CHILTERN RAIL -Line is closed between High Wycombe and Banbury on March 22. It is also closed between Banbury and London Marylebone and between Aylesbury Vale Parkway and London Marylebone on the morning of 21 March until 13:20.
See http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/marchclosures
for full details of disruptions.
A challenging expedition, volunteering in the community, undertaking a physical activity, and developing new skills and interests, was rewarded recently when students from Lord Williams’s school, Thame, were presented with their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards from London 2012, canoe slalom gold medallist, Tim Baillie.
The presentation evening was opened by Assistant Headteacher, Rob Brooks, who introduced the guest speaker and congratulated the 136 students who received their award. Tim showed the students some film of him participating in London 2012, followed by a motivating speech about the many years of hard work and preparation it had taken to achieve Olympic success. Tim encouraged the students to adopt a “do your best” mentality and to enjoy participating in sport in the future.
Headteacher of Lord Williams’s School, David Wybron, added: “136 students received their Bronze and Silver awards this evening. This represents a great achievement for our students, not just because of the character-building participation in expeditions, or the need to master a new skill but also the commitment to do something for others, which is part of their community service. We are proud of their achievements. I would also like to thank all the teachers and parents who devote so much time to help them achieve such a special award.”
Students were also congratulated by Oxfordshire County Council’s DofE Manager, Richard Aldridge, who added: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provides young people with a unique set of skills for life and work, so
it’s a credit to the school that they enable so many of their pupils to access and complete the award. It was great to see so many parents at the presentation evening supporting the school and seeing young people receive their award.”
This year a further 145 students at Lord Williams’s are pursuing their Bronze Award, 35 students are working at Silver level and 28 students are working towards their Gold Award. David Wybron concluded: “This would not be possible without the continued support of local volunteers and a wide range of community organisations, clubs and societies that welcome the young people into their regular activities.”
IN its response to a consultation document about the District Council’s latest Local Plan for housing provision to 2031, Thame Town Council is challenging the draft plan’s suggested option for additional housing for Thame. The town council will tell South Oxfordshire District Council that the assumption that housing growth of the market towns is necessary to maintain the vibrancy of those towns, is wrong.
“With particular reference to Thame,” the town council will say, “… there is no evidence that further growth is necessary to maintain vibrancy and, indeed, such may well harm the built heritage, character and structure of the town. ”
Speaking at Tuesday’s council meeting (18/03), about the town council’s response of “No comment” to a section of the Consultation on Chinnor’s future, Cllr David Dodds said that, in his opinion, the effect of considerable housing growth in Chinnor, would have an effect on Thame, particularly an influx of extra students to Lord Williams’s School.
The town council’s full Draft response to the ‘Local Plan 2031 Refined Options’, to give the document its full name, can be read here: http://tiny.cc/l7urvxResponses.pdf and to make a personal response to the draft consultation on the options, go to: http://tiny.cc/mzurvx
THAME CARNIVAL 2015 is calling all smart phone video enthusiasts to get filming around the town and enter the Thame One Minute Video competition.
The theme for this year’s carnival is The Movies, so the carnival organisers want all those amateur movie makers of all ages, out there in the Thame area, to make a one-minute video, using just a smart phone, about any aspect of ‘Life In Thame’. Just make your film between now and June 12, 2015, and upload it to YouTube, to be judged by the Carnival Committee with the help of an expert film-making judge. Feel free to add music or sound effects to enhance your movie, though adding sound will not necessarily score you extra points – a silent movie can be just as original and effective as one with sound.
So, get out there and video your family, your pets, your friends, your club or organisation, life on the allotment, the pub, the town-scape – anything that showcases an aspect of ‘Life in Thame’; upload it to YouTube and send the link to: editor@thame.net, for passing on to the Thame Carnival Committee.
Plans for the Carnival, which will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2015, are already well under way, with Jon Littler, from Thame’s First Thursday Music Club, taking on the responsibility for the live music and the stage, though the committee is in need of a compere on the day, someone to manage the parade, and of course a celebrity to perform the grand opening. If you would like to volunteer, Sue Martin-Downhill would like to hear from you via thamecarnival@gmail.com. The committee also wants local clubs, groups, pubs etc. to take on stalls and provide fun activities for the visitors and also to enter the Tug-of-War competition.
The programme for events in the Arena is nearly full with contributions from The Pauline Quirk Academy, Thame Youth Theatre, Catkids and Stage Coach Thame. Stalls already booked include a beer tent by Round Table, Pimms Tent by Racquets Fitness Centre, ‘What’s in the bag’ by Friends of Oscar, music demos by Thame Music School, tombola, a variety of different food selections, sweets, inflatables, ice-cream and loads more!
So, get out those smart phones and ‘Roll ’em!’ as they say in the movies.
Now Hiring – Thame Youth Cafe is looking for a manager. Could it be you?
A part time creative job with great potential. Click the link to find out more.
TAX simplification measures, a commitment to raise the investment allowance and a vital review of business rates, will help small businesses, according to the Thames Valley regional Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Reacting to the Budget announcement this afternoon, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed measures that it believes should support: “…already robust confidence” among its members. David Hawes, Thames Valley regional Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Our members will be encouraged by many of today’s announcements. The review into business rates is long overdue. When complete, it must deliver tangible benefits to businesses and not end up as just another report that sits on the shelf. His (the Chancellor’s) commitment to raise the Annual Investment Allowance to an appropriate level will provide the certainty needed for businesses to plan and invest – something badly needed if the UK is to raise its productivity.
“We are especially pleased that the idea for a single digital tax account is being taken forward. This is something we have long advocated – featuring prominently in our 2015 Business Manifesto. Implemented properly, this should reduce the time businesses take to complete their tax returns, and offers opportunities to deliver targeted support. The abolition of Class Two National Insurance contributions for the self employed is also a welcome step.
“There were some helpful measures to help with getting connected. The extension of the superfast connection vouchers will help small businesses in more urban areas. We look forward to reviewing the details of the new digital communications infrastructure strategy. Access to superfast services is a key requirement for small businesses. Delivery of this strategy will be critical to future-proofing the national economy.”
Commenting on specific areas detailed in the Budget, David Hawes continued:
Tax simplification
“Collecting and calculating all of the varied and confusing taxes that apply to small firms is a huge administrative burden. The new single tax accounts called for by the FSB should make a big difference, helping firms to manage their tax on a monthly basis much like utility payments. This will streamline collection and greatly improve cash flow control for small businesses. To help incentivise firms to move to the new system, we have suggested that HMT could offer interest on the money they hold.
“While we wait to see the details, the decision to abolish class 2 NICS for the self-employed is in principle a welcome step towards simplification and should boost take home pay for the self-employed on the lowest incomes.”
Investment
“We have been clear that the Annual Investment Allowance needs to be set permanently at a generous level to give investors certainty and stability. The Chancellor has made a clear commitment to a keeping the allowance at a high level. We now hold the next Government to making this move permanent.”
Business Rates
“The case for overhauling business rates is overwhelming and it’s good to see the Government recognise this. Small businesses would like to see the ambitious review deliver tangible reform, not just empty words.
“Business rates are the highest costs most small businesses face after rent and staff wages, and they place an excessive burden on small businesses. The Government is rightly supporting businesses with small business rates relief and transitional rates relief. This support must continue until a new system is in place in the next Parliament.
“We also welcome the opportunity for local authorities to benefit from the growth and success of local businesses by retaining additional business rates revenue raised locally. This should encourage local authorities to take steps to support their local businesses to grow and prosper.”
Broadband
“Digital connectivity is critical for small businesses. The announcement of a target download speed of 100 Mbps matches our recommendations. Of equal importance is the increase of the Universal Service Obligation to 5 Mbps which is an important first step to help rural businesses access the minimum standards of digital services they so urgently require.
“We called for the Government to recognise the value that LEPs can contribute to ensuring small businesses receive the digital services they require. We look forward to working with all levels of Government to ensure that this ambitious and much needed strategy is delivered.”
The northern powerhouse
“Improving connectivity across our northern cities is a major issue for our membership. We are fully supportive of improved East to West connectivity, but as always what is needed is delivery for these infrastructure projects. The publication of the Transport Strategy for the North will provide more details about how regional connectivity can be improved.
“Strong road and rail infrastructure are necessary for regions outside of London and the South East to access markets and make the most of growth opportunities. Small businesses are disproportionately reliant on our road network so continued investment in keeping the different parts of the UK connected is essential.”
Tech Clusters
“Support for emerging clusters is welcome, as they are crucial in driving growth. The investment in specialised tech hubs in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield will help support growing, innovative industries and to rebalance the economy.”
Fuel duty
“Continuing to freeze fuel duty will be welcomed by small firms still struggling with the cost of fuel at the pump.”
Beer and cider duty
“The cut to the price of a pint will help publicans across the country. We look forward to this cut being followed by reforms to the tie which will lead to a more competitive market. The freedom to stock a wider range of beers will provide a boost to local economies while giving consumers greater choice.”
R&D Tax Credits
“R&D Tax Credits are an important way of incentivising business R&D investment, but as we have consistently argued, many smaller businesses simply find them too difficult to claim. The announcement of well-publicised, stand-alone guidance, backed by advance assurance of claims which we have strongly advocated, should make it much easier for small businesses to apply and drive further investment by innovative companies.”
Swansea bay Tidal Lagoon
“We support the plans for the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon as we believe it will bring significant economic benefits. We have met with the company behind the proposed scheme and underlined the importance of local supply chains to the project, providing opportunities for skilled jobs and business growth.”
SOURCE: FSB Thames Valley Press Release
WITH the season starting in April, there is still time to go and practice your cricket with Thame Town Cricket Club. The last two indoor net sessions for adults and young people (year 9 upwards) will take place at Lord Williams’s Lower School (Queen’s Road) on March 22 and 29, at 7 pm.
Outdoor nets for adults are expected to start at Church Meadow on Tuesday, April 21, at 7 pm. Meanwhile, outdoor nets for juniors will start up on Monday, April 20 (see the website for age group details – http://www.thametowncricketclub.org.uk/
Thame’s three senior teams will all play in the Cherwell League this season and new players would be very welcome in both senior and junior sections. If you are interested in some cricket, for you or your child, just contact Sheena Beard (07814-699519 – junior section) or Andy Jinman (07968-201152 -senior section).
This year’s is shaping up to be a very exciting season Thame Town Cricket Club as it moves forward with plans and fund raising for a new pavilion for which they need to raise £600,000.
THAME saw the funerals of two special residents this week – the one on Friday, March 13, of the hugely respected late Councillor, Mike Welply, and the particularly poignant celebration of the life of a very special young lady, Megan Biddle, yesterday, March 17.
Mike died on Sunday, February 15, after a battle with cancer, and Megan on Monday, March 2 201.
THIS month’s The Late Breakfast meeting tomorrow, March 19, will include a talk from Bob Wilson of Business Training Services, entitled ‘Improving your selling skills’.
Bob’s interactive session will clarify that sales these days is not about ‘The gift of the gab’ or pressurising customers into buying from you.
If you have any burning issues about your sales processes, you are invited to bring them with you on the day, or even email Bob before the event via btscourses@aol.com
The Late Breakfast meeting is from 9am – 10.30am at The Spread Eagle Hotel, Thame, in the AJR Room at the rear of the Restaurant.
THAME Town Council has announced its choice of a new Town Clerk to replace Helen Stewart BEM, who is retiring at the end of March.
Graham Hunt will be taking over the role which includes that of ‘Responsible Financial Officer,’ from April 1. Graham has 11 years’ experience in similar roles for other town councils, including as CEO of Newbury Town Council, and before that he worked in Management and IT for Vodafone.
He is also the Larger Councils Champion and Co-ordinator of the Larger Local Councils Network for the Society of Local Council Clerks.
Graham is married with four daughters, the youngest who is aged 20. He is a keen cyclist and dog walker and has expressed his appreciation of the friendly welcome from all the people he has met so far in Thame – from the lady picking up litter in one of the housing estates to the gentleman pleased with his purchase of pork chops from a local butcher!
In a statement, Thame Town Council said: “There has been a fair bit of learning throughout his career and Graham is a strong believer that the learning never stops. He is sure that his wide-ranging skills and experience will be used well in his support for the Town Council and the community it serves.”