OXFORDSHIRE’S world profile is set to expand and grow in the coming decade and at Lord Williams’s School’s next business event, Richard Byard from OxLEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) will introduce the local industry strategy that aims to support business, apprenticeship programmes and education to grow Oxfordshire’s world class profile.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council will share their experience of developing an apprenticeship scheme that produces ‘best in class’ technicians.
Any businesses that have an interest in developing employee potential, young talent and business growth, will find this talk of interest.
Lord Williams’s School is inviting local business to join the event on March 9, between 8am – 9.30am. To book your place at the talk, contact NickyStallwood, Careers Lead at Lord Williams’s School: n.stallwood@lordwilliams.oxon.sch.uk
SINCE South Oxfordshire District Council’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee made its recommendations to the Council, it has set ambitious targets to become carbon neutral within its own operations by 2025 and have committed to becoming a carbon neutral district by 2030.
SODC’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee
The committee meetings happen regularly and everyone is invited to go along and to hear the discussions on how climate change is being tackled.
You can find out more information on the advisory committee and its work and what it’s doing to achieve its targets on the SODC website HERE
LORD Williams’s Festival Chorus will perform Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem on Saturday, March 14, at Thame Leisure Centre. Of the many choral settings of the Requiem, Fauré’s is probably the most widely loved.
In comparison with the large-scale masterpieces of Verdi, Brahms and Berlioz, Fauré’s setting seems gentle and unassuming, yet it is this very quality of understatement which contributes so eloquently to the work’s universal appeal.
Led by Musical Director Jeff Stewart, the choir will also perform another Fauré work, Cantique de Jean Racine, a short sacred piece that has captured the affections of choirs and audiences alike.
The evening’s programme will also include popular and much-loved Anthems by Sir Hubert Hastings Parry with Jerusalem and I Was Glad amongst them.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £13 adult, £10 concession and £1 under 18s, available from choir members, on the door and online at Eventbrite via www.lordwilliamsfestivalchorus.org.uk
OXFORDSHIRE County Council is considering Moorend Farm, Thame (latterly the Einig extraction site) as a location for a new permanent plant for demolition and construction waste recycling.
The site is one of several preferred sites earmarked by the county council that are included in its draft Minerals and Waste Policy, currently out for public consultation. A second site is under consideration in the Thame area, a hectare of land off Rycote Lane, in Christmas Lane (close to the ASM car recycling centre).
Several Thame residents, including many from Lea Park close to the Moor End Lane site, oppose the council’s choice, on the grounds of dust in the air, noise, too many lorry movements, danger to walkers and cyclists using the bridle way where vehicle enter and leave the site, and degradation of wildlife habitats and water courses.
The consultation will be discussed at a Thame Town Council Planning Committee in the near future. Meanwhile local people with strong feelings about the proposed Thame sites, are invited to visit Oxfordshire County Council’s website and make their views known by taking part in the consultation.
THIS February CPRE invites everyone to join in with Star Count 2020, a fun and easy way to enjoy the wonders of the universe. By simply counting the number of stars they can see in the Orion constellation between 21 and 28 February, those taking part will help map the best and worst places to see the awesome sight of a star-filled night sky.
Throughout history people have gazed up at the magical starry night sky in wonder and used the cosmos to navigate. Looking at the stars we get a feeling of tranquillity rarely experienced in today’s frantic lives. Seeing dark skies full of stars is something we associate with the countryside, and part of reconnecting with the natural world. However, places to view these spellbinding sights are becoming harder to find, even in the countryside.
Last year’s Star Count results showed that light pollution, often caused by the glow and glare from street and outdoor household and sports lighting, is making beautiful starry skies a rare sight for many of us. Just 2% of people who took part in Star Count 2019 told us they were viewing a truly dark sky.
Helen Marshall, Director CPRE Oxfordshire said: ‘A starry night sky is one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer, connecting people to such an important part of our natural heritage. But many people don’t get to experience this beauty due to light pollution. We want to get people out counting the stars and helping to save them now and for future generations to enjoy!’
As well as preventing us from seeing the stars and wonders of our Milky Way galaxy, the Northern Lights, and meteors (shooting stars), light pollution has serious impacts. It disrupts the natural behaviour of wildlife and can be harmful for our health. It’s also a waste of energy, at a time when many people are trying to live more sustainably.
Using the results from the annual Star Count, CPRE will lobby Government and local authorities to tackle light pollution, and also highlight which ‘dark sky’ areas need to be protected and enhanced by strong policies.
CPRE’s Star Count is supported by the British Astronomical Association’s Commission for Dark Skies (CfDS).
Expert astronomer Bob Mizon from the CfDS said: ‘As well as being a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the night sky, Star Count is starting to give us some really useful information. We’re hoping many more people will join in this year and give us the best map ever.’
To take part, star counters are asked to choose a clear night between Friday 21 and Friday 28 February. During this time the moon is less bright, making it easier to carry out a cosmic census, although CPRE will accept results from any nights in the second half of February. Without using a telescope of binoculars, people can then count the stars within the rectangle shape formed by Orion, except the four stars on the outer corners, then submit their results at cpre.org.uk/starcount
CHINA RFC’s EhizeEhizode, who scored Chinnor’s only try in the 7-0 win over Canterbury away on Saturday, has been commenting on the match, hailing his side’s gutsy and gritty display as they dug deep to leave Canterbury with an away win.
EHIZE Ehizode
The lock’s eighth-minute converted try proved enough as the Thame-based side battled their way to a 7-0 victory in the midst of Storm Dennis.
Chinnor’s latest triumph extended their winning streak in National League One, to five games, while they also stretched their unbeaten away run to seven matches.
It was never going to be an easy afternoon at Merton Lane and with the conditions only deteriorating, Canterbury chose to defend into the wind and uphill for the opening 40 minutes.
Chinnor were only able to score once in the first half, but followed it up with a superb, energy-sapping display after the break as the hosts never troubled the try-line.
Ehizode said: “When you talk about matches being a ‘forwards game’ that definitely epitomises it.
“Games like that you’ll remember not because the storm was taking place, but because you knew it was going to be a mental battle as a player – and a team – to get back on your feet and carry again and again.”
He added: “It was dark playing in those conditions. With the wind being so strong ten minutes into the first half, it was impossible to play with or against it because you never knew where the ball would end up if you were to kick or pass it.”
The majority of the second half was contested between the 22s, with Chinnor enjoying a good amount of territory despite playing into the wind and up the slope.
Canterbury had a hint of an opportunity late on with the visitors down to 14 men and defending a lineout ten metres out.
But Joe Dancer brilliantly won the battle and Jason Worrall kicked the ball into touch to end the contest.
Ehizode added: “We knew Canterbury would have the upper hand playing with the wind. Regardless of that, as a team we backed our defence which is now evident from not conceding a try in two games.
“We knew we would have to defend for numerous phases and we would have to buy in for as long as they made a mistake and reap the benefits when we got the ball back.”
He continued: “I felt ecstatic at the full-time whistle – I didn’t have to defend anymore.
“It was a great game to be a part of because I felt it brought us together as a team having to play in conditions like that.
“Coming down to Canterbury’s ground, only scoring a try and defending or pick and goes for the rest of the game is extremely tough, but it was all worth it.”
JOHN Hampden Primary school in Thame saw the Jackson hall transform into a big top as we all got carried away with the circus for Arts Week 2020!
We felt the sawdust beneath our feet and smelt the grease paint and popcorn, being lured in by our very own ringmaster, and mesmerised by the Hampden-made troupe of performers.
We cheered as the strong man, sweating with the effort, lifted his huge barbell. We laughed at the clown as he juggled with ease and gasped and held our breath as the trapeze artists soared through the air above our heads. We were in awe of the delicate balance of the circus elephant on his ball and marvelled at the one armed contortionist. We trembled at the fierce lion who was under the spell of our very own lion tamer, Mr Eyre. We debated the moral dilemma of animals in circuses both now and in the past.
It was a wondrous experience full of excitement and colour, with children from Nursery to Year 6, spending time in the hall together creating art!
We were aided by our very own circus troupe of helpers (nearly 50 helpers – thank you to all those who volunteered!), parents, grandparents, governors, carers, artists, teachers, teaching assistants, old and new and Year 6 pupils (who helped us in our moments of need!), who volunteered to support us in creating our circus dream. What an amazing community spirit JHS has!
The John Hampden PTFA funded the week, with their usual, generous donation which enabled the school to provide a wealth of experiences and resources for the children to enjoy. The school also provided a real-life circus experience with Rob the juggler from Circus Allstars, coming in on Thursday to entertain and teach circus skills to all the children.
The Circus Arts Week Quiz saw the children challenged to identify a dazzling troupe of circus performers created by JHS staff. Each performer was accompanied by clues to guide the children in their guesses as to which circus act was which member of staff- giving hints as to the staff artist, for a whole school competition.
Well done to Amalie Coe and Evie Dent for their winning entries! Well done as well to Nahiyan Chowdhury and Megan Booth and for being crowned the winners of the Artsweek shield for their participation this year.
At the end of the week, the star struck JHS friends and family were guided into the Jackson Hall big top to be astounded and captivated by our circus performance at the Friday Artsweek Fair-Trade Café.
So, wipe the clown make-up from your face and take off your ringmaster top hat. The performance may be over, but we have the JHS big top to bring back the memories for weeks to come, as well as our time lapse video of the events.
Where will our next art adventure take us? Send your ideas for next year to Ms Nichols!
A Thame resident who was in the public gallery during a meeting of Oxfordshire County Council, was so appalled at the behaiour of some councillors during a debate, that she has written a public letter to the Chair of the meeting, Cllr Les Sibley.
Elizabeth Barker
Mrs Liz Barker was watching a somewhat high octane debate to decide whether OCC would agree to take over drawing up a new Local Plan 2034, if offered, which a government minister is threatening to take away from South Oxfordshire District Council and handing over to them.
The Conservative Cllrs were broadly in favour of the take-over, whereas the LibDem and Green Party Cllrs were generally against SODC losing control over the Local Plan. There had been several public speakers opposed to the move, including Cllr Sue Cooper, the Leader of SODC.
Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of the OCC, addresses the council
Mrs Barker wrote the following:
Dear Councillor Sibley I write with reference to the full council meeting which you chaired on 11 February.
I was present in the public gallery and I unfortunately need to question the way in which the meeting was chaired.
Firstly, there was an incident in which the leader of the council, Ian Hudspeth, angrily called another councillor a liar and jabbed his finger at him. You quite rightly asked Councillor Hudspeth to withdraw the remark and not to point at other people in the chamber. Councillor Hudspeth refused to withdraw the remark but instead of you asking him to leave the meeting as I believe is the procedure in these circumstances, he was allowed to continue taking part for the whole of the rest of the meeting.
Secondly, insulting remarks were directed by councillors towards those of us in the public gallery and this went without any admonishment from you. The worst example of this was from Councillor Eddie Reeves who called us “malcontents“ and “a random assortment of ne’er do wells”. We naturally took exception to this, although I have to say we do not see ourselves as Councillor Reeves described but believe he was possibly simply insulting us as we do not agree with his point of view. Several of us politely called for respect to be shown. But rather than any reprimand whatsoever being given to Councillor Reeves, you asked those of us in the gallery who were being insulted to be quiet.
The abusive behaviour in the meeting on Tuesday was very concerning and gave the impression of a culture of bullying and a free for all. Please could you let me know if councillors will in future be barred from the chamber for not withdrawing inappropriate language when asked to do so and that they will be reprimanded for insulting behaviour directed towards members of the public gallery.
FOLLOWING Oxfordshire County Council’s decision to accept a possible government invitation to progress the emerging South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2034, Cllr Sue Cooper, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, has written to The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State Housing, Communities and Local Government:
Sue Cooper, Leader of the Council, SODC
DEAR Mr Jenrick, As you are no doubt aware, Oxfordshire County Council agreed on Tuesday to take on our emerging Local Plan 2034 (eLP2034), subject to financial guarantees, should you decide to offer it to them.
My statement afterwards is attached. Also attached is my speech to OCC, from which you will see that we intend to comply with providing extra housing honouring our duty to Oxford City and our wish to work with neighbouring councils for the good of South Oxfordshire residents. Obviously I am concerned about the possible removal of eLP2034 from South Oxfordshire, not only because of the loss of local input for which we have a democratic mandate, but also for planning and financial reasons.
Dealing with eLP2034 is an expensive option for South Oxfordshire tax payers. Our planning officers know eLP2034. Sending it elsewhere will obviously cost a lot more. South Oxfordshire has a long history of good, compliant planning policy. I personally have been involved with creating the previous two Local Plans. We deliver well in terms of numbers of houses, % affordable, and wish to continue delivering the right houses of the right size in the right places for the right people. There is much concern locally about removing land from the Green Belt. We would like to in future designate new GreenBelt areas, as allowed in NPPF, to maintain and even strengthen the protection for Oxford.
We want “Building Beautiful, Building Better” in line with your stated aims.We are ambitious and would like our Local Plan to be at the forefront of the latest bold and far-reaching thinking on the climate emergency.
To do this in an economical fashion our preference as you know is to start a new plan, jointly with our neighbours, the Vale of White Horse District Council. This would almost halve their and our costs. However ,they are not committed to working with us on a plan as they have already started and cannot wait for our uncertainty to be resolved. We would still want to start on data collection now, so that we are ready when your new bold environmental plans come into being.
On the understanding that you continue to view eLP2034 proceeding to inspection as the only possible way forward, it would help us if your officials could list some examples of the kinds of significant changes which would address our concerns that can be made as modifications during inspection, and also an indication of how we could go further on sustainability and climate change policies. There is obviously a lot more detail that I could give you. But it would be very much better if we could meet so that I can explain how and where we wish to plan for really good, affordable, well designed, energy-efficient housing in sustainable locations, rather than the depressing, sprawling housing estates of over-priced units remote from locations where the occupants work which make such poor use of our very restricted land supply. I look forward to speaking to you soon in accordance with the undertaking made in the House.
Yours sincerely Councillor Sue Cooper Leader of the Council
This is according to Iain Stewart MP, who announced the news on Friday, February 7, to a packed meeting of leading local Parish and Town Council representatives in the Milton Keynes area.
He confirmed he had received the news from George Freeman MP (Secretary of State at the Department of Transport) and that some of monies originally earmarked for the project would now be transferred into speeding the delivery of the much anticipated East West rail link and into locally decided road improvement schemes.
The extension was originally planned to run from Junction 13 of the M1, through Milton Keynes and onwards across Buckinghamshire to Oxford.
Opposition parties to the Expressway, including CPRE, feared that the planned route threatened to destroy homes, blight neighbourhoods and destroy countryside. CPRE had stated: “The new road ……will unleash a tidal wave of development. 200,000 houses, or 4 new cities the size of Oxford, are being planned for Oxfordshire.” http://www.cpreoxon.org.uk/campaigns/ox-cam-expressway-growth-corridor
Depite this news, this decision is not official until an announcement is made by the government. However in PMQs on Tuesday, February 12, Daniel Zeichner MP for Cambridge asked a question about cancelling the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway. Boris Johnson failed to give an answer. SEE VIDEO. So, still no official statement. But could there be news in March 11, 2020 budget – if it’s still happening after the resignation of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and yesterday’s Cabinet reshuffle?
