THAME.NET is inviting all the local candidates for the Election 2015, for a short profile. The following is from Ann Midwinter, who is standing for the Town Council in the South ward as an Independent:
Ann Midwinter
I have had the honour to represent Thame South as an Independent District Councillor, becoming Leader of the Independents, and in 2014/15, Chairman of South Oxfordshire District Council.
As a District Councillor you have to consider the overview of the whole district. I would very much like to represent Thame South as a Town Councillor and focus on Thame and to help the aims and objectives of Thame people with the experience and insight acquired at SODC.
My goal is for Thame (the only true Market Town in the area) to continue to thrive and be a pleasant, environmentally, friendly place to live and work. I will serve the people of Thame, if elected, to the best of my ability without being tied to any political party.
You can read all the local candidates’ profiles submitted HERE
Details of all the candidates in the Elections on May 7, 2015, can be found on the town council’s website HERE
THAME has paid homage to some of the people who deserve to be recognised for their contribution to the town, often going ‘unsung’ as volunteers, or just going that ‘extra mile’ to help others in their chosen field.
L to R: Megan Cooper, Mark Thorne, ,James (on behalf of Ian McStay, Jeannette Matelot Green, Josh Butler, Joe Lynch and Alan Haigh
At the annual Thame Town Meeting on Tuesday (May 5), the Mayor of Thame, Jeannette Matelot Green, presented awards to the following people, who had been nominated by fellow residents:
Sporting Achievement – Ian McStay – After 35 years the longest serving player at Thame Cricket Club, and as a senior coach, has guided hundreds of junior players during his time.
Young Achiever Award – Joseph Lynch – For his service to organisations like Thame Youth Theatre, Stagecoach etc, providing technical support, particularly sound and lighting.
Service With a Smile Award – Mark Thorne (who got the biggest cheer!) A familiar face in both the Thame Co-op and Helen Douglas House charity shop. Described as ‘hard working’ and always ready to help even when the shop is busy.
Creative Arts Achievement Award – Ian English – Founded the 80-strong, Thame Pop Choir which donates all profits from its performances to local charities, and which entertains local organisations such as Meadowcroft Home for the Elderly and the Thame Community Hospital.
Individual Volunteer Award – Cathy Thomas – Organiser of the Thame Christmas Lunch at The Birdcage pub every year, for the elderly and the vunerable who would otherwise be alone at Christmas. Cathy organises a group of volunteers who prepare and serve the food on Christmas day, and arrange transport, giving up her own Christmas day despite having young children.
Person of courage Award – Megan Cooper – A 13 year-old young carer whose mother suffers from severe Asthma attacks and often needs to be hospitalised. Megan gets up at 5.30am to make sure her brother gets his breakfast and medication etc, and despite the extra responsibility of helping to keep her family together, never moans or complains and always has a smile on her face. As it was also Megan’s birthday on Tuesday, she received a cake and a birthday balloon.
The Life-time achievement Award – Alan Haigh (given the longest-lasting clap from an appreciative audience!) Retiring Headmaster of John Hampden School. Described as a ‘pillar of the community’ always willing to ‘roll up his sleeves’, ‘an outstanding Headmaster’ who knows the name of every child in his school, ‘a good listener’ and ‘an inspirational leader’.
The Mayor’s Own special Award – Lance Corporal Josh Butler of the Army Cadets, who has supported and helped the Mayor throughout her year of office.
The awards were this year – the seventh event of its kind – were sponsored by ASM Auto Recycle and there were 135 nominations, from which an independent panel of judges selected the winners.
IN a ‘first’ for Thame.Net, editor Sonja Francis’s French equivalent in Thame’s twin town of Montesson, has contributed a news story about four intrepid cyclists who have challenged themselves to cycle from Montesson to Thame, to arrive here on Friday, May 8. Here is a preview of an article by Jehan-Jacques Peyre, to be published in the Courrier des Yvelines.
The Mayor of Montesson. and friends of the Montesson cyclists, give them a fitting ‘send off’ for their 495 km, two-wheeled trek to Thame
FOUR Montessonnais left on Sunday to cycle in six days, to the English town of Thame, twinned with Montesson, France. Despite the pouring rain, it was with radiant smiles that they took to the road that will lead them to Oxfordshire on Friday, where the Thame Twinning Committee are preparing a reception for a Montesson delegation of 40, arriving by coach, to spend the weekend from May 8 to 10.
The cyclists’ departure took place in the presence of the Mayor of Montesson, who had come back from holiday for the occasion, the Montesson Twinning Committee President, Anne Gillet and Michel Cojean, responsible for over-seeing the France part of the cyclists’ journey.
“We’ll take the Green Avenue,” explained Elisabeth Charriere, Member of the Twinning Committee, who organized this trek. She told us: “I have ridden my bike since childhood, and I prefer the bike to the car as a means of local transport. I also walk during the day, and I have done two tours of two days on the banks of the Loire. Thame to Montesson is my first long cycle trek!
“When the Green Avenue was opened for the London Olympics, I wanted to make this trip. To be twinned with Thame is a great motivation, without the worry about the journey back, since we will come back by coach. I had hoped to bring together a larger group, but I’m very happy to leave with three other people who are really motivated.”
The brave cyclists left Montesson last Friday morning. The first day went well, with a little rain in the morning but with wind and sun in the afternoon. They arrived safely at Villarceaux, their first stage of the journey. On Saturday, the four cyclists made their way to Forges les Eaux.
These breakaway companions all seemed very enthusiastic at the beginning. Originally from New York, Michael Gitlin, has lived in Montesson for four years and was pleased to take this opportunity to see and enjoy the two countries ‘at ground level’. For his part, Jean-Pierre Ollivierr regularly goes hiking and biking, but was seduced by this long bike ride, a first for him. Finally, Bernard Dauvergnies, Councillor of Evecquemont, a community in the Montesson area, who brings to the group his very British humour.
Their journey will follow the route of the Green Avenue, known as the “Paris-London”. It is approximately 400km of dedicated bike paths and small roads, which will allow the group to cross the area of the Seine that inspired the Impressionist paintings, then the Oise Valley and finally Normandy, before moving to England by ferry to Newhaven. They will then ride through the English countryside to Thame.
NB This article has kindly been translated with the help of Stephanie Provost from ‘Frenchip’ in Thame. Contact : 07989387171
Prospective Thame Town councillors, Helena Fickling (Ind) and Don Butler (Con)
THAME.NET is inviting all the local candidates for the Election 2015, for a short profile. The following are from Helena Fickling (Independent) and Don Butler (Conservative):
Helena Fickling – I am standing for re-election to Thame Town Council as an Independent Candidate because I believe that Party Politics have no place in Parish/Market Town Councils.
I have lived in Moreton since 1982 and have served as a Town Councillor for one term.
For two years I have been Chairman of the Planning and Environment Committee and served on both the Planning, and the Policy and Resources Committees for the whole term whilst representing the Town Council on the 21st Century Thame Steering Group.
I am an architect with three adult children, a Churchwarden of St Mary’s Church, Thame, and a Trustee of the Thame Welfare Trust.
I am keen that families, children, young & old people should have good facilities and have worked for many years with children at Lighthouse and St Mary’s Church, and at the Youth Café for 11-14 year olds.
I support and volunteer with Music in the Park, Tidy Thame, Muck Out Moreton and have supported the development of the Skate Park and other activities which benefit the life of Thame.
I believe that Thame is a very special market town which has much to offer to residents and businesses but needs to have a fair development programme for a progressive Thame and keep responding to changing expectations and the social and economic demands of 21st Century life, including sustainability.
I believe that all development in Thame should enhance the unique town centre for the benefit of all people in Thame, and local business. During my term as a Town Councillor I have worked to ensure that all new development should enhance Thame.
I would like the opportunity to serve the people of Thame and Moreton as an Independent Councillor for another term on the Town Council.
Don Butler – I moved to Thame in 1967 after marrying Elaine and we have two lovely daughters, who both did very well at Lord Williams’s School, and now, one gorgeous granddaughter.
I love Thame and over the years have been involved with many local organisations, currently being on the Board of Thame & District Housing Association; President of the Evergreen Club; on the Management Committee of Thame Barns Centre since its inception 20 years ago and I am proud to see what it has become over those years. I am Deputy Chairman of the Thame Twinning Association and was Mayor of Thame when the twinning charter with our French counterpart – Montesson, near Paris, became a reality in 2000. Good friendships have been forged since the beginning between many linked families, including my own with the Montesson Mayor, Jean François Bel. I am also on the Town Awards panel.
In a by-election in 1989 I was elected onto the Town Council and have found it uplifting to be involved with local organisations. It has been an honour to serve as Mayor on four occasions and over the years it has been wonderful to have been able to meet all the people who quietly, discreetly and willingly, give up their time to enhance life for those who live in this beautiful and thriving market town. We should all work hard to retain Thame’s qualities and if elected again, I will endeavour to give my best for the residents in the community, particularly with regard to the elderly and infirm and not forgetting facilities for the young people. The skate park which I opened in 2002 is a good example of this.
NB Your can read profiles of six of the other Local Election candidates here: LINK
SHOWERS of heavy rain sent all but the hardiest of festival goers home in the middle of the afternoon, during Music In The Park on Sunday, but once the sun came out again, more music fans began to arrive for the evening line up, though sadly some acts had to be cancelled when one of the stages became too slippery for safety and electrical equipment was affected by the rain.
Follow the LINK to see photographs of many of the acts, stall-holders, volunteers and punters who made the day so memorable. It takes more than a soaking to drench the spirits of the people of Thame!
DESPITE requests from two Town Farm Road residents, to move the location of allotments to behind their homes, instead of a row of bungalows now proposed, Thame Town Council recommended approval of plans to build 203 dwellings, with new allotment plots, public open space, new pedestrian and cycle routes on Site F, Oxford Road, Thame, for Bloor Homes.
Last year’s flooding (Feb 2014) Ford bridge on Oxford Rd looking West across Cuttle Brook field towards Thame by-pass
The two residents, Fiona Guy and Carol Warwick, claimed that the latest detailed planning application went against the Thame Neighbourhood Plan version of the proposal, which showed public open space behind their houses. They were also concerned about increased traffic on Oxford Road causing an increased potential for danger for Town Farm Close residents turning right out on to Oxford Road.
Of particular concern to them and to several town councillors, was the fear of flooding – already a frequent occurrence on the land during wet weather, that had often over-whelmed the current drainage system and had caused very unpleasant flows down the hill of Oxford Road, in the past.
In response, the Bloor Homes representative, David Josephs, said that the position of the allotments and the bungalows had been debated and agreed by Thame Town Council representatives, and that the developer intended planting and landscaping between Town Farm Close and the development. He added that it was thought the allotments placed where they are now proposed would provide a good buffer between the development and the site reserved for a school.
After much debate, the council voted to recommend approval of the plan providing that it had full involvement in a solution for foul water drainage, minor amendments are made to boundary treatments, bin storage, soft landscaping and road finishes, as well as a condition that the Council has full involvement in matters relating to the Section 106 Agreement. The foul water solution proviso would be a so-called ‘Grampian condition’ which would prevent the start of work on the development until the outstanding drainage problem had been solved and agreed.
The application will now be considered by South Oxfordshire District Council at a date that is to be confirmed. RELATED REPORT JAN 2015
MAYOR’S BOOST TO SKATE PARK FUNDS
THE Mayor of Thame’s Civic Ball, held at the Spread Eagle Hotel in Thame last weekend, raised £4,000 towards the new Thame Skate Park. Cllr Matelot Green, thanked everyone who contributed, either by buying a ticket for the ball or bidding in the raffle, for their generosity, Paddy Harris for ‘being an amazing auctioneer’ and raising £2640 from the auction, and others, including artist Alan Kidd, who donated a painting that helped raise £565 in the Raffle.
FOOD BANK RUNNING OUT OF SPACE
A REQUEST from the organisation that runs Thame’s Foodbank, has been refused permission by Thame Town Council to use the council’s depot as a storage centre for donated food. The Sharing Life Trust wanted to use the town council’s Lupton Road Depot because the Guide hut is no longer big enough to hold its stock. Town councillors however, at a recent meeting of its Policy and Resources committee, were concerned about possible security risks and the fact that in the council’s ‘Continuity Plan’ (in the case of some sort of emergency accommodation being needed) and that of the Fire and Rescue Service, required this space to be available.
The council did though agree to continue to support the work of the Food Bank and help find alternative accommodation.
CHILLY CHALLENGE FOR MUSEUM
THAME Museum is hoping that next winter will not be too cold, as a recent inspection of the building, the old Thame Court house, leased from the town council, showed that the heating system is still not working effectively, despite some repair work. At the recent meeting of the town council’s P and R committee, Cllr David Dodds said that the boiler had not been installed correctly in the first place and that it needed professionals to go in ‘and do the job properly’.
Last winter, the museum had to remain closed for January and February because it was felt the cost of trying to keep the museum heated with electric heaters sufficiently for visitors, would have been too high. The inspection also revealed that there was damage near the fireplace, due to water seaping in through external walls which previous work to instal a special drainage channel had not solved. The council voted to note the report.
NO LOCAL OMBUDSMAN FOR THAME LIKELY
THE government is currently consulting on whether to extend the jurisdiction of Local Umbudsmen to allow for members of the public to complain about larger parish/town councils to the Local Government Ombudsman when they think that they have been let down by their parish/town council.
The proposal is that any new arrangements would only apply to larger parish/town councils be defined as either having a population of 35,000 or above, or an annual pre-cepted income of greater than £500,000/annum. It is unlikely therefore that Thame, with a population of under 12,000, would be included. Speaking at last weeks’s P and R committee meeting, Cllr Mike Dyer said that he thought it was a pity that Thame would not be included as he thought it would be a good thing.
FASTER BROADBAND FOR BUSINESSES
A BROADBAND upgrade is on the way for two business buildings opposite the DAF site in Thame, once two new cabinets currently being installed in Thame, bring faster broadband on stream for the area.
FOLLOWING the agreement of Thame Town Council to support forging links with Thame’s namesake village in Nepal, so badly damaged in the recent earthquake, the Town Clerk, Graham Hunt, has issued a letter expressing the town’s sadness at the disaster and offering support now and for the future as Thame (pronounced ‘Tah-may’) rebuilds.
A villager of Thame, in Nepal, with a bandaged head, sits in a tent, his home destroyed in the earthquake
A Facebook page, called ‘Thame to Thame’ has been set up for anyone to share information and news from Thame, Nepal, messages of support and fundraising ideas. A dedicated bank account is also in the process of being set up for donations that will be used to help people in Thame, Nepal, directly.
In the meantime, donations can be made online to the Nepal Appeal via Disasters Emergency Committee or Oxfam or donate in person at either of the two Oxfam shops in Cornmarket, Thame. In just four days, over £1,500 in donations has been received by the Oxfam Book shop.
A Thame Town Councillor is concerned that there is some confusion among residents about how many votes electors can have on polling day, after reading in one election leaflet that they have 12 votes.
Cllr Tom Wyse explained: “The position as I understand it is, that you can vote for the following:
One vote for a Member of Parliament UP TO three votes for SODC Councillors UP TO eight votes for the Thame Town Councillors
“Electors do not have to vote for three SODC candidates if they just want to vote for one.
“Electors do not have to vote for eight Thame Town Councillors if they just want to vote for one (or 2, or 3 etc).”
Information about how to vote etc can be found on SODC’s website: LINK HERE
You can contact SODC by phone: 01235 520202 and ask for Democratic Services is you have any further questions. Instructions about how to vote will be given on the ballot papers and there will be people on duty at the polling stations if you have any queries.
YOUNG Thame squash players particularly have been showing off their skills recently, when they took part in the Racquets Graded squash tournament, held at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame, over the weekend of April 17 – 19.
Josh Franklin and the other competitors after receiving their prizes
The club was very proud to see their up and coming juniors given the chance to showcase their skills.
The girls’ event was one of the closest tournaments held over the weekend. The winner, Zoe Martin-Downhill, managed to fend of Catherine Fotherby and Emily Withey, both daughters of the Guinness Squash World record holders at Racquets Fitness Centre.
Zoe’s proud father and manager of the club, Simon Martin, commented “As parents, it was a wonderful weekend to see our children competing and excelling at a sport they love. I have always had a passion for squash and to see my daughter share that same passion is something special.”
Josh Franklin who has only been playing for eight weeks, won the boys event, no doubt his rapid improvement aided by the fact that he was a regular participant of the successful Easter Squash Camps that Racquets ran over the school holidays.
Sue Martin-Downhill, Josh’s coach, said: “I am so happy to see Josh coming through to win all of his matches. He is such a pleasure to coach; he listens to what I tell him and immediately does it!” Other close competitors in this event were James Wood, Ollie Coulcher-Porter, Evan Littler and Jamie Mather.
William John, the club professional added: “It is so inspiring to see these young players competing against each other and really enjoying their squash matches. They were all trying so hard to perform at their best and it was such a pleasure to be involved.” Will was keen to stress that while everyone wants to win at Racquets, the centre really tries to educate everyone about the importance of fair play and how to win and lose in an appropriate way.
Will added: “Whilst winning is obviously important there is an art to being able to lose, take on board the improvements you need to make and at the same time staying positive and optimistic.”
The younger boys’ event saw Fionn Leaney coming through to win his tournament, but there was very close competition from Chris Watts and Finlay Wright who both performed extremely well, three boys who are all friends and play regularly at Thame’s local squash club and gym.
The young winners of each event had beaming smiles when they were handed their prizes of a brand new Pointfore racket, made possible by the sponsor Trevor Cox Motors.
In another particularly notable grade in the tournament, the Mixed E grade in which Tanya Wright (Finlay’s mum) reached the final, losing narrowly to visitor Jess Thorne. New players, Neil Shorter and Mark Owen, played in the 3rd/4th play-off. Mark has been playing squash for about just three months!
Will John concluded: “Our tournaments really are great competition and fun for all standards. Overall it was a very successful weekend with lots of kids and adults coming together and playing squash in the great spirit that it should be. The team at Racquets Fitness Centre are actively encouraging more and more kids and new adults to play squash in the local community with John Hampden, Barley Hill and St Joseph’s schools coming to squash courses throughout the year.”
THE next First Thursday Music Club event will be taking place on General Election night on Thursday, May 7. After April’s event, which included record crowds, another very big night is expected with up to 15 different Open Mic’ acts including recording artist, Casey Leigh, and her band in the 10pm Feature Spot.
Casey Leigh
Casey Leigh was born in South Africa, and emigrated to Ireland in 2001. In July 2014, Casey relocated to the United Kingdom in order to be closer to the producers of her album and to prepare for the UK release of the album that was launched in March of this year. Also in 2014, her self-penned track ‘Don’t Walk Away’ reached Number three in the Irish download charts and she was invited to perform for the Irish President, Michael Higgins, and his guests at his residence.
FTMC is the biggest Open Mic night in the District with artists travelling from as far afield as London, Reading, Oxford and Northampton to come and play in front of a very large and appreciative audience. Entrance is FREE!
As a direct result of playing FTMC, a number of artists and bands have been invited to play at Festivals such as Towersey and Beaconfest. Indeed, FTMC has its own stage at the next Towersey Festival in August.
Anyone can play by signing up at the venue before 7.45pm. Check out the club on Facebook “The First Thursday Music Club For more background on Casey Leigh:
