Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 09/10/12….POLICE ALERT: Spate of thefts from motor vehicles

    THE POLICE report a spate of thefts from vehicles between Saturday (06/10) and Monday (08/10) in the South Oxfordshire area, including Thame. Details as follows:

    Between 06/10 and 08/10
    Rectory Road, South Weston, Thame
    Laptop computer stolen from insecure vehicle

    Overnight 06/10 – 07/10
    Mill View, Cuxham, Watlington
    Ipod, Wallet and credit cards stolen

    Between 06/10 and 07/10
    Salt Lane, Postcombe, Thame
    Two insecure vehicles entered – driving licence stolen from one

    Between 06/10 and 07/10
    Postcombe, Thame
    A folder of 60 DVD?s and a DVD remote stolen a Mercedes vehicle

    Between 06/10 and 07/10 offender(s) removed and stole catalytic convertors from vehicles parked in Ireton Court and Chalgrove Road, Thame.

    Residents are advised to remove any valuable items from their vehicles, leave nothing on display and make sure vehicles are secure when not in use. Please click on the link below to obtain crime prevention advice on car security & information on security devices:

    href=”http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev/crprev-auto/crprev-auto-protectvehicle/crprev-auto-protectvehicle-car.htm

    Please be extra vigilant. 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 the new national single non-emergency telephone number 101 and state you are responding to a Community message.

    Alternatively if you have 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.

  • 09/10/12…..Meet ‘Archers’ actors at Thame Art & Literature Festival

    WITH just four days to go before the Thame Arts and Literary Festival, there are still tickets left for some of the events.

    There are still tickets available for :
    LARKIN? ABOUT ? this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening of fun – Starring Sunny Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy) and John Telfer (Rev. Alan Franks) from R4?s ‘The Archers’, join forces with the Antonius Players to explore the wit and words of Philip Larkin and his many women in a hilarious evening of fun and song.
    This event is being held at the Players Theatre in Thame and there will be a paying bar.

    Friday 12th at 8pm. DON?T MISS OUT BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY
    *****************

    AS CONSPIRACY THEORIES GO, THIS IS UP THERE WITH KENNEDY?s ASSASINATION!

    ANDRO LINKLATER ?s brilliant deconstruction of a little known piece of British history makes for compelling reading. Did John Bellingham the assassin act alone? If not who aided him? As the evidence accumulates a darker picture involving slavery, Russian spies and wealthy merchants from the North West emerges.

    Andro brings us a fresh perspective on Britain and the Western world at a critical moment in history.

    Saturday 13th at 4pm Christchurch

    ******************

    RICHARD SMITH is no stranger to TAL Festival ? he amused us last year with his anecdotes of ?Oxford Student Pranks? ? this year he has brought out another hilarious book on ?Britain?s Most Eccentric Sports?.

    You probably didn?t know that Britain has provided the world year after year with true global champions in ?.shin-kicking, medieval football re-enactment, gravy wrestling and the Pantomime Horse Grand National ? the mind boggles!!

    Richard?s book covers the madcap hilarious and sometimes downright dangerous sports still surviving in Britain today.

    A perfect event to put you in the mood for Sunday lunch afterwards.

    Sunday 14th at 11.30am in Thame Museum

    *******************

    For more information about TAL and available tickets, visit: http://www.talfestival.org/

    PHOTO: ‘Lillian Bellamy’ alias actor, Sunny Ormonde

  • 09/10/12….Tractor, mower and tools stolen from Thame school

    THAMES VALLEY POLICE ALERT: Between Friday (05/10) and Monday (08/10) offender(s) broke into a shed at the rear of Lord Williams Upper School, Oxford Road, Thame, and stole a Kubota tractor, ride on mower and gardening tools.

    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 the new national single non-emergency telephone number 101 and state you are responding to a Community message.

    Alternatively if you have 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.

  • 09/10/12…THIS WEEKEND: Bring your apples & help Celebrate Haddenham’s finest

    HADDENHAM In Transition is inviting local people with surplus apples to join them in a celebration of ‘Haddenham’s Fintest’ this Saturday (13/10).

    This is HIT’s second year for this event which will bring together local people with local produce, crafts and foods.

    Following its success last year, apple pressing will be available as well as:

    *Organic pork roast
    *Homemade ice cream
    *Homemade dishes
    *Photography
    *Pottery & sculpture
    *Coffee & cakes
    *Lunch and tea
    *Wooden crafts
    *Harvest of Haddenham
    – bring & buy produce
    *Handmade clothes
    *Handmade bags
    *Jewellery
    *Crafts demonstrations
    * and lots more besides…!

    Teas and light refreshments will be on sale and there will be a Bar with local beer!

    Transition Haddenham is part of a world-wild movement where …”communities have started up projects in areas of food, transport, energy, education, housing, waste, arts etc as small-scale local responses to the global challenges of climate change, economic hardship and shrinking supplies of cheap energy.

    Together, these small-scale responses make up something much bigger, and help show the way forward for governments, business and the rest of us.” LINK

  • 09/10/12….Boosting the local economy into 2013

    SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council has published its Year three, Economic Development Framework Action Plan which outlines a number of steps it intends to take over the coming year to support the needs of businesses across the district and encourage more organisations to base themselves in the area.

    The Year three document is the latest update to the South Oxfordshire economic development framework and action plan 2010 to 2013 which outlines the economic development activity in the district over this period.

    Each year, a review of the original action plan is undertaken to ensure it reflects the current priorities for the economy of South Oxfordshire.

    The framework and action plan, together with advice to local businesses and market research resources can be found at www.southoxon.gov.uk/supportforbusinesses

    NB Thame’s own Economic Development Plan is currently being formulated by SODC in partnership with Thame Town Council and Thame4Business, the Economic Working /group of 21st Century Thame.

  • 08/10/12….Victory for Chinnor over undefeated Worthing

    CHINNOR RFC surprised themselves with an exciting victory over previously undefeated Worthing on Saturday (06/10).

    Matt Hoyland came in at hooker on his debut and Adam Hastings at blindside flanker. Leo Fielding took the right wing berth.

    Chinnor got off to the perfect start when KIba Richards dropped the kick off. Chinnor loose forwards pounced to get the ball to Sam Stoop who danced through three tackles to dot down under the posts with just 18 seconds on the clock. Cathcart?s conversion gave Chinnor a 7-0 lead with just one minute gone and they never looked back.

    Chinnor continued to play brightly but Worthing were the next to score when a series of pick and drives from a scrum saw No 8 Smith go over for a try on the 25th minute. McLean?s conversion squared the match at 7-7.
    Matt Goode?s kick in midfield was charged down and the ball rebounded to full back Henry Colver. He ran hard for the line and slipped a pass to Tommy Gray who cut inside with a delightful sidestep to score under the posts. Cathcart?s conversion put the home side 14-7 ahead.

    Worthing tried to get back into the game but met powerful resistance, particularly in the centres.
    Chinnor turned over the ball in midfield and Jones? perceptive cross-field kick led to a Worthing line-out 10m from their line. Chinnor managed to disrupt their maul and whizzed the ball across the field for Fielding to stroll over for Chinnor?s third try on the 35th minute. Cathcart?s conversion saw Chinnor go in 21-7 at the break.

    Worthing came out strongly for the second half and McLean crossed for their second try just one minute in. Converting his own score, McLean reduced the deficit to 21-14 still in favour of the Kingsey Road side.
    Chinnor continued to strangle Worthing attempts to level with dogged defence from the back row and an impenetrable midfield. Joe Kava prevented a dangerous Worthing move with a timely interception. Pickett took the ball up strongly to allow Matt Goode a canter to the line for Chinnor?s bonus point try in the 47th minute of the match. Cathcart then improved the Chinnor lead to 28-14.

    Worthing were not finished and came back with a try from Harry Sloan. McLean?s conversion reduced Chinnor?s lead to 28-19. A forward pass spotted by the referee, Mr Paul Kimber from Hampshire, prevented Worthing scoring a try after a penetrative run from lock Scott Barlow, who had a fine match for the visitors.
    The match was sealed by Chinnor in spectacular style. From a series of rucks on the right hand side, an outrageous 30 metre miss pass found lock Tom Mowbray in space. Ignoring the pace men around him, Mowbray pinned his ears back and sprinted a full 40 metres to the line for Chinnor?s fifth try in the 55th minute. Cathcart?s last minute penalty goal saw Chinnor victorious by 36-21.

    This was an inspiring and unpredicted victory over an undefeated side by a side who played attractive pressure rugby. Worthing suffered a first minute setback and struggled from then to get into the match. They seemed surprisingly lacklustre at times ? perhaps because a lot of their play was strangled by a competitive Chinnor side. Worthing disdained kickable penalties in favour of lineouts from which they rarely profited in trying to overcome stern resistance from the home side.

    Chinnor played a sensible game. The back row were more than defensively capable with Hastings? tackle work rate notable. Stoop and Goode were immovable in midfield and the running of Gray, Colver and Fielding hard and direct.

    Stoop?s defence, finely judged kicking and opening score made him man of the match ? only just overshadowing Gray?s fine contribution to the match.

  • 08/10/12….Farmer denies wind turbine would be seen from Thame

    A local farmer has denied that a proposed wind turbine on his land would be visible from Thame.

    County side lobbying group, CPRE Oxfordshire (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England), is objecting to the wind turbine proposed at Rowan Farm, Henton, near Chinnor.

    The applicant, Mr John Laming, already has an ‘eco’ house with rain harvesters and a ground-source heat pump providing underfloor heating, but wants the proposed 15 kv, 20 metre high wind turbine mostly to heat units on his game farm instead of expensive propane gas.

    “It’s not just the people of Henton who would be affected by the turbine’s noise,” claims CPRE. “Such a tall structure would be visible from Thame, Haddenham and Chinnor, and a wide swathe of surrounding countryside including from the Chilterns and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our policy on wind turbines is that while we welcome renewable energy, it must not be at the expense of the countryside or its residents, and any wind turbine should be located appropriately.”

    Mr Laming told ThameNews.Net today: “The nearest house from the turbine is over 600 metres away and because of all the trees around the area, only the top of it will be visible from Henton itself in the winter time. This is not one of the very big turbines that people see around the country on ‘wind farms’; it is relatively small and would only emit a low level hum.

    “People who say it will be ‘unsightly’ forget that years ago, many farms had tall wind pumps for water. We drive along motorways these days, passing huge great electricity pylons and hardly notice them any more.

    “People need to remember that we import much of our electricity from France which is mainly produced from nuclear power. They want us to be more self-sufficient and to have more ‘green’ energy but don’t want it in their own backyards.”

    Michael Tyce, Chair of Thame District CPRE, Oxfordshire said: “Oxfordshire, being inland and undulating, lacks the constant prevailing winds to make turbines a viable energy-generating option. However, even though electricity production would not be significant, it may still be profitable to the developer through subsidies we have to pay through our electricity bills.

    “If this is approved it would be likely to lead to a rash of applications to erect turbines in this part of the county, given the financial incentives involved.”

    Mr Laming said: “It has cost us

  • 08/10/12….Thames sees off Nomads for another three points

    THAME United gained another three points at the ASM Stadium on Saturday (06/10) when they defeated Oxford City Nomads 2-1. The score does not do United?s performance justice as they were by far the better side. Thame powerhouse, Stuart Barr, was on the bench as he was due to run a marathon the following day.

    Thame controlled the opening exchanges, winning five corners and two free kicks in the first five minutes. They had a ?goal? disallowed for offside before going ahead in the 11th minute. A ball from midfield found Ben Connelly on the right wing who ran and hit a great cross which Luke Ricketts met with a well placed, six-yards header, just inside the left post. Minutes later Alex Stewart headed Thame?s sixth corner inches over the bar.

    Thame were in control, and a Stewart free kick forced an excellent save from Nomad?s goalkeeper. Another shot from Stewart was saved before he eventually beat the keeper in the 39th minute. A good ball from the left wing found him at the edge of the area; he beat both of his markers before finishing with a low shot from 12-Yards. It was 2-0 at half time and a comfortable win seemed likely.

    The second half was an anticlimax. Although United continued to have the bulk of possession and to create more chances, they were unable to increase their lead. The visitors’ goal came on 84 minutes when a high ball found substitute Louis Joyce unmarked on the right and he hit a strong 20-yard shot, giving Lee Farrow no chance.

    Thame United: Farrow, Meredith, Hall, Hercules, Rhodes, Hayes, Connelly (Johnston), West, Stewart (Gray), Hodgkins (P Pykett), Ricketts.

    Next Saturday (13th) United meet Fairford Town in an FA Vase match. The FA have chosen the day as their Non-League Day and to mark the occasion Thame United will be having a Family Fun Day with free entry to the match for all under 16?s together with a barbeque, an indoor bouncy castle, and pre-match entertainment from Thame Boys Under 6?s. All are welcome.

  • 08/10/12….Latest Thame Crime up date for October

    Here is the latest Thame neighbourhood update from Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Lucy Rattenberry, PCSO Diane Jackson, PCSO Chris Hollis and PCSO Richard Howard.

    Anti-social behaviour (ASB)

    The most common way we can deal with incidents of ASB is by issuing ASB warning letters, acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs), anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), Section 27 orders ? direction to leave locality, and Section 59 orders – contracts issued for using a vehicle in an anti-social manner.

    During September, we have received very few reports of ASB. We continue to conduct high visibility patrols in key areas at key times to deter/prevent ASB.

    PCSO Lucy Rattenberry liaised with the town council to arrange for litter bins to be placed in and around the park area in the Queen Elizabeth Circle, as littering has been a problem. These bins have now been put in place.

    In September, Thame Fair took place, which passed with no reported ASB related incidents. PCSOs worked closely with the Town Council in the lead up to the fair, ensuring that any issues such as possible hazards, parking issues and access were looked into and any problems resolved.

    We have also received complaints about anti-social use of vehicles through the town centre, mainly in evening times and at night. We have developed a good rapport with the young people in the town, and combine suitable advice regarding noise levels and gathering in public areas together with enforcement where appropriate. We will continue to monitor this and should we identify vehicles and drivers causing vehicle related ASB, we will be issue Section 59 Warnings, which can lead to the seizure of vehicles constantly coming to note. These community concerns continue to be addressed through our current patrol plan.

    Priorities

    Our Local Priority for Thame is ASB. As stated above, we conduct high visibility patrols in and around the town, engaging with members of the public, listening to local people?s community concerns/issues. Where problems are brought to our attention, we conduct home visits with parents present, issue warning letters and work with offenders to encourage them to move forward.

    Planned Activity

    We have participated in the following operations during September:

    Maginot – this operation continues to run, tackling travelling criminals entering and leaving our area.

    Due to an increase in thefts from vehicles in the Thame area and surrounding villages, we have been deploying the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) device at dedicated times and providing a highly visible police presence aimed at deterring and preventing offences taking place, offering reassurance and assisting in the capture and prosecution of offenders.

    ANPR is a powerful tool that can help prevent crime by identifying flagged vehicles.

    Benefits of ANPR

    ANPR identifies suspect vehicles that may not normally attract police attention.
    Unlicensed or uninsured vehicles are likely to be seized on the spot by ANPR equipped officers.
    It can be used to gather intelligence on known criminals, and for running pro-active operations using dedicated Roads Policing intercept teams.
    ANPR cameras are not safety cameras – they are not used by Thames Valley Police to catch speeding or otherwise law abiding motorists. ANPR cameras are not used to generate money for the Government or other agencies.

    Magpie – This operation involves checking parked vehicles in local car parks for valuables left on display. We also conduct these checks on our general patrols.

    Mangrove – this is running as a result of fuel thefts from heavy goods vehicles in our area. This operation involves us carrying out static patrols in key areas at key times in marked vehicles.

    Moonlight – this operation will be running continuously and is working to protect the night time economy of Thame Town centre by preventing and detecting ASB/violent assaults and managing licensed premises. PCSOs are working with police officers to conduct high visibility patrols in the town centre and liaising with the pubs, carrying out licence checks.

    Partnership Activity

    We continue to work with our partners, ensuring that we liaise on a regular basis with the schools on our sector, with who we have good rapport.

    We conduct monthly walkabouts with soha housing and Highways, tackling low level neighbourhood issues.

    We continue to engage regularly with the Town Council, picking up any concerns people raise and also events which are taking place over coming months in the lead up to the Christmas period.

    We also conduct high visibility patrols at key times at our schools, giving us opportunity to engage with the pupils and parents, and also monitoring parking.

    We have received reports from Barley Hill School regarding parking issues in Denbeigh Road, Henrietta Road and Ludston Grove at dropping off/picking up times. We will be dealing with any parking offences accordingly.

    Pubwatch meetings continue to be held every two months and Country Watch meetings are held quarterly.

    Crime Mapping

    The Home Office national crime mapping website gives the public access to street-level crime information as well as information on their Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Neighbourhood Priorities and Events – details of Have Your Say and other neighbourhood activities. Log on to www.police.uk, type in your local postcode or neighbourhood name and then click on ?Find out more?.

    Have Your Say online

    You can now send non-emergency messages to us using the online form that is available on the Thames Valley Police website. A number of people have already sent their concerns using this method. For you to do that please follow the link: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-about-nh-pol/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n153-hys. Please allow some time for us to get back to you as we do check our mail box only at certain times of the day.

    There is also the opportunity to attend Have Your Say meetings in person. Upcoming Have Your Say meetings are:?

    Monday 1 October, midday ? 2pm, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame with PCSO Diane Jackson.
    Thursday 11 October, 11am ? midday at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame with PCSO Lucy Rattenberry.
    Wednesday 17 October, 1:30pm ? 3:30pm, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame with PCSO Richard Howard.
    Thursday 25 October, 2:30pm ? 4:30pm, at Costa Coffee, High Street, Thame with PCSO Chris Hollis.
    These 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. Further meetings will be publicised locally and on the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

    If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non-emergency number 101 or email ThameNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. Please note this email address cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters. Alternatively you can visit the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk to view information on your neighbourhood.

  • 07/10/12….The ‘Ultimate Wedding Show’

    THE Ultimate Wedding Show is once again coming soon to the Thame area. On Sunday, October 7, 2012, at The Oxfordshire, Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Thame OX9 2PU,
    The Ultimate Wedding Show will offer brides-to-be the opportunity to plan their perfect day and meet some of the area’s finest wedding professionals and experts.

    From the essential to the unexpected, come along and enjoy the experience of preparing the wedding of your dreams. 11am – 3.30pm – Free entry and free parking.
    www.theultimateweddingshow.co.uk