THE Thame Neighbourhood Policing Team will be available between 10am – 2pm, on Tuesday, January 27, at Thame market to offer Crime Reduction advice as well as postcode marking of tools, cycles and your other new Christmas goodies.
PC Adam Thomas CRE-marking tools
PC Lucie Roberts, of Thame explained: “Basically we will be handing out free UV marking pens, offering to mark up some of the high value items which people may have received at Christmas and offering members of the public an opportunity to purchase a product known as CREMARK, which offers a unique Overt Property Marking system that clearly marks the ownership of possessions, in order to deter thieves and aid the recovery of stolen property.”
CREMARK: The clearly visible security coding which uses your Postcode and the house number or first two letters of your house name making the item identifiable and traceable. This marking is then made permanent by coating the markings with CREMARK’s specially formulated protective lacquer.
THAME CINEMA 4 ALL are anticipating that their screening of GONE GIRL, starring Ben Affleck, is going to be so popular that they are planning on showing the film twice over the weekend, February 7, and February 8.
GONE GIRL – USA 2014, 142 minutes, certificate 18 – Directed by David Fincher, starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck.
GILLIAN Flynn’s best-selling, un-putdownable thriller about a marriage in spectacular meltdown, has been translated to the big screen in this super-glossy, slick, and sensationally successful thriller. (Oscar nominated) Rosamund Pike and Affleck are Amy and Nick, a couple who once smugly prided themselves on having a marriage that is not as pedestrian and dreary as everyone else’s. They are now approaching their fifth wedding anniversary. Finding themselves in unexpected financial difficulty, they have moved from Manhattan to a shiny new lakeside home in Nick’s hometown of Carthage Missouri, where Amy is apparently happily keeping her perfect house, and Nick runs a hipster bar downtown with his sister.But there is little in the way of married bliss behind the perfection of the facade, the grim reality gradually revealed following Amy’s unexplained disappearance.
The story is narrated partially in flashbacks from Amy’s diary: their meeting, their initial happiness, the gradual onset of unease, her mounting suspicions about her husband… as Amy’s narrative builds to its climax, Nick gradually becomes prime suspect in what is presumed to be Amy’s murder, his character and motivations eviscerated on TV and social media. Nick is smarmy and defensive, but is his version of events more or less reliable than Amy’s, whose ice-cool perfection makes her equally impossible to read? David Fincher – The Social Network, Fight Club – is a master of polished, pacey, sometimes garish, seldom subtle but very seductive Hollywood cinema.
This has all you would expect of him: flare, frenetic pace, and a relish in the very bad behaviour of very nasty characters. View the trailer here.
Thame Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame: Doors open 7.30pm – film starts 8pm – Licensed bar
A new initiative aimed at encouraging tourism providers across the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to become ‘landscape ambassadors’ launches today.
Booker Common – Photo by Jack Whitfield
Developed as part of “Our Land” (www.our-land.co.uk) – a sustainable tourism initiative celebrating the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks – this new fun quiz is designed to equip those working in tourism with sound knowledge of the special features of the Chilterns.
The free online quiz (http://knowour-land.co.uk) takes the form of themed multiple-choice questions that test the knowledge of tourism providers about the Chilterns AONB. It can be used by anyone working in the industry – from hoteliers and attractions, through to cycle hire companies and visitor information staff. The general public are also welcome to have a go.
A wide range of topics are covered, including wildlife, historic buildings, landscape features, famous people, accompanied by some stunning images. After successful completion, participants can print out and display their own ‘Landscape Ambassador for the Chilterns’ certificate.
There are 126 businesses across the Chilterns, including nearly 50 in south Oxfordshire, who are signed up with Our Land and who are committed to ensuring visitors have an excellent experience and a positive interaction with all aspects of their local landscape – from the food they eat, to the people they meet; and from the buildings they visit, to the history and heritage they learn about. They are also signed up to support a more sustainable tourism industry through a variety of activities, including supporting local suppliers and producers, encouraging use of public transport, and contributing to wildlife conservation.
Claire Forrest, Information and Interpretation Officer, Chilterns Conservation Board said: “Here in the Chilterns we offer visitors special places to stay and things to do in a cherished and beautiful landscape. The Landscape Ambassador Training initiative will help tourism providers tell the story of their landscape, this will make people’s visit even more special, real and memorable.”
In addition to the Chilterns AONB, the new landscape ambassador training initiative is available across eight other protected landscapes: Cotswolds AONB; High Weald AONB; Isle of Wight AONB; Kent Downs AONB; New Forest National Park; Surrey Hills AONB; and South Downs National Park.
Any tourism business wishing to find out more about Our Land and the new training initiative should contact Claire Forrest on 01844 355521 or email: cforrest@chilternsaonb.org
THE local fire service is reminding households across the county that their safety is paramount, and that in the event of a fire they need to quickly evacuate and then call the fire service.
The warning came after the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called out to a fire in a bedroom of a three storey, detached home in Holton, near Wheatley, at 9:34am this morning (20/01/15).
Four fire Engines from Wheatley, Slade Park and Thame fire stations were sent to the scene, along with an Hydraulic Platform and Incident Support Unit.
Incident Commander Alan Hutchinson said: “On arrival we were faced with a fully developed fire on the first floor of the property. I quickly committed fire-fighters wearing breathing apparatus sets and with hosereels to extinguish the fire. The smoke alarm had alerted the occupiers of the property and my crews worked hard to extinguish the fire which had spread to the first and second floors of the property.”
The cause of the fire has been determined as being accidental.
IN response to an article in The Times recently, which accuses the Labour party of ‘plotting’ a huge increase in wind turbines (see LINK http://tiny.cc/gahrsx), Thame’s MP John Howell has accused his party’s opposition of threatening ‘ chaos in the Henley constituency’.
As it is not possible to read the full article without subscribing to The Time’s website, it is difficult to know exactly what the author of The Times’ piece, Ben Webster’s evidence for his claim is, but John Howell claims that the piece reports that: “Mike Parker, the head of onshore wind at RWE Innogy UK, one of the biggest wind farm companies, said that he had found ‘very strong support for onshore wind in one-to-one conversations’ with key Labour and Liberal Democrat figures’,” and that he (Parker) had added: “It gives me confidence to continue with what we are doing.”
In a statement, John Howell said: ““Many families in the Henley constituency, who are concerned that wind farms could be approved locally without their views being heard, will be appalled to hear about these Labour plans for a massive expansion of onshore wind – Labour must either condemn them or come clean to local people about [his/her] plans for more windfarms.
‘END WIND POWER SUBSIDIES’
“Now that we have enough onshore wind power to meet our renewables target we should be ending bill payer funded subsidies for newly planned projects and give local communities the decisive say on them, but only a Conservative government would deliver that.
“At the next election local people in the Henley constituency now have a clear choice: between the strong leadership of the Conservatives who will protect our local natural beauty for our children and grandchildren – or a vote for any other party which would lead to the chaos of more publicly subsidised wind farms.”
LABOUR CANDIDATE’S RESPONSE
Sam Juthani, the Parliamentary Labour Candidate for the constituency, has taken on John Howell over his claims, and states: “When climate change is one of the most important issue that faces the planet today, the Labour Party is proud to stand up and campaign on its commitment to decarbonise the UK’s electricity supply by 2030. Renewable sources of energy, such as windfarms are an important part of that. Surveys show that people much prefer windfarms to fracking, which has seen practically unconditional support from this Conservative Party.
“John Howell has been reduced to talking about non-existent policies. The Labour Party will not endanger our rural landscape and heritage. John Howell and the Conservative Party have been reduced to this because they have no plan to ensure a sustainable future for the UK, and have abandoned any pretense of being green.”
PROPOSALS for a controversial housing development on land at The Elms, Upper High Street, Thame, have been re-submitted with amendments, including a reduction in the number of new homes from 45 to 37, 14 of which are ‘affordable’ – four less than in the original plan.
Meadow land at ‘The Elms’ where a development of 37 new homes is proposed
Other amendments include moving a row of houses further back from the boundary between The Elms and Elms Park, and planting trees for screening; changes to the housing mix and layout; changes to parking provision and layout; cycle paths provided from Elms Road, Elms Park and the Upper High Street and reduction of some roof levels. These changes reflect responses to a number of concerns, including those of the South East Regional Historic Buildings Officer from English Heritage, the Conservation Officer at South Oxfordshire District Council, Thame Town Council and local residents.
WILDLIFE
An Ecology addendum has been added to the Plans, following an ‘Ecology and Protected Species Appraisal’ commissioned by the developer after concerns were voiced regarding the possible adverse effect of the development on Great Crested newts. The report concludes that the areas around the three near-by ponds, one at John Hampden School, and the others in the Memorial Gardens (the former only marginally suitable for newts and the latter unsuitable because of their over-hanging lips) to be an unnecessary concern.
On the effect of invertebrate biodiversity by the proposed felling of a horse chestnut tree and a sycamore tree, the report says that no significant loss can be expected because most trees on the site are being retained. On the question of bats, the report states that there are no bat roosts present in the trees at the moment but that, as the development is unlikely to begin for three years, it recommends checking the trees for bat roosts before felling. If, at that time roosts are found, felling would have to be delayed until appropriate licences had been gained from Natural England.
The Appraisal concludes: “Most of the site area is of low ecological value….any of note is being retained and safe-guarded within the Master Plan.”
CHANGES TO BOUNDARIES
Additional amendments include partial demolition of the boundary wall along Elms Road, creations of a vehicular entrance, new plinths, metal railings and brick piers; Removal of the wooden gates at the Upper High Street entrance and provision of timber, electronic gates at the private entrance to The Elms; Moving the Southern access to the site 4.5 m to the East along Elms Road ‘to ensure minimum impact’ on trees and roots.
HERITAGE STATEMENT
It is in this area that there still appear to be unresolved differences between the developer and English Heritage, and the Conservation Officer who had previously stated: “There would be undeniable harm to the setting of The Elms….and the other nearby Listed Buildings, and the Conservation Area as a result of development on this site,” and suggested that open space should be increased. The revised scheme amendments include that the park-side houses are reduced from 14 to 11 in number, thus increasing the space between them.
Differences remain between the applicant (Simon Vickers, Rectory Homes) and English Heritage regarding the setting of the development within land at The Elms, in particular its relationship with the open pasture land to the South. English Heritage, states the amendment documentation, has said that land to the South and West of the house ‘holds a greater degree of significance than the remainder of the pastureland’.
In a recent statement to Thame.Net (See previous report), English Heritage said that it was not able to support the plans as they currently stood as ‘they would contravene the agreed Neighbourhood Plan and be harmful to the setting of this important historic listed building’. There is also some dispute over the historic land ownership which the amendment documentation suggests can probably never be proved conclusively.
English Heritage has concluded: “It is the current sense of tranquility and seclusion (which) should be regarded as making a positive contribution to the setting of building.”
The applicant’s amendment concludes: “Public benefit offsets the notional degree of harm alleged.”
English Heritage has recommended to the Planning authority, South Oxfordshire District Council, that it refuse the application.
The plans can be viewed on request at Thame Town Hall Information Centre. Electronic copies of the plans are currently unavailable as the SODC website is down due to a major fire at their main offices but should be available online on the Town Council’s website next week. The application will be considered by the Town Council on Tuesday, February 27, 2015.
You can read all previous reports and communications to Thame.Net relating to the proposed development at The Elms, HERE
IN a ‘nip and tuck’ match throughout, Chinnor managed to squeeze past Lydney by 22-17, on Saturday (17/01).
Photo by Peter Matthews
Lydney opened the scoring on seven minutes when skipper Chris Holder scored a try in the corner. Chinnor then began to dominate territory. A long series of rucks and mauls ended in a try for full back Jake Olley, who shortly afterwards was sinbinned for interfering illegally at a breakdown.
Lydney came back strongly and, after a period of long possession in the Chinnor 22, scored their second try wide out through prop Eamon Rees. On 30 minutes, Chinnor capitalised from a Lydney indiscretion with a try from a rolling maul, Alfie To’oala dotting down. Both sides went in even at half time, 10-10.
Chinnor started the second half brightly when, after a series of possessions right from the kick off, Ben Manning went over for a try wide out on 43 minutes. Keohane added the extras to put the home side 17-10 ahead with 44 minutes played. Lydney came back into the match when Mike Wallis scored from a rolling maul. Wicks’ conversion again tied the match, now 17-17. On the 69th minute, Chinnor’s Piggott , just on from the bench, finished off a period of sustained Chinnor pressure by scoring the Chinnor bonus point try to put the home side ahead 22-17. Lydney then strove to come back into the match but desperate defence in their 22 for the last five minutes saw Chinnor hold on for a 22-17 victory.
Teams Chinnor: Jake Olley, Jaryd Robinson, Ed Keohane, Junior Fatialofa, Reuben Haile, Sam Angell, Frank Jones, Guido Cambareri, Dean Brooker, David Coutts, Ben Manning, Andy Tibbatts, Matthew Bolwell, Ryan Long, Alfie To’oala (c) Interchanges: Ricardo Cano, Joe Pickett, Loti Molitika, Martin Nutt, Robbie Martey
Lydney: Eamon Rees, Josh Hannam, Josh Innes, Brad Barnes, Chris Holder (c), Tony Wicks, Jack O’Connell, Zen Szwagrzak, Chris Farrell, Adam Ledner, Charlie Danniel, Dave Bennett, Matt Boobyer, Harry Brown, Chris Rovery Interchanges: Josh Perks, Tim Longton, Duncan Bell, John Rodgers, Mike Wallis
THE game of Squash is certainly taking off among youngsters in Thame, thanks to the encouragement and training so many of Thame’s primary school children are getting at Racquets, in Thame.
On Saturday, January 17, 26 youngsters descended on Racquets Fitness Centre, for the club’s latest junior tournament.
Racquets Academy Coach and former World ranked Pro, Sue Martin Downhill, said: “In the December tournament there was a beginners grade which needed a development ball and two serves to get a game going. This time, some of the same children, plus others, were playing the real game of squash with the double yellow dot black ball – and only one serve! Their games have improved so much in just the last month.
“Keen Fionn Leaney and his friend Ollie Hucklebridge from Cuddington and Dinton CE School, took the first and second prizes respectively. In a round robin format with a totalling up of points from each game, the tenacity of making each point in each game count meant that Ollie came through second over Matthew Harper, of Barley Hill Primary School, who had actually won more matches. It was a fantastically competitive grade.”
In the top grade there were five players – all looking forward to a great future in the sport. Ollie Ralphs, Lord Williams’s School, competed well against the winner of this grade in the December tournament, a guest from Henley, Luca Babb. Going up two games to love, Ollie made the standard mistake of relaxing and finding himself two – all. Fortunately for Ollie, support from the balcony from his Racquets peers kept his spirits up and Ollie fought hard to take the fifth; not bad for a player who only started playing in September of last year.
Sue continued: “Ollie was the first junior to take up a Racquets Academy position and has brilliantly shown how dedication to playing four times a week and having support and regular coaching can produce amazing sports results.
“In the middle grade, we were able to play a full 16 draw, knockout tournament. So many of the matches were closely fought. All with a great friendly, competitive nature.
“Previous one-day tournament winner, Adam Benke (LWS), was knocked out in the semi-finals by the most recent Racquets Academy junior, Olliver Dudley-Heidkamp (LWS). This was an unexpected win as Ollie has not been playing for as long as many of the other players and has only in the past three weeks started committing to four times a week.
“This tournament really showed how a little bit more commitment to any sport can reap rewards within a short time, especially in junior sport. We are hoping to grow the Academy over the next few months so we are looking for juniors who have a dedication to sport regardless of their current standard or age. One of our Academy kids began without being able to hit the ball and now, with amazing perseverance, can play a commendable game of squash and is improving every week.
“It is such a pleasure to coach and mentor these kids.”
THE question that every teenager dreads: What are you going to do when you leave school?’ To answer this, you need to know what courses and careers are out there and what is going to suit you best. So, where do you find out about careers? What is an apprenticeship and how do you get one? What is the difference between college and Sixth Form? What do you do with your History/Maths/ Psychology degree?
The answers to these questions and much more can be found at the Lord Williams’s School Future Fest careers event to be held on Tuesday, February 3, from 6pm – 8.30pm in the Lower School Sports Hall. This is a public event, open to everyone. Come along and meet local employers and find out what they are looking for in new recruits. Pick up a prospectus from some of the local colleges and talk to course tutors. Listen to the talks on apprenticeships, then talk to the training providers and employers providing apprenticeships. Hear what it’s like from the apprentices themselves.
Professional careers advice is on hand together with expert advice on job applications and CV writing.
Apprenticeship talks are scheduled for 6.30pm and repeated at 7.30pm. Parking will be limited, so if you are local, please come by foot. We look forward to seeing you there. For further information, call Nicky Stallwood on 01844 210524 or email: n.stallwood@lordwilliams.oxon.sch.uk
A 38-year-old man was charged on Friday (16/1) with a number of burglary and theft offences, including a Burglary dwelling at a house in Haseley Road, Little Milton, between November 20, 2014 and November 22, 2014
Hizekiah Roberts, of no fixed abode, was arrested yesterday and charged with 10 other offences:
Burglary dwelling – in relation to burglary in Springfield Drive, Wantage, between 20 November 2014 and 22 November 2014 Theft of motor vehicle – in relation to theft of a car in Springfield Drive, Wantage, between 20 November 2014 and 22 November 2014 Burglary dwelling – in relation to burglary in Manor Road, Wantage, between 20 November 2014 and 22 November 2014 Burglary dwelling – in relation to burglary in Newbury Street, Wantage, between 20 November 2014 and 22 November 2014 Burglary dwelling – in relation to burglary in Woodlands Brook, Wantage, between 20 November 2014 and 22 November 2014 Burglary dwelling – in relation to burglary in Upperton, Brightwell Baldwin, between 5 November 2014 and 7 November 2014 Theft of motor vehicle – in relation to theft of a car from Upperton, Brightwell Baldwin, between 5 November 2014 and 7 November 2014 Burglary dwelling – in relation to burglary in Boot Street, Stonesfield, between 1 December 2014 and 2 December 2014 Theft of motor vehicle – in relation to theft of a car stolen from Boot Street, Stonesfield, between 1 December 2014 and 2 December 2014 Attempted burglary with intent to steal – in relation to an incident at a shop in Main Road, Long Hanborough, between 1 December and 3 December
