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  • Could new report mean more new homes for Thame?

    FOLLOWING a warning that the Thame area may have to provide for increased new housing numbers, local planners have responded to the recently published SHMAR (Strategic Housing Market Assessment Report) figures.

    Image courtesy of wbn.co.uk
    Image courtesy of wbn.co.uk

    Cllr Nick Carter warned Thame Town Council recently that this Government commissioned report could mean higher new house building numbers for South Oxfordshire, which could impact Thame.

    The report has now been published and shows a need for between 4,678 – 5,328 additional homes per year across Oxfordshire for the period 2011-2031, specifically for between 725-825 per year for South Oxfordshire. (More information about SHMAR here: http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/news/2014/2014-03/countys-new-housing-market-assessment

    The reports identifies a need for 965 additional affordable homes per year in South Oxfordshire, throughout the period, 2011-2031.

    In response to the new figures, South Oxfordshire District Council has stated: “The new SHMA, a new study of housing need in Oxfordshire, provides evidence on housing need over a longer period to 2031. We now need to review our plan to look ahead to 2031, and to work out the best places for the additional new housing to go. Our new Local Plan 2031 will do this, and we look forward to working with our communities to create the new plan. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor our housing land supply based on the requirements and housing delivery plans in our Core Strategy. “

    Thame’s MP, John Howell, whose constituency covers part of Oxfordshire, has today published his opinion on the matter. He has stated: “There is no need for an immediate adjustment to the South Oxfordshire Local Plan as a result of the recently approved, county-wide Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA).”

    He continued: “The SHMA is a contributory paper to the setting of housing targets. As the report makes clear, it does not set them but contributes to an evaluation of them. In contrast to the South Oxfordshire Local Plan, this report has been through none of the verification procedures that the Local Plan has. In South Oxfordshire’s case, that local Plan was agreed with Inspectors only at the end of 2012.

    “Recent guidance produced by Central Government has shown clearly that in relation to the provision of a five-year land supply of sites, assessments are not automatically outdated by these new household projections. It should not therefore be possible for developers to simply over-ride the South Oxfordshire Local Plan on these grounds given that it has an up-to-date assessment of needs.

    “Councils need to continue to work together to study these findings and to assess the extent to which the numbers can be accommodated in a sustainable fashion with the correct infrastructure.”

    It is not yet known whether this new housing needs report will impact on the housing numbers catered for in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan. No one from Thame Town Council was available for comment at the time of going to press.

  • Burglars charged relating to conspiracy

    THAMES Valley Police has charged two men with burglary offences. The charges relate to a conspiracy in which 20 dwelling burglaries took place across Thame, Aylesbury, Maidenhead, and Hampshire between February 1, and March 7, 2014.

    Reading Crown Court
    Reading Crown Court

    Scott Blundell, aged 23, of Tower Field Square, Northampton, was charged on Friday (7/3) with one count of conspiracy to commit a burglary at a dwelling with intent to steal.

    Jack Blundell, aged 21, of Windsor Crescent, Harrow, was charged on Friday (7/3) with five counts of dwelling burglaries. The charges are in relation to five burglaries in particular which took place in Maidenhead on February 28.

    They both appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (8/3) where the court remanded them to appear at Reading Crown Court on March 17 .

  • A ‘fun journey’ through the world of wine

    WHICH wine is best with fish and chips? Is Port just for Christmas? Which is the best wine region to visit? Wine expert Neil Philips, AKA The Wine Tipster, has the answers to these questions and much more in his new show, Whose Wine is it Anyway?, at the Thame Players Theatre on March 21.

    Neil Philips, 'The Wine Tipster'
    Neil Philips, ‘The Wine Tipster’

     

    Will Worley, Thame.Net’s Intern, interviewed Neil to find out more about the man himself and the forthcoming show:

    Do you enjoy wine, but not the stuffiness that sometimes surrounds it? Or do you consider yourself to be a seasoned wine buff? Whether you are completely new to wine or a dinner party expert, there is a show coming to town which may pique your interest.

    Neil Phillips, also known as The Wine Tipster, is calling all wine enthusiasts to travel with him on a journey of experimentation and discovery. Whose Wine is it Anyway?, Neil’s live show and tasting, returns to the Players Theatre, Thame, on March 21, after a hugely successful performance during the Thame Food Festival last September.

    Aided by 25 years’ experience in the drinks industry, Neil aims to ‘make wine make sense’. He is passionate about the subject and welcomes people with all levels of wine knowledge. In his own, entertaining way, Neil wants to alter the perception of wine as a narrow, specialised interest and instead open up the wine experience to all.  His evening will be free of any pretensions, and instead focus on what wine is really about: fun! “I’ve been to wine talks myself where I’ve thought: ‘this is a bit long winded for a Friday night’,” said Neil. “The whole thing about this show is it’s saying to people: ‘Look, we can have more fun with wine, and just by doing a few things, we can get a whole lot more out of our wine experience’.”

    Neil wants to give: “…good, straight forward tips so people are going to get more enjoyment and more pleasure from wine…simple things that people can do at home.”

    Over the course of the evening, the audience will taste eight carefully selected wines. These will include a sparkling wine to start (“..to really get people salivating,” explained Neil) and a Port to finish with (to be served with handmade, Rumseys’ chocolates!).  In between will be a number of wines from exciting producers from around the world, ordered to complement each other.  Neil has visited many of the regions of the wines featured, and is looking forward to sharing his insider information with the audience, along with photos and anecdotes. In particular, he is excited to alert people to which vintages are going to be great this season. “We’re in an interesting time,” claimed Neil. “There is a lot of interest in the New World’, New Zealand and Australia, but there is still a lot of good stuff going on in the old World, like France and Spain.” Neil sees his job as helping the audience navigate its way through the best of both worlds.

    The tasting will be interactive. Neil will guide tastings as the audience take their own notes, which will be compared. There will also be blind tastings for a few lucky (or not!) members of the audience.

    Neil is particularly looking forward to the food matching. With food generously provided by Waitrose, Thame, and chocolates by Rumsey’s, Neil wants the audience to be encouraged to think about how food and wine complement each other. He hopes they will be inspired to experiment and try out their own pairings. Again, it is aimed at simple adjustments people can undertake in order to maximise their enjoyment of wine, and the food it is eaten with.  In doing this, Neil aims to broaden the audience’s horizons. “It’s about making people think about the flexibility, about how they can enjoy their wines on lots of different occasions,” he explained.

    During the course of our discussion, a reoccurring theme emerged from Neil: that of discovery. By taking a guided journey, and through interaction and experimentation, the audience can begin to unearth the many aspects of wine. “What can the audience discover? With wine, there is so much to discover,” enthused Neil.  Through the diversity of wines to be sampled at Whose Wine is it Anyway? he will demonstrate, in a no-nonsense way, the vast potential for an enjoyable wine journey that the audience can continue themselves long after the event on March 21.

    Neil’s top three wine tips (that you can start today) are:

    Make sure your white wine isn’t too cold. Many people make the mistake of over-chilling it.
    Be sure to decant younger reds. If you don’t have a decanter, a glass jug will do. This will let the wine breathe and will help to soften the tannins.
    Begin your own experimentation with food and wine pairings. Perhaps you could plan your Friday night meal around the wine it will be drunk with.

    You can find out more about Neil Philips by visiting his website: http://www.thewinetipster.co.uk/Join

  • Turn a Saboteur into an Advocate

    SUCH is the intriguing theme of this month’s guest presenters, SYLO Associates at The Late Breakfast business networking event in Thame, on Thursday, March 19th.

    The Late Breakfast - Monthly networking
    The Late Breakfast – Monthly networking

    Whatever the size of your business, your team is likely to be your greatest asset and during this presentation this month’s speakers, Sarah Stevens and Sally White from SYLO Associates, will highlight those actions you can take to drive up the performance of your business through your team of people.

    The event is at The Spread Eagle Hotel, 16-17 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BW. Registration starts at 9am for a 9.30am start by the speakers and aims to finish by 10.30am.

    To appear on the guest list please book by emailing Peter@thelatebreakfast.co.uk or on the website: www.thelatebreakfast.co.uk by noon on Wednesday, March 12, or simply turn up on the day. Either way the entry fee of £10 (including light refreshments) is payable at the door by cash or cheque.

  • ‘Absolute treat’ of a film coming to Thame Cinema

    WHEN? Saturday, March 15 – Nebraska – USA 2013, 110 Minutes, 15 Certificate; Directed by Alexander Payne, Starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb.

    nebraska-620x400 (400x258)

    WOODY Grant has decided to walk from his home in Billings Montana to Lincoln Nebraska, a distance of some 850 miles. He has received a winning $1 million sweepstake ticket in the mail, and intends to go and collect his winnings, despite his family’s attempts to explain that the winning ticket is a scam sent by a magazine publishing firm.

    Woody, a cantankerous and sullen man, chronic alcoholic and in the early stages of dementia, has not been a particularly good husband or father to his wife Kate and two sons, and is now on the verge of being put into a home. But when Woody makes repeated attempts to resume his walk, his younger son David sees the futility and attempts to prevent him, and offers instead to drive his father there, perhaps giving them both a last chance to reach some kind of understanding and kinship with each other.

    The drive takes them via Woody and Kate’s old home town of Hawthorne Nebraska, a place hit by chronic unemployment and economic decline, where they stay with Woody’s brother and meet up with extended family members, giving David the opportunity to learn something of the man his father used to be. Alexander Payne’s funny, poignant and bittersweet film is arguably his best to date, and deals with his familiar themes of family and ageing, the compromises and disappointments of life, and above all with masculinity and the emasculating consequences of economic decline.

    The magnificent black and white cinematography captures the lonely melancholy of Nebraska’s empty landscapes as well as the sedated boredom of faded towns where no one has anything much to do any more. And the acting is peerless, notably a bravura turn from screen legend (and Oscar nominated) Bruce Dern as the fragile and belligerent Woody, and from June Squibb, also Oscar nominated, as the gleefully foul mouthed and furious Kate who steals every scene she’s in. A sympathetic and understated story of the pathos of ordinary lives and an absolute treat.

    For more information about some more amazing films coming to Thame soon, visit Thame Cinema 4 All’s website

  • ‘We don’t want our town littered with parking meters’ says Councillor

    A Councillor has warned Thame Town Council that it needs to take care before supporting whole-heartedly a new parking enforcement scheme being proposed for the town.

    This example of where NOT to park in Thame was captured by Frank Millar
    This example of where NOT to park in Thame was captured by Frank Millar

    “We have to be clear from the start,” said Cllr David Dodds, “what it is we want for the town. We need to maintain the three hours free parking in the Upper High Street so that we would not be littered with parking meters.” Cllr Dodds was speaking to fellow town councillors at last week’s full council meeting, when they discussed whether to support South Oxfordshire District C’ouncil’s proposals.

    Henley, Didcot and Wallingford have already agreed to support SODC’s intention to apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) to carry out Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) in its four towns. CPE permits local authorities to apply for the legal powers to take over the enforcement of on-street, as well as off-street, car parking regulations from the police. In return they are allowed to keep the proceeds and parking offences cease to be criminal offences. Local authorities adopting CPE usually employ contractors to run their scheme.

    Parking tickets issued under CPE that are challenged, are dealt with by an adjudicator or tribunal rather than through the magistrates’ court and apparently takes into account more mitigating circumstances. Historically, the number of challenges for civil parking offences is significantly higher than with criminal enforcement (60%).

    The start up capital cost is estimated to be between £120,000 – £170,000 for South Oxfordshire and the use of either Section 106 (contributions from developers to community projects) or CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) money from growth in development, is being considered as an option for funding the application. It is expected that the CPE scheme would take about 18 months to implement and the future cost of road marking and signs would remain with the County Council and would be funded from its parking account.

    Other town councillors were concerned about the knock on effect of CPE on residents’ parking in Thame. Cllr Helena Fickling pointed out that: “The two hour parking in High Street is not being reinforced. The ex Traffic Warden, Peggy, never enforced the two hour parking limit on residents. We will need to negotiate to cover those interests.”

    Cllr Nigel Champken Woods said: “Several times we have asked for Residents’ parking but were told ‘No’. There is Residents’ parking in Oxford City, so why not here?” Cllr Don Butler was concerned what effect CPE would have on shoppers.

    The town council resolved that support would be given to the introduction of CPE by the district council only if it was assured that:

    a) Free parking is retained in the two High Street car parks.

    b) The markets in the town can continue and are managed by the Town Council.

    c) There are no financial repercussions as a consequence of the introduction of CPE on the events held in the town centre.

    e) Agreement is reached with Thame Town Council on any other important issues particular to Thame.

  • It’s party time for Thame’s publican Mayor!

    MOST people who know the Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, know that he is not your typical, traditional sort of a Mayor; ‘pressing the flesh’ , kissing babies (hang on, you’re not allowed to do that anymore!), and exchanging platitudes and political sound bytes isn’t his style.

    The Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, with his wife Trudi (3rd right), his mum and dad and family enjoy a 'knees up' (Photo by Frank Millar)
    The Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, with his wife Trudi (3rd right), his mum and dad and family enjoy a ‘knees up’ (Photo by Frank Millar)

    He’s a friendly, witty, straight-down-the-line sort of a bloke who says what he thinks at council meetings, but in an inoffensive and fair way, and above all, he likes having fun – and creating enjoyment for the customers in his pub, The Cross Keys, in Thame.

    So it came as no surprise that this year’s Mayor’s Ball on Saturday was not your normal civic event, but a relaxed, informal affair though still with a sprinkling of bow ties and ball gowns, and a ‘flashmob’ of his pub regulars and friends who set the mood for the dancing with their very own version of a dance routine from the TV comedy sitcom, Ally McBeal.

    In all, 145 guests attended the event at The Oxfordshire and were welcomed by the Mayor and his wife, Trudi, before sitting down to a three course meal. Harpist, Sarah Goss, provided musical accompaniment and the truly mystifying close-up magician, Sylar.

    Peter, who completes his term of office in May, said: “I would like to thank everyone who made the evening so special, and the numerous businesses that made such generous donations towards the raffle and the silent auction.”

    To all the assembled guests, his wife Trudi, and his family, who had travelled from Essex for the event, he spoke of how he had ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ his term as Mayor. He continued by saying: “Thank you to those who persuaded me to stay in Thame in the first place, five years ago, and to the many people I know for their words of encouragement throughout the year.”

    The evening raised over £3000, which will be combined with other funds raised throughout the year by the Mayor’s fundraising events and be split evenly between SAFARI and Thame Players. More information about these two causes can be found at www.thame-safari.org and www.thameplayers.co.uk

  • Boy and girl arrested after burglary

    THAMES Valley Police charged a 16-year old girl and 17-year-old boy, on Tuesday (04/3) with burglary.

    crime

    The boy and girl, from Chinnor, were charged with one count of burglary of a dwelling in relation to a burglary on Monday, March 3,  at a property in Greenwood Avenue, Chinnor.

    They are due to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on March 19.

  • Ladies No 1 Squash player to play exhibition match in Thame

    BRITISH Ladies No 1 Squash player, and World No 4, Alison Waters, will be playing an Exhibition match at Raquets Fitness Centre, during the Club’s Graded Open Squash and Racketball tournament, on April 26 & 27.

    Alison Water, British Ladies No 1 Squash Player
    Alison Water, British Ladies No 1 Squash Player

    There will be plate competitions and every entrant is guaranteed a minimum of two games. It will be graded from A to E in the Squash event & A to D in the Racketball event.

    Entry Fees: £12.50 for Racquets Members – £15 for Non-Members. Tournament Entry Fee includes entry to the evening exhibition match between Alison, and Thame’s own World ranked, Racquet’s club Pro, Will John, plus the banquet.

    CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: Monday, April 21. More details and entry form: http://www.racquets-fitness-centre.com/open-graded-tournament-squash-racketball/

  • Thame lose to nine-man Highmoor in last kick

    REDUCED to nine men, Highmoor Ibis snatched victory with the last kick of the game at the ASM stadium on Tuesday evening, when they defeated Thame United 3-4. The visitors are second in the league, whilst Thame are currently seventh, so a close match was both anticipated and delivered.

    Mark West
    Mark West

    Thame started brightly with both Luke Ricketts and Marcus Mealing going close. It was the visitors however who scored first when, following a run on the left, the ball was passed to the unmarked Michael Parker whose strong 10-yard shot was met by Lee Farrow, but somehow the ball ricocheted off him into the goal. The remainder of the first half saw 50-50 possession but few chances at either end.

    The visitors increased their lead two minutes after the break when a long ball ‘over the top’ found the impressive Parker who ran at goal and beat Farrow with a strong low shot. Thame struggled to penetrate the well organised Highmoor defence and chances were few. With 25 minutes remaining, Dan West was dangerously tackled by Kasier Chowdhary, and almost retaliated before other players joined in to keep them apart. The referee took ages consulting his linesmen before dismissing Chowdhary, and showing yellow cards to West and a visiting player.

    United’s first goal came with 15 minutes remaining when Ellis Hercules met a ‘West’ corner to head the ball home from close range at the far post. The visitors’ increased their lead three minutes later when Calum Gallimore met a corner with a near post header.

     So, it was 1-3 with about 12 minutes of normal time remaining. With five minutes left, a free kick on the right was deflected to Ricketts, near the far post, and he fired the ball home. United’s equalising goal came with two minutes remaining when Hercules again met a West Corner but the ball fell to Nik Rhodes who scrambled it over the line. Thame was laying siege to the visitors’ goal when Highmoor lost a second player. Kashif Chowdhary was dismissed for an unknown offence and joined his brother in the dressing room.

    As United battled for the winner they left themselves vulnerable in defence and in the final seconds another high long ball found Parker who completed his hat-trick from 15 yards.

    Thame United: Farrow, P Pykett, Hall, Hercules, Rhodes, Jesson, Connelly, West, Cordice, Mealing (Hodgkins), Ricketts

    SOURCE: Contributed by Bob Dixon