Category: Thame news

Young Ollie is beaten but not squashed!

LITTLE Ollie Coulcher-Porter from Thame, continued to make his intentions clear on the squash world last weekend (27-28/9).
Ollie is just eight years-old but he is aiming high! Building on his E grade win at the Racquets Open Graded Squash Tournament the previous weekend, Ollie entered the Under 11s Oxfordshire County, Closed Tournament held at Abingdon Squash Club.

Rising Squash start, 8 year-old Ollie Coulcher-Porter, from Thame

Oliver’s first match of three games was against Rory Richmond who is Number 22 in the Great Britain rankings under 11.

Oliver started off well and at one stage was leading but his opponent’s excellent serve and experience helped him to win eventually in straight games.

After a period of dejection between matches, Oliver harnessed his determination to win his next two matches in straight games, dropping only a few points on the way. This combination of results placed him into the Under 11s semi-finals.

Oliver drew the Great Britain ranked number 11 in the semi-final, where he managed to gain a meaningful number of points from this opponent and’ kept a stiff upper lip’ throughout. His opponent, Luke Perkins, ultimately won the tournament.

Oliver went through to play the 3/4th play-off which was an exciting match between him and Oxford’s Number One, Under Nine, Felix Loeffen. The match went to five sets. It was neck and neck and had a crowd of people watching intrigued by this match between the two youngest members of the whole tournament. Felix edged the match 3-2.

Oliver’s mum, Jane, said: “We are so proud of Ollie who is extremely keen and highly competitive, and to come fourth in his first tournament outside of Racquets is an indication of the work that he has put in for the past year.”

Both boys’ coaches have promised that these two will meet again regularly to have friendly ,competitive matches in order to create a friendly rivalry that will hopefully last for many, many years.

Squash Coach at Raquets, Thame, Sue Downhill Martin, said: “Ollie’s performance, along with Ben Hedger (Under 17 champion) and Nick Harbour (Under 15 champion), is testament to the junior coaching available at Racquets Fitness Centre where juniors can learn the game on four days of the week in public groups, and private coaching which can work around school commitments.

01/10/2014
Uproar in the Chamber before council rejects Elms plans

AFTER a heated debate and noisy contributions from the public gallery, Thame Town Council voted unanimously at a meeting last night (30/09) to recommend Refusal of a planning application for 45 homes at The Elms, and for a plan to make changes to Elms Park itself.

Speaking on behalf of the Elms Petition Group who want the site removed from the Thame Neighbourhood Plan altogether, Tom Marianczak, referring to, what he called, the council’s “orchestrated refusal” the previous week to remove The Elms from the Thame Neighbourhood Plan, agreed with the council’s objections, and accused the Developers of ‘pushing the boundaries’ in their plans to build 45 homes on the site.

He emphasised that the streets around the proposed development, Nelson Street and Southern Road particularly, would be unable to cope with the increased traffic. Mr Marianczal described the plans for the Elms Park itself as ‘deplorable’ and said that there had been no proper public consultation adding: “The people of Thame have not said that that they either need or require any changes to the park.”

He told councillors: “It is your duty as our elected representatives, to act against this development. We the Petition group, will continue to campaign for the site to be removed from the Neighbourhood Plan.” At this point the packed audience clapped loudly and the Mayor of Thame in Chair, Jeannette Matelot Green, had to bang her gavel twice to restore order.

No councillors opted to ask Mr Marianczak any questions following his presentation. The Mayor then revealed that a letter had been received from Barton Willmore, the Developers’ agent, stating that further discussions had taken place recently, and indicating that changes were being made to the plans to address the town council’s concerns. (These can be found in the report here: http://www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/images/6___Report_-_Land_at_The_Elms.pdf)

Cllr David Dodds, former Mayor of Thame, ‘regrets’ the inclusion of the The Elms in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan

Cllr David Dodds remarked on the ‘immense amount of documentation’ sent out to councillors in respect of The Elms, and declared: ” I still feel that I am not in a position to support the situation at The Elms. I am totally against it.” Again, the public gallery errupted into a hearty clap and some cheers.

Cllr Peter Lambert said: “This has been our only opportunity to speak. We have had no chance to defend ourselves. We have been baraged by email and some of us referred to as ‘traitors’. We did listen to the majority of the people of Thame when we held the referendum. There are always going to be pockets of people in Thame objecting to building behind their homes.”

Cllr Nicola Dixon said: “At the meeting on November 8, 2012, it was said that there would be around 10 units for seniors; something small and sustainable, something with very little impact. Since then it has turned into something totally unacceptable – a blight!”

Much discussion took place around traffic generation in the roads around the proposed site, Cllr Mike Welply describing the current situation as ‘a nightmare’ to which the public gallery applauded. Several councillors said that this aspect should be included in the council’s objections to the plan. Cllr David Dodds pointed out that the town council had previously objected to other planning applications in the vicinity on the grounds that increased traffic generation would have an adverse effect on people living in that part of the town.

The Town Clerk, Helen Stewart, gave an assurance that all comments from councillors, petitioners etc would be forwarded to Tibbalds, the council’s Consultants, before any future discussions with the developer or meetings about the proposed development took place. She also pointed out that although traffic and transport would be a consideration, any objections could be overridden by either Oxfordshire County Council or South Oxfordshire County Council.

“But we will press as hard as we can on transport issues,” she concluded.

The council voted unanimously to recommend rejection of the planning application for land at The Elms, based on the objections in the report referred to above. It also voted to object to the plans for changes to Elms Park (See detailed objections the report Appendix 1)

After the meeting, Cllr David Dodds clarified his position. He told Thamenews.Net: “I was unable to take part in the process of the Neighbourhood Plan because of family connections with the owners of Site C. My feeling now is that it is very regrettable that we have included The Elms in the Neighbourhood Plan. It’s there, so we have to accept that. I also regret that the council affirmed the plan in the Neighbourhood Plan at the last meeting (see LINK https://www.thame.net/archives/16866). But quite frankly I don’t think there is a ‘hope in hell’ of changing that.

“The position we find ourselves in is quite unique. My feeling is that now it’s (The Elms) is in the plan (the TNP) and has been affirmed by the town council, they have to make sure that the impact on the town is the least we can get. Let’s hope that the developers can meet the town half-way.”

01/10/2014
Lack of ‘goal mouth action’ for Thame Utd

IN a game that lacked significant goal mouth action and where, for the majority of the match, both teams cancelled each other out, Binfield claimed all three points to maintain their good form on Tuesday (30/09).

Marcus Mealing, who scored Thame’s only goal against Binfield on Tuesday

Despite the score line of Thame United 1 Binfield 3 , it was United who made the better start with Marcus Mealing causing the home defence problems and, on a couple of occasions he was unable to get his shot away whilst, on others, he was seemingly fouled but for which no offence was given.

The turning point of the match came on 20 minutes when a cross from the Binfield right was headed goal-wards but hit the arm of Ellis Hercules who, at the time, was little more than a yard from the Binfield player. To the surprise of the majority of the crowd, but perhaps consistent with a poor first half for the match referee, a penalty was awarded that Callum Whitty placed wide of Cockerill.

The remainder of the first half was contained mainly in the central third of the field, but five minutes in to the second half, Binfield extended their lead. United lost the ball in midfield, with Seb Bowerman finding Aaron Rowland on the edge of the box whose neat turn was followed by a fine curling finish beyond Cockerill. United looked to get back in to the games and a Dan Jones free kick was saved on 60 minutes before, in the 68th minute, a Dan West header from a Jones cross was well saved.

Binfield scored their third on 77 minutes when the ball was again lost in midfield and played through to Adam Dickens who beat Cockerill. Despite the score line, United continued to press and substitute, Jon Coverley, went close with a header in the 80th minute. Eventually the persistence paid off and, in the 88th minute, a Mealing header from a Jones corner was adjudged to have crossed the line. In the end though, it was too little too late and Binfield left with the three points.

United: Cockerill, Evans, Jones, Hercules, Hall, Lynch, Gledhill (Connelly), Morris, Mealing, West, Hazell (Coverley).

UHLSPORT HELLENIC LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

01/10/2014
Free security marking for farm equipment

Image courtesy of http://tvp100daysofaction.blogspot.co.uk/

THE South Oxon and Vale Neighbourhood Policing Teams are offering visits to farms and rural businesses in the area to visibly property mark farm equipment/machinery and tools using a “CRE MARK” pen.

“CRE MARK” is a paint pen which is sealed with lacquer to provide an overt visible deterrent to thieves.

The process is quick and easy and is being offered FREE OF CHARGE.

To book an appointment for your local Police Community Support Officer to visit and mark your equipment, please call the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101 and ask to speak to a member of the Thame Neighbourhood Policing Team, thank you.

For crime prevention and security advice, please visit the Thames Valley Police website by clicking on the following link:

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crime-prevention.htm

30/09/2014
Appeal for witnesses after exposure on M40

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a man exposed himself while driving southbound between Junction 9 and 8a on the M40 motorway.

Thames Valley Police Alert

At 8.20am on September 23, a 24-year-old woman was driving southbound, when a man driving a white van started mouthing words at her.

He then exposed himself and the victim could see him touching himself while he drove in the lane next to her. He then pulled in front of the victim’s car and indicated to exit the motorway at junction 8a, however he did not exit and stayed on the motorway.

The offender is white with a pale complexion, approximately 5ft 10ins, aged between 20 and 25-years-old, with blond spiked hair. He drove a white Iveco Daily panel van registration plate CV55 CFN.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident or if anyone has witnessed similar incidents in the area please contact PC Stuart Talbot from Henley police station via the non emergency 101 enquiry centre.

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.

30/09/2014
Chinnor lose to ‘busy’ Worthing

CHINNOR RFC came off second best to Worthing Raiders on Saturday (27/09), going down 21-26.

Most of the first half belonged to Worthing and their busy, all action game. The first try went to Worthing’s Redmayne, bursting free from a rolling maul from 20 metres out. McLean’s conversion gave the visitors a 7-0 lead on 17 minutes. Lively scrum half, Waters, added Worthing’s next, running in unopposed around the end of a line out, again from 20 metres out. McLean converted to put Worthing 14-0 ahead. Just on the stroke of half time Haile, for Chinnor, scored the first of his hat trick. Boughton’s conversion put the half time score at 14-7 to the visitors from Sussex.

Chinnor began the second half well with a delightful try from Haile on 42 minutes. Receiving the ball just in front of his own 22, he charged down the field, chipped the oncoming defence and collected the ball on first bounce to sprint unopposed to the posts. He repeated the dose 10 minutes later in less spectacular style, skinning the outside cover. Boughton’s two conversions put the match at 21-14 to Chinnor on 55 minutes. A few minutes later Piper, for Worthing, escaped down the tramlines at great pace for a well deserved try. McLean’s conversion tied the match at 21-21 with 60 minutes played. Chinnor upped the pressure but Worthing’s Holland, from a line out catch and drive, put Worthing ahead 26-21.

Chinnor then spent the last 10 minutes camped in the Worthing 22 looking for a score. Despite a multitude of penalties awarded, they couldn’t find a way through. With four consecutive penalties at a scrum, five metres out in the last two minutes, including a Worthing yellow card, everyone waited for the inevitable penalty try, except the ref and the match finished at 26-21 to Worthing.

Teams

Chinnor: Ed Keohane, Jack Hayes, Martin Nutt (c), Junior Fatialofa, Reuben Haile, Frank Jones, Reece Boughton, Joe Winpenny, Jamie Townsend, Joe Pickett, Josh Kroman, Dave McKee, Ben Manning, Nick Harrison, Jake Parker.

Interchanges: John Lavin, Ian Stock, Alex Waddingham, Andrew Tibbatts, Robbie Martey

Worthing: Harry Forrest , Finlay Coxon-Smith, Kieran Leeming, Ben Dudley, Alex Nielsen, Jack Metters, Calum Waters, Ryan Storer, Charlie Piper, Dan Sargent, Stan South, Jamie Redmayne, Rob Smith (c), Jon Whittall, Liam Perkins.

Interchanges: Sam Hewick, Louis Bartlett, Chris Sewell. Joe Heaver, Craig Holland

Scorers:

Chinnor

Tries (time): Haile (39, 42, 54)

Conversions (time): Boughton (39, 43, 55)

Penalty Goals (time):

Drop goals (time):

Worthing

Tries (time): Redmayne (16), Waters (29), Piper (58), Holland (69)

Conversions: (time) : McLean (17, 30, 59)

Penalty Goals (time):

Drop goals (time):

Referee: Graham Dickens

Attendance: 169

Half time score: 7-14

Full time score: 21-26

Star man: Reuben Haile

29/09/2014
Don’t let Thame get too big!

DEAR Editor, From what I saw of it the Food Festival was a huge success as a family day out, blessed by the sunny weather and teeming with people of all generations, relaxing, happy. This town looked at its best in the sun. I think the visitors must have come in their thousands – and what fun it was to see the jolly red Routemaster bus used for Park and Ride. No doubt that the disruption to local routine, parking restrictions and road diversions, were worth experiencing for a day.

I do wonder though whether the town planners might take note of the effect on the settled community of occasions like this, when considering future permanent increases in the numbers of residents of Thame. Waitrose car park on Saturday afternoon was under huge pressure when I visited it about 4pm on Saturday (September 27), with a queue to drive in to it waiting for a stream of cars to come out. And no room for anyone stuck in the incoming queue to turn and give up the attempt.

In the car park I saw one example of an apparent complete lack of consideration by one driver who had parked sideways on by the disabled bays, obstructing any exit of three cars in the bays, while a full trolley was unloaded to the boot –perhaps the driver was disabled; I don’t know. Meanwhile other cars inched past it amidst a throng of people on foot moving in all directions. Anyone parked further down from those three vehicles in the disabled bays had virtually no sight of what was trying to pass the obstructing car.

Someone could have been hurt. While all this was going on I heard one or a two tentative beeps on car horns, though they may have come from some other place in the car park. That was all. Patience reigned.

The give-and-take and good manners of people in this town were put to the test. In some other places there would have been a nasty confrontation, maybe several, as people struggled with such conditions.

So, town planners, if you want Thame to keep its character and charm and attraction for visitors, don’t let it get too big.

Norman Brand
Thame

29/09/2014
Delicious day out at Thame Food festival ends with a marriage proposal

THERE was a very special reason to celebrate at one of the huge variety of stalls at Thame Food Festival on Saturday (27/09), when Long Crendon’s Bucksum Veg company proprietor, David Newman, proposed to his partner, Tracy Russell, and she said ‘yes!’

David Newman (Left) hands Tracy Russell the engagement ring, after she said ‘Yes’ to his marriage proposal at Thame Food Festival. Centre is Tom Kerridge chef & owner of 2 Michelin Stars,The Hand & Flowers in Marlow

Fittingly, the couple met at The Thame Food Festival four years ago, with David choosing this year’s festival as the perfect time to pop the question. David said: “It had to be today as it was a very special occasion; we’re food lovers and we love it here in Thame.”

From early morning, the streets of Thame were teeming with a record number of visitors when the town hosted its seventh annual food festival. More than 25,000 foodies traveled from far and wide to enjoy one of Oxfordshire’s finest food sensations, enjoying delicious produce, inspiring cookery demos and a great day out.

Celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc OBE, Adam Simmonds, Sophie Grigson and the winners of BBC Two’s the Great British Bake Off, Edd Kimber and John Whaite, thrilled visitors on the demo stage sponsored by AGA, whilst Tom Kerridge and many others made an appearance on the interview stage with festival patron, TV chef and writer Lotte Duncan and BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce putting them through their paces. Visitors got the latest cookery books signed by the authors at the pop-up book shop run by Thame’s independent book shop, The Book House.

Food fans joined the workshops trying their hands at sausage-making, bread shaping, wine tasting and fresh pasta making and afterwards were able to nurse a pint of local real ale at one of the friendly watering-holes in town including The James Figg pop-up pub, or the Six Bells’ stall in the High Street. Many visitors entered a competition to win a day as a brewer with the Vale Brewery and the Aylesbury Brewhouse Company, and to complete a feed-back form in the programme with a chance to win A ‘Magimax’.

To make way for the festival the entire town centre was closed off for the day and visitors rode to and from Thame on one of four, traditional London Routemaster, double decker buses, returning laden with purchases and smiles on their faces after a tasty and enjoyable day out.

“What an amazing day – Thame Food Festival just gets bigger and better every year!” said festival patron, Lotte Duncan. “Record crowds, wonderful weather and staggering support from everyone who took part meant a fantastic day for Thame and for the fantastic local and artisan produce the event showcases. We have so many great producers on our doorstep who are passionate about what they do, and we were thrilled to see so many of them out in force at the festival. We are also truly blessed with the support we have from celebrity chefs who give their time for free to bring a day celebrating local food into the market town of Thame.

“We couldn’t do it without them, nor without the support of our generous sponsors Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, AGA, Rectory Homes, Wellers, South Oxfordshire District Council, The Thatch and Belazu, and we’d like to say a big thank you to all of them,” she added.

As well as fantastic feedback from visitors from the day, stall holders reported brisk trading with many down to their last bottle, loaf or slice of cake by the end of the festival.

MORE Food Festival pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thamenews/ and a link to the video of the event here: http://scissorpaperstone.dot5hosting.com/ttv/2014/10/thamefoodfest/

29/09/2014
Disaster equipment on display at Thame show

A joint team from the Rotary Clubs of Thame and Thames Valley Rotary District (1090) displayed a ShelterBox tent at the Thame Show on September 18.

Members of the public had the opportunity to find out more about what Rotary International is, and especially how Rotary and ShelterBox work together in disaster relief operations. An Aquafilter – courtesy of the Rotary Club of Banbury – was also on display and there were live demonstrations of this disaster relief tool.

Raffle tickets were sold at the stand and just under £200 were raised towards Thame Rotary charities. The top prize was a hamper of gourmet foods and wines.

Visitors had the opportunity to find out about the main events organised by the Rotary Club of Thame later in 2014, including the Thame Swimathon in October and the Thame Art Show in December.

Marius Ciortan, Thame Rotary Club spokesman, said: “The next four weeks will be very busy for our Rotary Club. We are for Communities! We will participate with a stall at the Thame Food Festival on Saturday, September 27 and the public will be able to find out how to join our fun and fundraising event, the Thame Swimathon, taking place on Sunday, October 12.”

Marius added: “Teams like Thame Councillors, Mad Actors, Thame Babies, Booker Tate, Barley Hill School and many others will participate. We only have a few slots available, so be sure to be quick and submit your team’s entry form.”

He concluded: “At the same time we are looking for women and men willing to dedicate their spare time to supporting our community in Thame and the surrounding villages, and become members of our vibrant club.”

To find out more about the the Rotary Club of Thame, visit www.thame.rotaryweb.org or follow us on www.facebook.com/thamerotary

26/09/2014
Explore ‘The Armed Man’ before the performance

LORD Williams’s Festival Chorus will be holding a Choral Workshop for anyone interested in exploring the internationally acclaimed piece The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins this Saturday, 27th September.

Image courtesy of WOW.247.co.uk

“Starting at 9.30am, the all- day workshop at Long Crendon Baptist Church will be a wonderful opportunity for any singers, regardless of experience, looking to enjoy participating in this extraordinary piece,” said John Gibbons, LWFC’s Musical Director.

“In the past, these workshops have proved hugely popular for our members and for anyone else wanting to learn more on the day.

“Dedicated to victims of conflict, The Armed Man shows the descent into war, the destruction it brings, and ends with a hope for peace. In this, the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WW1, anyone either joining us on Saturday or coming to watch the performance in November, will not fail to be moved and to still feel its pertinence in the 21st Century.”

The workshop takes place ahead of the choir’s main performance of the Armed Man on Saturday, November 8, at The Thame Leisure Centre. Anyone interested can go along, register at 9.30am and join the singers for coffee ahead of the main rehearsal at 10.30am. Cakes will be provided but singers are encouraged to bring along their lunch.

Entry Fee is £10 and Score Hire £2. The session ends at 4pm. For more information please contact Mrs S Claridge, tel: 01844 208629 or claridge31@tiscali.co.uk

26/09/2014