Author: Sonja Francis

Thame’s empty shop vacancies lowest in the district

THE number of shops which are lying empty in South Oxfordshire’s market towns has fallen over the last year, according to a recent survey.

Thame currently has the lowest shop vacancy rate in the district with just six out of the town’s 186 premises lying empty.

The annual South Oxfordshire Retail Vacancy Survey, a count of the number of empty shop units on a single day each year, took place in January and revealed that an average of just five per cent of retail units across Henley, Thame and Wallingford were vacant.

The low rate in South Oxfordshire compares very well to the national average, recorded by the Local Data Company, of 13.2 per cent of units vacant (measured in December 2014).

Cllr John Cotton, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “While others are clearly struggling our close co-operation with businesses, town councils, and the wider community, has seen our market towns continue to thrive, with low shop vacancy rates and fast take up of premises that do become available. We’ll continue to do all we can to help new businesses take up these empty premises and ensure that our towns keep flourishing.”

17/03/2015
Horses killed in stables fire

THREE horses were found dead by fire-fighters after they had contained a fire that broke out at a Stud in Aston Rowant in the early hours of today (16/03/15).

Four fire engines from Thame, Watlington, and Slade Park rushed to a stable block on fire at Aston House Stud, Aston Rowant at 4am this morning, where they found a well-established fire and quickly got to work with high pressure hose reels and main fire fighting Jets.

This quick response by the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service prevented the fire from spreading to the adjacent buildings and allowed for some of the horses to be lead to safety. Sadly three horses were discovered by fire crews once the flames had been brought under control.

Station Manager Reay, said: “The horse owners did fantastically well to rescue so many of the horses. Fire crews will remain on scene to ensure that all the hot spots are damped down to allow a full fire investigation to take place. The fire is not being treated as suspicious.”

16/03/2015
Nominate Thame’s unsung heroes

THE people of Thame are being invited to vote in the seventh, annual Town Awards, and to nominate Thame’s unsung heroes. If you know of an individual or organisation that has made a contribution to the well-being of the community of Thame then the town council wants to hear about them. Your winner could be in your classroom, at home, on the football pitch, even in your local shop. Whoever they are, if you think they deserve a Town Award, nominate them now!

A new category has been introduced for 2015, the Creative Arts Achievement award, which aims to celebrate those young and old with artistic talent. This could include acting, painting, music, dance etc. So if you know someone who could be a future Brit Award winner or the next Banksy, nominate them now!

There are many ways to nominate your local hero. One way is to pop down to Thame market on Tuesday, March 24, and cast your vote at the Town Awards stall. The stall will also be outside the Town Hall on Tuesday, March 31, or you could submit your nomination electronically by visiting www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk. Ballot boxes and nomination cards are also available at the following locations:

Thame Information Centre, Thame Community Hospital, Chinnor RFC, Thame Citizens Advice Bureau and Thame Library.

Nominations are sought in the following categories:

Sporting Achievement
Someone of any age who has shown great dedication to their sport
Who gives 110% until the final whistle blows? It could be a player or coach, someone who has been acknowledged by their sporting body or a great team player.

Voluntary Individual or Organisation
An individual or group that has worked tirelessly for the good of our community
With so many people and groups in Thame doing great things for our community, who do you think deserves this year’s award?

Person of Courage
Someone of any age who has overcome adversity or is facing everyday life challenges
Do you know someone who has displayed remarkable courage in the face of danger or someone who is facing life’s challenges head on? Are they suffering from illness or caring for family and friends?

Lifetime Achievement
Someone who has made a significant contribution to the community over an extended period of time.
Who do you know that has Thame at their heart? If you know someone who has been doing something great for the town for many years, nominate them now! This can be awarded posthumously.

Young Achiever
A young person up to the age of 18 who excels in a particular skill or discipline
Do you have a classmate who is a master at chess? Or a friend who does lots of fundraising?

Service with a Smile
A business or individual that consistently provides a faultless and friendly service
There are so many wonderful shops and businesses in Thame, but who deserves this year’s award? From cafes to shops, cleaners to store managers, we’re looking for the best Thame has to offer.

Creative Arts Achievement
A person of any age who excels in the Creative Arts
Do you know someone who can sing like Sam Smith or paint like Picasso? Who do you know in Thame that is set for stardom?

The closing date for nominations is April, 6, 2015. The Annual Town Awards 2015 are sponsored by ASM Auto Recycling.

10/03/2015
Uninspired Chinnor takes the win anyway

IN a lacklustre game throughout, Chinnor did just enough to run out 14-3 winners over Canterbury on Saturday (07/03).

Chinnor had a lot of the possession and territory in the first half, but struggled to convert any of it into points. Chinnor thought they had the first score of the match when Alfie To’oala went over on the ninth minute but was penalised for double movement. From one of their rare first half forays into the Chinnor 22, Canterbury opened the day’s scoring with a penalty goal from fly half Tom Best on 17 minutes. Chinnor eventually got on the scoreboard on 25 minutes when, with Canterbury’s Wake-Smith yellow carded the Chinnor scrum powered to the line with To’oala touching down. Keohane slotted the conversion from the sidelines despite the strong wind which was an unsettling influence throughout the match. Chinnor’s line speed and aggressive defence did much to neutralise Canterbury’s determined efforts throughout the half, with Jack Hayes foremost for Chinnor.

The highpoint of a match in which there were few moments of note came in the 37th minute with Canterbury back to full strength. Taking a pass on his own 10 metre line, Chinnor’s full back, the Teflon coated Jarryd Robinson, skipped and danced through five tacklers centre field to offload a back-of-the-hand pass to the supporting Robbie Martey. Martey, catching the mood, sidestepped his way to dot down under the posts. Keohane added the extras to put the Oxfordshire side 14-3 ahead, five minutes before the interval – a score which remained unchanged until the final whistle.

There was much huff and puff in the second half but the constant stop-start nature of the game nullified the possibility of a score and all were grateful for the final whistle.

Canterbury spent a lot of time zig-zagging across the pitch without much gain – primarily due to Chinnor’s rapid, swarming defence. Chinnor opted for lineouts from every penalty awarded but usually came away second best at the throw. The home side created enough try scoring opportunities but a poor pass or knock on ruined things far too frequently. Jack Hayes had a golden match hunting down anyone who had the temerity to carry the ball anywhere near him and takes the star player plaudit. More precision will reap reward.

Teams
Chinnor: Jaryd Robinson, Robbie Martey, Jack Hayes, Jake Olley, Reuben Haile, Ed Keohane, Frank Jones, Ricardo Cano, Nick Harrison, Guido Cambareri, Darren Oliver, Christian Ostberg, James Tyas, Ryan Long, Alfie To’oala

Interchanges : Ian Stock, Andy Tibbatts, Ben Manning, Reece Boughton, George Blewitt

Canterbury: Martyn Beaumont, Aiden Moss, Ricky Mackintosh, Alex Veale, Mason Rosvall, Tom Best, Grant Kay, Jim Green, Cameron Townley, Alex Wake-Smith, Royce Cadman, Chris Hinkins, Sam Rogers, Ryan Ward, Adam Cathcart

Interchanges : Ollie Best, Neil Wakefield, Sam Kenny, Tom Burns, Connor Wallace-Sims

Scorers
Chinnor
Tries (time): To’oala (25), Martey (37)
Conversions (time): Keohane (25, 38)

Canterbury
Penalty Goals (time): Best (17)

Referee: Ian Bibey
Attendance: 253
Half time score: 14-3
Full time score: 14-3

SOURCE: Contributed

10/03/2015
First league draw of the season for Thame

DESPITE a brace from Conor McDonagh, Thame United were unable to secure a win at Wootton Bassett Town on Saturday (07/03) as they secured their first league draw since September.

The game got off to a frenetic opening, with the hosts taking the lead inside the opening minute. A ball in from the right by Joe Hiscock evaded both defenders and attackers, and went in off the far post with Matt Tapping in the Thame goal stranded. The lead, however only lasted for a couple of minutes. Dan West did well to earn a corner and from the resultant cross, McDonagh was on hand at the far post to finish confidently.

With the game still less than 10 minutes old, Wootton Bassett Town then took the lead for a second time. A cross-field ball found Nathan Gamblin in space on the wide left, beat Ben Connelly and hit a powerful effort beyond Tapping from 20 yards. United then pressed forward in search of an equaliser with McDonagh going close following a direct through ball from Tapping, before Dan West hit a 20 yard volley just wide following good link-up play with Luke Ricketts.

McDonagh then saw a deflected effort go wide for a corner, before the equaliser arrived on 28 minutes. West did well to force an error in the Wootton Bassett defence, squaring the ball to McDonagh who rolled the ball in to an unguarded goal from the edge of the box, scoring his seventh goal in three games in the process.

With the game all square at half time, United came out the stronger of the two sides in the second half and McDonagh fired over from 15 yards on 53 minutes. Five minutes later and Dan Jones swung a corner in to the box that Ellis Hercules flicked on at the near post, but West was unable to connect when well placed. Shortly afterwards Luke Ricketts was presented with a chance following good play between McDonagh and West, but his effort from 20 yards went wide. Following the early pressure of the half, the home side gradually got a foot-hold in the game and pressed United with Tapping saving well on a couple of occasions.

United thought they had taken the lead with 15 minutes to go. Dan West was fouled on the edge of the box, and took a quick free kick to McDonagh, who beat his marker and coolly side-footed the ball in to the far corner of the goal. Somewhat inexplicably, however, the referee called the game back for the free kick to be re-taken. That was the last meaningful goal mouth action of the game for United, although there was still time for McDonagh and Wootton Bassett captain, Steve Yeardley, to see red, and for Tapping to pull off a fine save low to his right.

Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division – Wootton Bassett Town 2 Thame United 2

United: Tapping, Connelly, Hall, Hercules, Mulholland, Lynch (Jesson), Jones (Gray), Morris, McDonagh, West, Ricketts.

SOURCE: Contributed

10/03/2015
Guns stolen in high value burglaries

(Image for illustrative purposes only)

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information after a series of burglaries in Chinnor that officers believe are linked. Several high value items and shotguns were taken during the incidents.

Between 7.45am and 3.45pm on Friday (6/3) offenders gained entry to a property on Timber Way, Chinnor, by smashing a glass panel on the rear kitchen door panel and using the keys that were in the lock to open the door. The offenders forced a gun cabinet from the wall of the master bedroom and stole the four shotguns that were kept inside it.

The victim inherited the shotguns, which previously belonged to the deceased father of the victim. The details are as follows:

A rare Miroku Presidential over/under, 12 bore shot gun, which has an oval silver crest pressed into the wooden butt of the gun. This has been rounded and polished.
A Miroku over/under 12 bore shot gun, pictured on the top of the above image.
A Miroku over/under, 12 bore, self-loading shot gun
A Miroku over/under, 12 bore shot gun
A .22 air rifle

A blue handbag containing shooting vests, ear defenders and shot gun certificates

Several high-value pieces of jewellery inherited by the victim were also stolen in the incident. An Omega Constellation wrist watch, a pocket watch, and a Rolex GMT Master Wrist watch were taken in the incident.

In a second incident, between 5.30pm and 8.45pm on Friday (6/3), offenders gained entry to a property on Station Road, Chinnor through the rear conservatory door by smashing the glass panel and using the keys that were in the lock to open the door. The victim’s wedding and engagement rings, two Royal Doulton figurines and a box of After Eight chocolates were taken in the incident. A bottle of kitchen cleaner was also taken; officers believe this was used by the offenders to attempt to remove fingerprints from the scene.

In a third incident, between 8.40am and 6.40pm on Friday (6/3), offenders removed a UPVC patio door from its hinges to gain entry to a property on Chinnor Road, Aston Rowant. No items were taken during the incident, but several objects from the house that would have been touched by the offenders, such as the alarm panel and alarm from the wall, were found outside in a metal bin full of detergent water in an attempt to remove fingerprints.

Officers believe the three incidents from the weekend are connected to recent burglaries in Tilehurst and Reading, and also another burglary in Hampshire. (Full details including photograph of some of the guns HERE)

Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the vicinity of these incidents on March 6, or the further two Reading incidents, and also to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the shotguns taken in the Timber Way incident.

Investigating Officer PC Gavin Chan of Didcot CID said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure Chinnor residents that we are conducting a thorough investigation into the offence.

“If you don’t want to speak directly to the police 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.”

09/03/2015
Elms Planning consideration delayed

Meadow land at ‘The Elms’ where a development of 37 new homes is proposed

THAME Town Council will no longer be considering planning applications relating to Land at The Elms, Upper High Street, Thame, on March 10, 2015, as previously reported. The council has stated that it is waiting for South Oxfordshire District Council to complete, what TTC has described as ‘due diligence’ before making any recommendations.

According to South Oxfordshire District Council’s Planning portal, it is considering a new application, P15/S0347/SCR, for an ‘EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment – screening opinion, for the erection of 45 dwellings and creation of new public open space’.

The Consultation period is currently open for comment: http://tiny.cc/06n3ux

This site has been controversial ever since its inclusion in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan. LINK HERE to related reports.

06/03/2015
Have Your Say meetings with local police team

HAVE Your Say meetings are an ideal opportunity for local residents to speak to their local police officers and PCSOs about any local issues. No appointment is necessary; just turn up and speak to your local officers. Future Have Your Say meetings planned are:–

Wednesday 4 March, 11am – midday, at the Memorial Hall, Chinnor Road, Towersey, with PCSO Jacky Madden.

Thursday 12 March, 11am – 11:30am, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, with PCSO Chris Hollis.

Monday 16 March, 11am – 1pm, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, with PCSO Diane Jackson.

Monday 23 March, 10am – 11am, at the Chinnor Village Centre, High Street, Chinnor, with PCSO Jacky Madden.

06/03/2015
Beware ‘Good Samaritan’ on the road fraud

THAMES Valley Police is urging people to look out for a fraud on the roads of the area, which is being reported around the South-East of England at the moment.

Whilst driving, the victim is flagged down by a man (or men) next to a broken down vehicle. The man states that he needs money to get petrol. As payment, the man offers the victim one to three ;gold’ rings and may also provide a business card suggesting links to Berlin, Germany or Glasgow, Scotland. The amount of cash taken is between £20 and £300. However, the rings are worthless and definitely not precious.

Offences are occurring on ‘A’ roads and slip roads at major junctions in the South of England. One victim reports seeing the same offender(s) back at the same spot (the A41 bypass near Tring, on this occasion) two days later at approximately 12:50pm.

All suspects are described as male and with dark hair. The description of the ‘broken down’ vehicle varies.

Offenders seem to target men over the age of 55. Prevention advice – Do not accept jewellery as payment!

06/03/2015
World ranked squash player joins Racquets as coach

LAST Sunday, March 1, Will John returned from his international travels to the far corners of the globe, playing top class squash, to join the Racquets Fitness Centre squash coaching team.

William John and some of the junior squash players having coaching at the club after school.

In 2010 Will joined the professional tour where his highest world ranking was#209, after travelling to such places as Brazil, Australia, Japan and many other exciting countries to compete at the highest level.

Will started playing squash at Racquets in Thame, at the age of four, and from the age of seven was spending every spare second playing squash taking advantage of the ‘turn up and play’ scheme at Racquets Fitness Centre’s where Junior members can come and use spare courts for free.

Most recently, Will travelled to Sportcity in Manchester to stamp his authority on the British National Championships where he made it to the last 32 players in Britain, where he rubbed shoulders with the top players in the world.

The Manager of Racquets, Simon Martin, said: “We are thrilled to have Will joining us at the club at such a time when we are seeing a major influx in squash players of all ages. Will’s coaching is fun and he is keen to give the juniors of Thame the same opportunities that he has had.”

Will responded: “Whilst travelling the world as a squash professional you have to learn to deal with the pressures of competition and expectation, upsets and frustrations. You must learn how to get the best from yourself every day of a competition.” The fact that Will has been travelling and competing at such a high level enables him to bring to Thame his very recent, high level of knowledge and experience.

Will has already been working with Sue Martin-Downhill, getting more people playing squash and offering the opportunity to take part in coaching sessions that will maximise their potential. Sue said: “What is really special about this latest development at the club is that people can be inspired to strive to be the best they can be. Will is coming in and encouraging everyone to adopt the attitude that you can be a top squash player and that you can improve you game no matter what your level or your age.”

Will, obviously delighted with his new role at Racquets, said: “I’m very happy to have such an incredible opportunity to coach at a prestigious club such as Racquets, even more so since I started my squash here. The club is a second home to me and it excites me already to see some of the young players coming through starting at the same place as me.”

Will will be joining Sue, Roger, Mike and Mary teaching squash to the Year fives and sixes from Barley Hill, John Hampden and St Joseph’s primary schools during their PE lessons, and helping kids and adults alike to realise how much fun squash can be and how it can help with health and fitness and a great,general sense of wellbeing.

SOURCE: Contributed

06/03/2015