Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Library Action Group Proposed

    A THAME Town Councillor is to propose the formation of a Library Action Group for the town, following the town council’s rejection of the town hall building as the site for a new library.
    Cllr Beatrice Dobie, who set up a previous, similar group, and is Chair of The Friends of Thame Library, told ThameNews.Net:”Thame needs a new library now.
    “The town has needed a new library for over 20 years and I am delighted that Oxfordshire County Council is going to look at the other two suggested sites, the Fire Station and the Pied Pedaller building, and very much look forward to working closely with them.”

    Cllr Dobie intends to put forward her proposal to her colleagues on the town council.

  • Vandalism Plea From Town Council

    THAME’S play areas may have to close because of vandalism, warned Thame Town Council.
    In a statement on its website today, the council have said: “Thame Town Council regularly has to clear up after mindless vandalism. It takes place particularly in Thame?s parks and the consequences include broken bottles discarded in children?s play areas. This could cause serious injury!”
    The council is working with the police to try and catch the culprits, but in the meantime is asking anyone who lives in the area, or knows anything that could help identify those responsible for the damage to contact the council or the police.

    ANYONE WHO SEES OR HEARS VANDALISM TAKING PLACE, SHOULD DIAL 999.

    IF THE DAMAGE HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE, CALL 0845 8 505 505.

    The council’s statement continues: “The sad truth is that if the situation doesn?t improve, Thame Town Council could be forced to close the play areas. We can?t risk a little one being hurt and we can?t sustain the level of expenditure being wasted on repair.
    “Your help is needed to stop this thoughtless damage.”

  • Two Thame Premises Burgled

    THAME POLICE are seeking information following two burglaries in the Thame area.
    A property in Haseley Road, Little Milton, was broken into overnight between April 19 and 20.
    Offenders forced a side window to gain entry and stole a mobile phone before being disturbed by the occupant’s dog and running off.

    Over the same night, a property in Lambert Walk, Thame was broken into. Offenders gained entry via a kitchen window and after a tidy search of part of the property, stole items including a laptop computer and a wallet.

    Anyone with information about either of these two incidents is asked to call the Police Enquiry Line on 08458 505505.

  • SatNav Thefts Growing Concern

    IN the latest incident in a growing trend, a Satellite navigation system was stolen from a car parked in Thame recently.
    Crime Prevention Officers are warning vehicle owners to remove their SatNav systems when they leave their vehicle parked.
    This latest incident happened overnight on Tuesday/Wednesday, April 11/12m between 5.30pm and 7.15am, in Hamilton Avenue, Thame.
    Anyone with information about this or any similar incident is asked to contact the police enquiry line on: 0845 850 5505, or alternatively, talk anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

    Alison Smith, Crime Reduction Advisor for the area, said: ?Please remove all valuables from your car before leaving it and leave your glove box open so that criminals can see there is nothing to steal.

    ?Ultraviolet pens are available from police stations so you can mark your property. Stolen property recovered by police can then be identified and returned.
    ?Satellite navigation equipment is becoming more popular with motorists, and it is also becoming more popular with criminals. Where possible keep it safe by taking it, together with the support cradle and suction pads, with you when you leave the car.
    ?Also remember to wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen or dashboard as thieves will look out for these. Don’t leave the equipment in the glove compartment ? thieves will usually check there first.?
    You can also help by following these tips:
    ? Mark your satellite navigation equipment system with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number or another unique number, using special security markers.
    ? Make a note of the make, model and serial number of the equipment and keep the note somewhere safe ? not in the car. Consider recording this information on one of the commercially available asset registers.
    ? Don’t leave anything on view in your car. Thieves are opportunists and it takes them seconds to break into your car.
    ? Lock all doors and windows, not forgetting the sunroof, when leaving your car.
    ? Never leave the keys in the ignition when the car is unattended, even while you’re paying for petrol.
    ? Use car parks that are part of the police-approved Safer Parking Scheme. Approved car parks display the official ‘Park Mark’TM sign. For details, visit: www.saferparking.com

  • Book On-Line For Community Squash

    NEW technology has widened access to squash courts for all members of the Thame community.
    To ‘book and pay’ at Lord Williams’s Squash Club, now there is no need to be either a member of the club or a member of SOLL, as was previously the case.
    From April 23, all members of the public can book a squash court direct over the internet by logging on to: www.thamesquash.com, and book a court from the comfort of your home or the office.

    The courts were originally built jointly by parents and teachers of Lord Williams’s school in the 1960s, with a view of creating an affordable squash facility for the school and community of Thame and the surrounding area. The courts were extensively refurbished last summer and offer an excellent playing environment. They are owned by the school and managed by a group of volunteers. The club is a non profit-making organisation and all revenues are invested back into the courts to ensure their continued availabiltiy for future generations.

  • Town Hall Rejected As Library Building

    THE conversion of Thame town hall for use as a library, now looks unlikely following the town council’s rejection of an offer from the county council.
    Thame Town Council today issued the following press release, explaining its position:-

    “At a recent Extraordinary Meeting, Thame Town Council decided that the County Council?s offer for a lease on the Town Hall, for use as a library, was totally unacceptable, and it was agreed that Council did not wish to pursue any further negotiations on this basis. The alternative, of selling the freehold to County, was also looked at and discarded.

    “Originally, Councillors had been keen to explore all possibilities with the County Council. But they consider that one of their responsibilities is to hold the Town Hall in trust for the town and that its continuing use as a civic building is important and significant. Although the Hall?s facilities are under-used, there is a great need for meeting space in Thame and with the right marketing it is thought that the Hall?s bookings will increase. It is, however, acknowledged that the building is in need of repair and refurbishment.

    “The majority of residents who responded to the press release about the ongoing negotiations were against the Town Hall becoming a library. A full public consultation has not been undertaken.

    “The Town Council is encouraging the County Council to pursue their other options for a library (the Pied Pedaller building and the Fire Station) with all urgency.”

  • ‘Nearly There’ With Rycote Housing Plan

    THAME town councillors have once again rejected plans to redevelop the old Rycotewood college site, whilst conceding that an amended plan put before them, was close to being acceptable.
    The redevelopment scheme was considered by the town council’s planning committee last night (Tuesday), following a presentation by a representative of Berkeley Homes, who want to develop the site for housing.
    Mr Andrew Saunders-Davis, for Berkeley Homes, said that the amended plan took into consideration comments made by both Thame Town Council and South Oxfordshire District Council, in that it provided for three less units (98 instead of the 101 on the previous plan), of which 12 were affordable houses for rent and 27 were affordable flats. The new plan, he said, provides an enlarged play area and recreational areas, although he was of the opinion that providing play equipment “would be detrimental to the site.”
    He stated that one and a half parking spaces per dwelling were provided for, and that Berkeley Homes would be contributing

  • Entertaining Game For Thame V Marlow (Contributed)

    Thame United 0, Marlow 1 – Report by Bob Dixon
    THIS was an entertaining game and one in which Thame delivered an impressive second half performance. Seventh placed Marlow needed a win in order to regain a playoff place, whereas Thame, on the other hand, had already been relegated, and therefore another heavy defeat was ?on the cards?.
    Marlow attacked from the start and the visitors created some good scoring opportunities. Although Thame goalkeeper Paul Searl was busy, the visitors’ finishing was however, poor and they squandered some good chances.
    On 32 minutes, Thame defender, Dave Hocking, was harshly judged to have fouled his opponent and, after consulting his assistant, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Jack Smillie took the spot kick, but it was not well placed and Searl, diving to his right, made a comfortable save. The goal came four minutes before half time when, following a move which looked suspiciously offside, Jermaine Roche met a low cross from the right to finish from close range.

    The first 10 minutes after the restart saw Thame defending, but gradually they began to trouble the visitors as they pushed for an equaliser. Darren Moore met a through ball and his strong shot forced the advancing Marlow goalkeeper to make an excellent save. Hocking probably had United?s best chance but sliced his shot.
    As Thame pushed men forward, they inevitably left defensive gaps but Marlow seemed incapable of finding the target. With 12 minutes remaining, substitute goalkeeper, Ben Marshall, took over in the Thame goal and Searl swapped his jersey to join the attack.
    The last few minutes were hectic and Marlow were pegged into their own half as the determined home side fought for a goal.

    Thame United: Searl, Hopkins, Hocking (Marshall), Raja, Eason, Connelly, Fisher (Way), A. Rhodes, Moore, Dawson (Morgan), Groves.

    Thame United do not have a game next weekend. They play their last home match of the season on Tuesday 25th, when Rushall Olympic are the visitors. Kick off is at 8.00pm.

  • Rycote Housing Plan

    THAME town councillors have once again rejected plans to redevelop the old Rycotewood college site, whilst conceding that an amended plan put before them, was close to being acceptable.
    The redevelopment scheme was considered by the town council’s planning committee last night (Tuesday), following a presentation by a representative of Berkeley Homes, who want to develop the site for housing.
    Mr Andrew Saunders-Davis, for Berkeley Homes, said that the amended plan took into consideration comments made by both Thame Town Council and South Oxfordshire District Council, in that it provided for three less units (98 instead of the 101 on the previous plan), of which 12 were affordable houses for rent and 27 were affordable flats. The new plan, he said, provides an enlarged play area and recreational areas, although he was of the opinion that providing play equipment “would be detrimental to the site.”
    He stated that one and a half parking spaces per dwelling were provided for, and that Berkeley Homes would be contributing

  • May School Holiday Activities

    DETAILS of Camp SOLL’s May programme can now be viewd on line. Visit the leisure centre you are interested in and download a copy of the programme.
    A 10% discount is availabe when booking up for a full week.
    www.soll-leisure.co.uk

    Camp SOLL is running on the following dates: –
    Tuesday 30 May to Friday 2 June.

    OFSTED Registered, Camp SOLL haS been providing holiday fun for years. The Hosts try hard to provide something for every taste – from craft and art sessions to go-karting. There’s always something in the programme for everyone.

    Thame Leisure centre, Thame 01844 215607
    – Lots of fun ?sporty? or ?arty? sessions through out the week. Look out for cycling proficiency and the theatre workshop

    Other SOLL centres:
    The Park Sports Centre, Holton, near Wheatley 01865 872128
    Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield 01865 341035
    Faringdon Leisure Centre, Faringdon 01367 241755
    Didcot Leisure Centre, 01235 811250
    Tilsley Park, Abingdon 01235 524524

    Henley Leisure Centre, Henley-on-Thames 01491 577909
    Wantage Leisure Centre, Wantage 01235 766201
    Willowbrook Leisure Centre, Ladygrove, Didcot 01235 812058

    Enrolments made easy with SOLL Swim School:-
    SOLL Leisure has launched its successful direct debit scheme at the Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield to make it quicker and easier for parents to enrol their children on swimming courses.

    SOLL Leisure manages six SOLL Swim Schools across Oxfordshire and offers a programme of courses throughout the year structured in line with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) National Plan for Teaching Swimming. Those who sign up to a SOLL Swim School Direct Debit will have their child’s place guaranteed, will be able to avoid the queue and enrolment period and can spread the cost of their course payments. With swimming being the most popular leisure activity amongst adults and children in the country, SOLL Leisure is keen to give everyone the opportunity to learn to swim including tuition for adults. The Centres will continue to develop their programming to provide members of all ages and abilities opportunities to participate in sport.