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  • CRICKET: Match reports for the weekend – Aug 4-5

    First Eleven push Tring Park all the way – ANOTHER much-improved performance from Thame Town Cricket Club’s firsh eleven couldn’t prevent defeat at home to Tring Park last Saturday. After losing a couple of early wickets Mike Beard (33) and Gami Kanishka (65) laid a platform, but when both fell after lunch the lower order crumbled; only Richie Straughan passed 20 as Thame reached 200 all out. The Thame spin trio of Mike Higgs, Andy Russell and Hassam Mushtaq then demonstrated the quality that saw Thame promoted the previous year. All bowled with excellent control and wickets were shared around as Tring were reduced to 150-7.However, a couple of chances went down and Tring overseas David Brent saw his side home with a fine half century. Thame travel to Banbury next weekend.

    Hassam Mushtaq

    Seconds undone by East Oxford Firsts in top-of-the-table clash

    THE second XI faced a top-of-the-table clash against East Oxford. Batting first, Thame got off to a steady start with runs coming from Christian Warwick (27) and skipper Matt Furness (39). However, Thame’s middle order struggled against East Oxford’s strong bowling attack, leaving them all out for 114. Thame quickly got back into the game, largely thanks to early wickets from youngster Jonathan Jelfs (3-40). Ultimately though, their total was not enough against East Oxford’s strong middle order, who won with 4 wickets in hand. Despite this loss, the 2nd XI head into their last four games focussed on securing promotion from Division 4 and host Shipton-under-Wychwood seconds this Saturday, August 11.

    Thirds make it six-on-the-trot against Kimble Seconds

    THAME thirds stretched their winning-run to six against a strong Kimble second eleven on Saturday (Aug 4). Kimble were soon pegged back by Will Bruce-Morgan (2-15) and Rob Tomlin (1-20). At 36-3 off 14 overs, Kimble continued to attack but John Phippen (3-36), Vim Desai (3-17) and Ian McStay (1-2) took wickets at regular intervals, supported by good catching, as they were dismissed for just 114 in 32 overs. After the break, Thame were led home at a gallop by George Patey (40*) and Justin Avery (55*), as they finished on 116 for 1, in just 20 overs, for 1 wicket. Thanks to this convincing win, Thame stay 2nd in Division 9. Next up are in-form Cumnor thirds, this Saturday, August 11, again at home.

    Fourths fall to High-flying Cropredy

    THAME fourths travelled to second-placed Cropredy and, despite good bowling from Mark Fellowes (2-27) and Neil Smith (2-51), Cropredy’s Noonan (105*) helped them reach an imposing target of 261. Fellowes (26) and Smith (29) made some good progress and Rob Kenny (35*) batted superbly to earn important batting points for Thame, before eventually being all out for 151.They next travel to play Shipton-under-Wychwood fourths this Saturday, August 11.

    Softball tourament for woment and girls this Sunday

    THAME’S female players are preparing to host the club’s first Softball Festival this Sunday, August 12, at Church Meadow between 12 midday and 4pm. Entry is free and all players are welcome, including beginners. Just go here to register :-http://www.thamecricket.org.uk/womens-softball-cricket-festival-sign-up-now/

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • District council to look at on-street parking enforcement

    SOUTH Oxfordshire District Housing is exploring whether to take over on-street parking enforcement in the district, which includes Thame.

    SODC is contacting Oxfordshire County Council (the highways authority), which is responsible for formally applying for powers and then delegating civil parking enforcement responsibilities, to find out whether this could be possible.

    SODC said in a press release today: “We are also looking at the business case involved in taking over enforcement, including costs and projected income.

    “Thames Valley Police is currently responsible for this across most of South Oxfordshire, apart from a small number of spaces in Wallingford, which we deal with, and some areas of Henley, which the town council is responsible for.”

    Cllr Caroline Newton, South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, said: “We’re very mindful that problems do exist with on-street parking in some areas of South Oxfordshire. That’s why we’re taking this issue seriously, not only by liaising with the police and partner organisations, but by exploring whether we should apply to take over responsibility for enforcement.

    “We’re working on this and there’s lots to be considered. In the meantime, I’d like to encourage motorists to park responsibly and help to keep our towns and villages moving.”

    SODC needs to seek formal agreement from Oxfordshire County Council to apply to the Department of Transport to delegate civil parking enforcement powers to our council. If the county council agrees and SODC decides to take over responsibility, a full review will need to be carried out to look at existing car parking orders and yellow lines.

    NOTE: Thame Town Council is keen to work with businesses based in the town centre to develop adequate parking opportunities for their staff so that the streets and car parks in the town centre are left free for people coming to access the shops and services in the town. It wants local businesses to encourage their staff to explore the options. Visit: LINK HERE to Thame Town Council’s website for more information.

  • Thame council backs Moreton residents over housing plans

    THE residents of a Hamlet in the parish of Thame, have won the support of Thame Town Council in opposing a housing development which if it went ahead, would mean that the tiny village of Moreton would have grown by 20% in just over three years – more than the 15% limit for larger villages in the district.

    CAPTION AMENDED: Image courtesy of Google Maps – The edge of the field on left of image is where Lucy Developments want to build seven houses

    When is ‘infill’ not infill?

    At Tuesday’s meeting (July 31)  of the full council, representatives of the residents of the village of Moreton, described how 68% of villages polled were either against the proposal for seven dwellings on land north of Moreton Road, Moreton, or would accept a development but only with major alterations. Moreton resident, Ken Burch, told the committee: “At first, the developers seemed decent people, asking to meet us before progressing the plan. Then, when the plan came in, it seemed there was a lot that had been brought up remained unanswered. The way the community consultation comments were presented seemed skewed in favour and so many of the residents felt unhappy. As a result we carried out our own poll.

    Speaking on behalf of the developer, Giles Brockbank of Hunter Page Planning Ltd, told councilors that the proposed development did constitute ‘infill’ as it would be surrounded on three sides by other properties. However, Moreton resident, Tina Fegent, representing those residents who are totally against the plans, said her understanding of the definition of infill was ‘The filling of a small gap in an otherwise built up frontage or on other sites within settlements where the site is closely surrounded by buildings’. “This site is not that,” she said.

    The other main objections by the 36 residents who voted for No Development at all were a lack of public transport serving the village, causing future residents to be reliant on a car, the lack of infrastructure like a school, a pub/shop, poor, unsafe and isolated footpath and cycle path to Thame, and poor access roads to neighbouring villages.

    The layout and design of the development, described by Mr Brockbank as:..”a bespoke scheme that complements the village”, was, in Ms Fegent’s words: “..a small housing estate with mock farmyards and barns, that appears to attempt to disguise a collection of new buildings. Overall, the sit is overbuilt and not in keeping with the village.”

    ‘The country needs more houses’

    Comments made by the 19 Moreton residents who accepted the plan as given , included the statement that ‘Moreton should take its share’. They were also keen to ‘support local farmers’ who, they said, ‘do a lot to enhance the environment’.

    “Farmers are having to diversify to survive or sell land to retire” was one comment.

    Most of the group who voted to accept the proposal but with major alterations, wanted Plot One to go, believing it ‘overshadows the entrance to the village’, and wanted to stick to the original plan for five houses and not seven. If the seven were allowed, added to the seven new houses already built in the last few years, this would mean a 20% increase in the number of dwellings in the village – when SODC’s policy is for 15% growth ‘in the larger villages’. “So, why should Moreton take more?” asked the villagers.

    Parking

    Parking, already a problem in Moreton, would become even more of a problem, if this proposal were allowed to go ahead, believed some of the residents. “The road in front of the site is too narrow for parking,” explained Ken Burch, on behalf of Moreton residents. “The developers say they exceed the OCC requirement and provide three extra visitor spaces. Ten yof the 25 spaces are carports. There are no garden stores so the car ports will be used for mowers and bikes. Residents rely on cars and most homes with 4/5 bedrooms will have 3+ cars.

    “You do the maths (to councillors) and tell me this will work!” he added.

    Developer’s representative’s response

    Giles Brockbank, speaking on behalf of the developer Lucy Developments, said that, in response to villagers’ comments via a public exhibition and consultation, three further parking spaces had been added to the two per house, and that Plot One had been moved away from the boundary to ‘negate any over-looking’ and a change in materials had been proposed making it more in keeping with the local area. Hedging and ‘rustic detail’ had been added he said, and trees kept to fit with the rest of village. He argued that the density of the proposal was within what is allowed by local planning policy and that the Thame Neighbourhood Plan did allow for sites to come forward for Moreton.

    Mr Brockbank also stated that ‘Government policy allowed for smaller sites of at least 10%, on no more than on hectare’. With regard to the Conservation area, he said that the lay-out allowed for views through to the area and included hedgerows. “We have positively engaged with the community,” he concluded, “and have produced a bespoke scheme that compliments the village.”

    Councillors’ questions

    Cllr Helena Fickling (herself an Architect), asked Mr Brockbank why Plot One had no windows on the front elevation and looked like the back of the house. He replied that the plot had been re-orientated in response to villagers’ comments, the overall mass reduced by removing the car port. “If people feel strongly, we could look at it again,” he said. Cllr Linda Emery suggested that Plot one should go and the site used for a children’s playground.

    Cllr Mike Dyer said: “This site is NOT infill and should be thrown out! There are no services in the village and no infrastructure. We cannot afford this bias towards larger houses when Moreton needs smaller homes.” Cllr Fickling added: “Maintaining the scale and pattern of surrounding areas is a tenet of the Neighbourhood Plan. It’s a rural setting; a site up for change from agriculture to residential. Large, open spaces are important to the pattern of the village.”

    Cllr Nigel Champken Woods concluded the discussion with: “This is not NYMYism. Clearly 60% of villagers would be happy to see a development with some changes. If it were to come back before us with more work, we would think about it but not this before us now.”

    You can see the full Planning application P18/S2260/FUL HERE

  • TAL festival breaks its own box office record on day one!

    THAME Arts and Literature Festival has broken its own box office record, as tickets sell like hot cakes on the very first day of going on sale!

    Poet, Wendy Cope

    Celebrating its ninth year, TAL has taken an amazing 800 bookings on its first day with all online tickets, to see historian and TV presenter Lucy Worsley who will be giving a glimpse into the acrimonious divorce of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, through the eyes of their daughter, Lady Mary – sold out by the end of the day. However, due to this huge demand to see the author there will be a few tickets available from the Town Hall box office on sale from September 1, 2018. Seats for the ever-popular Rumsey’s Tea Concert sold out in just 20 minutes of being released online.

    Yvonne Maxwell, TAL Director said: “We were overwhelmed at the reaction to this year’s programme. To take over 800 bookings on the first day is nothing short of amazing. We are particularly delighted that, having worked to pull it together for over eight months, the programme has been so well received; it seems that Thame is as excited as we are. Every year, we have a broad range of subjects and fascinating speakers and we would encourage everyone to try the Festival Challenge: go to one thing you know nothing about! You never know, it might just blow your mind.”

    Around 3,500 people are expected to attend over 38 events between October 18 – 21, 2018, which will include history, politics, fiction, a playwriting workshop, poetry, memoir, art and music, held at venues across Thame.

    Other highlights include The Last British Dambuster’ George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, MBE DFM, in conversation with leading Bomber Command historian Dr Robert Owen, on his role in one of World War II’s most famous missions – Operation Chastise’; the Thame Remembers Project – locating the graves of every man listed on the Thame War Memorial;  Oxford author Julie Summers unearths the uninvited guests of our famous historic houses during the Second World War;  poet Wendy Cope MBE with her new collection, Anecdotal Evidence;  controversial QC Geoffrey Robertson shares his colourful court room life; in the centenary year of women’s suffrage, Oxford author Jane Robinson – Hearts and Minds – the Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women won the Vote delivers the Bookshop Founder’s Lecture discussing how that recognition was achieved;  international best-selling crime writer Sophie Hannah on writing Hercule Poirot’s next chapter in The Mystery of The Three Quarters, while Hugh Fraser, who played Captain Hastings in ITV’s Agatha Christie’s Poirot, shares many anecdotes and talks about the fourth installment of his assassin Rina Walker thriller series, Stealth.

    The Guardian’s parliamentary sketch writer, John Crace – I, Maybot: The Rise and Fall looks at the Prime Minister’s turbulent first year in power, while opera lovers are invited to pack a picnic supper and enjoy a spectacular ‘Glyndebarn’ gala evening with a complementary glass of Prosecco listening to the wonderful Music of Morse, sung by Oxford’s sublime Opera Anywhere company.

    For full programme visit www.talfestival.org

  • Path ahead for Local Plan to 2033

    SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet has agreed a timetable for progressing its Local Plan which will be submitted for public examination in March 2019.

    The Local Plan will identify where housing, retail and employment land should go as well as the infrastructure required to support this growth, such as new roads, schools, health services and sewerage. The proposed policies in the plan will be used to help make decisions on planning applications in the district.

    The council intends to reassess each of the main housing sites currently proposed in the Plan, along with previously-considered locations that were dismissed but were ‘reasonable alternatives’ and some additional sites (None of these sites are in Thame, though there is provision for additional housing on ‘infill’ and ‘redevelopment’ sites see below).

    ‘The Strategy for Thame’

    Quote: “We will support development proposals which:

    Are in accordance with the Thame Neighbourhood DevelopmentPlan (currently being reviewed and amended)
    Maintain the quality of placeiii)

    Strengthen commerce in the town centre and identify sites suitable for future retail, leisure and community uses

    Support housing and employment uses above shops

    Improve the attraction of Thame for visitors and businesses

    Improve accessibility, car parking, pedestrian and cycle links

    Support schemes which enhance the quality of the town’senvironment

    Support schemes which improve the stock of existing commercial buildings and the environment of the employment areas

    Allow housing on suitable infill and redevelopment sites

    Support the schools, health and other service providers meet theiraccommodation needs, in particular the amalgamation of thesecondary school onto a single site

    Provide for an appropriate housing mix which responds to the needs of the housing market

    The timetable states that councillors will make a decision in December on which of the 15 available major housing sites will be included in the plan, following completion of the necessary assessment and filtering work.

    The final plan, outlining how the district should develop until 2033, will then be published and residents will have a chance to comment on its technical ‘soundness’ early next year. It will then be submitted for public examination by an independent planning inspector later in 2019.

    READ THE REST OF SODC’s statement here:

    http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/news/2018/2018-08/timetable-set-south-oxfordshire%E2%80%99s-local-plan

  • Thieves targeting vans

    POLICE ALERT – THERE has been an increase in thefts and attempted thefts from vans in the Watlington and Chinnor areas over the last two days.

    Image courtsey of vanvault.co.uk (for illustrative purposes only)

    Between 12.30am on 02/08 and 7am on 02/08 the front driver’s side quarter light window of a Citroen Berlingo was smashed. Several power tools were stolen from the vehicle, which was parked on Oak End Way, Chinnor.

    Between 11.30pm on 01/08 and 7.30am on 02/08 a Peugeot Bipper van was broken into whilst it was parked in Ash Close, Watlington. Offender(s) made a hole in the lock of the rear doors to gain entry before stealing a bottle of perfume.

    Between 6.30pm on 01/08 and 7am on 02/08 the front driver’s side quarter light window of a Renault Trafic van was smashed. No entry was gained to the vehicle, which was parked in Oakley Road, Chinnor.

    Between 12.15am on 01/08 and 12.30am on 02/08 the lock on the rear doors of a vehicle were drilled, whilst it was parked on Brookside, Watlington. Nothing was stolen.

    Please consider the following when leaving your vehicle:

    • Remove everything from your vehicle including removable stereos and sat-navs. Remove tools if you are able to do so. Do not leave anything in the glove
    compartment  or on display.

    • Close all windows and the sunroof, if you have one.

    • Lock your vehicle and use your alarms if you have them.

    • If you do see any persons or vehicles acting suspicious in the area then call 101 (non-emergency) and 999 in an emergency.

    If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message please call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.

    Alternatively if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online . No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • UPDATED: Park Street, Thame to be resurfaced at last !

    AFTER months of pothole misery for locals and visitors to Thame, Oxfordshire County Council is to start resurfacing work in Park Street, on Monday, August 6.

    The works will include footway resurfacing, replacing damaged kerbs and ironwork, cleaning the existing drainage system, resurfacing of the existing carriageway and the replacement of road markings. The work is expected to last for six days, subject to any bad weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances arising during construction. The work will be carried out in the following phases:

    Phase 1 – Monday 6 August to Friday 10 August, 7am to 4pm – full road closure to enable the southern footway to be resurfaced, kerb repairs and footway drainage to be carried out.

    Phase 2 – Monday 13 August, 7am to 7pm – full road closure to enable the carriageway resurfacing work to be carried out and replacement road markings.

    A signed diversion route will be put in place during the above closures. Park Street will be fully reopened to traffic outside of these periods. There will be no access for buses for the duration of Phase 1 and 2.

    Alternative parking arrangements for residents

    During phase 2, Park Street will need to be clear of all vehicles to enable the resurfacing work to be carried out. If you usually park your vehicle on Park Street, arrangements have been made with John Hampden County Primary School to use their car park during this period. The car park will be available from 2pm on Sunday 12 August to 9am on Tuesday 14 August. Please ensure all vehicles are moved prior to 7am on 13 August to enable works to start promptly.

    Staff will be positioned at either end of the closure to direct traffic and pedestrians to ensure the safety of the public and workforce. Every effort will be made to accommodate vehicular access to properties and business within and adjacent to the works but this may be subject to some delay depending on the activities being carried out on site.

    UPDATE –

    ARRIVA The Shires have advised that they will not be serving the East Street – Wenman Road loop (280 / X8 buses) for the duration of the above works in Park Street (6/8 to 13/8). Buses will wait their time at the Town Hall or Co-op.

    The X8 route goes up East Street stopping at Orchard Close and Churchill Crescent, then via Howland Road, Wenman Road, Thame Park Road & back down Park Street. The 40 goes up East Street (inc Health Centre), Kings Road, Queens Road and out to Towersey (same route on return).

  • UPDATED – New bus stops installed in Thame

    FOLLOWING the recent extension of the280/X8 bus routes around Thame,  Oxfordshire County Council have installed four new permanent bus stops along the route.

    The bus stop in the image used for illustrative purposes only, is in fact only for the 40 bus

    The new stops are at Churchill Crescent, Orchard Close and the Health Centre in East Street. The old bus stop sign that was outside the Community Hospital was removed last week and taken to Thame Museum. Its replacement is next to the bench that was already in situ outside the Health Centre.

    FOR CLARIFICATION: 

    The X8 route goes up East Street stopping at Orchard Close and Churchill Crescent, then via Howland Road, Wenman Road, Thame Park Road & back down Park Street. The 40 goes up East Street (inc Health Centre), Kings Road, Queens Road and out to Towersey (same route on return).

    PLEASE NOTE:

    ARRIVA The Shires have advised that they will not be serving the East Street – Wenman Road loop (280 / X8 buses) for the duration of the Highways works in Park Street (6/8 to 13/8). Buses will wait their time at the Town Hall or Co-op.

     

     

  • Volunteer Thame dentist to travel to Malawi to treat poor villagers

    A dentist and a dental nurse from Thame, are off to Malawi, Africa, to treat the teeth of the poor in rural, northern villages.

    Samantha Miller and Zak Khatana

    Zak Khatana, who works at Thame House Dental Practice in the town, explained: “Dental care is something we take for granted in the UK. However in places like Malawi there is minimal access. There is a desperate need for dental care in Malawi. The country has fewer than 40 registered dentists for a population of 19 million people and access to dental services is particularly difficult for people living in remote rural communities, with people dying from preventable dental infections causing sepsis.

    “In Easter 2019, myself and Samantha Miller will be part of a small team of volunteers who will set up and install a temporary dental clinic in the village of Bulala, plus we’ll be working with other surrounding villages. Many of the patients will require emergency care and extractions but we will also run oral health programmes.

    “People arrive through the night and walk several hours to seek out dental treatment. Demand is huge and up to 100 people will be waiting for treatment at the start of each day. We will prioritise children and those suffering from infections and immediate pain.

    “We are aiming to see a minimum of 1000 people during our stay and so we are asking for your help. Dental supplies are expensive and so we are fundraising to help us provide as much care as possible to those in need. All donations will be used entirely for this project, however big or small the amount.

    “We were hoping that you would be able to help us gain exposure for our cause. We are looking to raise at least £4500.”

    To learn more about Zak and Samantha’s project and to make a donation, visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/zakiandsam

    Alternatively there will be donation boxes in the practice in Thame and Fairford Leys, Aylesbury

     

  • Agonising 1-run defeat for Thame cricketers at Slough

    THAME Town Cricket Club’s 1st XI snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a nail-biting clash with top-of-the-table Slough last Saturday. A disciplined bowling display kept Slough under pressure, but a superb 106*from Conrad Louth propelled them to 271-4 declared off 62 overs. Will Sutcliffe got the chase off to a flier with a fluent 38. Enter Thame’s overseas player, Gami Kanishka, who took the fight to Slough on a turning wicket. Supported by skipper Mike Beard (61), Kanishka raced through to a fine hundred to put Thame within touching distance. When both fell at the end of a 150-run partnership, only 40 more were required but with four-an-over needed, it came down to 5 off the last over, with 2 wickets left. Callum Russell was bowled third ball and with 2 required from the final two balls, brother Andy was run out to seal defeat by just 1 run.

    Gami Kanishka

    Rest of the match reports from Saturday, July 28

    Second XI defeat Charlbury Firsts

    THE second XI, with one of their youngest sides of the season, welcomed Charlbury to Church Meadow. Tight bowling from Liam Evans and James McStay put early pressure on Charlbury’s batsmen, allowing spin-twins Dan Patey (4-63) and Ali Thomas (5-47) to rip through Charlbury’s batting, leaving them all out on 161. In reply, Thame fell to 44-3, but classy innings from the young pair of Harry Thomas (50*) and Christian Warwick (61) helped them past Charlbury’s total within 32 overs. The 2nds travel to East Oxford on Saturday for a top-of-the-table clash.

    Thirds beat the rain to record fifth win on the trot

    THE thirds travelled to Oxford on Saturday where Will Bruce-Morgan (2-19) and Luke Hayes caused immediate problems for Oxford fourths. However, several missed chances allowed Carey to reach 55 and it was left to Ian McStay (4-40), Vim Desai (3-30) and John Phippen (1-21) to bowl out Oxford for 152. After tea, Joe Phippen (25) and Andy Jinman (38) laid Thame’s foundations, putting on 60. Two breaks for rain then turned it into a run-chase, with Paddy Harris (23) and Pete Higson (19) bringing Thame home, by three wickets. They host Kimble seconds on Saturday.

    Fourths battle wind and rain to defeat Bicester and North Oxford thirds

    THAME fourths hosted Bicester & North Oxford thirds and had immediate success, with Danny Thompson (1-25) and Ed Mather (2-20) combining well. Neil Smith (3-6) and Mark Fellowes (3-15) then reduced Bicester to 91 all out. In reply, Thame started well with Tim Dabbs (40) and Tim Airstone and, despite a flurry of wickets, Smith (20*) steadied the ship as Thame won by four wickets. They next travel to promotion-chasing Cropredy thirds.

    Women lose friendly against touring side

    THAME’S Women hosted a side from Mistley, Colchester, on Saturday. Fielding first they got off to a tremendous start through White (3-45) and Clarke (3-26) but Mistley reached 203, thanks to captain Cornelius (106*). In reply, Thame managed 163 through White (39*), Morris (28) and John (29).

    There will be a cricket softball festival at the Thame cricket ground on August 12, for Girls and Women of all ages (no experience needed). It’s free to sign up and will be a great, fun introduction to cricket. Sign-up details at www.thamecricket.org.uk