YOU may have noticed pictures of Romans in the window of the Thame Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Montesson Square. So, what’s it all about you may wonder?
Archaeological trench at Thame Meadows – Image courtesy of http://cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Well, if you pop along to Thame Museum, which has now reopened after a winter break, you will be able to find out more about how the Romans lived in Thame.
The museum has also obtained two replica models; a farmhouse that may be similar to one in Roman Thame and a model of a working corn dryer, similar to several found at Thame Meadows. You can see these in the Main Gallery of the Museum.
Roman Thame had a significant farming community. The site of the current Thame Meadows housing estate, in Oxford Road, revealed a large thriving Roman settlement with paddocks and enclosures, corn dryers, kilns, ovens and a stone-lined well.
While full details of the dig are yet to be published, Thame Museum is beginning to share what is known so far and you can read previous Thame.News reports about the dig’s finds HERE and HERE
A GROUP of students from Lord Williams’s school in Thame, joined hundreds of other school children in Oxford, and 15,000 children from around the country, in today’s Youth Strke for Climate – and in an open letter to MP John Howell, have criticised the government for its ‘lack of action’ over climate change.
Alfie Richards, Senior Student at Lord Williams’s school, who attended today’s mass demonstration with Head Boy, Max Spokes and other fellow students, told Thame.net: “I and my fellow students decided to strike out of the desperation for the state of global warming. We see political cycle after political cycle never giving environmental issues the sincerity they require. We want to join this international movement to show how important this issue is to our generation.”
Alfie, Max and friends prepare to join today’s Youth Strike for Climate, in Oxford
‘There isn’t a more important issue to be energised by’
David Wybron, Headteacher at Lord Williams’s school, writing in a letter to parents and carers, said: “Whilst not authorising their (the students’) participation in a day of action, I did say to them that I thought it was important for young people to protest and be angry about what generations of politicians have been doing, or not doing, in terms of dealing with climate change. There isn’t a more important issue to be energised by.”
On a more cautionary note however, he continued: “They have written a very powerful letter to John Howell MP. In the future, I would hope that any student actions are more about making a more obvious sacrifice in terms of raising awareness. They are taking part in an international event, not of their organising. I would hope that if protests take place on such an important issue, they will be in different ways and during half-term or on a Saturday perhaps. I am not aware of any other planned actions and do not expect other students to protest and miss school. The last time student action took place over university grants, six years ago, there were far too many students who took the day off and were not really aware of the reasons for doing so. That is an unprincipled thing to do.”
Max and Alfie’s open letter to John Howell MP, reads:
Dear John Howell MP, “We, as individuals as well as a group of Sixth Form students, have written to you several times in the past, voicing our concerns at the lack of action and emphasis that our government has shown towards the greatest threat to our future: anthropogenic climate change.
“The government’s inability to treat this issue with the sincerity it deserves has resulted in our joining the Youth Strike 4 Climate, which is taking place across the country on Friday the 15th of February. As our representative in Parliament, we ask for your explicit support in undertaking this action, and for you to raise this issue of such overwhelming importance in Parliament, thus showing genuine concern for the future of our generation which, without action now will struggle to live with the consequences of anything above a 2 degrees rise in average global temperatures.
“A UNICEF report this month found that a child in the UK is admitted to hospital as a result of breathing harmful air every 20 minutes, and in 86% of the UK, levels of nitrogen dioxide are above legal limits set by this government; Friends of the Earth estimates this costs the UK health services and businesses more than £20bn every year. Yet our government continues to support the fossil fuel industry with over £10bn a year, whilst spending only £7bn on renewable energy. Inevitably you will counter our claims by responding that this government is on track to reduce carbon emissions from the energy sector by 80% by 2050, relative to 1990 levels. However, the UN IPCC report in 2018 warned that we have 12 years to take serious mitigation measures to protect our climate, therefore, this government’s lack of action now will mean that by 2050, the effects of climate change will be too far gone to reverse.
“In a recent email, you wrote that: “The manifesto on which I and all Conservative MPs were elected last year also promised that we should be the ‘first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it in.’ Why then, might we ask, have emissions from agriculture and waste increased since 1990, and why have transport contributions fallen by just 2 percent since 1990? Your party has been in government for nine years now, the time for delay is over.
“Rather than promote renewable energy schemes, this government has cut solar panel grants by 65% and at the end of last year, announced a possible end to these grants from next month. This environmental indifference by the government resulted in a 56 percent fall in renewable energy investment in 2017.
“Rather than leaving our generation in a better place, the UK government has demonstrated an utter lack of impetus, energy or enthusiasm in tackling the greatest threat to our planet’s future.
“This short-sightedness cannot continue; we urge you to consider and act upon this letter.”
Yours sincerely, Max Spokes (Head Boy), Alfie Richards (Senior Student) Lord Williams’s School, Thame
THIS year, once again, Towersey Festival is offering Thame residents exclusive 25% discounted tickets across the board! From as little as £35 for a day or just £112 for all four days, local people can enjoy wall to wall music, dance, song and entertainment in over 14 hours of programmed events daily, across nine venues and stages.
Headliners this year include the Ska/Two Tone legends, The Selecter, and Indie chart toppers Hot House Flowers. The number one selling Steve Harley and welcome returns for the Sea Shanty kings, Fisherman’s Friends and the world’s number one Ukulele Group The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. They are joined by some of the biggest names from the acoustic music scene such as Seth Lakemen, The Unthanks, Oysterband and Show of Hands very own Steve Knightly. Add to that some amazing contemporary acts like Beans on Toast, Will Varley, Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys, Kitty McFarlane and many more.
All this – and a Saturday night headliner is still to be announced!
The Towersey weekend, Friday 23 – Monday 26 August 2019, includes over 48hrs of Ceilidh and Dance, Hands-On Workshops, Cinema, Arts and Crafts and the amazing All About Children programme for your kids. You can see the full line up HERE
So, book now for Thame’s biggest festival of music and arts and end the summer holidays the right way on your very own doorstep.
Residents tickets are limited, so do BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment! Scroll down to find the drop down for residents tickets.
UPDATE: Two morning buses from Thame to Aylesbury – 7.14am and 7.42am reinstated but no loop included ! Orginal story: ARRIVA Bus Company has announced the following changes to the 280 / X8 bus services from Sunday, February 17. But not all local bus users are happy.
Bus users on social media are posting that they fear the timetable changes are going to cause significant problems for school, college and other commuters. One parent posted: “One 280 bus at 6.50am and no other bus until 7.43am which will undoubtedly run late because of passenger volume and traffic issues, so the kids will be late for school/registration.”
Arrva say on their website: “The timetable of these services is being revised with service 280 now operating up to every 15 minutes between Haddenham & Thame Parkway station, Thame, and Oxford City Centre, and every 30 minutes to Aylesbury.
“Service X8 will now operate during peak hours only, offering a fast commuter link between Aylesbury, Thame and Oxford. There will be more journeys through to Aylesbury from Oxford in the evening peak compared to the current timetable; the departure time of these journeys has been based on feedback from our customers.”
DESPITE strong representations from Thame Town Council that employment land in Thame needs protecting in line with the Neighbourhood Plan, a huge housing estate and a care home could be build on the old DAF site.
Preliminary artist’s impression of the proposed Care Home on the old DAF site in Thame
In a statement today, the town council explains: “It is possible that the Planning Authority, SODC, will be approving the building of up to 129 dwellings, a 68 bed care home and 1511sqm of office space on the whole of the Kingsmead Business Park, the old DAF/Kubota site. The Town Council will be making further representations at the decisive SODC Planning Committee meeting in Wallingford at 6pm on Wednesday, February 20.
Public’s views wanted
“The meeting is open to the public and we encourage you to attend, whether you are for or against the proposals.”
You can view the full details of the planning application HERE
FOLLOWING three defeats in all competitions, Thame were on the hunt to get out of a bad run and continue pushing for the playoffs. Kempston started the weekend in 15th place and wanted not to get dragged into a relegation battle come March and April
In the early five minutes both teams were attempting to play long balls forward which were intercepted by the defence of both sides. Kempston began to look threatening from set pieces with Thame unable to head the ball away in corners. Kempston created half a chance from Hyde’s throw in towards the forward which was then hit over the bar for a goal kick.
Kempston continued this style of play for the first quarter of a hour which led to key moment in the match when a long ball down the middle towards Crawley led to a misjudged header by Carter allowing Crawley to gain possession and run towards goal. Carter sprinted back but was deemed to have pulled Crawley back. Therefore, a penalty was awarded and Carter was given a straight red card. After a quick pause in play, Joseph stepped up and powered the penalty kick to Hill’s right which was parried and only just went over the line to give Kempston an early lead. Thame would now face an uphill struggle to get anything from the game.
Thame then produced one of their best periods of the game due to their pressing and work rate. It took until the 23rd minute for Thame to be awarded their first corner from where Goss put it into the box and it was cleared out. Tack was able to get on the ball and put an excellently weighted through ball towards the running West who calmly controlled the ball before putting it past Martin along the ground. For the rest of the half the game proved to be more open and possession became evenly matched. Thame resorted to counter and when in possession breaking quickly with both Goss and Fasanmade out wide. This pressure perhaps did result in Kempston then giving the ball away for the rest of the first half.
A threatening attack down the left by Kempston resulted in a full stretch challenge by Tack to win the ball. He was then able to pass up the wing to Fasanmade who would travel with the ball 20 yards before being fouled. The free kick was put into the box with pace by Goss when unmarked Essex leapt up to head the ball narrowly wide of goal. The first half ended as a real physical battle with multiple fouls by both sides in midfield with very little created.
HT Score – KEMPSTON 1 – 1 THAME
Both side’s started the second half at a slower pace perhaps easing their way into the game, and there were very little long periods of possession to begin with. The first chance of the second half fell to Thame when Martin saved the first shot, resulting in the ball coming out to West who scuffed the follow up but still managed to find the target until Kempston could get back and clear the ball off the line. Thame’s West continued to hold the line and ball when possible to encourage Goss and Fasanmade to attack the wings. This was similar to Kempston’s approach having McLeod as a lone striker for much of the second half with very little coming here his way.
Kempston nearly took the lead again when a cross by Shepherd into a dangerous area had to be cleared away by Lynn which proved to be Kempston’s best chance in the second half. This did enhance the team’s confidence and did encourage them to get forward more. An example of this was when a long run up the left by Hyde led to him getting the ball on the touch line and crossing the ball across the face of goal. But Hill was able to collect the ball and stop the attack.
One of Thame’s final attacks was a cross by Peake-Pijnen with his left foot which did find the timed jump of West who could only head it towards Martin. Thame’s players were extremely tired in the last 15 minutes, with both Thame’s Ashworth and Sturgess in midfield still closing down and trying to make tackles to break up play which was a great defensive partnership by the two.
In the final five minutes the ref decided to not award Thame a penalty when Fasanmade appealed for being brought down in the box when he was running towards goal. Both teams seemed content with the draw at the final whistle and both teams were warmly applauded by sets of fans.
Following the result both teams will be satisfied with a point. Thame remain in fifth place following results elsewhere in the league and Kempston drop to 16th place but are now 11 points above relegation. Thame’s Fasanmade had a great debut with his defensive work rate and attacking runs and positional play.
FT Score – KEMPSTON 1 – 1 THAME
*** STARTING LINE-UPS ***
Kempston Rovers – Martin (GK), Akubuine, Hyde, Wright, Powell, Boland, Joseph, Shepherd, Crawley, Bush (Cpt), Tshikuna
Subs Used – Riley, McLeod and Sambu
Thame United FC – Hill (GK), Tack, Lynn, Essex, Carter, Ashworth, Fasanmade, Sturgess (Cpt), Goss, West and Peake-Pijnen
Subs used –
*** MAN OF THE MATCH ***
As awarded by Kempston Rovers – #3 Cameron Hyde
THAME’S Music in the Park has donated £430 to Thame Youth Café for the purchase of a Nintendo Switch gaming console, a game and two additional controllers.
This grant comes shortly after the generous supporters of the Facebook page, Spotted:Thame, donated £834 to the Youth Café.
Chris Fram, Music in the Park Chair (right) presents the cheque to Nick Francis, Youth Café Manager (centre) and Linda Emery, Thame Youth Café Patron (left). In the background, visitors enjoy some of the equipment purchased with Music in the Park’s previous donation, made in 2016
The success of Thame Youth Café, which has an average of attendance of 55 young people and regularly attracts 70, meant that it was in need of the additional equipment to enable more of its visitors to participate in the fun. The Thame Youth Café is in Christchurch Methodist Church on Thame Upper High Street. Unlike traditional youth clubs, the Youth Café concept is not solely about entertaining young people but rather to provide a safe place for them to gather and, through leisure activities, bring about real transformation by promoting values and personal development to enable them to reach their full potential, both as individuals and within the community.
There are different activities each week from cooking and mindfulness drawing to a graffiti wall and science experiments. It runs two Youth Cafés: one for 11-14s and one for 14-16s.
Music in the Park Chair, Chris Fram, said: “Music in the Park is dedicated to supporting good causes in the local community. Thame Youth Café is a marvellous example of a charity that provides an invaluable service to the youth of Thame and we are delighted to support it again this year, following on from our previous donation in 2016. “
Youth Café Manager, Nick Francis, added: “The Youth Café is very popular, and we aim to provide every visitor with an absorbing and interesting experience. The new gaming equipment will help us serve more young people.”
THAME’s Red Kite Family Centre will be among charities to receive funding awards from the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Richard Venables, at a special Awards event in Oxford on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.
Flash back to April 2017 when the Red Kite Family Centre was re-opened
Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) has recently made £34,525 in grants to 12 different charities working to bring together people from different backgrounds – people who may not have culture, economic background or age in common, but can share friendship through shared interests and activities, of which the Red Kite centre is one.
The event will be held at the Tap Social Movement – a brewery and social enterprise in Oxford that employs ex-offenders, helping them back into society when they are released from prison. Guests from the charities receiving grants will have the chance to meet the generous donors who gave funds to OCF to make their projects possible and will speak about their work at the event.
The Red Kite centre will receive £2,100 towards their project, Growing Up Together, an intergenerational project in Thame where the youngest children learn together with the oldest residents. The project supports both generations to learn new skills with support from local artists. The project will also increase volunteers within both organisations to enable continued intergenerational community visits.
Other Oxfordshire charities to receive awards include:
• Sonning Common Green Gym, which draws volunteers from across the community, taking referrals from the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. Volunteers undertake practical nature conservation activities to help the local environment and to improve their physical and mental health and fitness.
• My Life My Choice, whose Gig Buddies project matches beneficiaries with a volunteer who loves the same kind of ‘gigs’ (eg football matches, the cinema, museum, concerts etc) so they can go to these gigs together.
• Oxford Hindu Temple, which has created a ‘Making Music Together’ project to harness linguistic, vocal, poetic and musical traditions. This will culminate in events for Indian Republic Day, Holi and Basant, and Eid.
NOMINATIONS are still open for the Community Policing Awards 2019. Now in its eighteenth year, the Community Policing Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the work of officers, staff and volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to their community over the past year.
PCSO Diane Jackson serves tea to Thame’s senior citizens Christmas party in 2015, when Diane won an award.
Do you know someone in the Thame Community Policing team who has gone above and beyond in their role?
Someone who has made a difference to you or our community?
If you can answer the above questions, please nominate for the Community Policing Awards.
There are eight categories this year:
Community Police Officer 2019
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) 2019
Special Constable 2019
Diversity Champion 2019
Cadet 2019
Volunteer 2019
Community Volunteer 2019
Problem Solving Award 2019
You have until Monday, February 25, to nominate your local hero. For more information, visit the Thames Valley Police website HERE
THIS fixture offered both sides a great opportunity for silverware this season and it was Thame United, eight times winners of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup, who hosted Ardley United FC in this knockout encounter on Tuesday (05/02/19).
The game started slowly with Thame attempting to keep the ball all over the pitch and Ardley easing into the game. It didn’t take long until West was adjudged to be fouled in the box and Thame were awarded an early penalty.
Ben Sturgess stepped up confidently and placed the ball to the GK right side. Thame had a half chance shortly afterwards to double their lead when a cross by Peake-Pijnen was headed by West but no one was able to put it into the net. Ardley began to fight back and Hill was forced into a reaction save following some great one touch passing inside the box by Ardley. They showed further threatening attacks down the right side attempting to hit early crosses into the box. Thame did respond when Lynn made numerous runs down the left and eventually was able to hit a powerful cross into the box which was headed wide by West.
In the 26th minute of this, the first half, a lapse in concentration led to an easy through ball, played behind Gledhill, being shot past Hill by Ardley’s Bryan. Ardley continued their dominance and Essex had to resort to a diving header from a long cross field ball to avoid a one-on-one with Hill. Ardley took the lead on 32 minutes when a deflected shot from inside the box from Gillett left a fully stretched Hill with no chance to save the shot. Ardley’s tactic of playing the ball behind the defence was evident and they continued playing this way through the first half which saw Smith make multiple runs and dribbles.
HT Score – THAME 1 – 2 ARDLEY
Thame did respond in the second half and nearly equalised shortly after kick off, following a ball over the top by Sturgess which was intercepted by Lawrence before an incoming Tack could get to the ball. Goss had been substituted at half time which led to Tack moving to a more attacking position. One excellent creative attack was when Thame’s Martin chipped a pass over the back line and West’s shot hit a defender and went out for a corner. There was a claim for a penalty by Ardley when Smith went down in the box but he was booked for diving by the referee.
At this point Thame’s defence began to appear more robust with players dealing with balls in the air comfortably and Ardley being limited to shots from outside the box. Half way through the second half, Thame’s Peake-Pijnen produced a drilled cross towards goal which was anticipated and dealt with by Lawrence. A Thame mistake at the back when a header towards Hill was short meant a gambling Bryan was able to get to the ball before Hill and head it over him to make it 3-1.
Thame finally pulled a goal back on 68 minutes when the ball was bouncing around the box. But a determined West got to the ball two yards out to make it 2-3. Thame continued to be awarded corners and free kicks in the last 15 minutes but were unable to find an equaliser. Ardley continued to slow the game down and defend in numbers and happy to attack on the counter and managed to hold out for a huge victory.
FT Score – THAME 2 – 3 ARDLEY
Ardley will be relishing the semi final cup draw in the hope of drawing one of Oxfordshire’s big clubs. Ardley defended with heart and determination in the second half and their forwards were threatening on the counter attack, proving they have quality finishing within the side. Thame on the other hand face a tough trip away to Kempston in the league on Saturday, February 9, and aim to stop the current run of three successive defeats.
*** STARTING LINE-UPS ***
Thame United FC – Hill (GK), Tack, Lynn, Essex, Gledhill, Tutton, Martin, Sturgess (Capt), Goss, West and Peake-Pijnen
Subs used – Ashworth and Murray
Ardley United FC – Lawrence (GK), Griffiths, Moore (Capt), Giles, West, Jenkins, Gillett, McKiernan, Smith, Bryan and Harris
Subs used – Woodall and Yusuf
*** MAN OF THE MATCH sponsored by Figaro’s Barber in Thame ***
The Thame United Man of the Match selected by Figaro’s Barber was #11 Matt Peake-Pijnen.
*** NEXT GAME *** AWAY @ Hillgrounds Leisure, MK42 8SZ Saturday 9/2/2019 Kick Off 15:00 – Kempston Rovers v Thame United EVO-STIK Southern Division One Central
