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Category: Thame news

  • Chinnor rugby boy is star turn for Wasps

    ONE lucky Chinnor Rugby Mini Player had a great day courtesy of London Wasps recently.

    Will Greenfield running the ball at Wasps' game against Newcastle Falcons
    Will Greenfield running the ball at Wasps’ game against Newcastle Falcons

    Ten year-old Will Greenfield, from The Meadles near Aylesbury, won a competition held for all the Thame-based, Chinnor Rugby Club’s Mini’s players who registered on the club open day, to become the ‘ball runner’ for the Wasps game against Newcastle Falcons on September 28.

    Will got to warm-up on the Adams Park Stadium pitch and have his photograph taken with the Wasps’ captain, James Haskell, and mascot Sting before running out with the match ball prior to the start of the game.

    Will, who plays for Chinnor’s U11s, said: “The day was really good but a bit scary. I think we gave them a lucky ball because they won!”

    The final score was Wasps 35 – 18 Newcastle Falcons.

    Chinnor Minis, based in Thame, are always on the lookout for new players aged 6-12 years-old, and train at 10am on Sundays. For more information email minichairman@chinnor-rfc.com or visithttp://www.chinnor-rfc.com/

  • Search is on for Good Neighbour Scheme volunteers

    AS the launch of Thame’s Good Neighbour Scheme draws closer, the search is on for volunteers to help improve life for people in the local area and join the scheme.

    Image courtesy of Sourcewire.com
    Image courtesy of Sourcewire.com

    Anyone considering becoming a volunteer is invited to go along to an informal meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday, October 15, at Thame Town Hall, to meet other volunteers and exchange ideas on how to work together to help those in need.

    The sorts of people who may need the support of GNS volunteers might be older people, people with disabilities, single parents, young mothers, those temporarily in need through illness or anyone who may be isolated in the community. Help could include occasional transport, prescription collection, dog walking, and even little jobs like changing a light bulb.

  • October sees Thame’s Netball girls ‘on a roll’

    (1) Tornadoes v Phoenix 1st October 2014 ADNL Div 3 – IT was a tense start to the game with both teams gunning for a win. It was neck and neck for the first four goals but Thame swiftly took the lead thanks to some superb long range shots from Heather and Hayley leaving it 9 – 2 after the first quarter.

    Action shot Collage (400x400)It was a scrappy affair in the second quarter with both teams making mistakes allowing phoenix to slowly claw back some goals. Phoenix defence was strong, frustrating Thame’s attacking play and making passing practically impossible ending the quarter in a low score of 13-8.

    In the third quarter Phoenix continued to press hard but soon got tired and with some outstanding interceptions from Susie Thame were able to increase the lead to 22 – 10.

    By the fourth quarter the perspiration levels were at their peak notably at the knees, arms and top lip. Despite this we maintained a strong lead with sound defending from Sheena and Kirsty keeping the score line low. Our third match of the season ended with a a winning score line of 29 – 16.

    (2) Thame Hurricanes v Wingrave Comets –  1st October

    A much depleted Hurricanes team faced a solid Wingrave side, which historically, has been an extremely close fought battle. The first quarter started cautiously but Thame managed to snatch the opening goal. Amy Scullard (playing up from Cyclones) was a strong influence on the centre court, finding plenty of space and enabling smooth movement up the court. Lucy and Carol passed swiftly to Helen in the shooting circle and Thame edged ahead. Although Wingrave were not far behind and Thame found themselves behind at the first quarter whistle.

    The second quarter was a much stronger one for Thame with a switch in positions for Lyn and Sue and some fabulous defensive work by Lynn P and Sue in the centre third. There were also some marvellous long pass interceptions by Lyn in the circle. Thame were down by two goals at the half time whistle..

    The second half of the game saw a steady rise in the goals for Hurricanes and slowly but surely they crept further ahead of a frustrated Wingrave. Hurricanes defence from the Centre pass was working well and Thame achieved some much deserved turnovers. Helen played some crafty over the post passes to Carol and their shooting was awesome. A few stray passes crept into the tiring Thame side but they held their own and finished a healthy 34-27.

    It was a much more determined performance this week with calm, positive play. A very welcome first win of the season.
    Team: Helen T, Carol S, Lucy S, Amy S, Lynn P, Lyn H, Sue F, Ellie D.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • An Audience with Nigel Farage

    ON the day that the  UK Independence Party has won its first seat in the UK House of Commons, Thame Players Theatre has today revealed that the party’s leader, Nigel Farage, will be coming to the town to present his own story, in An Audience with Nigel Farage at the Players Theatre in Nelson Street, Thame, on Sunday, November 2.

    Nigel Farage
    Nigel Farage

    The show has been described as “sometimes hilarious and often terrifying encounters with a stellar supporting cast, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Robert Kilroy-Silk, told with Farage’s customary wit.”

    Tickets are £18 each, and are going fast – including apparently a block of 20 already sold to a, so far unnamed, Thame Town Councillor.

    Visit: http://thameplayers.co.uk/an-audience-with-nigel-farage/ for more information.

  • ‘Think before you dial 999 during ambulance strike’

    SOUTH Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s (SCAS) unions, Unison, Unite and GMB are to strike for four hours on Monday, October 13, between 7am – 11am.

    ambulance (400x226)A spokesperson for SCAS said: “We recognise the right of our employees to strike but we need to maintain an essential service to the public, and in light of this action we are working closely with all our staff, partners and the public to help us reduce demand on our services. This will help us to continue to protect our patients and achieve an adequate and safe level of 999, 111 and PTS cover.

    “Contingency plans are being put in place to mitigate any adverse effects of the strike action and ensure the safety of our patients. We are working closely with our unions to
    deliver patient care that is not compromised across our emergency and non-emergency services. We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and take appropriate action.

    “We would like to remind the public to use our services appropriately and only call 999 if absolutely essential. If you are suffering an injury or illness which is non-life threatening, there are other avenues of care available to you, you could:

     Visit your local pharmacy
     Contact your GP or out of hours GP
     NHS111
     Walk in centres and Minor Injuries Units
     Access NHS Choices online to check your symptoms and find your nearest service.

    Watch ‘999 South Central’ at http://www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk/campaigns/wearealifeline.ashx think before you dial, Misuse Costs Lives.

  • Moped stolen from Thame property

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a theft of vehicle in Thame.

    Thames Valley Police Alert
    Thames Valley Police Alert

    Between 8.30am and 5.20pm Thursday (09/10) offender(s) stole a moped from the front of a property in Grenville Way, Thame.

    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 on 101.

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

  • Appeal for witnesses to attempt to endanger safety of an aircraft

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an attempt to endanger the safety of an aircraft flying over the Chinnor area.

    Image Courtesy of Federal Aviation Administration - for illustrative purposes only
    Image Courtesy of Federal Aviation Administration – for illustrative purposes only

    Just after 10.30pm on Monday (6/10) someone shone a continuous green light from a point in Henton, Oxfordshire at a Boeing 747 flying at 15,000ft.

    Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable George Atkinson via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

    If you don’t want to speak directly to the police,n 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.

    Join here on www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/ (opens new window) to receive local crime and safety messages.

    WHY is shining even a thin laser type pen light into the sky dangerous?  http://www.laserpointersafety.com/laser-hazards_aircraft/laser-hazards_aircraft.html

  • Under 15s squash champ inspires others

    RACQUETS Fitness Centre in Thame, has a habit of producing young, quality squash players and coaches and one of their younger proteges, Nick Harbour, the new, Under 15s Oxfordshire Junior Closed squash champion, is helping pass on his experience and skills to younger players.  

    15 year-old Nick Harbour
    15 year-old Nick Harbour

    Nick,  who won the event on  September 27/28,  at Abingdon Squash Club winning above 14 other boys from our county,  helps Coaches, Roger Ridler and Sue Martin-Downhill on Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays to teach the younger children of Thame and surrounding villages. Sue said: “Nick’s passion for the game is evident every time he is seen on court,  especially when practicing on his own.

    “With the help of Nick we have plenty of new keen players who are learning the craft of squash ready to join the tournament trail in the hope of one day following in the Englishman Nick Matthews footsteps of becoming World Champion. Ollie Coulcher-Porter is just one of these who made great progress in the County Championships Under 11s this year.”

    Nick, along with Ben Hedger who won the Under 17s age group, plays for the adult men’s teams at Racquets Fitness Centre, playing in the Oxfordshire Inter-club leagues and plays  for the Oxfordshire county in the Inter-county junior championships.

    Simon Martin, one of Nick’s coaches, added: “‘Nick is a very natural squash player who stays very calm when playing competitively but is a determined competitor. It is fantastic that he is happy to help the other children learn the game and that he is giving back to the sport so early in his career.”

    Racquets has plenty of opportunities for adults and children alike to begin playing the game,  including half term squash camps during the October half term.

  • Validity of Neighbourhood Plan questioned

    Dear Editor, The (Town) Council says that a reason is required to justify making any change to the Town (Ed. Neighbourhood) Plan but several reasons already exist.

    To start with, there is a conflict in the adopted plan, which gives an undertaking to protect existing open space, but then allocates housing development to Elms Field, an existing open space within the conservation area.

    Then also the validity of the adopted plan is in doubt since it was passed to referendum by Councillors who were give three pieces of incorrect information before they were invited to vote the plan through. This false information is a matter of record, via the minutes of the Council meeting held on the November 20, 2012. The only question is who made the incorrect statements recorded in those minutes?

    Also, in the final circular by the plan’s working group to all residents, there was an absence of essential information on where the Plan proposed housing was to go. Location was , after all, the main purpose of the plan in the first place. The same circular instructed residents to vote “Yes” and said that that there was no point in voting “No” because we were going to get 775 houses anyway. The number was not the issue. Where to build was the issue so people were misdirected.

    Finally, In the final Neighbourhood Plan, the Regulation 14 statement includes a list of the statutory Consultees but absolutely no details of any responses gained from them. This is in direct contradiction to the guidelines set out to create a neighbourhood plan.

    Constituents might be reminded that Cllr Dyer, who lead the working group which produced the Plan, continues to repeat his mantra to the effect that, had Elms Field not been allocated housing in the plan, it could have come forward as a windfall site. Cllr. Dyer and his cohorts refuse to see the obvious nonsense of this. The fact is that, being in the plan severely restricts the SODC Planning Authority to examine the site for suitability; which is the normal first step on any planning application. They cannot refuse development on the site, only deal with matters of scale, design and possibly numbers.

    On the other hand , if The Elms was to come up as a windfall site,  SODC Planning’s powers are restored and they can find against development on the basis of the sites unsuitability, as an important open space within the conservation area.

    It is a fact also that there is plenty of room on the other designated sites and the Council has already decided where these 45 houses can go, if they are taken off Elms Field.

    Why does the town council refuse to act on a matter where a substantial number of residents have clearly expressed an opinion against development on Elms field to their Councillors, who are supposed to be acting on behalf of their constituents?

    Peter Webb
    Upper High Street
    THAME

  • M40 crash appeal after ‘road rage’

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision on the M40 motorway in Oxfordshire, on Friday.

    police-large (400x267)At 10.20pm on Friday (3/10), a woman aged in her twenties, was driving a silver Vauxhall Astra near junction 7 seven of the northbound carriageway, when she was involved in a collision following a road rage incident.

    The Vauxhall Astra left the carriageway and the woman sustained minor injuries. She was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital and was released the following day.

    The other vehicle involved in the collision, a blue Nissan Micra, failed to stop following the incident. The driver has been traced by police however officers are keen to speak to another motorist who was overtaken by both vehicles immediately prior to the incident. No further details of this motorist or the vehicle are currently available.

    Investigating officer PC Andrew Mott, from the Joint Operaitons Unit for Roads Policing, said: “I would like to speak to a motorist who was overtaken by a blue Nissan Micra and a silver Vauxhall Astra at this time on Friday. I am keen to trace this driver as they may have information which would assist the investigation.

    “If you believe this may be you, please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.”

    If you don’t want to speak directly to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers (opens new window) anonymously on 0800 555 111 No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.