Author: Sonja Francis

Will more new homes be ‘dumped’ on Thame?

THAME residents’ representatives are very worried that additional new housing could be foisted on Thame, following the publication of new Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) figures.

Dusk over Thame town hall – By Frank Millar

The concerns came to light at a meeting between Thame Town Council and Residents Assoication leaders, to review how delivery of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan was progressing. Part of that report included SHMA housing numbers, recently published for Oxfordshire, indicating that land for an additional 6,750 new homes in South Oxfordshire will be needed between now and 2031, over and above those already planned for to 2026.

It is not clear how many of these additional new homes will be allocated to Thame. That will depend on how SODC decides to distribute them across the four main towns, Didcot, Wallingford, Henley and Thame, or, as Jake Collinge suggested at the meeting: “They come up with something novel, like new towns!”

Thame Town Council has asked the Minister, Nick Boles whether ‘windfall sites’, that is those not planned for but which come forward for planning permission during the period eg ‘in-fill’ on private land, may be counted in Thame’s allocation. But he has so far not responded.

Nick Shott, representing the Chiltern Vale Residents Association, said: “This could mean an additional 2000 homes for Thame, which could turn the neighbour planning process into a joke! We took a long time and a lot of effort devising the Neighbourhood Plan and selling it to the people of Thame and I don’t know what people are now going to think.

“It seems to me this is something that favours Developers and not the local people.”

Charles Boundy, from the Priest End Residents Association was concerned about the effect on roads, parking and the general quality of life on the town and feared that South Oxfordshire District Council would “dump the houses where they liked.”

Bob Austin, who represents the Towersey Road Residents Association, said: “We all know that we need more housing but it’s got to be manageable. Roundhead Drive for instance has become a permanent car park. We must make sure our voices are heard.”

Cllr Mike Dyer said that he thought there was “no need to panic” and that it was too early to judge what the impact the need for additional houses would have on the Thame Neighbourhood Plan, citing the fact that through the TNP, Thame has sites allocated for development, which have the force of law behind them, whereas the other towns do not.

Cllr Helena Fickling said: “Everyone needs to keep nagging Oxfordshire County Council. They are the people that control much of the infrastructure that we require.”

The Clerk, Helen Stewart said: “All we can do is make strong representation to Government and fight for ‘windfalls’ to be included in our allocation. I can assure you that Thame Town Council will continue to fight to restrict the number of developments in Thame.”

The Mayor, Peter Lambert, assured everyone at the meeting: “We are all batting for Thame!”

Ed. MORE from the Thame Neighbourhood Plan Monitoriing & Delivery Report 2013-2014, tomorrow.

04/04/2014
Music In The Park – an illuminating experience!

FOLLOWING on from a successful, though somewhat damp 2013, this year’s Music in the Park is tuning up nicely and promises to be as loud, lively and jam-packed as before – whatever the weather!

For the first time ever this year, as day drifts into night, festival goers will be illuminated by the newly-installed park lighting that Music In The Park has helped fund. Tickets are priced at £7 Adults, £4 Concession and £20 for a Family ticket, and are available from the Town Hall, Fore Golf, The Falcon, Vintage & Modern Guitars and the Cross Keys pub.

They’ll be available from Monday (08/04). Music In The Park has become one of the highlights of Thame’s community calender, attracting visitors from far and wide too. So put May 4, the Bank Holiday in your diary and get those tickets booked to avoid disappointment. For more information visit http://www.musicinthepark.org.uk/

04/04/2014
Solar farm proposal at Towersey

SOMEWHAT timely, just weeks after village properties were flooded during the recent rainstorms, generally accepted to be partly a consequence of man-made climate change, the people of Towersey are being asked to consider a Solar Farm on the outskirts of the village.

Map showing the site of the proposed solar park at Towersey

Luminous Energy and Belectric are proposing to build a Solar Farm at Stonepits, in Windmill Road, Towersey, and are holding a ‘Community information evening’ before submitting a planning application, to hear the views of local people and to respond to any issues they may have about the proposal.

The event will be held at Towersey Memorial Hall, in Chinnor Road, Towersey, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, from 4pm to 8pm.

03/04/2014
Men on the run after helicopter search over Thame

A helicopter search over Thame, that began just after 1pm today, has failed to find two men spotted near the scene of an attempted burglary.

The police were called to a burglary in progress at 1.07 pm, in Lashlake Road, Thame.

After an extensive search, they were not found and police enquiries are on-going.

Anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 085 111

03/04/2014
Have your say with community policing team

Thames Valley Police Alert

THE following Have Your Say Meetings are being held in Thame:

Thursday 10 April, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, between 10am and 11am.

Monday 28 April, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, between 3pm and 5pm.

This is your opportunity to speak with your neighbourhood officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have. If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your neighbourhood officers, please call 101.

02/04/2014
The pressure’s on to help avoid Stroke

THE Rotary clubs of Thame and Haddenham & District will be hosting a “Know Your Blood Pressure” event at the Co-operative Supermarket, High Street in Thame on Saturday, April 5, to help raise awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke across the UK. The event will be taking place between 10 am and 2 pm, offering the public a free blood pressure monitoring service with information and advice on stroke related health issues.

The two Rotary Clubs are joining scores of clubs across the UK as part of the “Know Your Blood Pressure Campaign” in partnership with The Stroke Association and the Ambulance Service. It is estimated that every year there are approximately 152,000 strokes in the UK. That’s one stroke every five minutes. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies.

Thame Rotarian, Tyrell Gillman, the event organiser said: “The Know Your Blood Pressure campaign has been supported by Rotary for over a decade. We took nearly 43,000 blood pressure readings all over UK last year and nearly 7,000 people we saw were advised to take action. These events can play a big role in reducing strokes across the country. It’s clear from our work that high blood pressure is far more common than you would think.”

Joe Korner, Director of External Affairs at the Stroke Association said: “High blood pressure does not present any symptoms and many people have no idea their health may be at risk. We estimate up to half of strokes could be prevented if people took steps to control it through diet, exercise or medication.”

“This year we are hoping to test at least 50,000 people all over the country. We hope to see many people from the Thame area at our event; it’s a simple and straightforward way to find out more about reducing your risk of having a stroke.”

To find out more about the campaign, please visit the Thame and Haddenham & District Rotary Clubs websites: www.thame.rotaryweb.org and www.haddenham-rotary.org.uk

02/04/2014
Invitation to Community Fun Day

THOMLEY Activity Centre, near Thame, is gearing up for its Community Day on Saturday (05/04) when all children with or without a disability, their friends and family will be welcomed to play together, raise awareness of the centre in the local community and best of all make new friends!

Thomley Activity Centre is a unique recreational and educational facility for disabled children and teenagers, their families, friends, schools and groups. It is situated in seven acres of beautiful and peaceful countryside, where all the facilities are fully accessible and securely enclosed, providing a safe but supportive setting for children to play, learn and take risks.

There are a wide range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities, including a soft play area, music room, sensory room, cycle track, art room and much more! The centre offers varying focus days to cater for teenagers, adults, pre-school children, community users and birthday parties.

Here’s a full listing of events for April – May 2014 (Please note that in school/term time Thomley is open to special schools and mainstream schools who include students with additional learning needs. We are open Wednesdays and Fridays throughout term time. Activities can be tailor-made to compliment school projects. Home Educators are welcome any day from Tuesday-Friday throughout term time).

Pre-School Day – Tuesday 1st April
Come and have a fun-filled day with other parent/ carers and take advantage of our soft play area, play rooms, lots of outdoor space and activities and our indoor craft room. All children under 6 are welcome, why not bring a friend and make a day of it?
Adult Day – Thursday 3rd April
For any adult with additional needs, come and enjoy our relaxing environment and socialise with other adults or why not book a session in our sensory room? We also offer multiple art and craft activities for all abilities, and encourage groups to chat, have fun, and relax!

Community Day – Saturday 5th April

Easter Holidays – Booking is essential. All of the regular activities are on offer, with additional activities provided for each day; with a separate provision for teenagers and young adults available too. Please see the planner on the website for further information ( www.thomleyactivitycentre.org/newsletters )

Monday 7th April – Community Day – for all children with and without a disability, their family and friends.
Tuesday 8th April – Family Day – for all children with a disability, their family and friends.
Wednesday 9th April – Teenage & Adult Day – for all disabled children aged 13+, with their family and friends.
Thursday 10th April – Group Day – bookings for disability groups only.
Friday 11th April – Community Day – for all children with and without a disability, their family and friends.
Saturday 12th April – Thomley is closed due to staff training. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Monday 14th April – Community Day – for all children with and without a disability, their family and friends.
Tuesday 15th April – Pre-school Day – Come and have a fun-filled day with other parent/ carers and take advantage of our soft play area, play rooms, lots of outdoor space and activities and our indoor craft room. All children under 6 are welcome, why not bring a friend and make a day of it?

Wednesday 16th April – Teenage & Adult Day – for all disabled children aged 13+, with their family and friends.
Thursday 17th April – Group Day – bookings for disability groups only.
Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Monday 21st April – Thomley is closed for Easter weekend. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Tuesday 22nd April – Family Day – for all children with a disability, their family and friends.

Adult Day – Thursday 24th April
For any adult with additional needs, come and enjoy our relaxing environment and socialise with other adults or why not book a session in our sensory room? We also offer multiple art and craft activities for all abilities, and encourage groups to chat, have fun, and relax!

Quiet day – Saturday 26th April
Do you prefer Thomley on a quieter day? Quiet days are a party free zone and bookings are limited so that children who struggle with the hustle and bustle of a busy day can enjoy themselves with more freedom and space to play!

Tuesday 29th April – Thomley Closed. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Adult day – Thursday 1st May
For any adult with additional needs, come and enjoy our relaxing environment and socialise with other adults or why not book a session in our sensory room? We also offer multiple art and craft activities for all abilities, and encourage groups to chat, have fun, and relax!

Pre-School day – Tuesday 6th May
All children under 6 welcome.
Adult day – Thursday 8th May
For any adult with additional needs, come and enjoy our relaxing environment and socialise with other adults or why not book a session in our sensory room? We also offer multiple art and craft activities for all abilities, and encourage groups to chat, have fun, and relax!
Camping Night – Friday 9th May
For all children with a disability, their family and friends. Enjoy a camping experience in the safety of Thomley grounds, bring your own tent. Enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows around the campfire. Further details available from reception.
Exclusive use for Campers only – Saturday 10th May
All the regular Thomley activities on offer, with additional themed activities. See the website www.thomleyactivitycentre.org/newsletters and select Saturday planners to see what’s going on!

Pre-School day – Tuesday 13th May
Come and have a fun-filled day with other parent/ carers and take advantage of our soft play area, play rooms, lots of outdoor space and activities and our indoor craft room. All children under 6 are welcome, why not bring a friend and make a day of it?
Adult day – Thursday 15th May
For any adult with additional needs, come and enjoy our relaxing environment and socialise with other adults or why not book a session in our sensory room? We also offer multiple art and craft activities for all abilities, and encourage groups to chat, have fun, and relax!
Family day – Saturday 17th May
All the regular Thomley activities on offer for children with a disability, their family and friends.
Pre-School day – Tuesday 20th May
Come and have a fun-filled day with other parent/ carers and take advantage of our soft play area, play rooms, lots of outdoor space and activities and our indoor craft room. All children under 6 are welcome, why not bring a friend and make a day of it?
Adult day – Thursday 22nd May
For any adult with additional needs, come and enjoy our relaxing environment and socialise with other adults or why not book a session in our sensory room? We also offer multiple art and craft activities for all abilities, and encourage groups to chat, have fun, and relax!
Quiet Day – Saturday 24th May
For those who prefer Thomley on a quieter day? Quiet days are a party free zone and bookings are limited so that children who struggle with the hustle and bustle of a busy day can enjoy themselves with more freedom and space to play!

For more information contact us:
Thomley Activity Centre, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, Bucks, HP18 9JZ
01844 338380
www.thomleyactivitycentre.org
enquiries@thomleyhall.org

02/04/2014
Easter holiday football course in Thame

THE Easter break is nearly upon us and at Meadow View Park, the home of Thame United, they’re planning fun-packed Football Activity Days for as little as £12.50 per day, for youngster between 6-12 years-old.

So, why not join in the fun at Meadow View Park, from Monday, April 7 to Friday,April 11, and Monday, April 14, to Thursday, April 17? Kick-Off is at 9am and the day runs to 3pm. CALL 01844 214401 to book now, or simply download the booking form and return to the MVP Office with your payment. Special Offer: Book all nine days for £90. http://files.pitchero.com/clubs/13461/TFPEasterSoccerApril2014_102004.pdf

01/04/2014
Thame lose to Kidlington at Meadow View Park

THAME United were defeated by Kidlington 1-3 at the ASM Stadium on Saturday (28/03). Going into the game, United were in sixth league place and the visitors were seventh, but they had played three fewer games. Whilst possession was fairly even, Thame struggled to penetrate the visitors’ defence and Kidlington just did enough to earn their points.

The visitors started brightly but it was Thame who scored first. In the 13th minute Dan West beat his marker on the right and was running at goal when he was tripped from behind, just inside the penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in awarding Thame a penalty. Marcus Mealing took the spot kick and beat the keeper comfortably with a strong shot to his right. Kidlington equalised on 20 minutes when Lee Farrow was not able to hold a well hit 30-yard free kick and the ball ran to visiting captain, Tommy Castle who netted from close range.

A few minutes later Luke Ricketts met a cross from Niall Hodgkins with his chest, but the ball hit the post. Kidlington increased their lead on 32 minutes when Ellis Hercules, under pressure from a striker, tried to head a cross from the right out for a corner but instead found his own net.

Mealing moved up front at the start of the second half with West falling back into midfield. Thame looked more dangerous for a while but on 56 minutes kidlington added another goal. A passing move created the space for Lewis Coyle to hit a well placed shot from the edge of the box into the right corner, giving Farrow no chance. Thame tried desperately to claw a goal back but their efforts were either wide, or comfortably saved by the visiting keeper.

Thame United: Farrow, P Pykett, Hall (I Pykett), Hercules, Rhodes, Lynch (Johnstone), Mealing, West, Hodgkins, Kedzierski (Davis), Ricketts.

United are at home again next Saturday (5th) when 13th placed Wootton Bassett Town are the visitors.

01/04/2014
Thame businesses ‘in a spin’ for Sport Relief

All the Omni group from CPM Thame, including Debs Davies from Racquets.

LAST weekend saw several local businesses spinning for charity as part of Sport Relief, under the watchful eye of Racquets Fitness Centre. The popular centre in North Street, Thame, loaned out four of its Spinning bikes to local businesses, the local Sainsbury’s store, CPM, Nationwide and McCormick- all hitting targets, to help raise money for charity.

In total, the collective raised a total of £3690 over the week. Martin King, who is a Personal Trainer at Racquets, helped to organise the event, and was obviously delighted with the results, and congratulated all those who had taken part.

“There are so many benefits from Spinning,” said Martin. “It’s suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s an all weather sport, it’s great for burning calories, its social, is low impact and generally great for general fitness and improving cardio respiratory endurance – and it’s fun!”

Racquets helped support the businesses throughout the week making the events possible. “If you’re looking for support to get fit, we’re always keen to help and support where we can. If you’re a keen cyclist why not give one of our spinning classes a try?” added Martin.

Find our more: http://www.racquets-fitness-centre.com/timetable/spinning/

01/04/2014