Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 28/03/12…New development to be named after old Thame family

    A new development of five new homes in Chinnor Road, Thame, is to be named after the Garage that stood on the site for many years and owned by an old, established Thame family.

    The developers of the new houses had suggested ‘Park Mews’ for the homes which are to be built on the site of the old Bambrook’s garage. In latter years, it had been used by Thame Service station for their valeting service.

    Members of Thame Town Council’s Planning committee however, have decided that the development should be called just ‘Bambrook’s’ a suggesgtion put forward by Cllr David Dodds.

    PHOTO: Flash back to when Roy Bambrook (in the dark glasses) handed over the keys to Karl White of Thame Service Station when the property was handed over.

  • 28/03/12….Thame Hockey Club teams aim for the top!

    THAME Hockey Club have gone from strength to strength since they formed in 2007, and at this stage of the season, three of the club’s four adult hockey teams have achieved promotion!

    The ladies’ ‘firsts’ have triumphed having totally dominated their league. See LINK. The men’s ‘seconds’ have secured promotion and if they win on Saturday (31/03), will win their league. See LINK

    If the men’s ‘firsts’ win or draw on Saturday (31/03), they will also win the title. See LINK

    The club was recently given a donation of

  • 28/03/12….Youth Cafe for Thame?

    THAME could soon have its own Youth Cafe, similar to the one already open in Haddenham.

    A group of Thame Town Councillors have put forward the idea after a site visit to Haddenham’s very successful Youth cafe.

    Thame has not had a meeting place for young people since the Youth Centre in Towersey Road was closed because of funding cuts by Oxfordshire County Council over a year ago.

    The town council is looking into the possibility of turning the old changing rooms building on the Southern Road Recreation area into a youth facility, and adding a refreshment hatch, similar to the one at Meadowview Park, Thame United’s new home ground. This could be used to sell refreshments to the public at weekends.

    The old changing rooms have been unused since Thame football moved to the new ground on Church Farm.

    The council is hoping that the old youth club building could be used temporarily while work to refurbish the old changing rooms, takes place.

  • 28/03/12….Robin Gibb rushed to hospital

    IT has been reported today that Robin Gibb, who lives at The Prebendal in Thame, has undergone emergency surgery to remove a blood clot.

    The following bulletin was posted on his official blog today:

    “On Monday evening 26 March 2012, Robin Gibb underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot that caused perforation. This follows earlier surgery for a twisted intestine and is unrelated to Robin’s recent illness.

    “Robin underwent the operation successfully, he is awake and has been talking to his doctors. He is currently being monitored and resting in hospital and his family are hoping for his full recovery.

    “We ask that Robin and his family’s privacy be respected during this period. Robin’s promotional commitments for The Titanic Requiem album release have been cancelled for the time being but it remains Robin’s intention to attend the work’s live premiere in London on April 10th.

    “An update on Robin’s progress will be released in due time. Once Robin resumes work any interviews and appearances will be posted here on his website as usual.”

    IMAGE: Robin and Dwina Gibb, pictured at a charity event at the Spread Eagle hotel. Copyright https://www.thame.net

  • 27/03/12…….Councillor praises church Thame Tidy team

    DOZENS of volunteers took to the highways and byways of Thame on Sunday (25/03) for Thame Tidy Day organized by the local council and supported by local community groups. A team from the Cornerstone Church too had different teams of all ages helping to clear areas along the Phoenix trail and around the Van Diemans estate.

    Paddy Harris, Pastor at Cornerstone,said: ?People can?t understand why we are giving up our spare time to clear rubbish. While we were cleaning up we had members of the general public offering to get involved next year. We have also had loads of positive comments and encouragement from passersby. It is amazing what a few dozen people can do in such a short time.

    “Our congregation is always encouraged and keen to help in community based projects. Thame Tidy Day is something close to our hearts and continues on from Love Thame, a community based project that we launched in 2008. It is great to do something in the local community, he concluded.

    The church teams helped to clear rubbish that had been dumped along the Phoenix trail and in the estate, including beds, old toy houses and lots of other unwanted household items.

    Former Thame Mayor, Adam Buckland, said: ?It is great to see a local church like Cornerstone and its members volunteering for events like Tidy Thame Day. Well done to all who took part on a fantastic achievement and a great community effort!?

    Cornerstone is an independent Baptist, caf

  • 27/03/12…Warning following thefts from insecure motor vehicles

    [M 27/03/022] – THIS is a Community Message from Thames Valley Police. Theft from insecure vehicles ? South Oxfordshire:

    OVER the last week there has been an increase in theft from vehicles in the South Oxfordshire area. Incidents have occurred in Stadhampton, Berinsfield, Drayton St Leonard, Nuffield, Harpsden and Lower Shiplake.

    Offender(s) have stolen property from insecure vehicles parked in village locations during the early hours of the morning. A dark coloured VW Passat Estate vehicle with a white male occupant has been seen in the area and may be involved in these thefts.

    Residents are advised to LOCK their vehicles at night or when left unattended and remove Sat Navs, mobile phones or other valuable items.

    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 Ringmaster message.

    Alternatively if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Message Ends.

  • 27/03/12…..Organising a street party for the Jubillee?

    ANYONE planning on organising a street party to celebrate the Queen?s Diamond Jubilee will need to complete an application form and submit it to either:

    Mary-Ellen Oliver, Local Land Charges, Vale of White horse District Council, Abbey House, Abbey Close, Abingdon, OX14 3JE, or email:

    mary-ellen.oliver@southandvale.gov.uk

    If you require further information, she can be contacted on 01235 540415.

  • 27/03/12…Thame Cyclones secure mid-table place

    THAME CYCLONES VS THE RAGGY DOLLS – Netball- Division 5; Score: Cyclones 27 Vs Raggydolls 23. MATCH REPORT:

    LAST QWednesday (21/03), Thame Cyclones played their long awaited re-match against the Raggy Dolls who currently are holding bottom spot in the league tables despite some great play from the new comers.

    Thame knew a win was their only option with the season coming to an end and wanting to secure a mid table place. With Vanessa back for a trail game as shooter after some time out of the game, there was evidence of some nerves. With the game underway the first quarter saw lots of turnover from both teams with a goal for goal score line. There was lots of support both from the coaching sideline and from many of the TNC buddies from Team Hurricane (div 4) who had come to watch. Tension was high but the girls settled down, nerves disappeared and the first quarter ended on a tight 8-7 up.

    With no change to the team line, out Cyclones went into the second quarter knowing there was a lot of work still to do. The Raggy Dolls were tight in mid court and made it difficult for Cyclones to get ball side or gain much possession. Sam in WD was marked tight and Cyclones found it hard to find space. Again the quarter was goal for goal with Cyclones missing a few opportunities to surge ahead but holding their own. The bell rang at 13-12 ? still incredibly tight.

    With changes made in both defence and attack, Cyclones came out strong for the third quarter. With newly returned from injury Kelly Q back in form in defence after many months out, and a move to WD for Nic, our defence and midcourt felt stronger.

    There was some good turnover and the lead increased slightly. Changes in shooter left Becky and Lynne trying to get the ball into the net and when this didn?t happen the Raggy Dolls got turnover from the rebounds. Amy and Jodie working together as C and WA worked as hard as ever in ensuring the ball entered the D as often as possible and the end of the third saw Cyclones in a small lead.

    Tension was high both on court and in the galleys as the girls stood on court for the final quarter. Hang on tight, no mistakes, keep possession and score ? not a lot to ask surely? The girls did just that! With some great interceptions in and around the oppositions D from Jean and the rest of the defence coupled with some fantastic shooting the end was in sight. Cyclones did it ? a needed win 27-23.

    CONTRIBUTED

  • 27/03/12….Appeal as shoplifting gang hits Thame High street

    THAMES Valley Police are investigating three reports of thefts in Thame, including two incidents of shoplifting.
    Two of the incidents happened on Saturday, March 24 – one the theft of a mobile phone from a Thame pub and the other shoplifting of underwear. A previous offence, the theft of toiletries, happened on Wednesday, March 21.

    The officer in charge of investigating these incidents, PC John Simpkins, believes that they are linked and is also investigating whether they are also linked to previous similar offences in the area.

    PC Simpkins has given a description of the suspects who may be involved, although not necessarily all of them involved in every incident.

    The first suspect is a man with olive skin (possibly Mediterranean looking), approx 5ft 4ins to 5ft 8ins tall, with short black hair, approx 18-25 years old. He was described as wearing dark trousers and a distinctive dark leather jacket/body warmer.

    The first female also is described as having olive skin (again possibly Mediterranean looking), approx 5ft 2ins to 5ft 6ins tall, with long dark hair and of very large build (may be described a heavily pregnant). She was also described as “grubby looking” and wearing a long dark skirt and a scarf in her hair, and carrying a bag on her shoulder.

    A second female is described also as having olive complexion (Mediterranean looking), approx 5ft 4ins to 5ft 6ins tall, with long dark hair, of medium build, and wearing trousers.

    All three are said to speak with broken English and their tactic is to distract shop staff by any means possible (this may be by booking appointments or asking to try specific clothes on etc). They tend to crowd the staff and fire questions at them to catch them off guard.

    The police are currently examining CCTV footage recorded in one of Thame shops where an offence appears to have been committed.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Simpkins via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101. 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 crimestoppers-uk.org.

    No personal details are taken. Information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • 27/03/12…Market towns champion welcomes amendments to new planning policy framwwork

    THE initial response of AMT (Action for Market Towns) to the government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, published today, is generally a positive one.

    The organisations basic responses are:
    – Town Centre First policy strengthened, gives boost to small towns & high streets

    – Transfer of planning powers to local communities ? but only if they?re proactive

    – Mechanism for more affordable housing “too vague” but requirement to build on brownfield land first, good

    – “sustainable development” definition tightened and now accords with Brundtland principles

    ACTION for Market Towns has welcomed amendments made to the National Planning Policy Framework, which was published today, to strengthen policies relating to town centres. AMT?s Chief Executive, Chris Wade, also praised the Government for reflecting concerns about sustainable development in the final document ? but emphasised that communities must be proactive if they are to benefit from the planning powers the new Framework offers them.

    Condensing over 1000 pages of planning guidance into just 59, the Framework replaces current planning laws and comes into effect today.

    Chris Wade said: ?Planning is about much more than development control and we welcome the focus placed on involving communities in shaping where they live and work. AMT is delighted that the final NPPF has significantly strengthened the Town Centre First Policy and places them at the heart of vibrant and sustainable communities in line with our views and Mary Portas? recommendations. It addresses many of the concerns we expressed with the original draft.

    ?Town centres and high streets are facing significant challenges and a watered down planning system would only have made their problems worse. With a tighter definition of ?sustainable development? and explicit measures to protect the countryside, the new Framework is a significant improvement on the draft. We are also supportive of explicit measures for creating housing ? but this must include badly needed affordable housing ? and emphasise that communities will need to be highly proactive in order to gain from the much vaunted new powers the Framework is said to give to them.?

    Yesterday Action for Market Towns released new figures showing that average footfalls have plummeted by between a quarter and a third in some towns across England and Wales (available here: LINK

    Chris Wade added: “AMT would urge Government to consider how else they will be supporting town centre initiatives going forward and ensure that towns take into account the bigger picture when developing their plans. Restrengthening the role of town centres as social, community and retail hubs for towns requires intervention across Government departments.”