WITH the schools coming close to breaking up for summer, Thames Valley Police are anticipating an increase in Anti-social Behaviour in a particular hotspot for ASB in Thame.
In its monthly update, the Thame Community Policing Team stated: “The Southern Road recreational centre and its car park next to the 1st Thame Scout Hut has been a particular hotspot for ASB, drug use and dangerous driving. The team are aware of these issues and are actively visiting and engaging with any groups to advise on acceptable behaviour and consideration for other users of the play area and Scout Hut, taking action where needed.
“Since our last newsletter we have issued warnings for repeat and persistent offenders and will continue to monitor the situation.
“We would again like to thank those to continue to inform us of any and all incidents (and their updates) that happen in the area. Your information is appreciated and vital for us to identify repeat offenders.” Call the non-emergency number 101 to report incidents.
AS our traditional landscape faces uncertainty and change, the Chilterns Conservation Board (CCB), which is based in Chinnor, has announced that Dr Elaine King has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and will take up the post today, July 9, 2019.
Elaine King, the new CEO of the Chilterns Conservation Board
Elaine joins the CCB from her role as Director of Wildlife and Countryside Link, a coalition of 52 non-governmental organisations in England with diverse interests across nature conservation, landscape protection and animal welfare. Elaine is also a serving Secretary of State appointed Member of the Chilterns Conservation Board and will resign from this post in accordance with DEFRA rules.
As Chief Executive Officer, Elaine will ensure the Chilterns Conservation Board fulfils its purposes: to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB; and to increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Elaine’s passion and experience to lead the CCB forward as we continue to care for the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” said Ian Reay, Chairman of the CCB. “It is an exciting time in the natural environment and landscape sectors, and Elaine is an environmental visionary, with a proven track record, who is well-positioned to ensure the protection of the landscape as it faces a period of unprecedented change.”
“I am excited to have been appointed the CCBs next CEO. It is a privilege to be able to lead an organisation dedicated to caring for the Chilterns landscape,” said Elaine. “The Chilterns is a very special place and I am looking forward to working with the CCB’s staff team, Board members and our many partner organisations, to ensure that we effectively conserve the Chilterns now and into the future.”
Elaine succeeds Sue Holden who, having grown the CCB’s income and staff capacity over the past four years, leaves the Chilterns Conservation Board at the end of July 2019 to pursue new challenges in the environment sector.
“I can think of no one better to lead the Chilterns Conservation Board. Elaine’s experience as Director of Wildlife and Countryside Link, combined with her longstanding career in the environment sector and passion for the Chilterns countryside, make Elaine the perfect choice for the Board,” said Sue.
Elaine has a degree in Applied Biology from Brunel University and a PhD for her research on bovine tuberculosis in badgers and cattle from Bristol University. Before taking time out to raise her two children, Elaine was Chief Executive of the Badger Trust, a charity which promotes the conservation and protection of badgers. Raised near the East Sussex coast, she is passionate about the great outdoors and spends as much time as she can exploring the Chilterns from her Prestwood home and taking holidays in wild places.
AS the school summer holidays fast approach, Bloor Homes South Midlands is launching a campaign to raise awareness amongst children of the dangers of entering and playing on building sites.
With construction ongoing at its nearby Windmill Chase development on Mill Lane, Chinnor, the family owned builder wants to educate local teachers, parents and children, helping to prevent any unnecessary accidents during the six week break.
Construction Director, Carl Slater explains: “Whilst the number of children killed or injured on UK construction sites continues to fall, there is no room for complacency. That’s why we believe in the importance of reminding young children about the dangers of entering building sites, especially before a long holiday when they have more time to play.
“In addition to arranging site safety visits for school children to a number of developments across the region we have developed five simple reminders for parents and teachers to tell children, helping keep them safe over the summer.”
Safety first this summer
1. Never enter a building site – building sites can be dangerous places and should never be entered by members of the public, especially children 2. Large moving vehicles – large vehicles drive in and out of building sites regularly to deliver materials. Children should never play close to the entrance of a building site or on the building site itself as they may not be seen easily by a driver 3. Dangerous materials – there can be the risk of falling materials and/or hazardous and flammable materials stored on site. It is important that anyone entering a building site has permission to be there, has received the proper training and is wearing the correct safety clothing 4. Machinery in operation – while they may look like big toys, the heavy and dangerous machinery which is in operation on a building site could cause serious injury to a child. Children should never play on or near to any machinery on a building site 5. Openings and excavations – during construction there can be areas where the ground has been dug out or ledges from which building work is taking place. Whilst these will be barriered off to prevent falls, it is important that children do not enter a site and put themselves at risk.
Carl continued: “We hope that these simple facts will help parents and teachers across Chinnor to spread the word to children in the area about the importance of safety on building sites.
“Whilst we always ensure that all of our construction areas are fenced off with the correct warning signs in place we still want to make sure that children understand the dangers and can enjoy their summer holidays without risk of injury.”
TICKETS are now available for a special summer screening featuring the World Premier of locally-made short film, ‘The CuBOYd’, and heart-warming musical ‘Wild Rose’.
The CuBOYd began as a YouTube series in 2011, created by Thame filmmakers Jack Franks, Joe Phippen and Joe Ounsworth. The series followed the lives of boredom-fighting, cardboard-clad superhero (The Cuboyd) and his two cameramen (the two Joes), accumulating over one million views before the filmmakers began a hiatus to focus on university and work.
Returning to their hometown, and struggling to rediscover their place in a less forgiving online media landscape, the filmmakers reunited to develop the concept into a short film. Bringing in cinematographer Olly Ross and boom operator Sam Roelandts, the team developed a more emotional story than expected which serves as a fitting end to a project that always celebrated the connection between friendship, youth and home.
This will be followed by a short Q&A with director, Jack, and then the recently-released main feature ‘Wild Rose’, starring Jessie Buckley, Julie Walters, and Sophie Okonedo, which follows the tale of a young Scottish country singer who dreams of making it big in Nashville after being released from prison. Saturday, July 20, 8pm. Tickets from thamecinema.org.uk or on the door.
CHRIS Washington will be previewing his latest show, ‘Raconteur’ at The Players Theatre, Thame, on Friday, July 19, in a double header with Heidi Regan. Chris was Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee and British Comedy Guide Recommended in 2018. Chortle described him as: “..a mainstream comedy star in the making,” with Broadway Baby saying his comedy was: “Funny, relatable and heartwarming.”
Heidi Regan’s 2018 Fringe was a sell-out, with her new show: ‘Heidi Kills Time’. It’s a show that’s both silly and surreal about time travel, love and time travel! Winner of BBC New Comedy Award and So You Think You’re Funny. Her accolades include Tour support for Joe Lycett, Writer for Have I Got news For You, Star of The Now Show, The Guilty Feminist Podcast and appearances on BBC Three.
MC for the evening will be popular local comedian Andy Gleeks. Tickets are £10 and available from 01844 217228 or www.thameplayers.co.uk. Book now to avoid disappointment! Comedy @ The Players, Friday 19th July with Chris Washington & Heidi Regan
CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) Oxfordshire has published what it is calling, ‘an alternative approach to planning the future of Oxfordshire’, an approach it believes is vital to protect our county’s rural character.
Summer 2019 is expected to see two major consultations on plans for huge growth across Oxfordshire. These will be on a Government ‘Vision’ for the future of the Oxford Cambridge Arc, and the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 proposals setting out the level and location of growth in the county.
CPRE Oxfordshire is warning that, alongside the widely recognised climate change and biodiversity emergencies, ‘business as usual is just not an option’, stating that: “Growth on anything like the scale proposed would be incompatible with preserving the rural nature of Oxfordshire. Future development needs to balance economic growth with protecting the county’s communities, character and countryside.”
Helen Marshall, Director of CPRE Oxfordshire explained: “A Better Vision for Oxfordshire sets out our views on how an appropriate level of development could be brought forward in a sensitive and well-planned way that would both protect and enhance the landscape of Oxfordshire, and its towns and villages for the benefit of everyone. We hope to inspire current Oxfordshire residents to help ensure that anyone living in Oxfordshire in 2050 can still experience the advantages of our rural county.”
CPRE Oxfordshire’s guiding principles, and means of realising its Vision, are that: • The amount of development, and its timescale, should be based on natural growth and migration • Brownfield land should be developed first. Green Belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) should be developed as a last resort under proven exceptional circumstances • Genuinely affordable housing should be made available, in perpetuity, to address local need • High densities of development should become standard, to avoid losing more land than necessary • Any new communities must be sustainable and existing rural communities need investment to support services and infrastructure • Job creation should reflect Oxfordshire’s existing skill base while addressing areas of need to reduce unsustainable commuting
To read ‘A Better Vision for Oxfordshire. visit the CPRE Oxfordshire website: HERE The accompanying film can be watched HERE
First eleven defeat Harefield – CALLUM Russell struck a magnificent century to steer Thame to a six-wicket victory at home against Harefield over the weekend.
Callum Russell
After losing the toss and being forced into the field on the hottest day of the year, Thame’s prolific new ball pairing of Faisal Ali and Jo Van Dyk dismantled the Harefield top order, reducing them to 40-5. Harefield fought back well as Thame wilted in the sun, eventually reaching 182 all out, Ali finishing with 4-24.
The Thame reply started poorly with the loss of both openers, but Russell appeared to be batting on a different surface at times, as he moved through the gears fluently in making a fine 117 not out. He found support in Hassam Mushtaq, who finished 44 not out, as Thame got home for the loss of just four wickets. Thame, currently sitting second in the league table, travel to Amersham this weekend, June 6.
Seconds trip up at Sandford St Martin
THAME seconds won the toss and elected to bat first on a glorious day at Sandford St Martin. Thame made a strong start with Richard Carr making a quick fire 36 which was supported by Harry Thomas 32 and Rafe Dickie 40. However the middle order struggled to kick on to post an intimidating total and ultimately finished with a below par score of 199.
Wickets were hard to come by in the field for Thame due to some excellent hitting from Sandford St Martin’s opening batsman who blasted his way to 126 which put the game to bed with Thame ended up losing by 6 wickets. They now host East Oxford at Church Meadow this weekend.
Thirds defeat Abingdon Vale thirds team
THE thirds hosted Abingdon Vale, at a temporary home venue of Stanton St John. Thame’s in-form opener, Andy Jinman (114*) led the charge and made the opposition toll on the hottest day of the year, building strong partnerships with Guy Holmes (29) and Fahad Majeed (31).
Jinman carried his bat to ensure Thame reached an impressive 237. Abingdon Vale in reply showed no intention of attempting to chase down the total but Thame’s bowlers, supported by some energetic fielding, eventually broke through. The pick of the bowlers were Luke Hayes (2-18), Ian McStay (3-27) and Majeed (2-2). Abingdon were finally bowled out for 100 inside 37 overs.
Thame thirds play Buckingham fourths away for a top-of-the-table clash this Saturday
Fourths lose in agonising fashion to leaders Tiddington thirds
THAME fourths limited Tiddington thirds to just 131-8 from their 45 overs at Great Haseley, with Jake MacKay top-scoring on 48, thanks to a magnificent spell of 7 for 38 from Dan Constant, his career-best figures! In reply, Thame made steady progress towards victory over the division-leaders, with top scores from Tim Dabbs (22) and Andy Johnston (20), but wickets were also falling at regular intervals.
In the end they were all out for 130 in the 42nd over, just one run short of the Tiddington total. They entertain Dinton thirds on Saturday.
Thame Town Music Festival has announced the 10 finalists of the 2019 Songwriter’s competition, who will be performing their entries live at the Festival Final in Friday, July 12, in Christchurch, Upper High Street, Thame Oxon.
Luke Concannon
Festival Director, Johnnie Littler said: “We received over 50 entries with some fantastic quality songs covering a wide range of styles and subjects. It has been hard to whittle it down to ten but the panel felt that this list showed what a breadth and quality of song writing talent there is waiting to break through. The final is going to be a fantastic night showcasing this talent and all are welcome to come and watch and support the artists starting at 7:30pm (doors 6:45).
“I’m especially pleased that due to the incredibly generous sponsorship from Christopher Ward, the British watch company, who passionately believe in supporting emerging talent and challenging established thinking, that the event is FREE ENTRY to everyone.”
And there’s more! After the final we are all to be treated to an intimate gig by Luke Concannon in Concert! Cited by Ed Sheeran as a childhood hero, is an English singer-songwriter with deep Irish roots. Since finding success at an early age with cult duo Nizlopi, Concannon has gone onto to have a very successful solo career whilst also finding the time to teach and mentor song writing classes and workshops all over the world.
This event, in Christchurch, Thame, is also a Free event in a special intimate performance by this incredibly influential artist!
The Finalists are: ARTIST NAME SONG NAME Abi Farrell The Only Way I Learn Anne-Marie Allen I Like Bisola Your Love Conquerors All Callum Gardener Hang Loose Dan Rawle Matter of Opinion
Jack Cade The River
Michael Lee Searching for the Truth
Rhys Warriner Live Like you belong
Scott Gordon Roots
Zach Johnson Memories
The winning artist will be awarded the TTMF Songwriters Trophy, receive £500 and be invited to
perform their song on the main stage at Thame Town Music Festival between 1400-15:00 on
THE prolific historian and former editor-in-chief of the Daily Telegraph, Sir Max Hastings, will be visiting Thame to to give The Book House Founder’s Lecture, at this year’s TAL Festival in October.
Max Hastings
As a prize-winning author, journalist and broadcaster, his latest book CHASTISE: The Dam Busters’ Story 1943, is a dramatic retake on one of the most extraordinary episodes in British history. Remember the 1955 classic movie, The Dam Busters? Or Guy Gibson, the 24-year-old wing-commander who led the raid?
In the 21st Century, however, Max Hastings urges that we should see the dambusters in much more complex shades.
Max Hastings’ talk is expected to be a sell-out so order your tickets now if you don’t want to miss out on this fascinating event.
Founder’s Lecture – Thursday, October 17, 6.30pm, at the Spread Eagle, Thame. On-one booking is now open for this event HERE https://talfestival.org/thursday/
The UK Government has declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ and increasing calls from around the world for action in response to serious global warming is influencing more communities and councils to look at what they can do to face the challenges of accelerating climate change.
And so it is here in Thame where residents are being invited to take part in a Clean Air and Clean Energy open forum.
The RSA Thame Group which, working as independent Honorary Consultants to Thame Town Council, has spear-headed Thame’s draft Green Living Plan, will hold its next Open Forum at Thame Town Hall on Wednesday July 10, at 7pm.
Charles Boundy is the Founder and Chair of the RSA Thame Group. In the invitation he explained: “This is a vital next step in the development of Thame’s Green Living Plan and your chance to make a direct contribution to the town’s future well-being.
“The evening is devoted to two key environmental topics from the Green Living Plan. The first is Clean Air; how much do we really understand and value this and what causes the pollution that makes us ill and adds to greenhouse gases? Second is Clean Energy; how can we reduce the use of polluting fossil fuels in and from our streets and buildings by making greater use of renewable energy?
“Even agreeing these objectives leaves a range of options as to how we might achieve them. Some of these involve tough choices, which is why we need your views. We’d like to know how far and how fast you believe we need to act locally, and in Thame showing the way forward.
“After a short introduction from the RSA Thame Group and any overarching questions, we’ll use a workshop approach to look at a series of charts where everyone will have the chance to register their view. We will welcome all views and discussion. We’d also like to know where you feel you need more information.
“It would be helpful if you would let us know if you intend to come (or if you have a burning question or would like to help out on the evening) by emailing Anne Fisher to that effect – anne.fisher50@yahoo.co.uk
“Please forgive us if you get this notice more than once as we want to make sure as many as possible see it. Likewise feel free to pass it on to others.
We look forward to seeing you for a vital discussion!”
