TO celebrate Cycle to Work Day 2018 on Wednesday, August 15, the Haddenham to Thame Cycleway group (CycleHAT) is organizing a free buddy scheme to escort want-to-cycle commuters between Thame Town Hall and Haddenham & Thame Parkway train station during the morning commute.
Image courtesy of Active.com
The hope is that a number of commuters who usually drive to the station will be inspired to ditch the car and cycle instead on the day – enjoying some fresh air, exercise and saving the expense of a car parking ticket. As a reward for cycle commuters’ efforts, the Little Italy café at the Haddenham & Thame Parkway station is kindly providing a complimentary cup of coffee for those taking part.
On the day, a pool of experienced cyclists (buddies) will personally escort those who are not familiar with the commute by bicycle. Trips to the train station will leave at regular intervals between 7am and 9am. Cyclists wishing to reserve a space, are invited to visit http://bit.ly/cyclehat indicating your preferred departure time on the basis that ~30 minutes should be allowed for the trip. Riders only need to bring a roadworthy bicycle, a helmet, and a lock. Optionally, a set of lights and a waterproof may be prudent depending on the weather and your expected time of return.
The event is being organised in order to promote awareness for the need for an improved cycle-friendly route between Thame and Haddenham, with the aim to realise a safer means of cycling for the benefits of local commuters, families, and children.
A young Thame man, inspired by a school trip to the Gambia with Lord Williams’s School, and the Ultra athlete and author, Mark Beaumont (The Man Who Cycled The World), has set off on his own incredible endurance challenge, to cycle around the world too!
Alex Clark sets off from Thame, via Towersey, on July 22, on the first leg of his circumnavigation of the world on a bike – Photo courtesy of Nigel Pattinson
Alex Clark, 23, set off from Thame on July 22, to realise his dream, aiming to cycle 21,500 miles, and through sponsorship and donations, to give hundreds of children in both the UK and The Gambia an equal opportunity to realise their dreams.
Alex, who quit his job with a recruitment agency in London to take this trip, is aiming to raise £10,000 for two charities, The Thame-based Jack O’Donnell Foundation that supports children to achieve their full potential in the sport they love, and Sponsor A Gambian Child which provides funding for children in the Birkama area to attend school, through individual sponsorship.
Alex’s journey will be in stages, the first from Thame to Triest – a ride of 2,050 km. From then on the stages will be:
Stage 2: Trieste – Mumbai, 6,240 km
Stage 3: Mumbai – Perth, 10,295 km
Stage 4: Perth – Auckland, 6,404 km
Stage 5: San Diego – Lisbon, 7,575 km
Stage 6: Lisbon – Thame, 2,449 km
Sean Conway, another endurance athlete and adventurer, has also been key to Alex’s unfailing passion to realise his dream. In 2012 Sean was attempting to break the world record for solo and unsupported bicycle circumnavigation when he was hit by a pickup truck on his way to work. Despite this Sean managed to make it all the way around the world after several weeks recovering from serious injuries.
Alex’s previous sporting love has been football, and more recently triathlon, and it was the running and cycling element of the latter that Alex says made him realise that these skills were transferable in helping him to achieve his mammoth project.
If you would like to support Alex in raising funds for these two, extremely worthwhile causes, and help keep him motivated as he tackles the next thousands of kilometers of what will inevitably be a grueling test of character of fitness, visit his Prestige Worldwide page https://www.prestigeworldride.org/aboutthecyclist
SORRY to mention it in the middle of summer, but Thame Town Council is already planning for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event and wants to involve the community in deciding what attractions to book for Friday, November 30, this year.
Performance groups in Thame – singers, dancers, actors, and comedians – are all invited to perform at the event and to get in touch with the Town Council if they are interested, as space is limited.
Local traders and crafts people are encouraged to apply to have a stall at the event to sell their products, the food and gift market being a perfect way to start the Christmas shopping season and find unique presents, whilst supporting local independent crafters.
In order to make the event happen, the council relies on the generous support of local businesses for sponsorship. Businesses can choose to sponsor a specific aspect of the event, for example the Lantern Parade, or choose a package from the Sponsorship Opportunities leaflet available via the Town Council’s website. Sponsorship starts from £50 and is gratefully received.
All of the event favourites will be returning, including a Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine, live music and entertainment from local performers, the primary schools’ lantern parade, Christmas market, roaming characters, carol singing, and of course the big switch-on at 7pm.
Visit the Christmas in Thame Facebook page and comment with your suggestions on the pinned post, by July 31.
More information about the event can be found at www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas. Email info@thametowncouncil.gov.uk if you would like to be involved in the event.
A group of residents in the village of Moreton, near Thame are very unhappy about the increasing amount and standard of development in their village, and have been meeting and writing to district councillors and their MP to voice their concerns.
Many villagers are unhappy about an application that has been submitted for seven homes at the Paddock by the entrance to village: See full application HERE
and a second proposal by Rectory Homes near the village pond.
One villager at least making their feeling clear about more housing in Moreton
Moreton resident, Tina Fegent, told Thame.Net: “In the last three years we have had eight new builds – four of which are Rectory Homes. This has increased the size of our hamlet by 15%. We don’t have the infrastructure to support increased volumes of people and traffic etc. We are conducting our own traffic survey this week to ascertain the volume of traffic that is already coming in and out of the village.
“We have a lot of walkers, runners, dog walkers, families with kids, Horse riders, etc walk the path from Thame to Moreton, to The Oxfordshire or Tetsworth,” she added. “Moreton is like a bit of a Park next to Thame and should be kept that way.”
Extra houses are ‘not sustainable’
Another Moreton Resident, Robin Storey, has written to SODC, who are currently at the consultation stage of a planning application by Lucy Developments for the seven homes. He challenges the application on the grounds of it not being ‘Sustainable Development’ and refutes a statement in the application that the development would be ‘infill’.
Mr Storey states that Moreton is expressly not earmarked for development under local planning rules: “The Proposals do not constitute sustainable development due to its location in a rural community without the necessary infrastructure to accommodate such development in a sustainable manner,” he said. “This lack of support for such development is demonstrated by the fact that there are no housing allocations in this vicinity, either in the emerging SODLP or the Thame Neighbourhood Plan (adopted or emerging).”
The developer’s submission claims that the station is close, and that this makes it sustainable, but Mr Storey notes that: “The station is four miles away and requires a car to access safely. There is no cycle path (despite 10 years of attempts to establish one) and the fast B road to Haddenham is dangerous.”
Mr Storey adds: “Moreton is unable to support new housing and the needs of the new population will be met only by unsustainable travel by car…….There is no school in the village or more school spaces in Thame, no pub/shop, etc, and there are other infrastructure limitations…There are poor public bus routes (one per week).
“The County Council has just withdrawn free school bus provision, which is currently being appealed by a number of families. The quality of the footpath to Thame is poor or totally unmade in places and the walking route to school is unsafe as it is isolated. It is likely that more car journeys will result from the village from September 2018….The road junction onto the main A329 is already dangerous.”
Proposals by Rectory Homes for new homes near the village pond
Of this proposal, Mr Storey writes: “What we have seen built so far by Rectory Homes’ two developments in recent years does not seem to be sympathetic in scale, design or materials and more attention is needed to the fact that this is a village not an extension of suburbia.
“This aesthetic is not apparently understood by Rectory Homes and, worse, SODC have failed to enforce proper standards – in scale, materials or design ie machine made slate tiles have been used next to Harvest Barn, not handmade clay tiles to defer to the original farm building, which is now overwhelmed and these views of field and barn have been spoilt, as the new buildings are dominant.
“In this proposal, the scale of the roof in the larger buildings make the choice of a high quality handmade clay tiles particularly important.”
Mr Storey claims that both proposed developments would spoil the view of the village Conservation Area and the collection of listed buildings that make Moreton popular with walkers, runners and cyclists from Thame – and that a valuable Thame amenity is at risk . He also fears for the diversity of wildlife seen in the village, which includes protected and other significant species including several types of bat, otter, grass snakes, adder, owl, herons and great crested newts within the village. Cuttle Brook links the village to the town nature reserve via two fields. An informal survey of the village confirms these species are regularly seen and clearly spread throughout the village – either side of the proposed development.”
Town and District Councillor, David Dodds, has himself written several times to SODC concerning support for extending the Conservation Area.
Meeting with Thame Town Council
Back in June, Rectory Homes requested a preparatory meeting with Thame Town Council and Moreton Residents’ Association. Cllr Helena Fickling for Thame TC’s Planning Committee, Ann Midwinter the Town Mayor, Linda Emery Deputy Mayor, David Dodds SODC councillor, Graham Hunt Town Clerk and Graeme Markland Neighbourhood Plan Officer all attended the meeting. Rectory Homes was represented by Edd Vickers, the son of owner Simon Vickers, and Jolande Bowater, Associate Director for Planning.
At the meeting, Mr Vickers apparently explained that there were no definitive plans, just ideas they wanted to share. He produced a rough plan which he said was for illustration only. They were suggesting seven homes with a green ‘buffer’ along the road and a footpath for pedestrians. He also pointed out the possibility of more open space around the pond and another area behind the line of proposed new houses.The field in question is opposite the Old School/School House/Old Chapel House.
Threat of ‘urbanisation’
There was absolutely no support for further development from the villagers present, the general feeling being that more development in Moreton would be seen as a move to “urbanise” the hamlet. Cllr Ann Midwinter said it was her belief that Rectory Homes should… “give up this proposal and leave Moreton alone.” The MRA (Moreton Residents Association) requested that if Rectory Homes did progress plans, there should be a public meeting in the Town Hall so that Moreton Residents could have the opportunity to comment as a community.
As a consequence of all this pressure for development in Moreton, many in the village are considering the case for a ‘mini Neighbourhood Plan’ for Moreton to feed into the Thame Plan and to protect Moreton as a place to visit for everyone in Thame. Others have requested SODC extend the village Conservation Area before the fields are lost.
One of the councillors present at the meeting suggested: “We need to consider what, if any, housing we think we might need and where will it go. It might also be worth considering the Thame Green Living Plan and what it means for our hamlet.”
THE Drawing Circus is coming to the village of Towersey, for what’s set to be the art event of the year.
On the July 28 and 29th, the Phoenix Studio in Towersey is hosting a professional troupe of life models and performers who will be putting on a life drawing class with a difference. At least nine models will be bringing the excitement, awe and passion of the Circus to the rural art studio.
Artists of all abilities are invited to wander around the studio and its grounds to capture whichever part of the performance inspires them on paper or canvas.
“We want to make the session accessible to everyone, whether you’re a complete novice or a pro, young or old(er),” said James Ort, manager of the Phoenix Studio. “The studio is such an inspirational place and the Drawing Circus is well known across the country for putting on spectacular events. It really is going to be something to behold!”
The leader of the Circus, Jake Spicer, is one of the country’s top life drawing tutors. He’ll be giving crash courses and masterclasses in life drawing so that even the complete novice will feel armed with some essential skills to have a go and put pen to paper. There’s so much enjoyment and fulfilment to be had from drawing,” said Jake Spicer. “All too often people think they can’t do art. This is simply not true; it just takes an open mind and bit of confidence. Adding creativity to your daily life can make all the difference and we hope this event will inspire everyone who comes.”
The day will be accompanied by music from the wonderful Drawchestra. Basic art materials and refreshments are included for artists and you can bring a picnic for the communal lunch. There is even a family friendly (clothed) session on the Sunday morning.
More details can be found on the Phoenix Studio’s website – phoenixstudio.co.uk
A Physiotherapist, Fitness Instructor or Postural Stability Instructor will take participants through seven tests of their exercise performance, when a ‘Functional Fitness M.O.T.’ event is held in Thame for a second year. (See LINK to last year’s event)
The Functional Fitness M.O.T. was developed by a partnership between Glasgow Caledonian University, the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Later Life Training. Each test comes with a set of ‘normal values’ for people between 60 and 90 years-old and will give participants an idea of how they are doing compared to their peers, or whether they could benefit from being more active.
Participants have the opportunity to book an appointment, or can just turn up at Thame Town Hall on Friday, September 28, 2018.
There will be a list available of local activity opportunities to join in with, and some websites with more information and guidance.
Thame’s Functional Fitness team is also aiming to have stalls from the following organisations to give information and advice:
AGE UK Oxford including the Community Information Network
Thame Leisure Centre including GO ACTIVE
The British Heart Foundation
Diabetes UK
Dementia Oxfordshire
Occupational Therapy
For an appointment to take your very own Functional Fitness MOT, call Anita Clayton on: 01844 217646
FIRE Crews from Oxford, Kidlington and Thame have been dealing with a field fire just off the A329 near Great Milton which is now under control. Four crews were called to the incident which began just after 14:15 approx this afternoon, and were able to work with the farmers who swiftly cut a fire break to prevent it spreading further.
Image courtesy of Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service
Thames Valley Police assisted with traffic management. The A329 road to Milton was still closed at around 8pm this evening, but it was possible to reach Thame via Great Haseley.
ON Saturday, July 14, Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame, hosted another of its popular One Day Squash Tournaments, welcoming children of all standards and ages to come along and participate in some competitive match play.
Malakai Davison, aged just 7, and already a winner!
Seventeen children competed across three mini tournaments, with the players ranging from 7 to 16 years-old. This was most definitely the closest competition held to date with very few matches being won in straight sets. For many of the kids this was their first tournament, and a great way for them to put all their training into practice, and for their parents to see them play a ‘proper’ match!
Having a variation of age and standard within the same tournament gave our more experienced juniors the opportunity to mentor the younger players and support them throughout the day. Squash coach, Chloe Marshall, emphasised: “These events provide invaluable lessons to all of our junior players, particularly our youngest competitors who are constantly learning and developing – physically, socially, mentally and emotionally!” This tournament demonstrated just how important it is for children to experience situations where they are feeling under pressure, and figuring out how to deal with their emotions when things are out of their control and not going their way.
“These are common challenges of not only sports competitions, but many other areas of children’s everyday lives such as friendships and school tests. Racquets Fitness Centre proudly nurtures their junior squash players, focusing on developing their players using a holistic approach. ”
A big ‘well done’ to everyone that took part in the tournament at the weekend, particularly 7 year-old Malakai Davison who won his group, even though this was his first competitive competition in squash! Malakai didn’t have a straight forward journey to the gold medal but with a positive attitude, and his eyes on the prize, he managed to keep a cool head and secure the win.
The eventual final saw Malakai beat 16 year-old newbie, Jasmine, 2-1.
THAME Town Cricket Club’s first XI travelled to third-placed Henley on Saturday, July 14, in need of a win to kick off the quest for survival. Henley won the toss and put Thame into bat. In another poor batting display, Thame were all out for 73 after 25.4 overs, with skipper Mike Beard (37) providing some resistance. Henley then coasted their way to victory, reaching 74-0 from just 10.1 overs. Thame play an out-of-form High Wycombe side this Saturday, July 21, at Church Meadow, in a match sponsored by J Bennett & Son.
Second XI falls to Brackley firsts
THAME second XI welcomed Brackley to Church Meadow. Batting first, Thame regularly lost wickets with skipper Matt Furness (55) the only one to put up much resistance to Brackley’s bowling attack. This left Thame on an under-par total of 127. Despite some early wickets, a half-century from Brackley batsman Luke Stone meant the visitors chased down Thame’s total quite comfortably with five wickets remaining. Thame second XI face Long Marston away this Saturday, hoping to secure their spot in the promotion places.
Rob Tomlin, who starred in the TTCC thirds’ win at Kingston Bagpuize
Third XI win their third on the bounce
THE thirds travelled to Kingston Bagpuize on Saturday and, choosing to field in the hot sun, made a perfect start, with Rob Tomlin (3-29) and James Olliver (2-13) reducing the hosts to 19 for 5. Kingston Bagpuize seconds dug themselves out of the hole through Murray (35) and Temple (39), against tight bowling. It was left to spin twins, Ian McStay (2-31) and Tim Hester (2-20), combined with a good run out (Olliver-Harris) to eventually prise out the remaining batsmen, with the final KB total at 136 from 40.1 overs. After tea, Thame started quickly on the fast outfield, but were pegged back to 41-4, with only Andy Jinman (27) getting runs. Ian Chappell (42*) and Ian McStay (28) compiled the match-winning partnership and Paddy Harris (17*) finished well after 28 overs. Thame thirds welcome Bledlow Ridge seconds to the LWS ground this Saturday.
Fourths impress in a winning draw
THAME fourths hosted Abingdon Vale, having beaten them two weeks before. Thame were put into bat and started well with Tim Dabbs (17) and Shay Reading (17). Tim Airstone then scored a masterful 75, supported by Josh Edworthy (22), to post a total of 190-9. On a variable wicket, Danny Thompson returned figures of 3-43, with support from Neil Smith (2-31) and Shay Reading (2-26). Despite a late flurry of wickets Abingdon survived for a draw on 174-8. Thame next play away to Westbury thirds.
SUNSHINE, music and great merriment throughout the town, the perfect conditions on tap, for the Thame Town Music Convention and Festival, last Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14.
Steve Walwyn, lead guitarist with Dr Feelgood, who headlined TTMF18
Thousands of people of all ages thronged from all corners of the town and beyond to join in and enjoy the music-making for what the organisers called ‘A Party with a Purpose’.
Festival Founder, Johnnie Littler, the main driving force behind what was the second Thame Town Music Festival – and the first Music Convention, said: “On behalf of the organisers and the volunteer army that worked so long hard to plan and deliver TTMF 18, I have to say that we are absolutely thrilled, delighted and a little bit proud of what was achieved. The people of Thame turned up to the party and enjoyed a spectacular day where live music was at the centre of events.
“We had over 60 different bands and artists performing throughout the town on Saturday, to packed houses, as well as huge crowds in front of the Main Stage in front of the Town Hall. The Classical Concert on Friday evening was a sell out, the Songwriters competition at the Barns Centre was brilliant and the afternoon’s Convention was very interesting. Even though Tom Robinson was delayed because of huge traffic problems, we gave him a platform on the Main Stage to air his opinions on the music industry – and he didn’t hold back!
Some of the TTMF18 volunteer crew enjoying a well-earned break
“We should all be hugely grateful to all the performers, many of whom traveled long distances to play at the Festival. The partnership between the performers giving of their talent, the organisers providing the infrastructure and planning, our sponsors supporting us with the means to provide that infrastructure and the crowds that turned up to experience the day meant, I believe, that we delivered on our Mission Statements … A Party With A Purpose ….. Supporting Musicians ….. Not for Profit …. For The Love Of Music”
Simon Markland, who runs The Thame Music Academy, added: “Local music events don’t get much better than TTMF! We visited various venues throughout the day, saw some incredible live music and enjoyed the buzz and atmosphere all over the town. Dr Feelgood really put the icing on the cake, looking forward to next year already!”
