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  • Constituent takes Thame’s MP to task over Brexit briefing

    A THAME resident has written an open letter to Thame’s MP, John Howell, after the constituency’s Conservative representative in Parliament published his views on the current Brexit legislation currently going through Parliament. The letter reads:

    “Dear Dr Howell,  I have just read your e-briefing on Brexit and your justification for voting against the meaningful vote amendment, and I am shocked by your disingenuous statements.

    “You compare the lies of the Leave Campaign with those from the Remain campaign (which you describe using the Vote Leave spin as “Project Fear”). To Lie is to say something that you know to be untrue with the intent to mislead. Can you please identify the lies from the Remain Campaign – I have asked many Leave campaigners, and all they come up with are “emergency budget”, “I won’t resign” and similar. I am sure that you know where the lying came from during the campaign (“The EU takes £350m/wk”, “Turkey is joining the EU”, “EU Army” …), yet you claim equivalence.

    “You equate the Electoral Commission fines for the Liberal Democrats and Open Britain for lack of detail in their returns with the fine for Leave.EU for deliberate and significant overspending. Details of the Leave.EU behaviour have been passed to the police for investigation of criminal behaviour. These findings from the Electoral Commission are clearly not equivalent, yet you pretend that they are.

    “You claim to believe that Parliament already has “a meaningful vote” on Brexit, but you must be aware that a vote that has “the deal as negotiated” and “no deal” as outcomes, is clearly not “meaningful” in any real sense of the world.

    “Most readers of your e-briefing will take you at your word, because you are their MP. Misleading your constituents in this way is not the sort of behaviour I expect from my MP.

    Sincerely,
    Roy Motteram   (Pictured taking part in the recent Thame Carnival procession)
    Thame
    (Full address details supplied)

    NB You can read John Howell’s e-briefing by linking HERE 

    NBB John Howell has since replied to Mr Mottram’s letter, accusing him of attacking his personal integrity. Here is JH’s response in full:

    Dear Roy, Thank you for our email. But I am simply not going to accept your attack on my personal integrity.

    In the last few days I have had correspondence with many constituents who have thanked me for the openness, honesty and thoughtfulness with which I have addressed the issue. Those correspondents have come from both sides of the argument and many have commented on the integrity I have shown. So, until I receive an apology from you I am not prepared to continue with our exchanges.

    I claim equivalence of the lies on both sides of this argument and I have the evidence of how the Remain campaign has included and distorted what MPs have said in the literature they have provided.

    I claim equivalence in the fines that have been received both by the Liberal-Democrats and Open Britain and with the Leave side. A fine from the Electoral Commission is a fine whatever the detail of the circumstances.

    I do not accept your view of a ‘Meaningful vote’ but I accept your right to disagree with me.

    I look forward to receiving your apology.

    John

    NBBB Mr Motteram’s reply to John Howell’s response:

    Dear John, Thank-you for the rapid response.

    Since you were part of the Remain campaign, you should have a good insight into any lies that were told as part of it. I would welcome you to share that insight, since I am not aware of any. Despite asking for evidence from any number of people who claimed that Remain lied, I have seen none. To imply that both sides lied, as you did means that either you know of such lies, or are attempting to mislead. Given examples of such lies, I would willingly apologise publicly.

    “A fine is a fine” you say, and both sides are equally black is your implication. That is clearly not true. Neither the Liberal Democrats nor Open Britain were fined for exceeding their spending limit “by at least 10%”, nor did it find that for either of them that there were “reasonable grounds” that they “committed criminal offences”, unlike Leave.EU. The extent of wrongdoing – “disappointing” inadequate transparency vs significant unlawful overspend involving “potentially criminal offences” are clearly not equivalent, as your statement “Similar fining of the Leave campaign” implies. So on this point, an apology is not merited.

    I look forward to hearing your examples of Remain Campaign lies & being able to issue a public apology to you.

    Sincerely
    Roy Motteram

  • Thame cricket: Wining eludes Thame ‘firsts’ at Horspath

    Hassam Mushtaq who performed well for the firsts in their defeat at Horspath

    THAME travelled to Horspath on Saturday, June 16, and were put into bat. Callum Russell (48) again top-scored for Thame, supported by Gami Kanishka’s 47. Thame lost wickets regularly, however, with Hassam Mushtaq (21*) again to thank for lower-order fight. Thame were 178 all out after 49 overs. In the field, Kalim Khan (1-38) removed the Horspath opener before Mushtaq (pictured) kept Thame’s faint hopes of defending the target alive, taking 3-47. However, runs came at pace – Horspath eventually reaching 182-4 off of 36.2 overs.

    Thame travel to local rivals Aston Rowant on Saturday, June 23,looking to pick up a much-needed win.

    Tense finish ends in draw for seconds

    THAME’S second team hosted Witney Mills at Church Meadow. Losing the toss and bowling, Thame got off to a strong start thanks to early wickets from Matt Furness (2-71) and Alastair Thomas (2-56). However, Witney Mills then gained the momentum, with Thame failing to capitalise on the chances that they had to get out Niall Devaney (110*) and Michael Dove (35*). the visitors finished on 234 from their 53 overs. In response, Thame got off to a very strong start with runs from top-order batsmen Richard Carr (94), Christian Warwick (30) and Matt Furness (24). Guy Holmes’ knock of 37 almost propelled Thame to victory, but Thame were left stranded on 233 from their allotted 47 overs and had to settle for a draw.

    Second-placed Thame will welcome Abingdon Vale seconds to Church Meadow on Saturday.

    Huge unbeaten opening partnership gives thirds big win

    THAME’S third team welcomed Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts thirds. Thame lost the toss and were put into bat. In a great batting performance, Thame didn’t lose a single wicket – Andy Jinman smashed 140 not out, supported by Joe Phippen’s 50 not out, with a generous 45 extras on top. Thame declared on 235-0, giving them nine extra overs to bowl at the visitors. Facing a tough chase, OBN got off to a flyer – Hussain racing to 65 to take his team to 70-0. James McStay (1-24) then removed Hussain, which led to a flurry of wickets. Desai (3-17) took out the middle order, before John Phippen (3-5) and Lewis Ludlam (3-5) ripped through the rest, leaving OBN all out for 101, just before the rain fell.

    The thirds face fifth-placed Stokenchurch seconds away next week.

    Fourths lose to Didcot forths by 70 runs

    THE fourths travelled to play Didcot fourths who, batting first made 185 all out, with Tony Barnes (3-42) and Mark Fellowes (3-28) the main wicket-takers. In reply, Thame were all out for 115, with Dan Hart (27), Beth John (24) and Fellowes (28) making good runs.

  • Cash boost for TTMF18 events means FREE entry!

    THAME Town Music Festival’s Convention and Songwriter’s Competition Final will now be FREE entry, after the festival received a cash injection from sponsors. And, those who have paid for tickets will be reimbursed.

    Johnnie Littler, Festival Director, told Thame.net: “We are delighted to announce that due to some very generous backing from our sponsors that we are now able to achieve our original desire to make BOTH the TTMF18 Convention and Songwriters Competition  FREE ENTRY. This means that anyone interested in music and how it works can attend the Songwriter’s Competition Final on Friday, July 13, and any of the TTMF Convention sessions (to see Tom Robinson, Mark Gardener, Producers, Festival Directors, Record Companies et al) throughout the event at Thame Town Music Festival on Saturday, July 14, 2018.

    “The Songwriting MasterClass, with Ed Sheeran’s inspiration, Luke Concannon, is also FREE but very limited numbers so let us know if you are interested in this and we will put you on the list. These events are at the Thame Barns Centre and are part of the FREE Thame Town Music Festival (60 acts over 8 stages) on Saturday, July 14, 2018.

    “ALL ARE WELCOME! As we say: “Not for Profit….. For the love of music!!”

     

  • Appeal to MP to support ‘meaningful vote’ thwarted

    AHEAD of the vote in Parliament later today for an amendment giving Parliament ‘a meaningful vote’ in the event of no Brexit deal, a Thame group has met with John Howell MP hoping to gain his support for the amendment.

    The meeting was not a positive one according to Robin storey, of Open Britain Thame, who spoke to John Howell. Robin told Thame.net: “John Howell MP has another chance to vote for an amendment giving a ‘meaningful vote’ for parliament today in the event of no Brexit deal. I am asking everyone – please email your MP again. Parliamentary sovereignty – no Parliament can pass law that future parliaments cannot change – is a basic constitutional principle and MPs were lied to last week.

    John Howell MP

    “I met John Howell MP last week and he was in full denial mode and clearly hoping to bash on supporting Theresa May, regardless of what his remain voting constituents think, or the growing evidence of damage to his constituency and the country. Hard Irish border- not a problem; split cabinet? just the media; economic damage predicted – Treasury modelled the wrong scenario; Conservative Party in thrall to Jacob Rees-Mogg – what could I mean?”

    Robin concluded: “Please get along to this Saturday’s march in London – or you could stay at home and look for the NHS Brexit dividend. There isn’t going to be a more important political issue for a generation – so get on the train or join the Oxford for Europe bus. See you in Pall Mall 12 noon.”

    Peoples Vote march in London, Saturday June 23. More information and sign up for the Peoples’ march HERE

    Email John Howell MP via howelljm@parliament.uk  – You can read John Howll’s views on Brexit etc HERE

  • A month with Zero burglaries in the Thame area !

    THAMES Valley Police has seen another drop in Burglaries, both Dwelling and non-Dwellings (sheds /outbuildings) in comparison to the same period last year across the Thame sector with zero crimes reported in every category. The Thame neighbourhood team have put this down in part to their continued hard work promoting Crime Reduction Advice and targeted patrols.

    In its latest monthly update  for May 2018, the community policing team report also has good news about rural crime: “Due to proactive patrols and operations organised by the Thame Neighbourhood Policing Team, reports of rural crime have dramatically fallen since January 2018, which is great news. Rural crime does still remain a priority for the Thame Neighbourhood Team. PCSO Ryan Dollery still commits 50% of his work time to rural crime patrols and engagement which includes frequent visits to farms and rural locations.”

    Another one of the team’s priorities is Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) in and around Thame town at night. About this aspect of policing the town, the report states: “The neighbourhood team continue to patrol the town and engage with the youths. Warning letters have been issued to many youths with vehicles advising them to ensure they are not driving in an anti-social manner.  Additionally the youths are being advised to keep their music to a minimum when parked up and to be respectful to other members of the public. The Thame neighbourhood team have future operations planned which are aimed at detecting anti-social behaviour and crime in and around the Thame area at night.”

    On May 12, the Thame PCSOs issued a driver with a S59 Warning after witnessing him drive in an anti-social manner on Southern Road in Thame.

     

  • First time ever medal wins for Thame’s under 14s swimmers

    THAME Swimming Club were very proud to have several swimmers representing the club at the South East Regional Championships 2018, recently, Jo Hewitt, Marcus Birmingham, Lucy Block, Abi Hard and George Pearson having achieved the necessary qualifying times during the 2017-2018 season.

     

     

    Jo Hewett in the Multi-Disability group gained first place in the 50m backstroke and personal best times in the 50m freestyle and the 100m backstroke.

    Marcus Birmingham in the Men’s Open, came eighth in the 200m fly in the heats to qualify for the final, before going even better in the final, up to sixth place. He also gained eighth place in the 400m Individual medley with a five second personal best breaking the five minute barrier for the first time.

    George Pearson, Abi Hard and Murray Wakefield swam for the first time at Regionals in the Under-forteens. George, the youngest, being the youngest gained seventh place in the 800m freestyle and a personal best time in the 200 fly. Abi swam in the 50m freestyle and Murray in the 100m and 200m fly. Murray had a second personal best time in the 100m fly of 1.07.72.

    Lucy Block was the last of Thame’s swimmers with four swims in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, and the 200m individual medley. Lucy made all backstroke finals coming fifth in the 50m in 32.77 and stepping up to come third in both the 100m & 200m with personal best times of 1.08.83 in the 100m and 2.26.96 in the 200m.

    This is the first time Thame Swimming Club had won medals at the South East Regional Championships in the 14 and Under age group. Lucy’s times also qualified her for the National Championships in July/ August which is another first for Thame Swimming Club.

  • Thame Community Bank Directors visit House of Commons

    THE Directors of the Swan Credit Union, which includes Thame Community Bank, visited the House of Commons on June 8, to celebrate winning funding to develop the organisation.

    The event was hosted by Jeremy Quin MP, a former Swan board member who is now chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Credit Unions.

    Jeremy Quin MP said: “As a former Board member of the Swan Credit Union, I know from first-hand experience how important their work is: encouraging savings and offering affordable credit to those who can otherwise pay exorbitant rates to non-bank lenders. I am delighted that this grant from the Lloyds Banking Group will help Swan to achieve its ambitions to grow and help even more members of its local community.”

    The grant funds were provided by the Lloyds Banking Group’s Credit Union Development Fund, managed in partnership with The Credit Union Foundation. This fund is designed to strengthen the financial position of credit unions and give them the capacity to develop new strategies for sustainable growth.

    A spokesperson for Swan Credit Union said: “The Board of Swan Credit Union were extremely pleased to receive this grant, which will help to support our continuing expansion and the development of our services to members. It will also provide for an independent review of our future back office service provision to cater for our planned growth..”

    The back office review will be carried out by Coventry and Warwickshire Co-operative Development Agency. It will be used to inform the strategy being developed to improve the services provided by Swan in North Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and South Oxfordshire. Further details can be found on the credit union website and its Facebook page.

    NB Thame Community Bank was launched in November 2013 by Phil Stratton (Thame Aliance Group – TAG), the then Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert and Steve Eyre (TAG) – LINK HERE

  • A ‘Green Living Plan’ for Thame

    A plan to make sure that a rapidly changing Thame remains a green, pleasant and healthy place to live and work, is to be presented to the town council .

    A draft ‘Green Living Plan’ has been formulated by a group of local volunteers, RSA Thame, on behalf of the Town Council to look at how things that we all rely upon, such as the quality of our air and water, or the energy that we all use, can be maintained and improved.

    The RSA Thame group will brief Councillors on the preparation of the plan and present the latest draft at 7pm on Tuesday, June 19. Members of the public are being encouraged to go along and ask questions. The presentation will precede the Full Council meeting, which will start at 8pm, where the Town Council will then decide if the plan can proceed to the next phase, which is expected to include a round of public consultation.

    The town council, in announcing the presentation, said: “Comments made at that stage will be used to improve the Green Living Plan prior to its adoption as a document that the Town’s community will be able to refer to when making choices about its future.”

    The Green Living Plan Working Group is part of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Committee and as such, its Green Living Plan will feed into the revised Thame Neighbourhood Plan, currently being formulated.

  • Heavy defeat for cricket club’s firsts, but ‘seconds’ back to winning ways

    Thame Town Cricket Club – Match reports – June 9 – 12 -THAME faced Banbury on Saturday, June 9, and after winning the toss and choosing to bat, Callum Russell got the innings off to a fine start with a fluent 40. Once again, however, Thame lost wickets in clusters and were indebted to an enterprising 39 not out from Hassam Mushtaq as they scrambled to 190.

    A combination of some excellent batting from Banbury skipper Lloyd Sabin (64) and some uncharacteristically mixed bowling saw Banbury ease home for the loss of just three wickets. Thame travel to Horspath this Saturday June 16,. However,

    However, Thame showed impressive mastery of the T20 format, on Tuesday evening, June 12, defeating Oxford in their first fixture of the Bernard Tollett competition. Oxford posted the good score of 160 in their 20, but were overhauled in Thame’s 20th over, thanks mainly to a majestic 99* by Gami Kanishka.

    Seconds back to winning ways

    THE seconds travelled to Shipton-under-Wychwood and chose to bowl first on a soft wicket. Alex Bell’s accurate opening-spell (5-31) gave Thame a perfect start, continued by the spinners, Ben Buckland (2-20) and Dan Patey (3-23), backed up by keeper Oli Sutcliffe, which saw Shipton finish on 121 all out.

    Alex Bell, who took f5 wickets to ensure the 2nds beat Shipton-under-Wychwood and remain at the top of Division 4.

    In reply, Thame came flying out of the blocks, thanks to an excellent partnership between Justin Avery (52) and Jack Aston (57*) and comfortably reached the target for the loss of only three wickets, ensuring they remain top of the table. They face Witney Mills at home this Saturday, June 16.

    Thirds frustrated by draw away to Cumnor 

    PUT into bat by Cumnor thirds, Thame reached 53-4 after 18 overs, thanks to opener Andy Jinman (31). A 5th-wicket partnership of 43 by Ian McStay (32) and Vim Desai (24) took the score to 115-6 at 35 overs, with the tail managing to reach 158-9 at the close. In reply, Cumnor’s openers could gain no momentum against Pete Tervet (1-21) and Nick Humphries (0-19 off 8 overs), reaching only 36-1 off 18 overs.

    Spinners Vim Desai (2-21) and Ian McStay (2-25) then reduced Cumnor to 75-5 off 37 overs. Despite Luke Hayes’s late wickets (2-2) Cumnor ground out a dull draw, ending on just 93-7 off 45 overs. The thirrds play Oxford and Bletchingdon Nondescripts at home this Saturday, June 16.

    Fourths bag valuable points despite defeat to league-leaders

    THAE fourths travelled to play league-leaders Cropredy with the opposition racing to 65-1 off the first 10 overs, Max Muncaster taking the first wicket. Switching to spin, Dan Constant recorded his career-best figures of 6-57 off 15 overs, as Cropredy reached 210-9 off their 45 overs. Batting once again proved tough for Thame, against some impressive seam bowling. Innings from Josh Edworthy (37) and Pete McDermott (25) in the middle-order helped Thame to 94 all out in response. Now fifth in Division 10, they travel to play Didcot fouths this Saturday, June 12.

  • Rugby club mourns popular Head Physio

    Chinnor RFC have today announced the death of their Head Physio, Lauren Cyster.

    Lauren Cyster

    In a statement the club said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the heartbreaking loss of our amazing Head Physio, Lauren Cyster.

    “Last night the beloved heart beat of our team – Head Physio, Lauren Cyster – lost her short and courageous battle with cancer. It is a devastating loss to the 1st XV and everyone at Chinnor RFC. At this sad time our thoughts and prayers are with Lauren, her parents Brenda and Gary, and all Lauren’s family and friends.

    “A full statement will follow in due course.

    “RIP beautiful Lozza!!”