Author: Sonja Francis

THAME Town Council will discuss and agree its formal response to the latest phase of SODC’s consultation on its amendments to its future housing plans, next Tuesday, August 2.

The plan, or ‘Core Strategy’ will set out the number and sites for new housing in the district to 2017. The amendments have had to be made in response to comments and guidance from the Planning Inspector examining the draft Core strategy, that SODC cannot depend on the appearance of ‘windfall sites’ for some of its allocation of housing, but must specify planned sites.

This has resulted in more allocated houses for Thame and a revised plan for development on SODC’s preferred location for large-scale development, site F, the old pig farm in Oxford Road. The town council is supporting the building of a one-site secondary school in Oxford Road and new homes on the consequentially empty, Lord Williams’s Lower school, in Towersey Road, Thame.

The town council’s discussion and vote will follow the presentation of a report by Jake Collinge, the town council’s Planning advisor.

Any member of the public who wishes to speak at the meeting, must apply to do so before 5pm on the previous day, August 1, 2011.

THIS is a Community Message from Thames Valley Police.
BURGLARY – Thame – On Thursday 21st July, between 18:30hrs and 22:00hrs, a property in Fleetwood Way, Thame, was burgled. Offender(s) gained entry by forcing a front door and stole jewellery.

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 08458 505 505 and quote URN 1601 of 21/07/11. Alternatively if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Message Ends.

FIVE Thame residents, who in the words of the town’s Mayor, make our town special, received Civic Awards from him at a ceremony at the Barns Centre last night (Thursday).

In his opening speech, the Mayor, Cllr David Bretherton, said: ” I have the privilege as Mayor to visit many local towns like Aylesbury and Henley, where I hear their Mayors say what a special town they have. Well I think our town is special too and we need to celebrate it more.

“What makes Thame special? Is it the thriving town centre with its may independent shops? Is it because we are a Market town which still has a market? Is it the town council staff who do such a brilliant job making the town look nice? Is it the architecture of the buildings and long history of the town?

“Actually, it is all of these things and more. It’s you, the people of the town and more importantly all those who contribute to life in the town by running the various clubs and voluntary organisations, those of you who the town council and myself as Mayor have invited here to show our appreciation of the work that you do to make our town special.”

The five awards went to:

Young Achiever Award – Cosette Jackson; Who “is a fantastic student and excels in everything she does” both inside and outside school, training approximately 28 hrs a week at gymnastics, for which she is part of the International squad.

The Service with a Smile Award – Jeremy Smith, of the coffee shop, Time Out, in the High Street. His nomination said: “He always greets people with a friendly welcome, his service is outstanding and he goes that extra mile to help people,” whether it be, quickly rushing to help someone struggling with a pushchair or offering water for a dog brought into the shop.

The Voluntary Organisation of the Year Award – Thame & District Round Table; Described by the Mayor as: “A fantastic group of people who work tirelessly throughout the year to raise money for good causes…and who do so much of what makes Thame tick.”

The Good Citizen Award went to- Denis Branch, regularly a volunteer driver of The Thame Community Car for many years, as well as for Thame PHAB club. He also visits sick and elderly friends. “It would be hard to find a nicer, kinder man than Denis,” read his commendation.

The final award, for Lifetime Achievement, went to Rosalie Gibson (her second award in a week, following entry into the St Birinus Fellowship by the Bishop of Dorchester on Sunday). Her nomination read: “Despite being widowed only a few years ago, Rosalie continues to do her voluntary work with enthusiasm and kindness. She works tirelessly on many committees but also does many little kindnesses which she tells no one about. Her volunteer works include:

Chair of Thame Conservagtion Area committee
Membership Secretary and Treasurer of Thame Historical Society,
Involvement withThame WI
Trustee of Thame Barns Centre

The Mayor concluded by thanking the councillors who stood down at the local election in Mayor, paying particular homage to Beatrice Dobie who stepped down after 24 years as a councillor.
Captain of St Mary’s Church Bell tower

HUNDREDS of local women pounded the streets of Aylesbury at midnight last weekend in aid of the Florence Nightingale Hospice charity, supported by Thame singer, Sam Hoare.

On Saturday, 570 ladies pounded the streets at Midnight, flashing pink bunny ears in tow, in a bid to raise vital funds for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC).

Much fun was had by all in the build-up to the event, as walkers were treated to a special performance by Thame singing sensation Sam Hoare, who even penned her own song ?Supernova? to perform on the night, music from local DJ Phil Gomm, and a stomping warm-up session courtesy of Joanna Beardsmore-Dilks, and Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Club (RCDFC) members.

Before setting off, a special presentation was made by RCDFC member and 12-mile walker Ruth Early, who lost her close friend Jennifer Hudson aged just 36, last year, after a six-year battle with cancer. Following an emotional speech, Ruth presented the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) with a donation for