THERE have been reports on social media today of several caravans having arrived at Thame Show Ground, following a booking made from what was believed to be at the time, a Christian group.
The booking was apparently taken by the Thame Agricultural Association, which owns the land, in good faith.
Many of the Facebook posts are, rightly or wrongly, linking the event to gypsies and speculate about a link to an increase in reported thefts in the area and a police warning to lock away valuables and to keep them out of sight.
It must be stressed that the police have made no such connection publicly and so far, there is no evidence of a connection.
However, published on a local website, a statement, which addresses itself as ‘WE (The Thame Agricultural Society)’ states that it was contacted by the organisers of The Darlington Christian Fellowship Group to book for their annual meeting. Contracts were apparently signed and toilets booked and paid for, all – the TAS thought, was above board.
“But,” goes on the statement, “the showground has been invaded by approximately 5000, believed to be, Gypsies. They had booked the showground from now (Friday, August 4) until Thursday, and paid for in full.
“It’s a total nightmare. They are cutting down the trees on the showground; it’s carnage up there, and the police are on site in force.”
David Jones Boyd defended the visitors, posting on facebook: “Just would like to say that the field will be getting cleaned on a regular basis then on the last day you wouldn’t be able to find a match stick, these people are here to worship god, I myself am not a Christian but I know how these people are and I can tell you that you will never find a kinder people or more hospitable.
“I will admit we are a loud people but we do mean well; everyone is more than welcome to come on to the field and enjoy the meetings and see for yourself.”
It was not clear at the time of writing whether any incident was on-going or had been resolved.
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