Thame.net

Category: Missed a ThameNews story?

  • Witnesses sought in Thame cattle rustling shock!

    THE herd of Thame cows, dotted around the town as mobile notice boards, are two down this week, following the sad news that a second cow has been stolen.

    Sadly, Ermintrude, who was in the care of Abbotts Office Solutions, in Station Yard, Thame, was, the company has revealed, subject to a spot of ‘cattle rustling’ at the beginning of the year. Her padlock and chain where cut and she has not been seen since.

    Another of the Thame cows disappeared a few weeks ago from Racquets Fitness Centre – based fittingly enought, at the rear of the Cattlemarket car park in Thame. Then there was Mabel, who went walk-about over the Christmas break from outside Jordan’s courtyard. She was spotted one night outside The Swan Inn, then further down Swan Walk the next night and finally seen peering out into Wellington Street from where three strong regulars from The Swan, kindly carried her back home.

    There is though something being ‘moooooooted’ that could, potentially, bring a new lease of life for the Thame cows, expecially those in need of a bit of TLC like the poor old cow outside the Citizens Advice Bureau who had one of her horns broken off and was sprayed with pink paint by vandals a few months ago.

    It’s all a bit ‘hush hush’ at the moment and depends on some funding that is being applied for right now, but watch this space and hopefully some exciting news for fans of the Thame cows will shortly be revealed, in time for the Thame Food Festival in September.

    Residents of Thame have enthusiastically welcomed the herd of cows to the town over the last 18 months – there was even a ‘Save the Thame Cows’ campaign when the town council threatened to have them banned. The cows in question are life size models featuring advertising boards which have been stationed at various sites in the town and used to promote local community events. The herd consists of 10 adults and two baby calves, one outside A Piece of Cake in the Upper High Street, and another which lives at Lotte’s Cafe in Chinnor where ‘he’ Brian, thinks he’s a girl and is happy to be adorned with a pink, chiffon scarf.

    Brian the bull calf looking pretty in pink, safely inside at Lotte's Kitchen in Chinnor
    Brian the bull calf looking pretty in pink, safely inside at Lotte’s Kitchen in Chinnor

    The cows were provided by 21st Century Thame and formed part of a project to promote market towns, which was funded by South Oxfordshire District Council and LEADER, a European Commission programme that supports community-led local economic development in rural areas. The herd are looked after by various businesses throughout the town.

  • Timing of Elms plan questioned by ‘appalled’ resident

    Dear Editor,  As a local resident and patron of Elms park, I was appalled to find out that someone had (Ed. applied for ?) planning permission to change the layout, look and feel of one of Thame’s beautiful open spaces. I am also deeply disappointed that the time chosen to put in the application has been done during the school holidays, removing the ability of local residents to have their say on things which will change the outlook and feel of a publicly owned space. I have also seen the plans and to be honest it’s quite possibly the worst idea I think I have ever seen printed on paper.  The developers should be ashamed of themselves for thinking they could scar our town with Lego houses, on land we all own, by dangling carrots of new furniture and play parks…

    I am calling for the town council to put a stop to this development and not make a mockery of the good work they have done in asking the people of Thame where future developments should be. This whole thing has been piggy backed in under the guise of a decent town plan.

    I look forward to others’ comments.

    Alan Hutchinson

  • Who will benefit from Elms Park plan?

    DEAR Editor,  The latest ploy in the attempt to build houses on Elms Field is a planning application to ‘improve’ Elms Park – land which is owned by Thame Council, which means owned by Thame residents. Strangely, this application is made by the developer, not by the Council, which surely needs no consent to improve the park. The situation becomes suspect when the so-called ‘improvements’ are examined.

    The valuable and mature trees which the developer and Planning Consent applicant, Rectory Homes, wishes to remove are in Elms field, not the park, so how do they get involved in a park improvement application? The benefit is entirely to Rectory because a line of their proposed houses are shown situated within a few metres of the park / Elms Field fenceline. Furthermore, since the houses will never be built if Thame residents are listened to, there is no point in chopping down the trees in advance.

    Also, from the park’s point of view, the basketball court is perfectly okay where it is – but its position does not suit Rectory who do not want it in close proximity to their hoped-for houses.

    Same with the mounds. These destroy the park’s historical ridge and furrow archaeology, which corresponds with the burgage plot orientation of the town of Thame. The mounds are simply a cheap way for Rectory to get rid of spoil emanating from the digging of house foundations.

    Same again with the proposed new path between Elms field and the park. It is of no benefit to anybody other than the possible future owners of Rectory’s expensive new homes. Furthermore, its creation contravenes the contract which the Council signed in 1948. That conveyance deed makes it clear that the gift of land for the park was made on the understanding that the Elms and its environment, which includes Elms field, would be protected and that there would be no right of access from one to the other. Councillors who renege on this contractural obligation risk being sued by the constituents they are supposed to represent.

    Why, one may ask, is the current Town Council appearing to collude in the so-called ‘improvement’ application?

    Thame’s residents and friends should be aware of any ‘smoke and mirrors’. They can sign the petition against development on Elms field, either by logging in to elmspetition.org.uk  or by by signing a paper copy at PetCare in Cornmarket.

  • Plans officially in for houses at The Elms

    FOLLOWING close on the heels of a controversial planning application for changes to Elms Park in Thame, by Rectory Homes Ltd, a second planning application, reference P14/S2176/FUL, for a housing development at Land adjoining the park, known as The Elms, Upper High Street, Thame, has been officially registered with South Oxfordshire District Council.

    A current view of The main house at The Elms from Elms Park, Thame
    A current view of The main house at The Elms from Elms Park, Thame

    The latest application is for the erection of 45 dwellings and the creation of new public open space; provision of new vehicle access from Elms Road and a new pedestrian/cycle link on to Upper High Street with associated infrastructure works and landscaping.

    You can see details of the application on SODC’s website by clicking this LINK  http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/S2176/FUL

    The supporting documentation with this application includes a Statement of Community Engagement: LINK   http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/dynamic_serve.jsp?ID=315660620&CODE=F197499321243B90A5DEC863365BA7AE 

    Another, associated planning application, reference P14/S2395/LB, for development work at Land at The Elms, has also been submitted. It is for: “Works and alterations as follows: (i) Partial demolition of the boundary wall along Elms Road and creation of vehicle entrance with erection of new plinth walls and painted metal railings with 2no. brick piers; (ii) the removal of wooden gates at site entrance on Upper High Street and repairs to 2no.existing piers; (iii) the erection of 2no. new stone piers and timber boarded electric gates at the private entrance to The Elms; (iv) new timber boarded gates at the entrance to the annex to The Elms (32a) with repairs to 2no. existing stone entrance piers; (v) erection of a new 2m high stone boundary wall to the annex to The Elms (32a); (vi) the erection of 2no. new bollards; (vii) the partial demolition of an existing brick wall and creation of a new footpath and cycleway; (viii) repairs and refurbishment of existing stone ha-ha and provision of new metal fencing.

    You can see details of this application by clicking this LINK  http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/S2395/LB

  • Customers confuse fact and fiction after shop robbery

    CUSTOMERS trying to access a shop that had become a police crime scene after a robbery, thought they were witnessing the filming of a scene from Midsomer Murders.

    McColl's in Banks Parade, Haddeham. Photo courtesy of Keith Milmer & Haddenham.Net
    McColl’s in Banks Parade, Haddeham. Photo courtesy of Keith Milmer & Haddenham.Net

    This was the situation following a robbery at a branch of Martin McColl in Haddenham, on Monday morning (July 28) after two members of staff who had gone into work early in the morning to sort out the newspapers, were restrained by a robber and threatened with a weapon, while he took the weekend’s takings from the till.

    “Luckily,” said a Haddenham resident who described the scene, “the two shop workers, though very shocked, were not injured. But early morning customers continued to try to get into the shop, despite the police tape and the presence of officers investigating the scene of the crime. This area is used frequently for the filming of Midsomer Murders and some shooting of the programme had taken place near by just a few weeks ago.”

    The man who carried out the real-life robbery is described as being in his early 20s, black and wearing a baseball cap and scarf around his face.

    It is not known at this time what the weapon was.

    Anyone with information that could help the police with their investigation is asked to call DC Gemma Robinson on call the non emergency number 101, quoting URN 167 of July 28.

  • Invitation to join ‘Lights Out’ for WW1 Commemoration

    SAM Juthani, the Labour Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Henley Constituency that includes Thame, is inviting the people of Thame to join him in turning their lights out on August 4, marking 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.
     

    San Juthani, the Labour Party's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency
    San Juthani, the Labour Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency

    The Lights Out campaign invites people across the country to switch off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4, and light a single candle in a shared moment of national reflection.
     
    The moment will mark precisely a century since Britain declared war on Germany and formally entered the First World War at 11pm on August 4, 1914.
     
    The campaign is inspired by the words of the then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, who famously remarked on the outbreak of the war: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”
     
    Millions of people across the UK are expected to take part in Lights Out, which will see hundreds of public buildings and iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Blackpool Illuminations also turning out their lights.
     
    The project is being organised by 14-18 NOW, the official cultural programme for the First World War Centenary Commemorations, with particular support from the Royal British Legion.
     
    Sam said: “The First World War was a conflict that changed Britain forever. It touched every family, affected every community and fundamentally altered our country’s place in the world.
     
    “The centenary anniversary is a unique opportunity for us to commemorate those who served and sacrificed for us on the frontline and the home front, and to think about the profound impact the war had on our society. 
     
    “I hope people across Thame will join me in taking part in the Lights Out campaign and turn out their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4. With the busy lives we lead today, the simple act of pausing, switching off the lights and lighting a candle will be a very powerful tribute.”
     
    NB More information about the Lights Out campaign can be found here: http://www.1418now.org.uk/lights-out/
    Those using social media should use #LightsOut
     
    Official Lights Out candles can be purchased in Marks and Spencer stores or online: http://www.marksandspencer.com/world-war-1-centenary-candle/p/p22340844, with all profits going to the Royal British Legion.

  • Want to be a town councillor?

    A vacancy for a town councillor has arisen, following the resignation of Andy Gunn last month. As no call was made from the public for a by-election, the position is to be be filled by Co-option. The successful candidate would serve for the remaining term of office, until May 2015, when local elections will me held.

    Thame Town Hall - Image Courtesy of Mark Percy
    Thame Town Hall – Image Courtesy of Mark Percy

    Anyone who would like to apply for Co-option can send a letter of application to the Town Clerk, at Thame Town Hall, by August 22, 2014. Applications will be considered at a full Council meeting on September 2, 2014. Guidance notes to assist with applications are available from the Town Hall or on the website at www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk 

  • ‘Enchanting’ Bethany at Thame’s top open mic night

    THAME’S First Thursday Music Club continues to grow and develop and has now become an unmissable monthly, social event for many people in Thame – as well as the best Open Mic night in the District – and its FREE!

    Bethany Weimers
    Bethany Weimers

    With a big crowd every month and an average of 15 different acts during the evening, FTMC offers performers of all abilities and from all musical genres, the opportunity to play in front of a large, warm and supportive audience.

    As well as the wonderful randomness of the ad-hoc musicians who sign up for the night, the club pre-books an act to feature in the 10 o’ clock spot and next Thursday, August 7, the extremely talented Bethany Weimers will be performing.  London born, Oxford- based alt-folk artist Bethany spent nine months as a bit of a hermit, performing, recording and producing her atmospheric debut album, Harpsichord Row, which she released to widespread praise in 2012. Since the album’s release and with a reputation as a stunning live performer preceding her, Bethany has been gathering fans from across the globe through successful tours and airplay that includes 6 Music & BBC Introducing. Reviewers have described Bethany and her music as “Ethereal and enchanting” (Music in Oxford) and “Think Florence without the Machine or Kate Bush in a cathedral” (Fresh on the Net).

    FTMC is at The Stables, at the rear of The James Figg pub in Cornmarket, Thame. and welcomes musicians of all abilities. Anyone can play by signing up at the venue before 7.45pm. Check out the club on the FTMC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFirstThursdayMusicClub

    Further information about Bethany Weimers at: www.bethanyweimers.com and www.facebook.com/bethanyweimers

  • ‘How’s zat?’ for Cricketing fun and food

    THAME Town cricket club is preparing to throw open its pavilion doors to the local community on Sunday, August 17, as part of a nationwide initiative to help boost grassroots cricket participation.

    cricket (329x400)The club is inviting all local cricket fans and people who are interested in finding out more about the club, to head along to the ground for the day to watch some cricket, meet their members and ECB (The England and Wales Cricket Board) qualified coaches, and enjoy some Waitrose food and drink, in a bid to entice new members to sign-up.

    Thame Town CC is one of hundreds of cricket clubs that will host an ECB Club Open Day this season and it is anticipated that thousands of events will be held at clubs across the country to coincide with England’s international cricket weekends throughout the summer.

    Building on the successful launch of the initiative las, Waitrose, to help deliver their event.

    Matt Swain, TTCC’s fixture secretary, said: “We are inviting people to come and enjoy one of the most idyllic cricket settings in the country, which is right on their doorstep. At the Open Day there will be a 6-aside tournament, BBQ, Music, Bouncy Castle, taster nets sessions, bowling machine, raffle and lots more. The event is for everyone and in particular we would like to build on the success of the Ashes-winning England Women’s Cricket team as we look to establish a strong girls’ section. Come and join us at Church Meadow, you will be most welcome.”

    Former England captain and ECB’s Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships, Mike Gatting, added: “Club Open Days represent a unique opportunity for cricket clubs to capitalise on the public interest in England’s international summer. By opening their doors and showcasing what they have to offer to their local community, clubs will hopefully be able to inspire newcomers to come and join them – whether that is as a player, volunteer, social member, or even a local business as a new supporting sponsor.”

    Thame Town Cricket Club runs three adult league teams on a Saturday and a friendly team on a Sunday during the cricket season. The club also has a large junior section for age groups U9’s, U’11s, U13’s, U15’s and U17’s that run during the week. The U15’s and U17’s also have the option to play for the adult league and friendly teams.

  • Changes proposed for Thame’s Elms Park

    A planning application for improvement to Elms Park, in Thame, including the erection of an arts and musical performance stage, has been submitted by the developer who wants to build homes on land next door, at The Elms.

    elms_park_gatesFull details of the application can be read here:http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/S2310/O

    A spokesman for Barton Willmore, planning consultants on behalf of developer Rectory Homes, told Thame.Net that the proposed improvements to Elms Park will be funded through the proposed housing development on land at The Elms, a planning application for which is immenant (not yet on the Planning Register).

    He said: “The Town Council will undertake a consultation so that it can find out how local residents would like to see the park improved. The park will not be built on and will remain for public use at all times in posterity – this application is simply so that the council can find out how local people think that funding from the neighbouring development can be used to help improve the facilities on offer there.”

    The application for land at The Elms itself will be for residential development, a new public open space, 18 affordable homes, new public footpaths and cycleways.