Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • New Fire Safety Laws For Businesses

    OXFORDSHIRE County Council?s Fire and Rescue Service has announced new fire safety rules that will shortly come into force, affecting all non-domestic premises in the county.
    The government made the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in June 2005.
    It is the biggest overhaul of fire safety legislation in decades and will affect businesses throughout England and Wales.

    Oxfordshire?s Fire and Rescue Service wants to alert all types of businesses in the county to the change in legislation to ensure that they know what to do when the law comes into effect in October 1.

    A series of guides have been issued by the government that will help people carry out the necessary change. These are available on the Department for Communities and Local Government website: Link
     or by email: fire.safetyreform@communities.gov.uk

    People will need to act by October 2006, if they are:

    ? responsible for business premises
    ? an employer
    ? self-employed with business premises
    ? a charity or voluntary organisation
    ? a contractor with a degree of control over
    any premises.

    Councillor Ray Jelf, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at the county council said: ?I would urge businesses of every kind to access the information that has been provided by the government so that they know what they have to do well before the new legislation takes effect.

    ?The government?s aim is to save more people from death and injury by reducing the risk of fires and it is keen to support businesses in the changes that will be necessary to do this.?

  • Valuable Rings Stolen In Crendon Burglary

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a house belonging to an elderly resident of Long Crendon.
    A bag containing a 22ct gold wedding ring and a five stone, diamond engagement ring was stolen from a house in Thame Road, through a ground floor window.

    The victim saw the offender walking past her window as he left. He is described as white, aged between 13 and 15 years-old, of slim build, 5ft 3ins tall with short brown hair, and was apparently dressed in blue denim.

    PC James Holstead of Waddesdon Police, said:”Although the rings have monetary value, they also have great sentimental value to the elderly resident, who is deeply distressed by this theft. I would appeal for anybody with any information or who has been offered the items for sale to contact me.”

    Anyone with any information should contact PC Holstead at Waddesdon Police Station via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 or phone the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • Drop In Road Casualties

    THE number of people killed or seriously injured in road collisions in the Thames Valley is down according to figures released today by the Department For Transport (DFT).
    In 2005, 149 people lost their lives in collisions in the Thames Valley area, compared to 173 in 2000, when the Thames Valley Safer Roads partnership began. This is a reduction of 13.9 per cent.
    The number of people seriously injured in collisions has also dropped from 1468 people in 2000 compared to 938 casualties in 2005 – a 36 per cent reduction. The Government?s targets for 2010 are a 40 per cent reduction on the 1994 ? 1998 average for those killed & seriously injured and 10 per cent for those suffering slight injury. According to figures released today there has been a 36 per cent and nearly 10 per cent reduction respectively.

    Superintendent Mick Doyle, head of Thames Valley Police Roads Policing Operational Command Unit, said: “The reduction in the number of people who lost their lives and those suffering serious injuries is encouraging, but we will continue to do everything we can to reduce the number of victims and casualties still further. We work closely with our road safety partners from the councils, fire and rescue and ambulance services to educate road-users about ways they can keep themselves safe. Members of the public must take responsibility for their own safety and keep to speed limits, wear a seatbelt and make sure passengers also belt up, don?t drive when tired, or under the influence of drink or drugs.”

    Roads Policing officers work with their local road safety partners on numerous road safety initiatives. These include the Safer Rider campaign, educating motorcyclists about how to be a better biker and operational initiatives including speed checks, seatbelt checks, and stopping and fining motorists driving while using a hand-held mobile phone. Future initiatives include an educational campaign for young drivers.

  • Hot Weather Keeps Local Fire Service Busy

    THAME’S fire officers have been kept very busy during the recent spell of hot, dry weather.
    Several grass fires near the motorway, possibly caused by the careless disposal of cigarette ends from vehicle windows, and a garden fence fire in the town have quickly been extinguished and prevented from spreading by the service’s prompt action.
    The potentially most serious incident, on Wednesday, at arount 6.45pm, involved two pumps from Thame and one from Wheatley, when a light fitting above an office desk at Purite, in Bandit Way, Thame, melted and set fire to an office desk and computer.
    Although the fire was quickly extinguished, thick, toxic smoke from burning plastics filled the building, which needed to be ventilated for several hours using power pumps.
    Smoke damage to the property was considerable but the one office worker in the building vacated it very quickly and was unharmed.

    NB The following advice about the use of Barbecues, was issued by Chris Wilson, Station Officer at Oxford City Fire Station, following a couple of incidents last weekend:

    Oxford Station Manager Chris Wilson said ‘It is extremely important at
    this time of year to make sure all barbecue equipment is working properly before it is used and that all residents are aware of the dangers of using gas and charcoal barbecues especially after long periods of non-use over winter and spring.

    * Check all equipment for signs of perishing or damage

    * Keep barbecues away from flammable areas such as fences,
    awnings and the house

    * only use just enough lighting fluid/firelighters for getting
    started

    * NEVER add flammable fluid to a lit barbecue

    * Keep a hose or water supply handy for dousing hot spots

    * NEVER allow children to use the barbecue

    * Avoid drinking alcohol whilst using your barbecue

    Always dial 999 for the Fire Service immediately, if anything goes
    wrong.

    Keep away from fire & enjoy your Summer safely.

  • Safety Appeal From Coroner After Road Death

    AN Oxfordshire Coroner has called for improved safety measures for pedestrians near Service Stations, following the death of a Thame schoolgirl.
    Coroner, Nicholas Gardiner, made his appeal during the inquest yesterday, into the death of Chloe Owens, of Haddenham, near Thame.
    14 year-old Chloe died after being hit by a car whilst crossing the A4129 Thame by-pass with two friends, Samantha Howard and Amy Duckham, to get to the Burger King restaurant close by.
    Shortly after the accident, at 7.15pm on Friday, September 30, Chloe was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where she later died.
    Samantha and Amy did not give evidence in person at the inquest but PC Alison Brown, who had taken statements from both girls, described what happened as the girls stepped into the road by a dropped kerb.

    “As the girls stepped out into the road,” she said, “Chloe was slightly ahead of the other two girls. They caught up with her at the traffic island in the centre of the road, but then Chloe ran ahead.
    “They saw the car and shouted for Chloe to stop, but she did not hear because there was so much traffic noise.”

    The driver of the Saab 95 that hit Chloe, Jon Maartensz, of Bledlow, near Chinnor, said: “There was a flash in my peripheral vision and then there was a thud on my windscreen.
    “At first I did not know what it was but thought it could have been a brick. I stopped as soon as I could and got out of the car and saw Chloe lying on the ground.”

    Consultant pathologist, Dr Ian Roberts, said Chloe died of severe head injuries.

    Although Chloe’s parents did not attend the inquest, Mr Gardiner read out a statement from her mother, Sue, in which she had stated that she had discovered from talking to Chloe’s friends since the accident that Chloe did not have good road sense.

    Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Gardiner said:”Whenever planning applications are put forward, when things are likely to be used by local people in addition to motorists for which they are designed, we should do everything we can to ensure the safety of pedestrians.”

  • Thame United’s New Plans A Step Closer

    THE recently formed Thame Football Partnership, between Thame United Football Club and Thame Boys and Girls Football, will soon have sketch plans for a new shared facility at Church Farm, on the outskirts of Thame.
    The future ownership of Thame United’s old ground in Windmill Road, Thame, is currently under discussion between its current owner, Developer Sean Coleman and other interested parties. The Football Partnership is hoping that any sale resulting from those discussions will mean that it gets the

  • Double Amputee Reaches Everest Summit to Raise Funds for Thame Charity

    MOUNTAINEER Mark Inglis (47), from New Zealand, who lost both legs in a climbing accident, has became the first double amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest on.
    His climb has raised thousands of pounds in support of Thame charity, the Cambodia Trust.
    Inglis lost both legs to frostbite while caught in bad weather climbing Mount Cook, New Zealand?s highest peak, in 1982.
    He has been a supporter of the Cambodia Trust for several years, visiting its rehabilitation projects in Cambodia where local staff fit artificial limbs for landmine survivors and other disadvantaged disabled people.
    “While the Everest climb has been a great adventure for me, it?s even more awesome if I can use this as a vehicle to make a difference in the world,” said Mark.

    The Cambodia Trust was established in Thame in 1989 to provide support for Cambodia?s huge numbers of landmine survivors and other disadvantaged disabled people. The Trust runs rehabilitation centres, community-based rehabilitation projects and an internationally accredited Prosthetic and Orthotic education centre in Cambodia.

    Link

    More information on Mark Inglis can be found on his Everest website: www.legsoneverest.com

  • Aylesbury Showcase Gigs

    01/07/2006 – Charlie Don’t Surf – The Wheatsheaf – Dunstable – 9:00pm

    15/07/2006 – Dumb Angel – The Britannia – Aylesbury – 9:00pm

    15/07/2006 – Lightbox – The Ship – Aylesbury – 9:00pm

    22/07/2006 – Subrosa5 – The Britannia – Aylesbury – 9:00pm

    31/07/2006 – Ellie Myles & Cayo Blanco – Friars Square Shopping Centre – Aylesbury – 12:00 – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    01/08/2006 – James Manders & Rob Halligan – Friars Square Shopping Centre – Aylesbury – 12:00 – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    02/08/2006 – Si Hayden & Holly Petrie – Friars Square Shopping Centre – Aylesbury – 12:00 – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    02/08/2006 – Si Hayden – The King’s Head – Aylesbury – 2:00pm

    03/08/2006 – Western Bell & October – Friars Square Shopping Centre – Aylesbury – 12:00 – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    04/08/2006 – Zealey & Michael Berk – Friars Square Shopping Centre – Aylesbury – 12:00 – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    05/08/2006 – Russell Leak & Lisa Theunissen & (BBC1’s Fame Academy Finalist) Peter Brame – Friars Square Shopping Centre – Aylesbury – 12:00 – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    05/08/2006 – The Powders – The Britannia – Aylesbury – 9:00pm

    06/08/2006 – Kingsbury’s Tribute to the Stars – Aylesbury – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    06/08/2006 – Micawber – The King’s Head – Aylesbury – 8:30pm

    12/08/2006 – Dream Capture + Ellie Myles – The Britannia – Aylesbury – 9:00pm

    13/08/2006 – Kingsbury’s Tribute to the Stars – Aylesbury – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    13/08/2006 – Close Contact & 8-Eye – The King’s Head – Aylesbury – 8:30pm

    19/08/2006 – Lightbox + Messiah – The Britannia – Aylesbury – 9:00pm

    20/08/2006 – Kingsbury’s Tribute to the Stars – Kingsbury – Aylesbury – www.aylesburyshowcase.co.uk

    20/08/2006 – Charlie Don’t Surf – The King’s Head – Aylesbury – 8:30pm

    23/08/2006 – James Manders – The King’s Head – Aylesbury – 1:00pm

    26/08/2006 – Charlie Don’t Surf + Loz Jones – The Britannia – Aylesbury – 9:00pm

    27/08/2006 – Aylesbury Showcase – HOBBLE ON THE COBBLES 2006 – Market Square – Aylesbury – 11:00am – www.AylesburyShowcase.co.uk

  • Roundabouts Under Scrutiny

    ROUNDABOUTS and advertising planning permission in South Oxfordshire is to come under the scrutiny of the district council on July 4.
    Chair of SODC’s Corporate Improvement Scrutiny Committee, Cllr David Turner, has strong views on the subject and has issued the following invitation:
    “Whether you prefer roundabouts to be tidily cultivated or not it is clearly wrong for South Oxfordshire District Council to enter into a contract to allow advertising on them without going through its own planning procedures.
    “How can they expect the general public to cooperate and comply with planning law when it flouts its own planning regulations? All these questions, including the safety aspect of these signs, will be put to the Council’s Scrutiny Committee in Crowmarsh at 6PM on Tuesday, July 4.
    “If you wish to address the committee, please call SODC on 01491 823000 before 12 noon on Monday, July 3, to register to speak at the committee.”

  • Top Cop Back On The Beat In Thame

    THAMES Valley Police’s ‘Top Cop’ went back on the beat yesterday, when she dropped in to Thame police station.
    Acting Chief Constable, Sara Thornton, joined Community Beat Officer, Russell Hounslow in a walk around the town centre, in order to get a feel for the town, in anticipation of the new Neighbourhood Policing initiative shortly to be rolled out in Thame.

    The Acting Chief Constable told ThameNews.Net that she was keen to get to know all areas of the Thames Valley and was enthusiastic about the new arrangements to listen to the concerns of neighbourhoods, find out what concerns them most and use all the resources available to tackle those concerns. She confirmed that new resources will include extra Police Community Support Offices for Thame.