It is a sad indictment of Thame Town Council that they seem to have adopted an air of total contempt with regard to the history and conservation of the town.
We have already had the outrage of the Elms field being put into the Neighbourhood Plan ‘through the back-door’. Now we hear they have disbanded the Thame Conservation Advisory Committee by withdrawing support and facilities.
The Conservation Committee consists of an excellent team, steeped with knowledge and history of the town who have made a valuable contribution over the last 30 years. To disband this group is nothing more than a vindictive ‘toss the toys out of the pram’ decision by the Town Clerk, with questionable logic behind it, and no Councillor had the courage to oppose her at the time of the meeting where this decision was made.
The Town Clerk has a disturbing enthusiasm to pursue the Elms field development and obviously will try to eliminate anything that may hinder it. Already certain Councillors (have said) that they enjoyed, and needed, the minutes from the Conservation Committee in order to make informed decisions. Surely if the council want to retain any credibility, this issue needs to be reviewed and the Conservation Committee re-instated.
The Clerk has stated that: “In light of the neighbourhood plan”, there is no need for a Conservation Committee. Utter nonsense. That plan does not over-ride the need for the planning department in the Parish, and SODC to assess all applications. Moreover the plan cannot possibly anticipate all future applications in the Conservation Area.
One final point of order. The Thame Conservation Advisory Committee was not ‘self appointed’ as suggested by the Clerk. It was appointed by the Council on the January 10, 1984, to give: “valuable independent advice” to both Thame Council and South Oxfordshire District Council.
HOW can we make sure that our green and beautiful countryside is not spoilt by development? How do we help the woodlands cope with the diseases and pests threatening them?
Cricket at Greys Green near Henley (By Clive Ormonde)
These are just two of the many issues that are tackled by a new plan that has been published on how the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) should be looked after over the next five years.
The plan has been published by the Chilterns Conservation Board, which has responsibility for protecting and promoting the Chilterns. It was put together with the help of many local organisations and communities, including parish councils, wildlife trusts, the National Trust and the Chiltern Society.
“The Plan is a collective expression of the interests and wishes of many individuals and organisations that care about the Chilterns and as such it is truly a plan for the whole AONB,” said Ian Reay, Chairman of the Conservation Board.
The Chilterns AONB is a nationally-protected landscape, designated as one of the country’s finest areas of countryside along with 45 other AONBs and 15 National Parks. Despite this national recognition it faces many pressures, especially from the plans for the High Speed 2 rail line which will slice through the middle of the AONB. Plans for many new houses in towns around the edge of the Chilterns, the loss of traditional rural skills and the impacts of climate change are other examples of pressures the area faces. A co-ordinated approach to keeping the Chilterns special in the face of these issues is more important than ever and this is what the new Management Plan for the Chilterns AONB provides.
OXFORDSHIRE County Council Fire and Rescue Service are warning of the dangers of barbecues, after they were called to a shed fire in Langdale Road, Thame at 5.54 pm on Sunday, June 15.
One of the two fire engines that attended the shed fire in Langdale Road. Thame
Two fire engines from Thame attended and on arrival found a garden shed destroyed by fire which had spread to adjoining fences and hedges. The heat from the fire has also damaged a number of children’s toys and a trampoline. Fire crews extinguished the fire using high pressure hoses and prevented further fire spread.
It is believed that the fire started from a barbecue which had been used earlier in the day and put away in the shed before it had fully cooled down.
Watch Manager, Andy Ford, said: ‘The owner and neighbours reduced the fire damage using garden hoses, prior to the arrival of the service, but were lucky not to be injured. An aerosol had exploded in the shed and could have caused serious injuries to anyone in the near vicinity.”
Follow the safety tips below to avoid injuries or damage to your property: · follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues · make sure your barbecue is standing on a flat surface and away from fences, trees and sheds · only use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue · remember to light your charcoal an hour before you commence cooking · lighter fuels must only be applied before lighting · never use petrol or paraffin to start, or re-ignite your barbecue · use only barbecue fire lighters or starter fuel on cold coals · be careful with fatty foods and never poor oil onto meat when it is cooking · if you’re the chef try not to drink too much alcohol whilst cooking · keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby · keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area · don’t leave the barbecue unattended · never use a barbecue indoors or in an enclosed space – a warm, smouldering barbecue gives of plenty of poisonous carbon monoxide – if used indoors or an enclosed space carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels very quickly · after you have finished cooking, extinguish the burning coals – leave for a period of time and then check that the fire is completely out · make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it · never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire
This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!
AT a meeting with parents this week, the Headteacher of Lord Williams’s School, Thame, David Wybron, outlined initial plans for the school to amalgamate onto one site, as provided for in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan.
David Wybron
He told parents: “We have been discussing this for a number of years and there are many issues to resolve on the continuing journey. That said, this aspiration represents a wonderful opportunity to transform learning opportunities for future generations of students. We would be able to have a more flexible curriculum and more learning time. Instead of students having to be bussed up and down between sites to learn together and staff having to commute, we would all be together, taking advantage of a £20,000,000 investment in facilities. Our young people would have access to state of the art facilities in a school equipped for learning in the 21st Century.
“In terms of pastoral care for our students, the bigger school would further improve our care provision and support for individuals. Students would meet their tutors every day rather than just three times a week as they currently do and we would be able to significantly enhance opportunities for older students to mentor and work with younger students.
“If we get the green light to proceed with our vision, and that means agreements on funding and planning, then we will have very creative discussions with staff, students, parents and governors on how we can create the ‘wow’ factor for our school.”
If the amalgamation of the two schools does not happen, houses allocated in the Neighbourhood Plan for the Lower School site in Toweresey Road, will be provided on ‘reserve sites’. These are: Site F (the old pig farm in Oxford Road, opposite Upper school Site C (south of Thame, edging Thame Park and Wenman Road)
THE undocumented lives of migrant children in this country will be explored in a very special performance by students of Lord Williams’s School, on Wednesday. The performance will be a collaboration with COMPAS, a research department of the University of Oxford. COMPAS is the Centre on Migration, Policy and Society where they undertake research into migration issues to inform policy making and public debate.
COMPAS has published some research into the experiences of migrant children with illegal status in the UK and developed dramatic monologues from the interviews. Researchers have approached the Lord Williams’s school to work with Year 10 students to develop a drama production which the students will perform in the school’s Phoenix Drama studio.
Nicky Stallwood, the Personal Development Curriculum Manager at Lord Williams’s School, explained: “This is a public performance and it would be wonderful to welcome community groups and individuals as well as staff and students to the performance.
“Whilst this is a small scale production, we are excited by the collaboration with COMPAS and we believe the evening will be of interest to those who want to understand the issues facing young migrants coming into the UK.”
A team of volunteers from Thame-based tractor, groundcare and construction machinery specialist Kubota have raised over £1,000 after taking part in the charity bike ride, Mix96 Tour de Vale, held on Sunday, June 8.
The team of 27 Kubota employees cycled over 1,000 miles in total, on 15, 35 and 55 mile courses, starting and finishing at Stoke Mandeville Stadium and travelling through Buckinghamshire countryside and villages.
The event was in aid of Wheel Power, a national charity providing opportunities, facilities and equipment to enable disabled people to play sport and lead healthy, active lives.
Kubota is hoping to secure further donations to increase its fundraising total to £1,500 in total, in order to help Wheel Power beat last year’s fundraising effort, when £34,000 was donated.
Dave Roberts, Managing Director of Kubota UK, commented: “Our team have trained hard over the past few months and we’re pleased to be raising money for this fantastic Buckinghamshire based charity that we feel very passionate about.
“We had an enthusiastic response throughout the company and people of all levels of cycling experience signed up to help with our fundraising efforts. There was a great atmosphere at the event and we were proud to be part of the great turn out.
“Any further sponsorship we can raise following the race from local residents and employers will be a great help as every little donation will assist Wheel Power and the fantastic work they do in our community.”
For more information about how you can donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/kubota
A THAME pub has been singled out for a top reward at the Brakspear Hospitality Awards 2014, organised by the Oxfordshire based brewer and pub company.
Tom Davies, Brakspear chief executive, with Jay Kansikan & Aay ‘Patsy’ Phanthamat
The Rising Sun, in the High Street, run by Jay Kansikan & Aay (known as Patsy) Phanthamat, was one of just five from Brakspear’s 130 pubs nationally to receive the award and up to £2,000.
The five winning pubs were chosen on the basis of their score from two visits by mystery customers. Pubs are rated on all aspects of hospitality, from cleanliness and service to marketing and merchandising. This year, questionnaires included new sections on interior design and use of social media, in response to customers’ increased expectations in these areas.
A delighted Jay said: “It’s great to receive this recognition. We have been at the Rising Sun for nine years and worked hard to build its reputation locally, based on serving quality Thai food in a traditional pub environment with friendly, professional service. I’m lucky to have a great team of dedicated staff, without whom we wouldn’t have won this award.
“We’re still deciding how to use the prize money, but it will go into improvements at the pub to make sure we continue to offer our customers a great experience whenever they visit the Rising Sun.”
Chief executive Tom Davies said: “The achievement of our winning pubs cannot be overstated. Scoring consistently well across two in-depth mystery visits is a tremendous result and a reflection of the high standards across the board that these talented licensees have embedded in their pubs. It is a pleasure to recognise their hard work with a Brakspear Hospitality Award and a financial reward that will help them to improve their pubs.”
The Hospitality Award 2014 winners were:
Jay Kansikan & Aay Phanthamat: Rising Sun, Thame Doug & Lolly Green: Little Angel, Henley Rob & Ellie Blues: Butcher’s Arms, Sonning Common Rachel Ainsley: Dolphin, Eastbourne Lee Curtis: Bowler, Clerkenwell
The Hospitality Awards were announced at the annual Brakspear Summer Party, held at Bix Manor near Henley-on-Thames, and was attended by 150 tenants and lessees. The winners were given a plaque to display outside their pub and a prize of either £1,000 in cash, or £2,000 to invest in their business.
Brakspear’s mystery customer programme is designed and implemented by The Silent Customer, based in Henley.
COMMUTERS who use Haddenham and Thame Parkway station, will be unable to travel into Marylebone station tomorrow morning, because it is currently closed due to a cable fire.
Chiltern Railway’s train at Haddenham & Thame parkway
Chiltern Railways have said: “Around two metres of signalling cable in the tunnel into the station has burned away meaning the signalling system is not working. Without signals we cannot safely run trains, so are not running to or from Marylebone until new cables are installed and tested. Engineers are on site however, disruption is expected and Marylebone will be closed into Monday morning and until further notice.
“We strongly advise passengers to avoid travelling on Monday unless essential. Chiltern tickets are valid on Virgin Trains, London Midland, FGW, CrossCountry & London Underground services.”
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a distraction burglary in Chinnor. At about 1.45pm yesterday (13/6) a man entered a house in Elderdene to talk to the occupant about fixing his roof. He stole a quantity of cash before leaving in a blue car.
The offender was white, of slim build, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins, with brown medium length hair and was unshaven.
Det Con Jonathan Axford, from Abingdon Force CID, said: “I would like to appeal for any witnesses who saw a man or vehicle matching these descriptions in the area at around the time of the incident to speak to police.
“If any residents were approached in the area by a man asking to do work on their house I would also like to speak to them.”
If you have any information about the incident which could help police with their enquiries please call Det Con Axford via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.
Alternatively of you don’t want to speak directly to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
YES, ThameNews is back after a couple of week’s in sunny, Southern Spain, but news has still been happening, so here’s an ‘in-brief’ review of local news from the past two weeks.
JOHN Hampden Primary School, Thame’s Tag rugby team is through to the TAG2 Twickenham Regionals after bringing The Chairman’s County Cup back to Thame.
The Tag Rugby Tournament, which claims to be the former holder of the World Record for the largest Tag Rugby Competition held on one day, saw yet another great turnout. John Hampden reached the semi-finals without losing a single game. In what was an exciting semi-final, the team fought their way back from 3-1 down to win 5 – 4. The game was fast flowing, demonstrating great rugby skills and exceptional team work. They then went on to win the final 6-4.
Team Captain Bridget said: “It was a fabulous experience for all of us and we really enjoyed it. It was amazing rugby by everyone. We tried especially hard this year and definitely deserved it.” John Hampden will now represent the county at the regionals to be held at The Rugby School in July.
THE Governing Body of John Hampden and Tetsworth Primary Schools’ Federation are looking to fill two vacancies that have recently arisen for two Community Governors – one for Thame and one for Tetsworth.
Community Governors play a vital role as links between the schools and their local communities. If you would like to know more or you believe that you have specific skills to offer the Board of Governors, please contact the Chair of Governors, Mary Stiles, on 01844 213851 or 07779654840 or email maryandstella@aol.com
ARE you part of a community-based organisation with a project in mind for a good spruce-up? Has world cup fever highlighted the need to improve your community sports pitches? Or perhaps your village hall could do with a new kitchen to help cater for community events? South Oxfordshire District Council, is running a grant scheme that might be the one for you. Their Communities Capital Grant scheme is currently open and closes on June 25, so if you get a move on you could still get an application in. More information:http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/community-advice-and-support/grants-and-community-loans
AS part of National Care Home Open Day, Meadowcroft, Thame’s residential Care Home for the elderly, will be open to visitors on Friday, June 20, for both a Coffee Morning 9.30-12.00, and Afternoon Tea 1.30-4pm. The Address is 78 Queens Road, Thame, OX9 3NQ. Meadowcroft’s Summer Fete this year, will be on Saturday August 2, 2pm- 4pm. Stalls will include tombola, raffle, cakes, teas, bricabrac and gifts.
EVER thought about volunteering? If you have any spare time, why not become part of a team at the Cancer Research UK shop in Thame? Make new friends, learn new skills and help to beat Cancer.
If this sounds like something you would like to do why not get in touch, please contact the Maria the Manager on 01844 261531 or pop in for a chat, they’re a friendly bunch! The shop is at 60 North Street, opposite the Library.
KAREN Collett, Headteacher at Haddenham St Mary’s Church of England School in Buckinghamshire, is committed to finding a healthy solution to the government initiative stipulating the return of free school meals from September.
Karen believes that the seemingly commendable legislation has: “….failed to take into account obstructions set to limit implementation, for example the fact that the majority of schools stripped out their kitchens when they were no longer required to provide on site catering for pupils.”
She was frustrated by the solution presented to her – airplane style meals delivered to the school. “The purpose of reinstating free school meals is to tackle obesity and ensure pupils have a balanced meal that educates them about nutrition,” she said. “Mass produced foods packaged up in plastic trays are not the best way to achieve this objective. Nor are they likely to be the cheapest given that suppliers will want a profit margin from the £2.30 allocated per child.”
Karen is passionate about finding a workable alternative and is hosting a Food Conference at her school, on June 27, 9.30am-3pm, to explore options with a team of experts including Raymond Blanc, nutritionist Amanda Ursell, Chair of the National Obesity Forum Tam Fry, Juliane Noble from the Jamie Oliver Foundation and Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins.
THAME’S District Councillor, Ann Midwinter, has been appointed as the new Chair of South Oxfordshire District Council. Mrs Midwinter replaces Cllr Dorothy Brown, with whom she was Vice Chair last year. Cllr Midwinter’s chosen charities for the year of her office are SeeSaw and the Royal British Legion. Thame’s District Cllr David Dodds, will have the port folios for Finance, Waste and Parks.
FIND out more about your waste during Recycle Week 2014. There is a packed diary of environmentally friendly events planned to celebrate Recycle Week in Oxfordshire from June 14 to 22. The week is the annual national celebration of all the work that is done to get the most out of waste and help residents to maximise the amount that is recycled.
Highlights from the list of events include the chance to meet with “master composters” and get more out of your green and kitchen waste on 21 and 22 June. The Master Composters programme aims to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste being sent to landfill, by encouraging more people to start composting at home and supporting those already doing so.
On 17 June, there is an opportunity to see behind the scenes at the anaerobic digestion plant at Wallingford. This fascinating facility processes over 50,000 tonnes of solid and liquid wastes a year, generating 2.4MW of electricity and producing an excellent biofertiliser.
Events Saturday 14 June Recycling Roadshow at Berinsfield Fete Time: 12pm – 3pm Organised by South Oxfordshire District Council
Monday 16 June Recycling Roadshow, Westgate Centre, Oxford Time: 10am-4pm Organised by Oxford City
Monday 16 June Recycling Roadshow, Town Centre Shop, Witney Time: 10am-3pm Organised by West Oxfordshire District Council
Tuesday 17 June Anaerobic digestion plant tour Crowmarsh Time: 9.45am – 10.45am Organised by South Oxfordshire District Council
Tuesday 17 June Recycling Roadshow at Abingdon Tesco Time: 1pm – 4pm Organised by South Oxfordshire District Council
Wednesday 18 June Recycling Roadshow at Didcot Tesco Time: 9am – 12pm Organised by South Oxfordshire District Council
Wednesday 18 June Recycling Talk at WI Meeting Stanford in the Vale Time: 7pm – 9pm Organised by South Oxfordshire District Council
Thursday 19 June Composting In Vessel and Anaerobic Digestion facilities Tours at Ardley – to book a place email recycling@oxford.gov.uk<mailto:recycling@oxford.gov.uk> Orgainsed by Oxford City Council
Friday 20 June Recycling Roadshow, Town Centre Shop, Witney Time: 10am-3pm Organised by West Oxfordshire District Council
Friday 20 June Broken Spoke drop-in bike fixing workshop, The Story Museum, Pembroke St, Oxford. Time: 11am-5pm Organised by Community Action Groups
Saturday 21 June Broken Spoke drop-in bike fixing workshop, The Story Museum, Pembroke St, Oxford. Time: 11am-5pm Organised by Community Action Groups
Saturday 21 June Swap Shop at Gladstone Road Community Ctr, Headington, Oxford. Time: 11am-1pm Organised by Community Action Groups
Saturday 21 June Love Food Hate Waste demonstration of cooking with leftovers at the Tandem Festival, Hill End, Oxford. Time: 10am-5pm Organised by Oxfordshire County Council
Saturday 21 June Master Composters stall for advice on home composting at Fun on the Green event at Wolvercote, Oxford. Time: 1pm-4.30pm Organised by Oxfordshire County Council
Sunday 22 June Master Composters stall for advice on home composting at Beckley Village Open Gardens. Time: 11am-4pm Organised by Oxfordshire County Council
Sunday 22 June Master Composters stall for advice on home composting at Letcombe Regis Family Day Time: 2pm-4.30pm Organised by Oxfordshire County Council
