Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 13/12/10…Two early morning crashes cause delays on M40

    Two separate crashes on the M40 this morning, caused delays and tailbacks between junction six for Lewknor and junction seven for Thame.

    The two incidents happened within 100 metres of each other and with only minutes between them, just before 7am this morning, 13/12/10.

    The first collision involved a black Volkswagen Passatt and a grey Toyota Prius and was shortly followed by the second crash involviing a silver Vauxhall Astra and a second vehicle not yet identified by police.

    No one was injured in either accident, but the road was closed completely for about 15 minutes whilst debris was removed from the carriageway.

  • 13/12/10….Thame Company Chair become business ‘Champion’

    THE Chairman of Thame-based company, CPM, has been selected as an important member of the new Local Enterprise Partnership which is now up and running.

    Tony Stratton has joined The Oxfordshire City-Region Enterprise Partnership (Oxon-LEP)as one of 11 Executive Board Champions. Oxfordshire was one of 24 successful bidders recently approved by the Government to establish Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to promote business growth in UK regions.

    Tony, who also heads up Oxford Inspires, told ThameNews.Net: “My aspirations are to see the LEP attract money into the County for the greater good of all and to generally promote Oxfordshire as a great place in which to live, work and learn.”

    The Oxfordshire bid centered on its concentration of high-tech businesses and research facilities as well as its academic strength. The initial priorities for the Oxon-LEP were identified to be Business Support, Skills Deficiencies, Inward Investment and Enabling Infrastucture.

    Leading the partnership will be Dr Martin Dare-Edwards, UK Country Manager for southern-Oxfordshire based company Infineum, who has officially be confirmed as chairman of the Oxon-LEP, along with two vice-chairmen, Adrian Shooter CBE of Chiltern Railways and Oxfordshire County Council’s deputy leader, David Robertson. A further vice-chairman will be nominated, representing the University of Oxford.

    As well as the 11 ‘Champions,’ there will initially be eight ‘Ambassadors’ to make up a wider Oxon-LEP Forum.

    Dr Dare-Edwards said: “We have made clear our desire for Oxfordshire to be at the heart of the UK’s future economy, leading the way in science, research and development. We now feel like we’re up and running and in a position to get to work on making that vision a reality.

    “In the short-term, this is likely to involve making a small number of targeted bids for Government funding enabling us to take forward specific projects. These will be focused on developing markets and creating high value private-sector jobs in those sectors with greatest economic potential.

    “We want to engage with Government in a new way of working in which local needs are taken into account nationally.”

    He added: “The role of the board members will be to act as ‘Champions’ for the Oxfordshire region, committing their time, passion, energy and business skills to help the partnership deliver on the top priorities for our region.

    “The Ambassadors’ role will be to articulate what Oxfordshire has to offer to a variety of key stakeholders, exerting their influence on the resource providers and decision-takers.”

    FOR more information about the Oxon-LEP and the other members, visit: LINK

  • 13/12/10……♫ On the first day of Christmas? ..♫

    OXFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has released its specially adapted 12 days of Christmas safety tips for people to follow to ensure they are safe over the festive period.

    Christmas is a special time for celebration, but the season comes with extra hazards in the home and on the roads. There is far more potential for a fire due to candles being lit, decorative lights being used and extra cooking in the home.

    The safety tips coincide with the release of a short government film LINK which shows a Christmas tree fire destroying a living room in under a minute. The ‘Fire Kills’ campaign warns people to turn off tree lights and not to overload plug sockets.

    Follow the 12 days of Christmas safety tips:

    1. Make sure you have a working smoke alarm. Test your smoke alarm weekly and never remove the batteries to power presents!

    2. Don?t drink and drive. You are more likely to cause a serious road accident or even die, than a driver who hasn?t been drinking

    3. Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking whilst drunk. The majority of fires start in the in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.

    4. Never leave candles unattended. Keep decorations, card and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters.

    5. Make sure your switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign.

    6. Don?t over load sockets. Make sure there is only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.

    7. Take care around open fire places. Always use a British Standard fire guard and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go to bed or leave the house

    8. Make sure cigarettes are put out properly and never smoke in bed, Put it out, right out.

    9. Have an escape plan and make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.
    10. Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.

    11. Check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas to make sure they are safe at this time of year.
    12. Always wear a seat belt and don?t speed it is better to be late than dead on time.

    Don’t drink and drive

    Stuart Garner, Risk Reduction Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is the season to be socialising and partying. If you are out drinking, remove the question of driving from the equation – it?s not worth the risk. Book a taxi, catch the bus or train, walk home, stay overnight or, if you?re in a group, have a designated driver.

    “Give your keys to someone you can trust. It’s easy to think you’re perfectly able to drive safely when you’re not, remove the temptation before it’s there.

    “Most people are not aware how long it takes for alcohol to leave the system. You can still be over the drink drive limit the morning after, even if you feel fine. Drinking coffee, sleeping, or having a shower will not work. Time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system. Never drive if there?s even a slim chance you are still ?under the influence.’”

    Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Christmas is such a lovely time of year and we all enjoy festive celebrations, but it’s really important to remember to put your safety first. The 12 days of Christmas safety tips are very straight forward and easy to follow. With a greater risk of fires in the homes, and accidents on the road during the winter months, it is more important than ever to follow these guidelines.”

    For more fire and road safety advice visit www.365alive.co.uk

  • 13/12/10..Hand in hand with their MP

    MEMBERS of Barley Hill Church in Thame met local MP, John Howell on Saturday (11/12) to show their support and commitment to helping tackle global poverty.

    As part of their participation in the Micah Challenge, the group presented a set of handprints made by members of the church with their own pledges written on them. The meeting with John Howell was arranged by Barley Hill Church member, Rosie Pearce, whose own pledge was to lobby her local MP for continued support to tackle world poverty.

    The Micah Challenge is a group of people who want to speak out against the injustice of global poverty. See www.micahchallenge.org.uk

    John Howell said afterwards: “It was a pleasure to meet the members of Barley Hill Church. I am encouraged by their support and commitment. Even in these difficult economic times the UK has a moral responsibility to help the poorest people in the world. It is also in our own interest to do what we can to help tackle global poverty. I will make sure my colleagues in Government are aware of the support provided by Barley Hill Church.?

    PICTURE: Handing over the hands to John Howell MP are Rebecca Wainwright, Sarah Gaultney and Rosie Pearce

  • 13/12/10….Thame United draw first game at new stadium

    AFTER five years of playing football at other people’s grounds, Thame United finally played their first game at their very own, brand new stadium on Saturday.

    This historic match at the ASM Stadium at Meadow View Park, played in front of a gate of 356 people, finally ended in a 2-2 draw against Bracknell Town. Although Bracknell, known as the Robins, are boasting on their website that they ‘crashed Thame’s party,’ that certainly was not the feeling of the Thame contingent who were in party mood after the game. Nevertheless, the Robins did concede in their match report that the match ended “in a hard fought but fair scoring draw.”

    Last weekend’s bad weather meant that the team’s scheduled first match against Wokingham & Embrook had to be postponed, but that disappointment has now faded and the future looks more settled for Thame United and their

  • 12/1210…Passengers hospitalised after Oxford Tube bus overturns

    THAMES Valley Police is continuing to investigate what caused a coach to overturn on a slip road of the M40 in Oxfordshire yesterday evening (11/12).

    The Oxford Tube coach was travelling northbound and had turned off the motorway at junction 7 when it overturned at the top of the slip road at about 10.55pm.

    The double decker coach, which was travelling from London to Oxford, was about half full at the time, with 35 passengers and the driver.

    A number of passengers and the driver were taken to the John Radcliffe hospital. Five people remain in hospital this morning (12/12) with serious injuries, although none are believed to be life threatening.

    The exit slip at junction 7 was closed, as well as the A329 in both directions either side of the M40. The coach is in the process of being recovered from the motorway.

    Although the cause of the incident remains under investigation, officers do not believe that any other vehicle was involved.

    Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Three Mile Cross roads policing unit via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

    SOURCE: Press release

  • 12/12/10…Further information on Thame coach crash

    A STATEMENT released today, throws more light on the coach crash at junction 7 for Thame, of the M40, late last night.

    A police spokesman is reported to have said that it was investigating whether the coach took a different exit off the motorway. The Oxford Tube normally leaves at junction eight.

    The statement from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue reads:

    “On arrival crews were met with a scene where an ?Oxford Tube? double decker coach that had been in collision with the safety barrier on the south bound exit at junction 7.

    The coach had struck the barrier and rolled over, ending up half way down a steep embankment. Our priority was to stabilise the coach to prevent it sliding any further as there were still people on the coach. Crews secured the coach using winching equipment giving us a stable work platform.

    Incident Commander John Nixon said there were approximately 35 people on the coach and a priority list was drawn up between South Central Ambulance and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue.

    One person was medically trapped at the rear of the coach and crews took a considerable time to free them due to the difficulty in both access and the entrapment. Another passenger was thrown from the coach and received severe injuries and ended up entangled in the shrubbery down the embankment. They were taken to safety using a basket stretcher.

    At that stage South Central Ambulance Service declared this a Major Incident. My understanding is that there were 35 passengers on the coach who were all triaged at the scene. I believe17 passengers were treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital with varying types of injury.

    Fire Crews remained on scene until the coach could be partially lifted using heavy lifting equipment to allow us to check underneath the vehicle and confirm no further casualties were involved.

    Fire and Rescue Services were on scene until approximately 03:30 AM. Fire fighters from Watlington, Wheatley, Didcot and Kidlington attended the incident (approx 20).

    Group Manager John Nixon said ?I would like to praise my fellow colleagues in both South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police in the way the situation was resolved using both professionalism and close inter working liaisons?.

    Press state prepared by John Nixon 12 December 2010

    PHOTO and report: Mail on line website:
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1337929/17-injured-coach-flips-overturns-leaving-motorway-Oxfordshire.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

  • 12/12/10….Further update – Oxford tube crash

    Coach crash – M40 – further update/amendment – Thames Valley Police have confirmed that a total of 34 people (33 passengers and one driver) were on board the double decker coach which overturned on a slip road of the M40 motorway in Oxfordshire yesterday evening (11/12), not 35 as previously stated. The force has apologised for any inconvenience caused.

    The coach is still in the process of being recovered. One lane of the junction 7 slip road is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day and into tomorrow (13/12).

    The coach driver has not yet been spoken to and the investigation continues.

  • 10/12/10….Its party time for Thame’s pensioners

    SENIOR CITIZENS from Thame and Moreton enjoyed some Christmas cheer this afternoon, courtesy of the Mayor or Thame, Adam Buckland.

    The Mayor’s guests were waited on by members of Thame Guides, town councillors, PCSOs, Diane Jackson and Lucy Thorn, and entertained by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire and professional singer, Marie-Jane Barnett singing with Ian English, and Cllr Jeannette Matelot Green also lead the singing of carols and played the piano.

    The special guests included Thame’s MP John Howell and Cllr Angie Patterson, from South Oxfordshire District Council.

    “I’ve been coming here since the Mayors’ parties started in 2002,” said one of the guests, who lives in Fairfax Road, Thame. “It is one of the highlights of my Christmas. Its so nice to get out of the house and to meet old friends as well as people I havn’t met before. Everyone has been so kind, especially the young people.”

    PHOTO: Cllr David Laver shows Hazel, from Swan Walk, the Christmas cake before it was cut up and shared around. Cllr Beatrice Dobie, who helped organise the party, looks on.

  • 10/12/10……Site F – Best for whom?

    Dear Editor, (SODC Cllr) Angie Paterson in the local press stated that stated: ?the council?s decision to approve the core Strategy (site F as the site for 530 new homes to be built in Thame) is a step in the right direction.?

    For whom is this the right step I wonder? Many of the residents in Thame do not agree and think this is a very ill-founded and short sighted decision. Site F is the only possible place in Thame where Lord Williams?s school could be built as a one-site school and should be reserved for this purpose alone.

    The current proposed reserved plot for a lower School on site F is not be large enough. Thame Town Council and most of the residents of Thame would prefer the new homes to be spread around the proposed sites in Thame to avoid large housing estates and congested roads. It seems good town planning does not exist as no one is prepared to pay for it!
    J. Swanson
    Resident of Thame
    10/12/10