Thame, at the age of four, and from the age of seven was spending every spare second playing squash taking advantage of the ‘turn up and play’ scheme at Racquets Fitness Centre’s where Junior members can come and use spare courts for free.

    Most recently, Will travelled to Sportcity in Manchester to stamp his authority on the British National Championships where he made it to the last 32 players in Britain, where he rubbed shoulders with the top players in the world.

    The Manager of Racquets, Simon Martin, said: “We are thrilled to have Will joining us at the club at such a time when we are seeing a major influx in squash players of all ages. Will’s coaching is fun and he is keen to give the juniors of Thame the same opportunities that he has had.”

    Will responded:  “Whilst travelling the world as a squash professional you have to learn to deal with the pressures of competition and expectation, upsets and frustrations. You must learn how to get the best from yourself every day of a competition.” The fact that Will has been travelling and competing at such a high level enables him to bring to Thame his very recent, high level of knowledge and experience.

    Will has already been working with Sue Martin-Downhill, getting more people playing squash and offering the opportunity to take part in coaching sessions that will maximise their potential. Sue said:  “What is really special about this latest development at the club is that people can be inspired to strive to be the best they can be. Will is coming in and encouraging everyone to adopt the attitude that you can be a top squash player and that you can improve you game no matter what your level or your age.”

    Will, obviously delighted with his new role at Racquets, said:  “I’m very happy to have such an incredible opportunity to coach at a prestigious club such as Racquets, even more so since I started my squash here. The club is a second home to me and it excites me already to see some of the young players coming through starting at the same place as me.”

    Will will be joining Sue, Roger, Mike and Mary teaching squash to the Year fives and sixes from Barley Hill, John Hampden and St Joseph’s primary schools during their PE lessons, and helping kids and adults alike to realise how much fun squash can be and how it can help with health and fitness and a great,general sense of wellbeing.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Thame Councillor urges residents to speak up on housing allocations

    THE Chair of Thame Town Council’s Planning Committee is urging Thame residents to take part in South Oxfordshire County Council’s consultation about where at least another 3,600 new homes should be build across the district, between now and 2031.

    Cllr Helena Fickling
    Cllr Helena Fickling

    Chair of Thame Town Council’s Planning Committee, Helena Fickling, said: “The most important thing is for EVERYONE IN THAME to respond to the consultation individually because there were very few responses from Thame in the first rounds of the consultation.

    “Pressure for Thame to accept more houses is not going to go away, but as we saw from the response to the Preferred Options stage of the Core Strategy, the opinions of the people of Thame can make a difference.

    “This is particularly important in view of the deadline of April 2.”

    seans_choice_crendon_beds

     

    Full details of the updated options, and how you can have your say, can be found here:

    http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/news/2015/2015-02/have-your-say-new-housing-options-south-oxfordshire

  • Thame mourns Megan who ‘touched the lives’ of so many

    THE family, friends and teachers of 18 year-old Megan Biddle, of Thame, have been paying tribute to the Lord Williams’s School pupil who tragically died suddenly on Monday, March 2, 2015.

    R.I.P. Megan Biddle
    R.I.P. Megan Biddle

    Megans many friends and her family have been posting memories and tributes on social media ever since the news of her death became known, and a Twitter hashtag #thingsbiddid (‘Bid’ being Megan’s nick name) has been created for them to share their memories of Megan.

    Peter Butt, a family friend, and a fellow trustee with Megan’s father, Iain Biddle, of The Thame Youth Memorial Trust, posted the following on the Trust’s website: “Megan…..was a lively, caring and selfless daughter, known to many of us as a friend and, very much a part of the efforts to fundraise for the creation of the Youth Memorial.

    “Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Iain, Alison (Megan’s mother) and Jack at this most difficult of times.”

    Megan’s younger brother Jack, posted on twitter: “An amazing, joking and caring sister, to the last minute and forever.”

    In a statement today, Lord Williams’s Head Teacher, David Wybron, said: “Our school community has been deeply saddened and shocked on hearing the news of Megan’s tragic death. Our thoughts are with Megan’s family and friends at this very sad time. ”

    Megon’s Head of Year, PennyLowe, said of her: “Megan was a wonderful, outgoing and exceptionally popular member of Year 13, touching the lives of so many. She had an effervescent personality, a fantastic sense of fun and a great sense of humour. Her smile was infectious and could light up any room. Megan always found the positive in everything and this was an attribute she brought in abundance to everything she turned her hand to.

    “Megan would always put others first; coming to the support of her friends whenever needed. She was a creative and hard working student who possessed a lively and imaginative mind. Her loss will be felt by so many and it has left such a huge hole not only within the year group but across the school.

    “She will be greatly missed by staff and students alike.”

    Megan’s friends have made a special place at the Southern Road recreation ground, for people to visit, in memory of Megan and at the Thame Youth Memorial, Which both Megan and her father did so much to raise funds for, candles have been placed in the shape of the letter ‘M’ along with flowers and other ‘Bid’ memorabilia.

  • Your town needs you for a Spring clean

    PREPARE to roll up your sleeves, dig out your community spirit, get a few friends and neighbours together and help smarten up the town, on Thame Tidy Day, on April 19.

    Members of Cornerstone Church help with 'Tidy Thame' last year 2014
    Members of Cornerstone Church help with ‘Tidy Thame’ last year 2014

    Two Thame businesses has stepped up to the plate and have offered to sponsor ‘Thame Tidy Day 2015’. Unicarriers UK Ltd, in Jane Morbey Road, Thame, will be providing two skips where those involved in the big clean up, can deposit the litter and other rubbish they clear up on the day. Thame Tidy Day Co-ordinator, Sue Martin Downhill, therefore needs everyone taking part, whether you are a local organisation like Youth organisations, residents association, church groups, schools, or just a willing individual, to contact her and tell her where they will be working on the day, so she can work out the best places to site the two skips.

    ASM Auto Recycling, in Rycote Lane, Thame, will once again be providing two men and a van to go round and collect bags of rubbish, and Andy Ford and some of his colleagues from Thame Fire Station will be picking up large objects that have been dumped. Nick Shott has volunteered to organise a clean up of the Chiltern Vale, Thame Leisure Centre, Cuttlebrook and the Phoenix Trail areas at that end of town.

    Christine Dyroff will be co-ordinating a clean up of the old Long Crendon bridge and would welcome a few more volunteers with spades or shovels to help. Lea Park Residents Association are already organising for their part in Thame Tidy Day and would welcome more volunteers to help on the day.

    CONTACT: sue@racquets-fitness-centre.com to register your interest in helping, and follow Thame Tidy Day 2015,  on Facebook

  • Appeal for witnesses after burglaries in Towersey

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information after several break-ins to outbuildings at properties in Towersey, near Thame, on Friday (27/2). Officers think it’s likely these incidents are linked due to the time-frame and their close proximity.

    Image for illustrative purposes only
    Image for illustrative purposes only

    Between 7.30pm and midnight, outbuildings at an address in Towersey Manor Road, Towersey were entered by offenders. Padlocks were cut to gain entry to the buildings, and the premises searched. A chainsaw, a long-handled hedgecutter, a short-handled hedgetrimmer, and a strimmer; all made by Stihl, were stolen in the incident.

    Between 7pm on Friday (27/2) and 7am on Saturday (28/2), a garage at a property on Manor Road, Towersey, was entered by offenders. A combination lock was taken during the incident.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsBetween 5pm on Saturday (27/2) and 7am on Saturday (28/2), offenders gained entry to a shed on a property in Lower Green, Towersey, by forcing the door. Nothing was stolen in the incident.

    Anyone with information about these incidents should contact PC Andrew Whitaker (7872) via the 24-hour enquiry line 101.

    If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.