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  • ‘Come and see for yourself minister!’

    THE current wrangle between local councillors and a government minister over the Emerging Local Plan 2034, appears to be developing into a matter of local democracy versus central government control.

    The current Emerging Local Plan (which isn’t emerging at the moment because it’s held up by the minister!) was drawn up by the previous, Conservative administration of SODC, which lost control of the authority to a LibDem-Green alliance in May’s local elections. Oxfordshire County Council however, lead by Conservative Councillors, are unhappy about the new SODC administration wanting to re-do the local plan, because they fear the loss of a £218 million Housing Infrastructure Fund for the county that would have come along with it.

    In the latest move, local district Councillor and Chair of South Oxfordshire Sustainability (SOS) Sue Roberts, has invited Robert Jenrick, Communities Minister, to visit the area to see for himself the issues around housing in the district.

    Robert Jenrick, Right Hon. Secretary of State Housing, Communities and Local Government

    The invitation comes after a series of communications between the Minister and local leaders, after the minister put a stop on any further discussion or actions following SODC’s decision to look again at its Emerging Local Plan 2032 (See previous articles on this subject HERE). Jenrick has threatened to hand over the administration of the plan to Oxfordshire County Council.

    Dr Sue Roberts, who is also a Board Member of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, has written:

    Dear Mr Jenrick

    I write on behalf of South Oxfordshire Sustainability (SOS). SOS was formed in 2011 as an umbrella organisation for community action groups across the district, for example RSA Thame and Greener Henley. Seventy-five members represent diverse groups focussed on sustainability in terms of climate change, local food, water provision and flood, and how to develop the countryside in a way that protects its assets and its people. We have expert representation from architects, planners, ecologists, farmers and other relevant professionals.

    SOS is dismayed at the suspension and potential removal of control of the Local Plan (LP 2034) from South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC), and concerned at the concomitant suspension of democracy. The current Libdem-Green administration at SODC was specifically voted in on a mandate to withdraw the plan put together by Conservatives. It would be partisan and wrong for a Minister therefore, to put the plan back under Conservative control at County.

    A letter is enclosed, outlining the unfortunate consequences that nine years of forced growth has already had on South Oxfordshire. We are aware that high housing allocations are causing strain in communities across the country, and believe it is time for constructive dialogue to ensure development provides the right homes for the right people in the right places.

    We at SOS would very much welcome the opportunity of meeting with you to discuss this further. You would be most welcome to visit here and we can show you the relevant issues at first-hand. Alternatively we could come to London, at your convenience.

    With very best wishes
    Dr Sue Roberts (doctor.sue.roberts@gmail.com; 07913 896 874)
    Board Member of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership
    SODC Councillor
    Chair of South Oxfordshire Sustainability

    You can read the views of Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council on the matter HERE

    NB A group of Oxfordshire residents, against the recommendations of the Oxfordshire Growth Board for the area, have set up a petition LINK HERE

  • Chinnor Passion Play needs you!

    THE village of Chinnor is currently planning its second Chinnor Passion Play, which will be performed on April 25, 2020, and are recruiting for Roman Soldiers, Temple Guards and Disciples – mainly non speaking parts, walk on-walk off type parts.

    The first Chinnor Passion Play was held in 2017, when approx 700 people went to see it. To find out more abour Passion Plays and who to contact to be involved, Contact : 07957813104, email: chinnorpassionplay@gmail.com or visit the website: chinnorpassionplay.com

  • Chinnor ‘up-beat’ for Titans’ match

    MATT Williams, Director of Rugby, is calling on his Chinnor players to build on last week’s pulsating, late victory over Cinderford and stay on the heels of the top three.

    The Thame-based side head to Rotherham Titans this weekend bidding to make it three-straight wins in National League 1, while they are unbeaten in five games on the road. With ten rounds remaining, there is still plenty of rugby to be played while Rosslyn Park’s defeat at Plymouth Albion last week saw Chinnor cut the gap to third place to four points. The Oxfordshire club are in an upbeat mood, but know they can ill-afford to take Titans, who sit third from bottom, lightly.

    Williams said: “There’s a lot of confidence in the squad. There’s been many times this season where the final bounce of the ball has gone against us, but it went in our favour on Saturday and moments like that can often create a swing in the season. We know what’s coming on Saturday. Rotherham are fighting for their lives at the moment at the other end of the table. They’re a better team than where they are, they know that, so on a small narrow pitch we know what’s coming.”

    Williams added: “It’s about the coming week, not what we’ve done in the past, but at this key stage of the season momentum is very important. We’ve had two good wins in a row now, our away form is strong, we like a bus trip, so we’re looking forward to what Rotherham will bring.”

    There is quite a former Titans contingent at Chinnor, with Josh McNulty, James Tyas, Jack Ramshaw, Ben Thomas, Carl Kirwan, Willie Ryan and Joe Rees all previously spending time at Clifton Lane. Caolan Ryan was also at Rotherham, but will not be involved this weekend due to concussion.

    SATURDAY’S SQUAD (February 1, 2020)
    Chinnor (v Rotherham Titans, away): from Ashby, Dancer, Ehizode, Harries, Hoadley, Hodson, Kirwan, Laverick, Manning, May, McNulty, Parilli-Ocampo, Pieterse, Ramshaw, Rees, W Ryan, Selway, Treviranus, Tyas, Worrall, Yawayawa, Watson.

  • Come and sing Handel’s Messiah!

    THAME Choral Society, now in its 60th year, will be celebrating with a performance of Handel’s Messiah later in the Spring.

    In preparation, TCS is holding a Handel Messiah ‘Come and Sing’, to which non members are very welcome to attend, at Haddenham Community Infants School, Woodways, Haddenham HP17 8OS. 10am – 4pm – Tickets £15. To register visit: www.thamechoralsociety.org.uk

    The concert

    Thame Choral Society is Thame’s longest running choir, and will be performing this famous oratorio, composed in 1741, at St Mary’s Church, Thame, on April 18, 2020, in the evening.

    TCS last performed the Messiah at the 50th anniversary concert, on that occassion with Director Colin Spinks, and so it is fitting to revive this iconic work, this time with orchestral accompaniment and under the experienced eye of TCS’s current Director, Helen Swift.

    Follow Thame Choral Society’s facebook page where ticket details for the concert in April will be available nearer the time. https://www.facebook.com/ThameChoralSociety/

  • Learn new skills to fight threats to local species!

    A new citizen science project to survey the state of nature in the Chilterns, is offering training courses to volunteers to help them identify species and to use surveying techniques.

    As part of the five-year Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Landscape Partnership Scheme (CCC), funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and spearheaded by the Chilterns Conservation Board, ‘Tracking the Impact’ has now begun volunteer recruitment as part of its aim to survey birds, butterflies and plants across the Chilterns. The CCC has teamed up with Butterfly Conservation, British Trust for Ornithology, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Plantlife, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre to deliver this exciting project.

    Following on from the State of Nature report released earlier this year, the project is calling for local enthusiasts and experts in the Chilterns to get involved and ‘own their patch’. Working across 50, 1km survey squares, the project will dovetail with existing national recording schemes (Breeding Bird Survey, Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey and National Plant Monitoring Scheme) to bolster coverage in a ground-breaking new partnership. The project will offer opportunities to explore new sites in the area and the data will be used to track trends across the landscape and inform practical woodland, grassland and farmland habitat management projects.

    Unique to this project is it’s mentoring programme – for those who can identify quite a few birds/ butterflies/ plants but want to learn more about surveying these local species. This project aims to collect key data and tell the story of the landscape, through understanding the relationship between different species groups.

    If your interest is in birds, butterflies and/or plants, we are offering exciting new opportunities to:
    * take on new survey squares and get involved in national recording
       schemes
    * receive training in species ID and survey techniques
    * offer training and support to new volunteer surveyors

    The project will last initially for four years and will start in spring 2020. The project is looking for volunteers to carry out surveys during the spring and summer and would love to hear from you if you:
    * are an experienced surveyor and are keen to take on a new patch
    * have some species ID experience but would like some training to help you
      develop
    * are relatively new to surveying and want some training on specific survey
       methods

    You can register your interest in volunteering by emailing Nick Marriner, the project lead, directly: nmarriner@chilternsaonb.org

  • Let’s chat about trees!

    TO ensure we have trees to plant in the future in and around Thame, part of the Thame Trees project is to encourage people who may have self sown saplings in their gardens to consider digging them up and, to either replant in a better location, or put them into a pot for a couple of years to grow into strong, young trees.

    Alternatively, anyone with hardwood trees could take cuttings of those. If you or someone you know would like to try either of these ways of propagating young trees to help clean Thame’s air, absorb CO2 to help mitigate against climate warming, and provide habitats for birds and insects, help is at hand.

    Visit 21st Century Thame’s ‘Thame Tree Propogate 2020‘ page on the website, where you will find full instructions as to how to replant self-sown saplings and how to take hard wood cuttings.

    AND, if you would like to chat about cuttings – or anything else tree related, meet at Racquets, Thame THIS EVENING at 7.30pm, in the bar.

  • Book now for children’s rugby camp

    CHINNOR RFC Thame, will be holding its next children’s camp during February half-term and bookings can now be made online.

    This ever-popular skills and education course is a fantastic way for youngsters to develop their rugby in a fun environment. The camp will be held at the club’s Kingsey Road base from February 18-20. Coached by some of Chinnor’s first team players, the sessions will focus on kicking, footwork and tackle technique.

    To book your child’s place, CLICK HERE. The camp costs £75 for all three days, although there is the option of just attending for one day, £30.

    The club is looking for a couple of sponsors for the skills sessions. So, anyone interested in getting involved, should email Head of Community, Matt Goode via community@chinnor-rfc.com.

    Skills sessions will also be held during the Easter holiday (April 7, 8, 9 & April 14, 15, 16) as well as the Summer half-term (May 26, 27, 28).

  • Chinnor win ‘arm wrestle’ of a match with Cinderford

    LAURENCE May held his nerve to land a last-minute conversion and earn Chinnor RFC a thrilling 28-27 victory over Cinderford on Saturday (January 26).

    It proved a real battle at Kingsey Road and the hosts came away with five points when Will Harries crossed in the corner and fly-half May expertly kept his cool to add the vital extras. With Rosslyn Park losing at Plymouth Albion, fourth-placed Chinnor are now only four points behind third in National League 1.

    The hosts led 14-0 inside ten minutes, with hooker Nick Selway scoring both tries against his former club. The first was a ‘pick and go’ from five metres after Pete Laverick had been stopped short, with the second being a more familiar driving lineout, May converting both. However, Cinderford hit back and scored three tries in the space of ten minutes while Chinnor had Josh Hodson in the sin-bin.

    Harry Hone’s unconverted try had reduced the arrears, before Jack Hayes crossed twice in quick succession as the visitors led 19-14 at the break. Chinnor’s response was to dominate the first 20 minutes of the second period and Josh Pieterse drove over, May converting. But Cinderford refused to lie down and a George Barton penalty, as well as George Evans’s try saw them go 27-21 in front with ten minutes to go.

    It looked like it was not going to be Chinnor’s day, but they piled on the pressure and with Evans in the sin-bin, they found space for Harries to go over in the corner, before May coolly slotted over the match-winning conversion.

    Director’s comments

    Director of Rugby at Chinnor, Matt Williams, was full of praise for his Chinnor players as they dug deep to secure what was a dramatic, 28-27 victory at home to Cinderford.

    Laurence May converted Will Harries’s try in the last play to earn the Oxfordshire side a bonus-point win in a physical National League 1 contest.
    Having dominated most of the second half, it was the least Chinnor deserved, but they showed fantastic character to keep coming at a Cinderford side which defended heroically.

    Matt Williams said: “It was a great game, it always is. Chinnor-Cinderford is a match that both clubs really look forward to. We always have a great arm wrestle and it was exactly that. The paying public really enjoyed the game and it went through to the final play when we got over the line.

    “I’ve got to give huge credit to Cinderford’s defence though – it was stellar. They kept us out time after time after time and eventually we got over in the corner, but obviously Loz May had to seriously keep his nerve for a difficult kick. Much credit to Laurence, but also much credit to our team for keeping going until the dying death.

    “Weaker teams would have rolled over and lost and I’m really proud of the boys, they did a sterling job. The result helped Chinnor close the gap to third-placed Rosslyn Park, who lost at Plymouth Albion, to four points.”

    Williams added: “It was a huge win. The last two years Cinderford have come here and given us a good thumping. Backed on from the confidence of last week, to beat Cinderford by one point is all I could ask. To come away with a bonus point win is delightful. We’ve taken ten points from two games now. You can see the confidence and camaraderie in the boys and we’ve just got to keep rolling now.

    “It’s solely about worrying about ourselves and taking each game as it comes, but make no bones about it that was a huge win for us and I’m proud of the boys.”

    May seemed to be the coolest person in the ground when stepping up to convert from the touchline. The fly-half said: “it was great. I didn’t think I’d put enough on it at one point. We’ve got some great personalities at the club and it’s just great to get everyone around (at the end) and that feeling afterwards is just incredible.

    “When we’re winning and playing great rugby, it’s one of the most enjoyable places to be.”

  • Thame Trees 2020 Up-date

    THAME Trees 2020 will be having a stall at the Volunteer Fair at Racquets Fitness Centre, Saturday, February 15, at 12 noon to 4pm, and on Sunday, February 16, between 5pm-8pm.

    By then, the project leaders, 21st Century Thame, hope to be have been able to have secured the purchase of some trees ready for nurturing or planting – whether free or purchased.

    They are hoping to use the volunteers fair  to distribute some trees to residents for planting in their gardens and to distribute some potted and non-potted saplings for nurturing.

    Chair of 21st Century Thame, Sue Martin Downhill, said: “We are also hoping to have set a date for the first mass planting by then, and will take names of those who want to be involved.

    “If anyone knows of people who happen to have self-seeded saplings in their gardens that they might be throwing away, grab them if you can! Talk to people with allotments – are they willing to have a patch to plant some hard wood cuttings ?

    “See you there!”

  • Woman robbed at Thame ATM

    AT around 10.35am on Thursday (23/1) the victim, a 74-year-old woman, was withdrawing money at the Lloyds bank cashpoint in Cornmarket, Thame when an unknown man approached her.

    The man leant across her and told her that the cashpoint was not working. He then left in the direction of Rooks Lane.

    The victim later realised that an amount of money was missing.

    The offender is described as a black man, around 6ft tall, aged between 30 to 40-years-old, of medium build, with black curly hair and a full black beard. He was wearing a black anorak coat and black trousers.

    Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who recognises the description of this offender please contact us using our online form or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43200025493.

    Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.