THE Rotary Club of Thamec’s stall at the Thame Food Festival last Saturday (27/09), attracted much interest in the group’s activities and raised some very useful funds for local charities too!
The Mayor of Thame, Jeannette Matelot Green, with members of Thame Rotary at their stall at the Thame Food Festival
A raffle for some great prizes, including hampers of fine foods and wines donated by Waitrose and The Co-Operative store in Thame, was manned by Thame Rotarians and members of Thame’s Inner Wheel, and raised just under £500. The money will be shared between Thame-based Sharing Life Trust’s Foodbank and Thame Rotary’s own local charities of 2014-2015: Thame Skate Park Project,TCC2 and SAFARI.
The public had the chance to find out about the main events organised by the Rotary Club such as the Thame Swimathon on Sunday, October 12, and the Thame Art Show between December 5 and 7.
Marius Ciortan, spokesman for the Thame Rotary Club said: “The raffle prizes were the main attractions at our stall, but not the only ones. We also had a great interest in the Thame Swimathon when teams representing Thame Town Council, Barley Hill School, Thame Players, the Thame CAB and many others will swim at the event and raise money for charity. From this year the teams have got the option to request the Rotary Club of Thame to donate half of the money raised towards their local charity of their choice.”
The Thame Food Festival was also an opportunity for the Rotary Club to launch another project which involves collecting any unused foreign currency – notes and coins. The profits from selling the collected foreign currency are to be donated to Rotary’s charities.
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.
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.”
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.
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
UPDATE: THE town council has today announced that: “Having considered the contents of the report and further assessed the recommendation to issue a “ holding objection”, at the meeting on September 30, the recommendation will be amended to ‘Objection’ without the word ‘holding’. The council has also pointed out that in this particular case, its Planning Consultant, Jake Collinge, has had nothing to do with the ‘Application Assessment’ referred to below, but was authored by Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design.
TWO planning applications that have attracted considerable objection in the town, are to be considered by Thame Town Council to decide whether or not to recommend ‘holding objections’. One is a plan to build 45 houses on land at The Elms, off Upper High Street, Thame, and the other for alterations to Elms Park itself, next door.
Meadow land at ‘The Elms’ where a development of 45 new homes are proposed
The Town Clerk, Helen Stewart, told Thame.Net: “The Town Council has concerns in relation to the original plans. However, subject to addressing these, the Town Council may be in a position to support it through amended plans.”
The main concerns are summed up in the conclusion of an ‘Application Assessment’ report , which will be discussed at the meeting on Tuesday (30/09). It states that the assessment has:
“.. identified that harm/ loss will be caused to the significance of The Elms as a listed building, in particular through the loss of openness and the loss of a mature parkland tree on the application site. There is also a loss of openness to Elms Park, which will potentially cause harm/ loss of significance to the conservation area.
“The development proposals include a number of potential public benefits for Thame, such as the public open space, new footpath/ cycleway linkages and an open space link between Elms Park and the new public open space for but at present the design of the scheme would not successfully realise these benefits.
“The development proposals also fail to take opportunities to enhance the appreciation of The Elms as a listed building in its setting, in particular in relation to possible views that could be created for users of the new links.
“At present the harm/ loss caused by the development proposals is not outweighed by public benefits.
“The development proposals also fail to comply with policy in a number of other respects, most notably in terms of affordable housing.”
The report on the second application, for changes and additions to Elms Park itself, states: “The application does not currently demonstrate how improvements to Elms Park might potentially mitigate some of the impacts of the proposed development at The Elms. “
The agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, with links to the relevant reports, can be read here: LINK Catch up with all the back stories on this topic here: LINK
A young Thame resident, who is recovering from cancer, has recently taken part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
Liam Earwicker at the helm
Liam Earwicker, 14, along with 25 other young people between the ages of 8 -18, also in recovery from cancer, joined the crew of one of five yachts to set sail around the Solent in August, on a four-day yacht adventure.
For Liam, who finished treatment in December 2013 for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the John Radcliffe Hopsital, this was his first time sailing with the Trust. Having sailed once before, Liam knew he was in for a good time and was excited for the upcoming trip: “I expected that it was going to be a fun trip and a completely different experience to my last time in a boat, ” he said.
Sailing onboard 42- 48 foot cruising yachts, the trips provided a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking.
Liam explained: “I had a super time relaxing and exploring in the boat. I can definitely take away some good skills from this trip.”
Leaving their south coast HQ in East Cowes Marina, Isle of Wight, the trip navigated the waters of the Solent, taking them to various stopovers including Yarmouth Harbour and the picturesque bay of Newtown Creek for a BBQ before putting their new skills to the test cruising back into Cowes.
Launched in 2003, the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. Liam explained the impact the trip had on him: “You’ve just got to be yourself on trips like these; it was all very easy for me because you know what your friends are going through.”
Dame Ellen, who tries to spend at least one day with every four-day trip over the summer, said: “The mental and social fall-out from cancer can be just as devastating as the physical illness. Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together.”
The trust is now in its 11th year, and has grown into a national charity working with every young person’s Principal Treatment Centre, and a growing number of Designated Units in the UK. Sailing trips are provided completely free of charge to the young people. The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust receives no funding from the Government or the NHS, so is reliant on donations.
To donate and help the trust to continue to provide support and encouragement to young people in recovery from cancer, visit :
THAME’S association with it’s French twin town, Montesson, is now in its thirteenth year and the regular September exchange visit by the Thame & District Twinning Association last weekend proved to be extra special, when a group of intrepid fund-raisers from Thame’s neighbour, Haddenham, arrived in style – on two wheels.
Ann Gillet presents the Haddenham Hillbillies with a special trophy commemorating their ride from Thame to Montesson
While the Haddenham Hillbillies Cycle Club were on the final stretch of their three-day journey via Thame, Caen and Rouen, a coach load of Thame ‘twinners’, some regulars and some new to ‘twinning’, were setting off in a comfortable coach through the early morning mist. By the time they were on the M25, and the Mayor of Thame’s geography-themed quiz sheets had been handed round, the sun had burned through. Once on the other side of ‘le manche’ it was 23 degrees by the time they stopped at the Auchan hypermarket for some wine-shopping and some lunch. Afterwards, stowing their purchases in the hold of the coach, the twinners were comparing notes on their bargains, including fine French wine, and small barrels of cheaper red wine to take home ready for Christmas mulled wine!
In the safe and friendly hands of Mark the driver from Mason’s Coaches, the group arrived in Montesson at around 6pm, just in time to hear the strains of the UK National anthem coming from the town hall square. The Mayor of Thame, Jeannette Matelot Green, quickly threw on her mayoral chain and rushed round the corner, closely followed by the rest of the Thame visitors, just in time to see the Haddenham Hillbillies cycle into town under the ‘Arrivée’ banner, to the applause of a noisy and excited, welcoming crowd.
After the photo-calls, the spraying of champagne, the kisses and hand-shakes, and the introductions between the genuinely moved cyclists and the French hosts, everyone gathered for an official reception and once again the cyclists were feted, and presented with a trophy commemorating their magnificent achievement. Ann Gillet, the President of the Montesson Twinning Committee praised their efforts and each rider had a special medal pinned to their chest by this year’s, beautiful ‘Miss Montesson’.
Earlier in the afternoon the English cyclists had been joined in the town of Neuville, 25k from Montesson, by a group of Montesson cyclists and members of the Ruelle Mal Maison Cycling Club who had cycled the final 25 k with them into Montesson. One of the older Montesson cyclists had reached a personal mile-stone of 200,000 kilometres and he too was presented with the same special medal by the Mayor of Montesson, Monsieur Jean-Francois Bel.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Florence Nightingale Hospice in Aylesbury, The ‘Hillbillies’ had raised over £9,000 in sponsorship from the ride. Thanking them later that evening for their magnificent effort, Karen Shardlow, Fund-raising officer for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, explained that the money equated to 150 hours of care at the hospice.
Spokesman for the Haddenham Hillbillies, Karen’s husband, Justin Shardlow, said: “The reception given to us in Montesson really was the most fantastic end to our ride. Seeing all the French cyclists in the park as we came over the bridge at Neuville was a very welcome sight indeed, as was the Champagne and cakes! I think for all of us, the highlight was the welcome reception laid on for us in Montesson. None of us were expecting such a grand reception or the medals and plaque, and it really was an amazing way to end our ride. When we arrived home on Saturday, we all went to the Kings Head pub (home of the Haddenham Hillbillies) and looked for the best place to put the plaque on the wall in the pub where it will be on show.”
Following an evening meal and the Friday night spent in the homes of their French hosts, the Thame Twinning group that remained (once the cyclists had set off for home by van the following morning), travelled the short distance by coach to the stunning Villarceaux Estate. This 18th century chateau sits majestically on a hill overlooking parkland of water gardens, a great lake, Italian-style formal gardens and an avenues of trees. Here amid the restored, stone outbuildings and courtyard, they sampled traditional pâtés, cheeses, sea-food, beers, honey and more at a pop-up food market while some watched a traditional ‘boulanger’ at work in an old, cobble-floored stone bakery, including traditional bread oven over a wood fire – all to the accompaniment of traditional folk musicians. The setting and the sunshine in 26 degrees, made for an unforgettable day.
Then, it was back to Montesson for the annual fête du pâté à la Carmen, an open-air celebration of a special meat-filled pastry, the origins of which remain unrecorded in the historic annals of Montesson. (http://www.montesson-histoire.com/pate_carmen.html)
This particular weekend was a special one in France, the one weekend in the year when French national monuments and important houses of cultural interest, not normally open to the public, can be visited for free. Some of the Thame visitors took advantage of this special opportunity while others joined in with the open-air mass in le parc des Sophoras in Montesson, or went into Paris to ‘see the sites’ for the morning.
Lunch all-together, al fresco in the park, was preceded by speeches of thanks from Thame’s Mayor, Jeannette Matelot Green, and a speech of friendship by Montesson’s Mayor, Jean-Francois Bel. Several references to the Scottish independence referendum which had taken place the previous Thursday (18/09) were made, including from the Mayor of Baesweiler, Dr. Willi Linkens, sporting a tartan tie. Linda Emery, the Chair of the Thame & District Twinning Association, caused much amusement when she presented Montesson’s own Twinning committee with a fine Whisky, a haggis as well as some potatoes, a swede and the rest of the ingredients, to make their own haggis.
Linda summed up the whole weekend in three words: ” ” Fantastic, warm hearted and Delicious !”
Tired but happy, with wonderful memories shared with good friends old and new, the ‘Thame Twinners’ arrived back home late on Sunday evening, having been held up for two hours at the Shuttle terminal at Calais, the only ‘blip’ in an otherwise superb weekend. Now, they are looking forward to December, when a group from Montesson will visit Thame with French produce once again, to sell from their stall as part of Thame’s Big Christmas event.
So, à plus tard Montesson and “Vivre le jumelage!”
THE very popular and respected Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, Ann Ducker MBE, who was involved with the council for over 30 years, has died after a short illness. South Oxfordshire District Council described her as ‘an exemplary public servant’ and has issued the following statement:
Elizabeth Ann Ducker MBE – 16.4.1943 – 21.9.2014
Ann Ducker was first elected to South Oxfordshire district council in 1983, and was subsequently returned on a further seven occasions by the electorate of Goring Ward as their representative, serving 32 unbroken years as a councillor. She was chairman of the council for two years between 1992 and 1994, becoming leader of the Conservative group in 1995 and Leader of the Council in 2003.
Ann represented the council on many outside bodies including the Oxfordshire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). In 2011 Ann was chosen by her Conservative colleagues in the South East as one of their representatives on the executive of the District Councils’ Network, a body representing the interests of district councils’ nationally.
In 2008 Ann was short-listed as potential Conservative candidate for the Henley parliamentary seat vacated by Boris Johnson, narrowly losing out to the present M.P. John Howell.
In 2010 Ann was awarded an MBE for services to local government, an award that brought great pleasure. She often spoke fondly of her investiture at Windsor Castle and the pride she felt not just for herself but the whole council.
In Ann’s period of leadership the council took the pioneering decision to enter into joint working with the Vale of White Horse district council, at the time under Liberal Democrat control. What started as a project to introduce shared management across the two councils blossomed into something much larger with the two councils now sharing the vast majority of services, saving council tax payers many millions of pounds in the process.
Ann also oversaw the introduction of new refuse collection arrangements in 2007 when wheeled bins hit the streets of South Oxfordshire for the first time. Despite some teething problems and significant public disquiet, Ann held firm insisting that this was the best way forward. She was proved right, with recycling in South Oxfordshire now being the highest in the country, public satisfaction with the service at record levels and protests about wheeled bins consigned to history.
Ann Midwinter, Chairman of the Council, and Thame’s District Cllr, said: “The news of Ann’s death brings huge sadness to everyone at the council. She has been an exemplary public servant for many years, always putting the interests of residents above party politics. Her MBE awarded in 2010 for services to local government was fully merited and brought great pleasure not just to me but all councillors, friend and foe. I will miss her incisive contributions at meetings, her desire to achieve consensus wherever possible and her determination at all times to do her best for the people of South Oxfordshire. She will be sorely missed.”
David Buckle, Chief Executive of the Council, said: “This is a very sad day. Ann was respected and liked by all of the staff working for both councils. She was always fair in her dealings with staff, sometimes challenging proposals but ready to change her view if the evidence was there. The introduction of wheeled bins was a good example of this. Ann’s initial opposition turned to support once she saw that residents would back the idea as long is it increased recycling rates, which we knew it would.
“I had the pleasure of working with Ann too on the national stage at the Local Government Association and District Councils’ Network. When Ann spoke everyone listened because they knew that what she would say would make perfect sense. She was never afraid to voice an opinion, however much that opinion might run contrary to the prevailing view.
“This will be a difficult few weeks for staff and councillors as the news of Ann’s passing sinks in. She was such a central figure in the council for so many years that it will take us a little time to adjust to life without her.”
Ann’s family has also issued their own, personal tribute to Ann:
A great leading lady.
Ann was involved in the council for over 31 years. Leading SODC for many years.
If there was a job to be done or advice was needed, people would look to Ann Ducker. She was a dependable, honourable much loved character within the South Oxfordshire Community.
Caring about a vast range of issues such as crooked pavements to wider issues over housing policies, public services and chairing meetings most days.
Ann Ducker fought for local people to have efficient services available and to keep the council running smoothly. She led a team and was much admired by many for her legendary tireless expertise. She was the local knowledge bank on such a diversity and with a passion to see businesses thriving. Her services were commended by receiving an MBE in the last few years.
Ann ran a family business with her husband for many years with a particular interest in agriculture.
She had a great gift to be able to work with a diverse group of people and make things happen. With a true passion and professional approach for politics she was kept inspired and up to date on national and global issues.
Ann was also an active tennis player within the clubs and followed keenly good sportsmanship.
For many years she was also active within the Rotary club, often being the only woman present in meetings, she added a special quality.
Ann leaves a big hole where she will be greatly missed by friends, colleagues, and family. What we hope as a family is that her legacy and legend of hard work ethic of doing work for the community for greater good lives on.
She was also a wonderful mother and grandmother.
No flowers please. Donations to Sue Ryder Nettlebed.
AS a small boy, John Comino-James stood in school cap and Sunday suit to have his snapshot taken under flags put up for Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation. The resultant photograph resonates with an England long since disappeared, yet still fertile in the imagination.
That sense of how England has changed is the focus in John Comino-James’ new book as he explores our everyday landscape of sign and symbol, from roadside verge to traffic-free shopping centre, to high-rise cityscapes. With a friendly corporate ‘Hello’, we are offered No Deposit Deals on Half Price Dreams. We are thanked for shopping, and offered free cash withdrawals. A Money Shop is at hand and woodlands are for sale – just visit the website. If we drop litter CCTV may catch us, and we are warned that if we leave something valuable on show in our car we can expect it to be stolen.
Reminders of the valour and necessity, the sacrifices, the folly and the tragedy of war are never far away. Earthquakes may strike, stores may close but we can still buy artisan ice-cream. But if opportunity is the moment you have been looking for, where is salvation to be found if not in moments of direct relationship with others?
Born in Somerset, John Comino-James lives near Thame. He has published six previous photography books: Nearly Every Tuesday, which documented Thame’s weekly street market; Fairground Attraction, which explored the way of life of travelling showmen; A Few Streets, a Few People, an intimate portrait of the people and surroundings of the Cayo Hueso barrio in Havana, Cuba; In a Very English Town, which acknowledges qualities that typify Thame as an English market town; Fortunate Steps, photographs made in Havana’s historic Calzada del Diez de Octubre and, most recently, Havana, Intimations of Departure.
John’s work has been exhibited in Thame, Oxford, London and Havana. The book, A Question of England, costs £30 for the clothbound hardback and is published by Dewi Lewis Publishing. 1It has 36 pages, 128 duotone photographs, id 214mm x 290mm and is ISBN: 978-1-907893-60-5
