Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Thame Footpath changes proposed

    cotmore_park_sign (400x300)A plan to re-route a long-established footpath that crosses a proposed development across Cotmore Wells Farm, Thame, has been recommended for approval by Thame Town Council.  At a meeting last night (14/10) Councillors expressed their ‘delight’ at the proposed changes because, they said, ‘It doesn’t go anywhere at the moment’.

    CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) howevfer, has expressed its concerns about the footpath to the planning authority, South Oxfordshire District Council, in a submission commenting on the planning application for the units. Changes to the footpath are being proposed to accommodate two large, new industrial units on the land, with associated landscaping and carparking, which are currently awaiting planning permission.

    In its response, CPRE states:

    “As the public rights of way network east of Thame is very sparse and we have always considered it essential that additional public rights of way be created in the area to give residents of the town a greater variety of country walks accessible on foot from their homes, we are concerned that Section 2.7 of the Landscape & Visual Impact Appraisal states that ´this route could be stopped up without any impact on pedestrians`. We therefore wish to urge your Council to insist that this path be retained as part of any permission you may grant and be extended (a) to the eastern boundary of the development site (where an extension might, in due course, be created to Towersey) and (b) to link with the Phoenix Trail in order to retain the possibility of it forming part of future improvements of the rights of way network around Thame.”

    The full ‘Pre Order Consultation’ document can be read here: http://www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/images/7._Public_Path_Pre-Order_Consultation.pdf

    The planning proposal for these new industrial units, was recentlly recommended for approval by Thame Town Council, even though the footprint of the proposed units is larger than allowed for in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan. The justification for this decision can be read in a letter from the Town Clerk to Thame.Net here: https://www.thame.net/archives/16686

    A letter from a Thame resident, regretting the development, can also be read here: https://www.thame.net/archives/16562

  • Lucky escape for crash driver

    A woman driver escaped serious injury earlier this morning after her car left the road and came to rest upside down in a ditch.

    The incident,  involving  a blue Vauxhall Vectra, happened on the A329, at Little Milton shortly before 9.30am.police_RTC_sign (400x250)

     

  • Chinnor doubles Southend Saxons’ score to win

    CHINNOR RFC had a strong first half for the first time this season on Saturday (11/10) which helped significantly towards their 42-21 victory over Southend Saxons.

    Photo by Peter Matthews
    Photo by Peter Matthews

    Reuben Haile opened Chinnor’s account with the first of his four tries in the 7th minute. Keohane increased the Chinnor lead to 8-0 with a penalty goal on 13 minutes. After several strong scrums, referee James Clarke lost patience with Chinnor and awarded a penalty try to the visitors from Essex. Ashton’s conversion closed the score to 8-7.

    Another penalty goal to Chinnor’s Keohane was followed by two tries from Chinnor in quick succession through Jones and Haile – both benefitting from midfield play making of the highest order from Junior Fatialofa. Keohane’s conversion put the home side 23-7 ahead. With Chinnor’s Manning and Long leading the forward charge, Chinnor were well in command. Their superior back play further demonstrated their sense of urgency with the hat trick try from Haile. The conversion put Chinnor ahead 30-7 at the break.

    Southend started the second half well when their scrum continued to pose problems to the home side and eventually their dominance led to a try through number 8 Hudson, converted by Ashton. Southend continued to press in the Chinnor 22 but were rebuffed by a determined home defence. Haile, on the end of a scything backs move, put Chinnor 35-14, Keohane adding the extras. Southend continued to press and their efforts were rewarded  by a try from winger Billings, darting through the cover from 30 metres out. The conversion put the visitors 37-21 behind. In the dying seconds, a determined Jack Hayes bashed his way through several tackles for Chinnor’s final try, to close the match at 42-21 to the Oxfordshire boys.

    Southend were well served by their scrum who posed Chinnor problems throughout the match and looked dangerous every time they had set piece possession in the Chinnor 22. A lot of stout defending by the home pack managed to neutralise the Southend scrum superiority. Former Chinnor player, David Jackson was the pick of Southend pack.

    Chinnor will be pleased to have made a much earlier start in the game than in previous matches. The side is starting to look more cohesive and the backline looks more settled. Most of the good work in the backline, especially leading up to the tries, was due to the superior running, sidestepping and passing skills of Junior Fatialofa. Martey made a surprisingly high number of tackles. Reuben Haile’s four tries are testament to his natural scoring ability when given good ball in the right areas. In the forwards, Manning and Long were both tough and industrious throughout. However, for his all-round contribution in attack and defence, scrum-half Frank Jones wins the accolade of star player, just shading it from a number of very good candidates.

    Teams
    Chinnor: Martin Nutt, Robbie Martey, Jack Hayes, Junior Fatialofa, Reuben Haile, Ed Keohane, Frank Jones, Ricardo Cano, Jamie Townsend, Guido Cambareri, Ben Manning, Josh Kroman, Andy Tibbatts, Ryan Long, Alfie To’oala
    Interchanges: Joe Winpenny, Dave McKee, Nick Harrison, James Cathcart, Matt Mountford
    Southend : Tom Ashton, Mark Billings, Sam Nash, Chris Vaughan, Danny Cleare, Ian Meads, Rhys Powell, Jason Fardell, Marcus Bloomberg, Aston Bevans-Royston, Kris Chesney (c), Harry Hudson, David Jackson, Adam Ferrier, James Kellard
    Interchanges: Craig Strachan, Dylan Day-White, Chris Shields, Lester Pollard, Billy Driver

    Scorers
    Chinnor
    Tries (time): Haile (7, 32, 35, 56) Jones (28) Hayes (76)
    Conversions (time): Keohane (33, 35, 57)
    Penalty Goals (time): Keohane (13, 25)

    Southend
    Tries: (time): Penalty (19), Hudson (54), Billings (66)
    Conversions: (time): Ashton (20, 55, 67)

    SOURCE: Contributed by Bill O’Donnell

  • Thame Utd end visitors’ winning streak

    UNITED  continued their recent good form on Saturday (11/09) as they brought to an end the visitors’ five-match winning streak in the league.

    Dan West, who scored the first goal against Kidlington on Saturday
    Dan West, who scored the first goal against Kidlington on Saturday

    And it could not have started any better for United as they took the lead in the first minute. Captain Adam Morris fed the ball out to Ben Connelly whose first time cross was met by the head of Dan West six yards from goal, giving Hyslop in the Kidlington goal no chance. Two minutes later and West and Marcus Mealing combined well before the latter earned a free kick on the edge of the box that Dan Jones fired just wide.

    Luke Ricketts, who scored Thame utd's second goal on Saturday against Kidlington
    Luke Ricketts, who scored Thame utd’s second goal on Saturday against Kidlington

    Kidlington, who prior to the game were third in the league, nevertheless looked dangerous going forward and the equaliser arrived in the 15th minute. The Referee awarded Kidlington a somewhat dubious corner that was taken short and delivered to the far post where an unmarked Ryan Curtin was able to control the ball and fire beyond Cockerill. United then enjoyed possibly their best period of the game with Mealing heading over in the 22nd minute before, four minutes later, feeding the ball through to the returning Luke Ricketts who hit a powerful shot in to the roof of the net to restore the lead. Mealing then nearly got on to the score sheet with an acrobatic effort just wide, before, in the 29th minute, West poked a cross from Ricketts just wide of the near post. United were unable to capitalise at this point and Kidlington almost found an equaliser on half time when Curtin, through on goal, found Cockerill in fine form.

    The second half lacked the intensity of the first, with Kidlington enjoying the majority of the possession and United content to sit back and hit their opponents on the break. However, despite the possession, Kidlington rarely threatened the home goal and, when they did, Cockerill was commanding in maintaining the lead.

    This Thame United 2 Kidlington 1, win sees United move up to seventh in the league.

    United: Cockerill, Evans, Jones, Hall, Hercules (Mulholland), Lynch, Connelly (Gledhill), Morris, Mealing, West, Ricketts

    SOURCE: Contributed by Jake Collinge

  • Chinnor rugby boy is star turn for Wasps

    ONE lucky Chinnor Rugby Mini Player had a great day courtesy of London Wasps recently.

    Will Greenfield running the ball at Wasps' game against Newcastle Falcons
    Will Greenfield running the ball at Wasps’ game against Newcastle Falcons

    Ten year-old Will Greenfield, from The Meadles near Aylesbury, won a competition held for all the Thame-based, Chinnor Rugby Club’s Mini’s players who registered on the club open day, to become the ‘ball runner’ for the Wasps game against Newcastle Falcons on September 28.

    Will got to warm-up on the Adams Park Stadium pitch and have his photograph taken with the Wasps’ captain, James Haskell, and mascot Sting before running out with the match ball prior to the start of the game.

    Will, who plays for Chinnor’s U11s, said: “The day was really good but a bit scary. I think we gave them a lucky ball because they won!”

    The final score was Wasps 35 – 18 Newcastle Falcons.

    Chinnor Minis, based in Thame, are always on the lookout for new players aged 6-12 years-old, and train at 10am on Sundays. For more information email minichairman@chinnor-rfc.com or visithttp://www.chinnor-rfc.com/

  • Search is on for Good Neighbour Scheme volunteers

    AS the launch of Thame’s Good Neighbour Scheme draws closer, the search is on for volunteers to help improve life for people in the local area and join the scheme.

    Image courtesy of Sourcewire.com
    Image courtesy of Sourcewire.com

    Anyone considering becoming a volunteer is invited to go along to an informal meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday, October 15, at Thame Town Hall, to meet other volunteers and exchange ideas on how to work together to help those in need.

    The sorts of people who may need the support of GNS volunteers might be older people, people with disabilities, single parents, young mothers, those temporarily in need through illness or anyone who may be isolated in the community. Help could include occasional transport, prescription collection, dog walking, and even little jobs like changing a light bulb.

  • October sees Thame’s Netball girls ‘on a roll’

    (1) Tornadoes v Phoenix 1st October 2014 ADNL Div 3 – IT was a tense start to the game with both teams gunning for a win. It was neck and neck for the first four goals but Thame swiftly took the lead thanks to some superb long range shots from Heather and Hayley leaving it 9 – 2 after the first quarter.

    Action shot Collage (400x400)It was a scrappy affair in the second quarter with both teams making mistakes allowing phoenix to slowly claw back some goals. Phoenix defence was strong, frustrating Thame’s attacking play and making passing practically impossible ending the quarter in a low score of 13-8.

    In the third quarter Phoenix continued to press hard but soon got tired and with some outstanding interceptions from Susie Thame were able to increase the lead to 22 – 10.

    By the fourth quarter the perspiration levels were at their peak notably at the knees, arms and top lip. Despite this we maintained a strong lead with sound defending from Sheena and Kirsty keeping the score line low. Our third match of the season ended with a a winning score line of 29 – 16.

    (2) Thame Hurricanes v Wingrave Comets –  1st October

    A much depleted Hurricanes team faced a solid Wingrave side, which historically, has been an extremely close fought battle. The first quarter started cautiously but Thame managed to snatch the opening goal. Amy Scullard (playing up from Cyclones) was a strong influence on the centre court, finding plenty of space and enabling smooth movement up the court. Lucy and Carol passed swiftly to Helen in the shooting circle and Thame edged ahead. Although Wingrave were not far behind and Thame found themselves behind at the first quarter whistle.

    The second quarter was a much stronger one for Thame with a switch in positions for Lyn and Sue and some fabulous defensive work by Lynn P and Sue in the centre third. There were also some marvellous long pass interceptions by Lyn in the circle. Thame were down by two goals at the half time whistle..

    The second half of the game saw a steady rise in the goals for Hurricanes and slowly but surely they crept further ahead of a frustrated Wingrave. Hurricanes defence from the Centre pass was working well and Thame achieved some much deserved turnovers. Helen played some crafty over the post passes to Carol and their shooting was awesome. A few stray passes crept into the tiring Thame side but they held their own and finished a healthy 34-27.

    It was a much more determined performance this week with calm, positive play. A very welcome first win of the season.
    Team: Helen T, Carol S, Lucy S, Amy S, Lynn P, Lyn H, Sue F, Ellie D.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • An Audience with Nigel Farage

    ON the day that the  UK Independence Party has won its first seat in the UK House of Commons, Thame Players Theatre has today revealed that the party’s leader, Nigel Farage, will be coming to the town to present his own story, in An Audience with Nigel Farage at the Players Theatre in Nelson Street, Thame, on Sunday, November 2.

    Nigel Farage
    Nigel Farage

    The show has been described as “sometimes hilarious and often terrifying encounters with a stellar supporting cast, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Robert Kilroy-Silk, told with Farage’s customary wit.”

    Tickets are £18 each, and are going fast – including apparently a block of 20 already sold to a, so far unnamed, Thame Town Councillor.

    Visit: http://thameplayers.co.uk/an-audience-with-nigel-farage/ for more information.

  • ‘Think before you dial 999 during ambulance strike’

    SOUTH Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s (SCAS) unions, Unison, Unite and GMB are to strike for four hours on Monday, October 13, between 7am – 11am.

    ambulance (400x226)A spokesperson for SCAS said: “We recognise the right of our employees to strike but we need to maintain an essential service to the public, and in light of this action we are working closely with all our staff, partners and the public to help us reduce demand on our services. This will help us to continue to protect our patients and achieve an adequate and safe level of 999, 111 and PTS cover.

    “Contingency plans are being put in place to mitigate any adverse effects of the strike action and ensure the safety of our patients. We are working closely with our unions to
    deliver patient care that is not compromised across our emergency and non-emergency services. We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and take appropriate action.

    “We would like to remind the public to use our services appropriately and only call 999 if absolutely essential. If you are suffering an injury or illness which is non-life threatening, there are other avenues of care available to you, you could:

     Visit your local pharmacy
     Contact your GP or out of hours GP
     NHS111
     Walk in centres and Minor Injuries Units
     Access NHS Choices online to check your symptoms and find your nearest service.

    Watch ‘999 South Central’ at http://www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk/campaigns/wearealifeline.ashx think before you dial, Misuse Costs Lives.

  • Moped stolen from Thame property

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a theft of vehicle in Thame.

    Thames Valley Police Alert
    Thames Valley Police Alert

    Between 8.30am and 5.20pm Thursday (09/10) offender(s) stole a moped from the front of a property in Grenville Way, Thame.

    If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message please call the police on 101.

    Alternatively if you have any information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online @ crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.