AN 18 month old baby with a chronic lung condition who has just spent his second Christmas in Intensive care, has been refused a vital vaccination on the NHS because the local health authority says he is too young.
Friends and family of Alfie Hackett, who was born prematurely, are helping to raise the
THE sad death of a young man who was well known as one of the town’s great characters, has rocked Thame today.
Window cleaner, fund-raiser and someone who always wanted to help, Ben Guest died at home yesterday evening (04/01) after suffering a seizure in the bath.
Ben was the brother of Jason Guest who runs Pet Care in Cornmarket, Thame, and the son of Terry Guest, a familiar figure at Thame’s Tuesday market, with his antique and curio stall.
Pete Lambert, the landlord of the Cross Keys pub in Thame, where Ben was a regular, told ThameNews.Net this afternoon: “There was not a harmful bone in that little body. All Ben lived for was to please people. He was always planning charity events, and had great plans to hold a truck pull up the High Street to raise funds for Help For Heroes.
“The first day we arrived in Thame to take over the pub, Ben was there introducing us to everyone and telling us who was who in the town. His smiley face will be sorely missed by so many in the town.”
Local fire officer, Andy Ford, spoke of how Ben always wanted to join the Fire Service but was prevented for medical reasons. “But he was always there helping us out at Thame Show and other events. He had a heart of gold.”
RIP Ben. PHOTO: Courtesy of Peter Lambert
Sat 7th Ceilidh Just a week after their New Year?s Eve Extravaganza, Haddenham Ceilidhs is holding the normal monthly ceilidh on Saturday (8pm) in Haddenham Village Hall. It features Hugh Rippon calling for the band St
MATCH REPORT: (Contributed) Ardley United 3, Thame United 1: League game – 27/12/11. THAME’S unbeaten run of nine games ended at Ardley on Tuesday, 27/12/11, when they were defeated 3-1. The result allowed Ardley United to extend their run to fourteen games without defeat and strengthen their top of the table position. Thame were without some first team regulars because of illness, injury, and suspension.
The visitors won the toss and chose to play uphill on the slippery, sloping pitch during the first half. Ardley had the better of possession but their chances were few and Thame keeper Milan Barisic was not tested until the 25th minute when, following a corner, he made a good save from a header. Ten minutes later a home striker was fouled in the box and Ardley were awarded a penalty. Fortunately for Thame, Ryan Brooks hit the spot kick just wide. It looked as if Thame would hold on until half time but with a minute to go, Brooks made amends for his miss by beating Barisic with a low, well placed shot into the left corner.
The home side increased their lead two minutes after the restart when Brooks crossed low from the left and Thame failed to clear, allowing Tom Green to tap in at the far post. Thame manager Mark West reshuffled his players and moved Luke Ricketts, who had started as left back, to his usual left wing position. Possession was far more even in the second half and Ardley were on the back foot as the visitors pressed. Thame?s goal came in the 55th minute when an in swinging Ricketts corner, from the right beat defenders and forwards alike, hit the far post and crossed the line. Thame continued to threaten with Alex Stewart and Connor Hayes both going close. With 5 minutes to play an Ardley break saw Brooks score his second when another low, corner-bound shot beat Barisic. Thame continued to press but were unable to break through.
Thame United: Barisic, Barr (Little), Ricketts, Meredith, N Rhodes, Hayes, Connelly, D. West (Davis), Stewart, Cordice( I Pykett), Keeble.
PHOTO: Thame’s scorer, Luke Ricketts
THAME First Thursday Music Club continues to go from strength to strength and kicks off the new year tomorrow (January 5), at The Stables, behind The James Figg, in Cornmarket, Thame.
Raffle Winner
The club’s usual end of year FTMC raffle saw a beautiful Takamine Super Jumbo acoustic guitar, kindly donated by Phil and Maria from the excellent Vintage and Modern Guitars in Thame, as the very special prize. It was won by none other than club favourite, Andy Shaw! All proceeds are ploughed back in to the club.
Spotlight Spot
In a message on the club’s website, Founder member and website editor, John Littler, said: “In December, FTMC started a new 25 minute “Showcase Spotlight Spot” at 10pm, where a popular act from a previous month’s FTMC gets a little longer time to strut their stuff. The fabulous 2amBlue took the inauguaral SSS in a case of nepotism that would embarass North Korea.
“This month I am pleased to say that it is down to merit and I am delighted to say Emma Davidman gets the floor at 10pm for the FTMC Showcase Spotlight Spot – don’t miss it!
“Come down to the Stables behind the James Figg at 8pm -ish to enjoy a fine night of eclectic musical fun.”
THE Mayor of Thame was joined by an enthusiastic crowd of local people, for a New Year’s day walk to raise funds for his chosen charity.
Twenty eight people, some experienced walkers from the Thame and Wheatley Ramblers group, and others just along to blow the festive cob webs from their heads, followed a circular seven mile route from Thame to North Weston, on through Moreton and back to The James Figg pub for hot soup afterwards.
Despite some of the route taking them along some very muddy footpaths that challenged some of the walkers to remain upright, the atmosphere was jolly and the rain of the previous day held off until the walk was over.
As well as the Mayor himself, David Bretherton, the walkers included Thame Town Cllr Mary Stiles and members of 21st Century Thame’s Environment working group who help organise the walk with Racquets fitness Centre.
Funds raised from participation in the walk will be donated to the Mayor’s chosen charities.
CHINNOR RFC kept up their unbeaten run by beating Weston-Super-Mare 55-10 in front of a big crowd on Sunday (29/01) with a scorching first half display of pace and power.
With Tom Gray back fit, Mark Chase changed wings to cover Pip Seymour out injured. Chinnor got off to a blistering start when Colver crossed for the first of Chinnor?s ties on 2 minutes. Just two minutes later, from a rolling maul, the ball arrived in the hands of Mark Chase who sidestepped his man to go over in the corner for the first of his hat trick of tries. Chinnor?s lead was increased to 15-0 in the 10th minute when, from quick lineout ball, Stoop sliced through the Seasiders defence to dot down under the post. Cathcart?s conversion improved the home side?s lead to 17-0.
The bonus point try came for Chinnor in the 14th minute when the Kingsey Road side stole lineout ball and set the backs racing. Chase, sidestepping in and out, touched down in the corner. Cathcart added the extras from the touchline to give Chinnor a 24-0 lead. On the 20th minute, Goode made great inroads through the centre of the visitors? defence before offloading to Chase. His deft footwork slipped in fellow winger Tom Gray who sidestepped three opponents to go under the posts for Chinnor?s 5th try. Cathcart converted to increase the lead to 31-0.
Weston-Super-Mare began to get back into the match and battered the Chinnor line for a sustained period but, ultimately, to no avail as the home side stole lineout ball to clear their lines. A delightful short chip over and collect by James Cathcart , on the 21st minute, allowed Matthew Goode to storm through the Seasiders defence for Chinnor?s 6th try. Cathcart increased the lead to 38-0.
Perhaps the best try of the day came two minutes before half time. After sustained pressure in their own 22, the Seasiders kicked for touch. The alert Gray caught the ball on the volley in touch and instantly sent a long pass to Colver in the centre of the pitch. He whipped the ball across to Chase on the other touchline. Chase hit the afterburners and sidestepped and jinked his way through the visitor?s defence to touch down under the posts. Cathcart did the honours and the referee, Carl Bennett effective throughout, blew for half time and a Chinnor lead of 45-0.
The second half was altogether a much more muted affair. Chinnor clearly eased off and Weston-Super-Mare took advantage to take the game to their hosts. In terms of points scored in the second half, the visitors matched Chinnor at 10 points all.
First points of the second half went to Chinnor. From the lineout from a penalty awarded to Chinnor, a rolling maul was driven to the line with Gilbert touching down to increase the lead to 50-0. On the 46th minute Waddingam was replaced by Harrison and Goode by Corpe. On the 49th minute, a garryowen from the Seasiders was expertly caught at full pace by Frank Jones who set Stoop running at the line. He was held up short but deftly offloaded to the supporting Harrison who dotted down for Chinnor?s final score of the day on the 48th minute to give a 55-0 lead. Chinnor slackened their efforts and then committed a series of offences which displeased the referee. On the 62nd minute, Chinnor?s Mowbray was yellow carded for a high tackle. One minute later, Chinnor was reduced to 13 men when Chase was sent for a rest for coming in at the side. The Seasiders took full advantage of Chinnor?s reduced numbers. A well worked rolling maul from a penalty led to Weston?s Jamie Rudkin touching down for the visitors first score to reduce the lead to 55-5. Five minutes later, the Seasiders scored a smart try from their own half, scorching down the tram lines for left wing Matt Watkins to score in the corner. With the score at 55-10, Weston continued to press until the final whistle.
Weston-Super-Mare are to be congratulated for playing right through to the end of the match despite their mauling in the first half. Their second try was well worked and flanker George Wright had a good game.
In some ways, this was a bitter-sweet performance by Chinnor. The first half was all power, pace and passion leading to some breathtaking scores and a commanding half time lead. But what happened in the second half? Players were falling off tackles, energy levels seemed to drop and structure collapsed. Perhaps the commanding lead was unhelpful. However, it was a good result and our best ever against the Seasiders and we can?t complain at 9 tries. Mark Chase deserved Man of the Match for the quality of his three tries.
Next week sees local rivalries re-emerge with the away match at Oxford Harlequins. The second half for that match won?t be in doubt.
Scorers:
Chinnor: Chase 3T; Colver T; Gray T; Gilbert T; Goode T; Stoop T; Harrison T; Cathcart 5C
Weston-Super-Mare Rudkin T; Watkins T
Chinnor team:
Colver, Chase, Goode (Corpe 46), Stoop, Gray , Cathcart, Jones, Winpenny, Tattersall, Pickett (Whelan 51), Mowbray, Smith, Jackman, Waddingham (Harrison 46), Gilbert
Replacements: Whelan, Harrison, Corpe
2nds lost 22-21 at Barnes when 2 perfectly good tries were disallowed.
3rds beat Wallingford 2nds 36 ? 26
4ths beat Grove 2nds 10 ? 17
Premiership Ex Chinnor Player News:
Dave Seymour (Sale) picked for England Saxons.
Ryan Glynn (Northampton Saints) came on from subs bench
SOURCE: Contributed by Dave Winpenny
ACTION for Market Towns (AMT), the national charity representing market and small towns across the UK, has welcomed a new report from the select committee of MPs which is examining the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Alison Eardley, Policy Manager for Action for Market Towns, said: “A lack of clear definition within the NPPF has been at the centre of debate for some months, and was raised in AMT’s response to the draft NPPF back in the Autumn. AMT welcomes Greg Clark’s indication that he will ‘carefully consider’ a new definition of sustainable development produced by the committee. We would urge the government to define sustainable development in terms of assessing proposed developments by weighing up their impacts on environment, population and economy equally in order to come to an informed and balanced decision.
“We need to ensure that unscrupulous developers cannot use presumption to avoid presenting plans that are well-constructed and abide by appropriate standards. We also must ensure that developers cannot just bamboozle a community into approving a plan that is against the community’s interests. The planning process should become more, and not less, democratic.
“We also welcome the reinstatement of a reference to the effect that any new development should be guided by the principles of ‘brownfield first’ and ‘town centre first’ and that new provisions for communities to secure ‘absolute protection’ of town centres from out-of-town development be added.”
PHOTO: Courtesy of Miller Research: Thame Food festival stalls
WITH over 250 letters submitted from neighbours and representations from others concerned with plans for a new Thame cattle market, the detailed plans have now been approved by the district council.
The go-ahead for the move from the existing cattle market in North Street to the new site on Thame Show Ground however is not at all a certainty in the near future, as it will depend on Sainsbury’s getting planning permission to build a super store on the existing site.
If Sainsbury’s was to be granted planning permission, uncertain because it goes against current planning policy for the Cattlemarket site, the supermarket giant will buy the remainder of the lease from the Cattlemarket owners thus releasing funds for the market to move to the new site.
Several provisos have been stipulated by SODC regarding drainage, site access and landscaping. The full details of the plans and the detailed planning permission can be viewed HERE
NB The current ‘Local Plan’ states that redevelopment of the cattle market site should be a ?mixed use? development and excludes food supermarkets.
The Local Plan will eventually be replaced by The Core Strategy currently in Draft form and being reviewed by a Planning Inspector. This states on page 79: “The study recommends the site (Thame Cattlemarket) should be developed as mixed use. It did not identify a need for a large food store and we would not support such a
proposal on this site.”
Sainsbury’s submission is that a large supermarket would bring benefits to the town. See LINK
A STATEMENT by the Chief of a charity representing small and Market towns throughout the UK, has today issued a request to the government, very relevant to the future of Thame.
The chief of Action for Market Towns (AMT) which represents areas where 20% of the population live, today reacted to a new analysis from property analysts CBRE showing that supermarkets are planning to open enough new stores in the years ahead to cover 500 football pitches – with more than 80% of the new space in out-of-town developments.
Chris Wade, Chief Executive of Action for Market Towns, said: “Continued out-of-town growth is probably the biggest threat to those still healthy high streets in our small towns. The Government-commissioned Portas Review called an explicit presumption in favour of town centre development.
“Action for Market Towns urges Housing Minister Grant Shapps, with his newly appointed responsibility for reviving town centres, to put this town centre presumption right at the top of his resolutions for 2012 in responding to the Portas Review.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK? The question is, does the Cattlemarket site in Thame count as an ‘out-of-town’ site and, will a new superstore on the site enhance the town centre or help to destroy it?
Contact: editor@thame.net with your views.