LITTLE Ankle Biters, the review website where mums, dads, grandparents and carers can find all the local information they need for their children, held its second Oxfordshire Awards recently, allowing people to vote for their favourite local family friendly business across 10 categories.
Thousands of people nominated and voted in the awards, with 50 finalists and 10 winners, 5 of these winners were from the Thame and Chinnor area.
Rugby Tots and Creation Station won the Best Sports Club and Best Activity Class respectively and Prezzo in Thame won Best Family Friendly Place to Eat for the second year running.
The Crown in Chinnor won Best Family Friendly Pub and The Chinnor Pavilion won Best Children’s Party Venue.
All winners are invited to celebrate at an awards evening held at Bel and the Dragon in Cookham in April.
The awards are designed to help celebrate and promote local Oxfordshire businesses who provide an outstanding service for families across the county.
Kate Gregory, Co-Founder & Editor for Oxfordshire, said “It’s fantastic that we have so many family friendly businesses across Oxfordshire and we want to spread the word to families that these businesses get a seal of approval from local parents and carers.”
Little Ankle Biters launched in July 2017, the creation of Maidenhead based Michelle Cairncross and Kate Gregory from Thame. Having worked together for 9 years in the corporate world of brand marketing, Michelle and Kate were both on the lookout for a new challenge and recognised the need for a site where mums, dads, grandparents and carers could come and find all the local information they needed for their children. With four children and two dogs between them, they understood how much pressure there was on family life and the constant need to juggle more and more balls.
Little Ankle Biters is a website that has trusted reviews on days out, child friendly restaurants, what’s on for families in the local area, party ideas, toddler groups and children’s classes. The company currently operates in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
THE March edition of The First Thursday Music Club takes place at The Stables (behind the James Figg pub in Cornmarket, Thame) on the evening of Thursday March 7.
A fantastic, eclectic, array of music and musicians will be appearing – culminating with a set from The 2 Strokes! This exciting band are a three-piece British rock band from Oxford, and have unique style of music, mostly original, with the occasional cover from one of their influencers such as The Jam, The Lambrettas and Ocean Colour Scene to name but a few.
Prior to The 2 Strokes, Raji, The Blue Jays and Waterfahl are all booked to play – as well as JAE who is signed to BFS Records in Thame, and will be playing his own broad range of music from evocative folk to acoustic punk.
The First Thursday Music Club still offers the opportunity for artists to play live in front of a warm and appreciative audience. The club maintains the Open Mic section of the evening where slots will always be available in the first hour on a “first come, first served” basis with player sign-up by 7.30. The club has a full house PA system with keyboard, bass amp, guitar amp and jazz drum kit (bring breakables!) all set up on stage and ready to go.
Another eclectic evening is guaranteed and, don’t forget, it’s FREE entry!
WITH Thame doctors’ surgeries under pressure coping with the town’s fast-growing population, a new ‘Health Hub,’ as featured in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan, has been a focus of need for some time.
Now, a developer has come forward with a proposal for a Health Centre, a Care home and Assisted living units on one Health campus and wants to engage the public for their views on such a project.
Cllr Nigel Champken Woods, South Oxfordshire District Council member for Thame ward and a member of Thame Town Council, said: “The Thame Neighbourhood Plan, as well as recommending the delivery of 775 new homes, also identifies the need for improvements in infrastructure, including Healthcare Provision, to support the Town as a whole. Subject to due planning processes this initiative from Hallam Land Management and Montpelier Estates looks like it could provide part of that much-needed additional infrastructure.”
Hallam Land Management and Montpelier Estates have set up a public exhibition for Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at Thame Town Hall from 4pm – 8pm of their plans for a new health campus for Thame on land at the Howland Road / Kingsey Road roundabout, to the east of Thame (on the opposite side of the road to Chinnor Rugby Club.
The health campus would comprise: • A health centre, accommodating GPs from The Rycote Practice and Unity Health doctors’ practices and offering additional medical services to those currently available. • A care home. • Assisted living units for residents requiring continuing care services in an independent living setting.
The Hallam-Montpelier partnership wants to gather community feedback on the plans before deciding how best to take the proposals forward.
Commenting today, Ben Meynell of Hallam Land Management said: “Hallam is delighted to be helping to bring forward new healthcare facilities for Thame. We have been in discussions with stakeholders and the town’s existing GP practices for over two years regarding an ‘all in one’ health campus in this location, and we look forward to discussing our health campus plan with residents at the exhibition.”
John Horsman of Montpelier Estates said: “We are excited to be involved with this project to bring first-class healthcare facilities to Thame. Hosting all these facilities on one health campus brings significant benefits including greater and improved access for residents and an improved patient experience.
“We are very pleased to have the support of the town’s existing GPs practices in bringing these health campus proposals forward.”
NB For anyone unable to attend the exhibition, the details will be available on this website from March 7, 2019 LINK HERE
FOLLOWING Oxford City Council voting unanimously to declare a Climate Emergency two weeks ago, Chinnor and Thame Friends of the Earth will be holding a Public Meeting on Climate Change with a film and a speaker, on Tuesday, March 19, at 7.30pm, at the Community Pavilion, off Station Road.
Oxford City Council joined over 200 other councils in the UK and overseas who have been compelled to begin the process of reducing their CO2 emissions to zero by 2030. This follows the latest warnings by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), that the people of the world only have 12 years left to prevent catastrophic, unstoppable Climate Change.
‘Critical time in our history’
The event in Chinnor will enable those attending to learn more about this critical time in our history, and how communities can all work together to make a difference.
Maureen Dyroff, of Chinnor and Thame FOE, explained: “Some startling tipping points have already happened, such as the warming of the permafrost layer in Siberia, releasing massive amounts of methane from under the ground. Methane is 28 times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than CO2. Zero carbon emissions must be achieved by 2050, and we believe that technology can achieve this, if the people demand it.
‘We must all pay our part’
“There must be immediate drastic action by everybody at all levels, and that includes each one of us. We must all play our part, by demanding change and by personal action. This means driving less, using less energy, turning down the heating, switching to renewable energy, consuming less, where possible avoid flying, and working together as a community.
“It sounds impossible that this could be happening in our lifetime, let alone our children’s and grandchildren’s, but we finally have to face up to what is happening before it is too late.”
‘Positive things are happening’
Maureen continued: “All the extreme weather conditions that are now the norm, the melting of the polar ice, the rising sea levels, the warming of the oceans, are all happening now, and at a faster rate than previously predicted. There are many positive things already happening for example, Norway will become climate neutral by 2030. Hundreds of cities across the world are being powered mostly by renewable energy, coal mines are being shut down in India as solar power grows, Finland has banned the use of coal and in America, California sets a carbon free target by 2045.”
A speculative planning application for up to 129 dwellings, a 68 bed care home, and 1511sqm of office space on the whole of Kingsmead Business Park, the old DAF site, has been rejected by South Oxfordshire District Council.
Kingsmead Business Park – Image courtesy of angleproperty.co.uk
Representatives from Thame Town Council attended the meeting yesterday, to explain the town council’s objections to the proposed development of this piece of land, designated in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan for Employment purposes. TTC disagreed that appropriate marketing had been done to dispose of the site for Warehousing or similar purposes, that would provide more employment to the town. It also maintained that there was no identfied need for a care home of the type proposed, and that it would put pressure on local facilities such as doctors, etc. Despite SODC’s Planning Chief recommending acceptance of the plans, the district council’s Planning Committee voted 6 – 1, to reject it.
In response to the decision, the town council stated: “There were particular concerns expressed that the marketing efforts to keep the site alive as a Business Park were insufficient to overrule the relevant employment policies that allocate the land for employment use only. The Town Council will continue to protect allocated employment land where it can, to avoid Thame becoming a dormitory town like so many others. Thank you for everyone’s support.”
In its application, the developer suggested, among other benefits, that the proposal would:
deliver sustainable development comprising beneficial use of an underutilised brownfield site within the urban area;
Comprises high quality care facilities that address an identified need and that will contribute towards meeting the housing requirements of Thame and
generate beneficial employment opportunities
Background
Angle Property Limited, purchased the Kingsmead Business Park (including the DAF site), and launched a public consultation with the apparent objective of securing community support for building a care home on the site. This was after they had already gained planning permission for Government initiated, ‘Permitted Development Rights’ to convert the DAF building to 45 flats….against the wishes of Thame Town Council.
THE High Court accepted Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust’s (BBOWT) claim against the government regarding the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway at an oral hearing at the High Court yesterday.
BBOWT staff and supporters gathered outside the High Court
After having been refused permission in January to bring a claim against the government, the charity applied to the court to revisit its decision at today’s hearing, and have expessed their delight that the original decision has been overturned.
In November 2018, BBOWT issued a claim in the High Court, challenging the government’s failure to commission a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) or a Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) as part of the process of selecting a ‘Growth Corridor’ within which the Expressway, which will included associated housing being built.
BBOWT’s arguement is that the government had failed to assess the environmental impact of its plans, before choosing the corridor of land within which the Expressway and related housing will be built.
Government ‘ignored European law’
In response to the High Court decision, Matthew Stanton, Head of Planning, Policy and Advocacy, at Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, said: “We are so pleased with today’s decision surrounding the government’s proposed corridor for the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway. We were forced to bring legal proceedings because the government has completely ignored European law, which requires a Strategic Environmental Assessment for schemes that impact on the environment such as this.
‘Future generations may not forgive us’
“Today shows us that the government has a case to answer and we look forward to fighting for wildlife at the full hearing. We will continue to scrutinise the government’s future consultations, defend wildlife in the planning process, and make sure that the potential impact of this concrete corridor is fully assessed and made public. The Oxford to Cambridge Expressway could be a disaster for wildlife, and future generations may not forgive us.”
Tom Short, solicitor for BBOWT, said: “The court has agreed with our client that there is an arguable case to be heard and we look forward to a substantive hearing of the important issues raised. BBOWT believes that the Government has failed to properly consider at an early stage the environmental consequences of a major infrastructure project.
‘Members of the public alienated from the process’
“Although a public consultation is due to take place, the Government has missed a key opportunity to listen to the public and environmental organisations and ensure that their concerns are taken into account early in the decision-making process. By ignoring concerns and refusing to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment, key stakeholders and members of the public have been alienated from the process.”
Background
At the end of October 2018, the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave his support for the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendation to build up to one million new homes in the vicinity of the Expressway. This could see the number of homes across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes nearly double.
The preferred route, Route B, for the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway has been announced. The corridor will be broadly aligned with the proposed East-West rail route from Abingdon to south Milton Keynes via Winslow. It is yet to be decided whether the route will pass west or east of Oxford following public consultation in Autumn 2019.
The government said the proposed Expressway will create vital jobs, skills and housing and that it will take up to 40 minutes off the journey time between the A34 south of Oxford and the M1.
Support from other wildlife groups
BBOWT has the support of The Wildlife Trusts nationally, and witness statements backing thei case have been supplied by RSPB, Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), Plantlife and Horton cum Studley Expressway Group. The Trust also has the support of the River Thame Conservation Trust and The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, and some parish councils located within the areas that are in danger of being affected by the development.
BBOWT has stated that it is calling for a legal commitment in the forthcoming Environment Act to the production of Nature Recovery Network maps that require decision makers to work within environmental limits and ensures we pay back the damage of the past by restoring our ecosystems.
** More information about the Oxford Cambridge Express Way, including maps can be viewed on Highways England’s website HERE
THAME’s cricket ground, Church Meadows, is officially one of Britain’s ‘loveliest cricket venues,’ a disgnation highlighted in the March edition of The Cricketer’ magazine.
Church Meadow, Thame, ‘One of Britain’s lovliest cricket venues
The feature, ‘A pictorial celebration of Britain’s lovliest cricket venues‘, includes half a page on our’s, in ‘the market town of Thame, Oxfordshire’, and mentions that Thame plays in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League.
The brilliant picture of cricket in action at Church Meadows, was taken by Andy Nunn, who kindly gave Thame.net permission to reproduce it here.
The Cricketer is the world’s oldest and best-selling cricket magazine, and is published 13 times a year.
NB. As we go to press (23:10 hrs), England have just beaten the West indies in the first One Day International, achieving their highest ever ODI chase, a score of 364 runs.
TWO, by Jim Cartwright’s award winning play, is coming to Thame Players theatre, in Nelson Street, Thame, from March 5-9, 2019.
Two won the Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best New Play in 1990, just after its opening in Bolton in 1989. It then went straight to the Old Vic in London and so has an excellent pedigree. are working very hard to bring you the best show they can.
Between them, Andy Dale and Jude Rogers will act out 14 different characters with lots of drama, humour and a little pathos as their lives re explored through the different characters.
Tickets are available now. For Tuesday, March 5th and Wednesday, 6th, all seats are £8. For the rest of the week it is £10 with £9 concessions. Tickets are available from Spear Travels on 01844 217228 or at www.thameplayers.co.uk
DEMONS, goblins, elves, werewolves ….. and teddy bears! These and more can be found in the (musical) woods at Thame Chamber Choir’s unique concert on Saturday, March 16, at St Mary’s Church, Thame.
Myths and Legends is the title of the concert which, for the first time, features former BBC Young Musician (and choir member) Anna Markland who will play piano solos by Debussy, Rachmaninov Mussorgsky and Ginastera. Meanwhile the choir, and its children’s choir, TCC2, will contribute pieces by Ravel, Schumann, Weelkes and Whitacre, including the intriguingly-named “Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine”!
This year, 2019, is Thame Chamber Choir’s 20th anniversary season, and to celebrate this, there will be one more surprise – and another first – only to be revealed on the night! Tickets can be purchased in advance from The Book House, Thame, tel: 213032, price £10, and on the door, price £12. Under 18s are admitted free, and students for £5 (on the door only)
THIS year’s Artweek, February 11-15, saw John Hampden School in Thame go wild and – untamed! Pupils felt the sand beneath their feet and the sun on their faces as they explored the Savannah on an art safari.
The school’s Arts Coordinator, Jackie Nichols, described what went on the Thame Primary school, in Park Street.
“The hall became a watering hole at dusk, with an African bull elephant dominating the scene, as the animals of the plain came to quench their thirst.
Crocodiles laid in wait. A zebra, unaware of the danger, stopped to have a drink. Hippos lurked beneath the water whilst the king of the jungle relaxed on a poolside, rocky crag. Colourful birds flew in to roost as the sun sank below the horizon and a crash of rhinos and elephants burst through to join the party!
“It was an African-action-packed Artweek full of exhilarating activities. Children from Nursery to Year Six experienced; African animal masks (with artist Emily Cooling); the whole school got rhythmic with an African drumming and dancing assembly and workshops; artist, Liam Biswell, brought his press and wowed us with his wild prints; we had a visit from an award winning author and illustrator, Catherine Rayner, who added ‘Augustus on his holidays!’ (Her trademark tiger character) to our Savannah scene – we all had a wild time in the hall creating art!
“We were helped by our own tribe of art warriors (nearly 60 helpers – thank you to all those who volunteered!), parents, grandparents, governors, carers, artists, teachers, town councillors and teaching assistants, old and new, who volunteered to support us in our African adventure. What an amazing community spirit JHS has!
“The John Hampden PTFA funded the week, with their usual, generous donation which enabled the school to provide a wealth of experiences and resources for the children to enjoy! The Artsweek Quiz saw the children challenged to identify a gallery of animal masks created by JHS staff. Each mask was accompanied by clues to guide the children in their guesses as to whose mask was whose- giving hints as to the staff artist, for a whole school competition.
Well done to Issac Bishop for his winning entry! Well done as well to Phoebe Allen and Taylor Spink for being crowned the winners of the Artsweek shield for their participation this year.
“At the end of the week, the brave JHS friends and family ventured into the bush (The Jackson Hall!), to catch a glimpse of our rare art at the Friday Artsweek Fair-Trade Café camp mash up.
“So, brush the sand from your safari suit and take off your pith helmet. The adventure may be over, but we have our wall-sized album to bring back the memories for weeks to come, as well as our time lapse video and iMovie of the events.
“How will we top this one? Send your ideas for next year to Ms Nichols!”
