IF you could plan for a cleaner, greener community, what changes would you make? Students at Lord Williams’s School in Thame had just that opportunity this week when they worked with over 30 members of RSA Thame Group and other local community representatives to design a green living plan for their area.
Working in small groups, Year 8 students assessed their own local communities in terms of four environmental factors:
*Reducing air pollution
*Amount and quality of green space
*Safe access routes through the community for people and wildlife
*The problem of waste and opportunities for recycling
Tutors noted how the students engaged in the learning and the practical nature of the activities. One student commented: “It’s been fun to do the project with my friends, as well as learning about the threats to the environment such as pollution.”
Towards the end of 2018, Thame residents were consulted on the draft Green Living Plan produced by the RSA Thame Group on behalf of Thame Town Council. The plan will be closely linked with the Thame Neighbourhood Plan to ensure that development is sympathetic to our environment and conducive to a healthy town and community. Charles Boundy spoke on behalf of the RSA Thame group:
“I’m delighted to have had the chance to introduce the Green Living Plan for Thame to the students at Lord Williams’s School. The RSA Thame Group is looking forward to reviewing the ideas of the Year eight groups in developing specific proposals for us to take forward. As Thame and its surrounding communities continue to expand, the chosen school focus areas of clean air, green spaces, safe routes and a better approach to waste have never been more important – for all of us and especially the students who are our future.”
AN ambitious project to restore and enhance the wildlife habitats, landscape features and cultural heritage of the Central Chilterns has been awarded a National Lottery grant of £2 million. The Chalk, Cherries & Chairs Landscape Partnership Scheme, spearheaded by the Chilterns Conservation Board will also work to educate and inspire communities to become protectors of their local heritage and landscapes.
Adonis Blue butterfly which may be seen on chalk downland like that in parts of the Chilterns
Thanks to National Lottery players the five-year scheme will encourage people to connect and reconnect to the wildlife and cultural heritage of the Central Chilterns through a number of individual but interweaving projects across three key themes: Wildlife & Landscape, Heritage & Landscape and People, Communities & Landscape. The Landscape Partnership Landscape Partnership includes local groups and organisations including; BBOWT, Chiltern Rangers, Bucks New University, Amersham Museum, Chiltern Society, National Trust, Bucks County Council, Community Impact Bucks, Bucks and MK NEP – to name but a few.
The Key aims of the scheme :
Protecting declining wildlife – The Central Chilterns is home to a wide range of wildlife such as butterfly species including the rare Chalk Hill Blue and the Duke of Burgundy, and strong populations of bird species including Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Marsh Tit. In the last 20 years Chalk Hill Blue populations have declined by 6% and the Duke of Burgundy by 20%, and since 1970 farmland bird populations have declined by over 50% and woodland birds by 25%. Chalk, Cherries and Chairs will support habitat management to protect the areas that these species rely on.
Autumn colours, Chinnor Hill
Reinvigorating Chilterns Orchards – Once a mainstay of the Chilterns, providing vital seasonal work for locals, a supply of fresh fruit for nearby London and other surrounding towns and a beautiful tourist attraction, the once common cherry orchards have all but disappeared. The declining orchards will be rejuvenated and the annual cherry festival celebrating the area’s renowned produce will be revived through the scheme.
Solving the Mystery of Grim’s Ditch – Presumed to be an ancient routeway spanning 30km, Grim’s Ditch is a real mystery. When was it built? What was it for? Why are there gaps in it? Pottery finds suggest that it dates from the Iron Age (c. 700BC to AD43), but we don’t know why – was it just a boundary, or did it have a defensive use? Was it originally all connected, or are the gaps deliberate? Further research will help to solve the mystery. Uncovering the biodiversity in the headwaters of the Chilterns – At first glance, the Central Chilterns appears to have a rather dry landscape, but it is home to a number of small streams and ponds that are yet to be fully investigated. The scheme will aim to identify and map the biodiversity of the freshwater features of the area.
Owen Dean, the last itinerant chair bodger to work in the Chilterns – Circ 1952 (Image courtesy of Wycombe Museum)
Revealing the history of the Chilterns’ chair Bodgers – Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the woods of the Central Chilterns provided vital resources for families within the area to make a living. The scheme will uncover what life was like to woodland wood-turners known as ‘Bodgers’, and also allow people to reconnect with their craft heritage through events, demonstrations and even trying it out for themselves.
Supported through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), High Speed Two Ltd through the Community Environment Fund (CEF) and Wycombe District Council through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), the project will leave a lasting legacy of improved conservation and land management, partnership working, skills, volunteers, and engaged and aware communities caring for the future of wildlife and their heritage. Volunteering, learning, digital media and providing small grants to encourage community initiatives, will run across all the projects of the scheme.
Glis glis, Edible Dormouse (image by Stefan Jacobs)
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of HLF said: “As well as being part of a nationally protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty –, the Central Chilterns has a wealth of heritage stories dating as far back as the Neanderthal hunter-gatherers of the Paleolithic era and continuing right through to the present day. We are thrilled that with money from the National Lottery we are able to fund Chalk, Cherries and Chairs to preserve this important natural heritage for future generations, allowing them to forge stronger connections to the fascinating history of the area, and create their own stories through the scheme.”
Commenting on the award, Kath Daly, Countryside Officer said: “Over the last two years a strong partnership of organisations, ranging from UK-wide charities to local community groups, has united to help plan Chalk, Cherries and Chairs. We are absolutely delighted that we have received this support, thanks to National Lottery players. This major partnership will provide opportunities for people to get involved and volunteer; to increase and improve wildlife spaces; and for communities to learn, create and take action for heritage.”
Recruitment of project staff has now started and work will commence in early summer. To find out more about the roles available and to apply, visit the Chilterns AONB website. LINK HERE
THAMES Valley Police have released a video explaining how drug dealers from the cities are operating to try and spread the trade to small towns like Thame, and what to do if you suspect drug dealing is happening near you.
Thames Valley Police carry-out a drugs bust
County Lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs, often referred to as ‘drug running’.
OCGs often use high levels of violence and intimidation to protect the ‘county line’ and control them. One of these forms of control exploits vulnerable people by using their home as a base for dealing drugs, a process known as cuckooing.
There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in County Lines:
Persistently going missing from school or home and being found in other areas
Unexplained money, new clothes or electronic devices
Receiving high numbers of texts or phone calls, being secretive about who they’re speaking to
Decline in school or work performance
Significant changes in emotional or physical well-being
Cuckooing
Dealers often entice the vulnerable person into allowing their home to be used for drug dealing by giving them free drugs or offering to pay for food or
utilities.
These OCGs are very selective about who they target as “cuckoo” victims. Often people they target are lonely, isolated, or frequent drug users themselves.
The OCGs often operate from a property for a short amount of time, frequently moving addresses in order to reduce the chance of being caught.
Signs to look out for:
There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is a victim of cuckooing:
Frequent visitors at unsociable hours
Changes in your neighbour’s daily routine
Unusual smells coming from a property
Suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles outside an address
Contact Thames Valley Police:
If you’re concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Follow our Stronghold activity on social media using #TVPStronghold and #countylines.
FROM Sunday, January 27, Thame’s Oxfam bookshop will be closing temporarily for a three-week refresh.
Donors of books, CDs, DVDs, maps, music, cameras or musical instruments are requested to donate to the Oxfam shops in Aylesbury, Headington and Princes Risborough in the meantime. These shops are better set up for these types of donations than the standard Oxfam shop in Thame, and will be open for donations and business as normal. Customers are also able to use the Oxfam website to shop online.
The bookshop staff and volunteers would like to say ‘thank you’ to donors and customers for supporting Oxfam and they are looking forward to welcoming them again following the reopening in February.
BLACK Frog Studios near Thame, in association with Thame Music Academy and Thame Institute of Music, are holding a night of live music from local groups and artistes, on Friday, January 25.
The gig will start at 7pm, and on the bill will be the group A Little Bit Country, Jae and Thame Institute of Music. Tickets cost £10 and are available through Thame Players’ website, or from Spear Travels in Greyhound Walk, Thame. These gigs offer a fantastic showcase for bright, up-and-coming local talent, all of whom deserve strong support from the community.
THE big Oxfordshire clash between Thame United, fourth in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central, against fifth place Didcot Town, kicked off in Thame on Saturday (19/01) with vital points for both sides up for grabs in the race for the playoffs.
Man of the Match, Harry Mepham
Even in winter the pitch at The ASM Stadium continues to impress and provides a feast of entertaining football. Thame were aware before kick off that a draw or win would keep them above Didcot in the league. Thame entered the match with three wins in a row where as Didcot were from an away defeat to Bromsgrove.
*** STARTING LINE-UPS ***
Thame United FC – Craig Hill (GK), Harry Mepham, David Lynn, Jamie Essex, Andy Gledhill, Jack Tutton, Liam Tack, Ben Sturgess (C), Lynton Goss, Dan West and Matt Peake-Pijnen
Subs used – Duran Martin
Didcot Town FC – Leigh Bedwell (GK), Sam Bardell (C), Morgan Williams, Lewis Hayden, Cameron McNeil, Luke Carnell, John Dennis, Callum McNish, Lance Williams, David Murphy and Greg Hackett
Subs used – Ollie Thomas
*** FIRST HALF ***
HT Score THAME 0 – 1 DIDCOT
IT was a tentative start for both sides with very little chances created. Didcot had control of the game in terms of possession and were awarded multiple throw-ins and free kicks in midfield. Thame played sensibly at the start trying to avoid any early mistakes. It became evident early on that Didcot’s approach was to attack the flanks. Didcot in attack were pushing numbers of players forward and Thame were trying to close down early.
The deadlock was broken when a controversial throw-in was awarded to Didcot on the left wing. From the throw-in Hackett made a run into the box and was able to pass the ball back across goal to an unmarked Murphy who was able to pass it into the net. Murphy nearly made it 2-0 when a cross directed towards him was headed over the bar and at this point.
Thame were losing the midfield battle. They had to rely on Gledhill at the back numerous times to clear the ball with strong headers away from the box. During the first 25 minutes, neither goal keeper had much to deal with and Thame’s West had to drop deeper to try and influence the game in Thame’s favour.
Thame’s winger, Peake-Pijnen, did manage to create half a chance when his chipped a cross towards Goss who was unable to guide it into the net. The last 15 minutes proved to be a positive period of play by Thame. There was a change in tactics whereby the defence had pushed higher up to try and keep play in Didcot’s half. Thame were awarded a free kick on 31 minutes which was treated as a shot on goal by Peake-Pijnen, a shot which found the middle of the goal and was comfortably saved by Bedwell. Thame continued to ‘knock on the door’ and put several chances wide of goal. Both teams continued to show a high work rate throughout the first half until the 45 minutes were up. This half had a strong flow to the game with very little stoppages in play.
*** SECOND HALF ***
FT Score THAME 0 – 1 DIDCOT
The second half of the game began at a slower pace due to a few stoppages in play. Didcot were awarded a free kick from a long distance which, when taken, took a nasty deflection and only just went over the crossbar. Didcot created another positive run in the game on the left side which was taken inside before a 25 yard attempt at goal found both hands of Thame’s Hill. Soon after, Mepham made a surging run up the right wing and was able to fire a dangerous cross but players were too far away to capitalise. Captain Ben Sturgess became more influential in midfield trying to disrupt play and aid Thame’s control the midfield.
Thame upped their tempo of play and attempted the difficult challenge of getting behind the Didcot back line. For the next few minutes, the attempted a series of long distance shots including a 30 yard strike by West, highlighting his side’s frustration. Despite this, Didcot still remained on the back foot and a further chance came to Tutton on a difficult half volley which again could only find the goalkeeper. Didcot were determined to have men behind the ball and counter when possible, but this threat was anticipated by Mepham who made a switching pass to Peake-Pijnen on the run who then fired the ball along the ground before shaking the post.
Thame’s manager could be heard from the Dug Out saying to his players that the goal will come. Thame then brought on Martin with 15 minutes left and he was able to find space on the right and fire a cross which took a huge deflection that sent the ball just past the Didcot post. A dramatic few minutes then followed whereby a penalty was awarded to Thame against the Didcot goal keeper who was booked for holding West. There was a delay in play before Goss was able to take the penalty which was saved by Bedwell to his right side, tipping it wide for a corner.
Thame finished the game with some more late chances including Essex’s half volley which went straight down the middle to Bedwell. A final chance to save a point came when Goss was able to push forward and put in a cross towards his team mate West, who couldn’t get the right angle to avoid it going wide. After four minutes of injury time, the whistle blew and Didcot were joyful in their celebrations.
Saturday’s game highlighted that literally one chance can win a game. This was an entertaining game for a neutral, but a nervous affair for fans of either side. Thame gave everything in the second half but no equaliser found the net. Didcot dug in deep in the second half and Carnell provided some great leadership in the back line. Didcot will be pleased to leave the ASM Stadium getting back to winning ways and climbing to fourth positon. Thame United have dropped to fifth place but results elsewhere were favourable and they remain four points clear of sixth placed team Berkhamstead FC.
Thame should be proud of their performance and on balance a draw would have been a fairer result.
*** INTERVIEW
Speaking after the game, Thame’s Captain, Ben Sturgess said: “We knew Didcot were a very good team and their team was on top the first 15 minutes before we got into the game. In the second half we dominated in possession and the chances created. It’s important not to get too downbeat over the result as last week we came from behind to win. Also, we don’t have the time to dwell on the result as we have a big week ahead back in training Tuesday/Thursday and the next game comes around quickly.
“Next week we are away to Bromsgrove and it is a massive game for us, as in this division any one can beat any one!”
*** MAN OF THE MATCH – sponsored by Figaro’s Barber in Thame ***
The Thame United man of the match was Harry Mepham who is sponsored by Jack and Ross. Thame’s right back displayed a high work rate throughout, full of energy. Harry made numerous attacking runs and dribbles, not to mention putting in some dangerous crosses. In regards to his defensive duties Harry had a tough opponent to deal with and Harry more often than not won the battle.
Despite the defeat, Harry’s performance has earned him a wash and cut at the new Figaro’s Barber shop in Park Street, Thame.
FOLLOWING on from the phenomenal success last year which saw tens of thousands of votes come flooding in for local businesses, this year’s Little Ankle Biters Awards 2019 for Oxfordshire is set to be even bigger and better. 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: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the diversity and scale of businesses offering fantastic services to families, including eating out, local attractions, theatres, soft plays, and more. We want to help celebrate these businesses and spread the word to families across Oxfordshire, showcasing the businesses that get a seal of approval from local parents and carers.”
Nominations, which open on Monday, January 21, 2019, can be registered on www.oxon.ankle-biters.co.uk. Nominations are open to the public to nominate their favourite Oxfordshire-based business across 10 categories. After this point a shortlist of finalists will be shared before voting commences for the winner in each category. Categories are:
Best family friendly place to eat
Best family friendly pub
Best local museum
Best children’s party entertainer
Best family attraction
Best local theatre
Best soft play
Best children’s party venue
Best children’s sports club or class
Best children’s activity class
The winners will be announced week commencing February 26, 2019.
AFTER their highly acclaimed productions of Old Herbaceous and My Dog’s Got No Nose, London-based theatre company Kick In The Head return to the Players’ Theatre, Thame with a new play called Fagin?, based on the character of Fagin in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.
Written by acclaimed director and playwright Simon Downing, it centres on Fagin’s last night in prison and his descent into madness before being hanged.
It also provides an opportunity to find out who Fagin really was.
Downing starts from the premise that Dickens didn’t provide a back story for Fagin, but his character is widely believed to have been based on Ikey
Solomon, a notorious criminal and fence in the early nineteenth century. Dickens was a court reporter before turning to fiction, and it’s more than possible that he covered Solomon’s sensational Old Bailey trial in June 1830. Much of Solomon’s well-documented life story has therefore been appropriated for the play.
‘If you think you know Fagin’, says Downing, ‘think again’.
The setting is simple, the themes (love, greed, deception, betrayal, regret and retribution) universal, the subtle interplay between the three actors intense, and the background of Oliver Twist so familiar that ‘…this small masterpiece could well become a theatrical staple… you would be a fool to yourself to miss it!’ (Alton Herald).
‘All three actors in the roles of Fagin (Keith Hill), Bill (Giles Shenton) and Nancy (Georgia Butt) deliver impeccable performances. In the centre of it all, the audience is captivated by Fagin’s diverse, manipulative and complex character.’ (The Reviews Hub)
Fagin? is being performed at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame OX9 2DP on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 7.45pm. Tickets are £12 each and available from Spear Travels, Greyhound Walk, Thame, telephone 01844 217228 or online from www.thameplayers.co.uk Full details and reviews of Fagin? are available at www.kickinthehhead.co.uk
Thame Players is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers offering a varied range of productions all year round, from serious theatre to comedy and pantomime, including their own productions, visiting shows, and film screenings by Thame Cinema 4 All. For more information about Thame Players and how to join them as a member or a friend, call 07938 857291 or visit www.thameplayers.co.uk
A new ‘Growth Deal’ for Oxfordshire should see 1,300 new affordable homes being built in the next three years, including new social-rented housing, according to Suth Oxfordshire District Council Leader, Cllr Jane Murphy.
Cllr Murphy recently gave a speech and presentation at Westminster about the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal, the first of its kind which has secured for Oxfordshire £215 million in funding, as the initial down payment of investment to support new infrastructure, housing and jobs within the county.
A link to Cllr Murphy’s full presentation, can be found HERE
LAST Saturday’s, January 12, was big match that saw place fourth Thame United travel to 19th placed North Leigh to play where Thame were on the hunt for a vital away win to remain in the playoff picture, where as North Leigh were attempting back- to-back wins to fight off relegation.
The match saw the return of Thame number one, Craig Hill between the posts. North Leigh dominated the first half in possession, set pieces and shots on target and Thame went into half time fortunate to be 0-0.
Some of the key highlights included on two minutes Craig Hill having to make a save with his legs. There was a relentless number of runs/dribbles down the left by North Leigh’s Noah Alabi in the first 10 minutes putting the Thame defence under real pressure. North Leigh were also unfortunate not to take an early lead when Seacole fired a shot straight at Hill which then fell back to the forward who did manage to contact the follow up but over the bar. Not long after this Thame created a chance against the run of play whereby Goss’ pressing led to him getting the ball in the box and poking it between the goal keeper’s legs. The shot was cleared off the line by North Leigh’s centre back, much to the crowd’s amazement. On 23 minutes Thame were awarded a free kick which was hit with power towards Gledhill who got up above the defender and hit a firm header which went wide of the goal.
On 34 minutes, Goss played a corner outward which caught North Leigh by surprise and the shot by Thame did not hit the target but went over the crossbar. A final chance this time fell to Peake-Pijnen in the box when he received a diagonal ball which was only stopped by a tremendous last ditch tackle which stopped him from getting the shot away.
Second half
Following the half time break, Thame showed an increase in tempo and work rate. Thame also began the half closing North Leigh down all over the pitch trying to force errors including a higher defensive line early on. The first real chance in the second half fell to Thame from a free kick which was hit over the bar by West. One of the greatest plays of the game was when Alabi was standing at the shoulder of Mepham and got behind him before dribbling 25 yards down the left wing and putting in a sublime cross for Seacole which he chested towards goal resulting in Hill having to make a split second save to top it over the bar for a corner.
North Leigh continued to push for a goal and it took a long diagonal ball towards Seacole which was headed firmly across goal given Hill at full stretch no chance. Thame manager Mark West made a double substitution late on in the second half bringing on Jack Tutton and Duran Martin. The two subs were crucial to Thame’s turnaround.
In the 82nd minute, Thame was awarded a free kick 28 yards out which was taken by left-footed Peake-Pijnen. It was hit perfectly; so much so that the goak keeper, in an attempt to save it could only parry it on to the post and in. This goal sparked a continued drive and desire by all players. Late in the 87th minute, five Thame players were running towards North Leigh’s goal and a ball from the middle was passed wide left to an unmarked Martin who, on his weaker foot slotted the ball across goal on to the post and in.
It was a nervy last few minutes but Thame was able to see the final spell of pressure off and manage the game by keeping the ball in North Leigh’s half.
Overall this was a thoroughly entertaining match. North Leigh will feel disappointed to not have gained anything from the game, or at the very least to have remained in 19th place. Credit must be given to the Thame coaching staff for making key substitutions and installing the belief in the players for yet another memorable comeback. Thame will leave Eynsham Park on cloud nine and no doubt relishing the big encounter against Didcot next Saturday (January 19).
Full time score 1 – 2
Man of the Match – Craig Hill (Thame United) who made countless top draw saves from start to finish, yet again proving he is one of the elite goal keepers in the division.
