Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Calling all families with learning difficulties and carers!

    FOLLOWING Tuesday’s Annual Town Meeting and a very entertaining presentation by a group of young adults in Thame needing support, their Volunteer Co-ordinator, Michelle,is spreading the word about an event at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford.

    The event is called My Home, Our Communtiy, and is being organised by the national charity, United Response and other organisations in the area, to share with others the work they do in the community.

    Help and information will be on hand about housing, support, advocacy, assistive technology and even how to vote!

    For more information call Tina Ellis on 07989 479 234 or email: tina.ellis@unitedresponse.org.uk

  • 15/04/10…Thame jewellers robbed in broad daylight

    A THAME jewellery shop was robbed this morning, in broad daylight, in the busy shopping centre.

    The robbery happened at about 10.30am this morning at Robert Gatward’s in the High Street, and witnessed by several shoppers and passers-by.

    At 1.30pm today, the area remained cordoned off and detectives and forensic officers were still inside the shop carrying out a detailed investigation.

    More information as and when it is available.

  • Latest planning applications to be considered by Thame Town Council

    PLANNING applications to be considered by Thame Town Council?s Planning Committee on Tuesday, April 20, 2010

    8717
    P10/E0338 LAND TO THE REAR OF 9 HAZELTON CLOSE
    Demolish existing garage and shed and construct a two storey detached sustainable dwelling.

    8718
    P10/E0311 5 STRAFFORD WAY
    Extension to rear of building, adjacent existing conservatory.

    8719
    P10/E0205/LB 15A HIGH STREET
    Repair and redecoration of listed building ? internal repair, re-pointing of gable ends, insulation of basement ceiling and the alteration and repair of windows.

    8720
    P10/E0336 15 MONTROSE WAY
    Single storey front and side extension. Proposed pitched roof
    over existing garage. Garage conversion to habitable rooms.

    8721
    P10/E0384 3 HAWTHORN AVENUE
    Single storey rear extension and side extension and alteration to
    front of garage to form pergola.

    8722
    P09/E1420/LB 104 HIGH STREET
    Installation of air conditioning.

    8723
    P09/E1419 104 HIGH STREET
    Installation of air conditioning

    8724
    P10/E0424/AG PARK GRANGE FARM, THAME PARK ROAD
    Erection of grain store.

    8725
    P10/E0389 32 EAST STREET
    Two storey rear extension.

    8726
    P10/E0357/RET LAND TO THE REAR OF 88-93 PARK STREET
    Change of use of a 10 metre strip of land to the rear (south) of 88-93 (including the former Baptist Chapel), Park Street from private parkland to separate private gardens.

    8727
    P10/E0386 3 HAZEL AVENUE
    Single storey side extension and garage conversion.

    8728
    R3.0056/10 LORD WILLIAMS?S UPPER SCHOOL, OXFORD ROAD
    Erection of a single storey extension to existing nursery school
    building and associated internal alterations.

    8729
    P10/E0382 75 SEVEN ACRES
    Two storey front extension.

  • 15/04/10..Shop worker punched in Thame Jewellery shop robbery

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery in Thame today. At around 10.30am, two men entered Robert Gatward Jewellers in the High Street, assaulted a member of staff, and then smashed the glass cabinets with a hammer and stole a large quantity of jewellery.

    The offenders were wearing hooded tops with their faces covered. They left the shop where somebody driving a black Peugeot 407 was waiting outside for them.

    Det Insp Russell Simpson, investigating the incident, said: ?The men punched the male member of staff who was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where he was later discharged.

    ?Three other members of staff and a customer were in the store during the incident but were thankfully not injured.

    ?I appeal to anyone who was in the High Street this morning and saw three men in a black Peugeot 407 acting suspiciously to contact police immediately. The car was later found abandoned in Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire.?

    Anyone with information that could assist police enquiries is urged to contact Det Insp Simpson via Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don?t want to speak to police and don?t want to leave your name contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

  • 15/04/10….Howell answers hustings ducking accusation

    THE Conservative candidate for the Henley Constituency, John Howell, has replied to accusations from local Liberal Democrats that he declined an invitation to answer questions from Henley residents during the election campaign.

    In a statement today, John Howell’s office said: “Thame?s invitation was made after the election had been called. The organisers acknowledged that it might not be possible to find a suitable date at that late notice. The date chosen clashed with other meetings already fixed in John?s diary.

    “The Henley invitation too came late in the day when election period engagements had already been arranged. The date proposed of April 30 clashed with an engagement in Henley which had already been booked with John for some time.”

    The statement continued:

    “Although the Dorchester arrangements had been made earlier, the necessity to double-check the new election laws over such events introduced unavoidable delays and it was not possible to keep the date open.”

    In a personal statement, John Howell said: “As those who tuned in to Radio Oxford and Radio Berkshire on April 14 will know, I was happy to participate in the live radio hustings which took place with the other main candidates. However, in what is a short campaign there are many calls on a candidate?s time particularly where the candidate has been the sitting MP and still needs to look after constituents who have approached him for help.

    “The Liberal-Democrat candidate of course does not have these problems, having been parachuted into this constituency at the last minute from elsewhere in Oxfordshire.

    ?Each of us has to build a relationship with the electorate in our own way and that is what I have done over the past two years. It is a bit rich for the Liberal-Democrats to criticise me now for not being able to change my diary for an event which suits them when for the past two years they have made no effort to engage with the public in this constituency.”

  • 15/04/10…Meet your Conservative candidate in the pub!

    THE Conservative party’s election candidate, John Howell, has announced a programme of constituency meetings during the run-up to the General election and beyond.

    In a statement yesterday, John Howell’s office said: “The meetings will take place in intimate settings such as pubs and in people?s homes across the constituency. They will allow constituents to have access to John in a way not afforded by public meetings and hustings.”

    John Howell himself said: “It is clear that people no longer want to find out about a candidate?s policies through the staged spectacles of the past where candidates tried to score points off each other in public. They want a more serious one-to-one discussion and to look you in the eye close up to see how serious and committed you are.

    ?But this is an opportunity for more than that. We have in our manifesto set out an opportunity for people to join us in governing Britain in a very direct way. These meetings are the first step along that path and allow local people to begin to help shape the delivery of our policies.?

    To find out more about these meetings, call 07815 742429.

  • Thame market trader caught selling fake eco bags

    SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council is urging residents to check their food sacks after a Thame market trader was caught selling normal, uncompostable plastic bags carrying the text: “This bag is fully biodegradable and 100% compostable” to unwitting members of the
    public.

    Council waste contractors, Verdant, caught the trader selling the bogus bags after collection crews noticed several food bins in Thame were contaminated with the plastic looking sacks. Any contaminated food bins
    using these bags would unfortunately have to go to landfill, which is bad news for the environment and
    costs the council and ultimately taxpayers more money in fines if it fails to meet government targets for reducing the amount of rubbish the county disposes of.

    Steve Bishop, South Oxfordshire District Council Strategic Director responsible for waste, is asking residents to be on their guard when purchasing caddy liners. He said: “These bags even carry the correct
    reference number EN 13432, yet they are not compostable starch liners.

    “The market trader was selling normal supermarket carrier bags with the text printed on, so please do not use them. You can buy more liners from most supermarkets but please use biodegradable cornstarch bags and not plastic bags. Most supermarkets
    stock suitable liners in the aisle with the bin liners.”

    You need to look for sacks marked biodegradable or eco-sack/ compostable. Compostable starch bin liners are much thinner, smaller and have a matt finish. As an alternative, you can also use a couple of sheets of
    newspaper to line the caddy.

    Visit the council?s website for a list of places stocking caddy liners at: www.southoxon.gov.uk/foodwaste
     or call 03000 610 610 for further advice.

  • Chinnor RFC tames the men from Dorset (Contributed)

    ON a warm and sunny spring day, Chinnor finished their season in good style, running out 23-12 winners against a competitive Bournemouth team to finish fourth in the league.

    With James Cathcart unavailable due to school commitments, Ben Hewitt took the fly half roll and Tom Shiel came in on the left wing.

    Chinnor began in bright style, attacking from the off and their efforts were rewarded with two penalty goals from Ben Hewitt. On the 21st minute skipper Matt Hutchings was yellow carded but this only served to stimulate the Chinnor side. Attacking deep in the Bournemouth corner, Hewitt unexpectedly launched a cross field kick. Shiel expertly collected the ball, sidestepped his marker and touched down for Chinnor’s first try of the afternoon. Converted by Hewitt, this gave Chinnor an 11-0 lead. Chinnor continued to control the ball and denied Bournemouth possession for long periods. The Chinnor backs continued to run the ball at every opportunity and on the 39th minute, Serrano bashed his way over for the second Chinnor try of the half. Going in at half-time, Chinnor led 18-0.

    The Bournemouth halftime talk was clearly effective as, within three minutes of the restart, they scored a well worked try from winger Mike Pope. Chinnor loose head Winpenny then left the field with an eye injury, to be replaced by Ian Stock. Bournemouth was soon in attack, led by influential centre Robert Bruce. This time he fed fellow centre Ben Stewart for a well taken try. With the conversion from Mike Pope, the match score was now 18-12 to Chinnor.

    Bournemouth was clearly coming into the match and Chinnor had to defend their line for long periods. The pressure was relieved for Chinnor in the 70th minute when Richie Williams cut back against the defence to score Chinnor’s third try.

    At the full-time whistle, Chinnor were relieved to claim the victory by 23 points to 12.

    This was an attractive game of rugby played at pace and with attacking intentions from both sides clear from the onset. Chinnor’s set piece form was good and their scrumming troubled the abrasive visitors throughout the match. Both flankers, Jones and Williams, were tireless throughout. The Chinnor backs had a good day with some well executed, sharp passing movements. Bournemouth looked a dangerous side when they had the ball. By denying them very much possession in the match and defending expertly in the red zone, Chinnor negated the considerable danger from the Dorset visitors.

    Chinnor team: Wallace, Serrano (Elder 65), Williams R, Stoop, Shiel, Hewitt, Prescott, Winpenny (Stock 53), Cawston, Whelan Hutchings, Jackman, Jones (Gilbert 58), Williams M, Mowbray (Hastings 73).

    Oxfordshire Cup Semi – 17 April vs. Oxford Harlequins (A) Kick off 2:30pm

  • Personal trainer bikes end to end for charity

    PERSONAL trainer, Nigel Pattison, recently completed a charity cycle ride from John O Groats to Lands battling against snow, gale and hurricane, in memory of his late dad and cancer sufferers. Here Nigel explains why he took on the challenge and shares his diary of the nine days.

    CHARITY CYCLE RIDE 28TH MARCH TO 5TH APRIL 2010

    MY challenge was to cycle 927 miles in nine days unaided from John O Groats to lands End in memory of my Dad Bob.

    Dad passed away in June 2006 only nine months after being diagnosed with Motor Neurones Disease. It has taken a while for me to come to terms with the way Dad died so haven?t felt right until now about doing something to raise funds to find a cure for what is a horrible disease.

    In addition to raising funds for MND I am raising funds for Cancer Research. With the kind permission of the Hillier family I have done it in memory of Chrissy Hillier a long time member of Racquets Fitness Centre who has been a fantastic supporter of the event.

    Whilst as a Personal Trainer I keep myself fit, training for this did involve some slightly longer training sessions particularly at week-ends. As you may remember the beginning of the year was not the best for cycling; ice and snow on a bike are not a good combination.

    Not to worry they?ll be no snow at the end of March, oh how wrong!!

    Day 1, Gale force winds and driving rain, great for climbing into the Cairngorms. Thankfully the rain stopped mid afternoon and I managed to arrive at my B&B relatively dry.

    Day 2, minus 2 but beautiful blue skies. A quick climb to the top of the Cairngorms and then downhill all the way to Edinburgh. Hit the wall twice first at 60 miles but this was all in the head solved it with a sausage roll and a cup of tea! Carried on through Perth and onto Kinross still had 20 miles to go when the wall was a bit more unforgiving. My energy levels were just on empty unfortunately nothing for it but to push on otherwise I would not make my bed for the night! Finally arrived at 5pm!

    Day 3, off to Gretna Green today over the Southern Uplands ?mountains?! Fantastic I awake to snow falling, nothing for it but to press on regardless – wouldn?t be a challenge without the odd barrier to get over. Cycling down into Moffat in a blizzard was not pleasant in any way. The broth and tea I had whilst there was just exquisite! Three hours later I arrive in Gretna Green.

    Bed & Breakfast. Just a quick note on the B&B?s of the country, they are absolutely fantastic. A typical response was to take my wet clothes away wash and dry them for the morning. Make me a fresh pot of tea and a sandwich before dinner, fab!

    Day 4, Longest Day 115 miles this was to include Shap in a blizzard! I can safely say that coming down Shap into Kendal was the scariest thing I have ever done and do not wish to repeat it. Four hours later through rolling hills of Lancashire and stopping in Chorley – what a day, what an achievement; feeling slightly smug.

    Day 5, off to Shrewsbury today and in all my planning, a day I was not looking forward to; only because the route took me between Liverpool and Manchester and would be quite built up. However turned out well in the end because they had so many bus lanes and cycle lanes it was one of my best days.

    Day 6, Chepstow here we come. Beautiful surroundings with lovely rolling roads on the Welsh English borders. Down side of the day was very heavy rain for an hour around lunchtime. The upside the sun coming out in the afternoon and riding the Wye Valley between Monmouth and Chepstow. This has to be one of the most beautiful roads in the country?

    Day 7, back into England across the Severn Bridge which is quite high on a bike? Had to make quite a long climb out of Bristol but then a long descent towards Taunton and Wellington. Finally stopping in Crediton, Devon for the night.

    Day 8, nearly there and can?t quite believe it! But on the back of 800 miles one of my hardest days, the reason being nothing is flat in Devon and Cornwall. A lovely 100 mile roller coaster! The upside in the afternoon I took my winter gloves off for the 1st time in the whole trip. The sun came out in Cornwall!

    Day 9, only 42 miles to go. What a fantastic morning even though it was very windy 42 miles, was always going to be a pleasure. Coming over the last climb two miles from Lands End with just the Atlantic as a backdrop was a very emotional time. Knowing I could roll to the end having completed the challenge was quite special particularly with Dad up there in my thoughts!

    THE END!!

    Funds raised to date are

  • 13/04/10…Visit sparks friendship links between Thame and Romania

    A FRIENDSHIP Association between Thame and the Romanian mountain resort town of Sinaia came a step closer this week after a visit from Sinaia’s Mayor and other leading citizens.

    Mr Vlad Oprea, the Mayor of Sinaia, was accompanied by Mr Radu Savopol, local councillor for Arts and Culture, Mrs Simona Tudor, the Head teacher of the George Enescu primary school, Mr Marian Panait, Mayor?s Councillor, Mr Alin Filip, Managing Director of a local travel agency and Mrs Irina Teodorescu, town hall officer in charge of international relations.

    SINAIA – THE TOWN

    Located in a beautiful mountainous region in the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains, about 80 miles from Bucharest, in the Prahova Valley, Sinaia is one of the oldest and most famous Romanian mountain resorts. It is often referred to as: “The Pearl of the Carpathians” and is located at an altitude of 767m and 860m. Sinaia boasts ski slopes at an altitude of 2,000m, on the plateau of the Bucegi mountains and is a favourite mountain holiday destination all year round.

    VISIT TO BARLEY HILL SCHOOL – Friday, April 09

    Mr John Hulett, Barley Hill School?s Head teacher, welcomed Mrs Simona Tudor, Sinaia?s primary school head teacher, and the other Sinaia delegates. Thame’s Mayor, Jeannette Matelot Green, who is also a school governor, said: “Following their visit at the Barley Hill School, we hope to forge links soon between the two schools.” Barley Hill School already has successful links with schools from Germany and Austria where some of its teachers have paid visits and exchanged experiences with their overseas colleagues.

    A BUSY ITINERARY

    As well as a tour of places of interest in Thame itself on Saturday, April 10, the group visited Oxford to see some of the colleges, and on Sunday, were able to sample some local tastes at the Farmers’ market in the village of Great Hazeley near Thame.

    MEETING OF COUNCILS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

    Following their busy weekend, the Romanian delegation met representatives of various local organisations including the Scouts, the Rotary Club of Thame, the Classic Motor Club and Thame town councillors. It was also a good opportunity for Thame Rotarians to meet the two members of the Rotary Club of Sinaia, Alin Filip and Radu Savopol.

    The meeting started with a talk about the previous November trip to Sinaia by the Mayor or Thame, accompanied by her husband James, Cllr David Bretherton and his wife Margaret and also Zoe and Marius Ciortan, residents of Thame, who initiated the trip.

    Town and District Cllr Michael Welply, said: “My first impression about Sinaia is? Wow! What a wonderful town, a gem in the Carpathians… After seeing the pictures, I like the style and the balanced architecture. I would love to visit the place. I am also interested to visit George Enescu memorial house in Sinaia, as I love his music.”

    After the meeting, Cllr Jeannette Matelot Green, Mayor of Thame, said: “We have spent a delightful weekend with our Romanian friends from Sinaia. We have mixed business with pleasure by touring Thame, Oxford and local villages and meeting in the Thame Town Hall to discuss our towns? future relationships.?

    Mr Vlad Oprea, Mayor of Sinaia, in his second, four year term said: “I was very impressed by the town of Thame and its people and their hospitality. I am confident we can find many projects where we can cooperate, as we have got many things in common. For example, both Thame and Sinaia are towns with a rich history. I am looking forward to forging links with Thame, similar to the ones with the other eight towns in the world with whom we are already twinned in friendship.”

    Marius Ciortan, who together with his wife Zoe, were among the initiators of this visit, said: “I am very excited about the prospect that the two towns, Sinaia and Thame, will soon, hopefully be twinned.

    “Many people have asked us: “What happens next?” The answer is that we will try to invite everyone interested in the twinning project together in a friendship association. Anyone interested to help or who needs more information can ring us on 01844 214 992 and we can take it from there.”