ON Tuesday, May 8, Thame Town Council elected Cllr Ann Midwinter to be the Mayor of Thame for the coming year, and Cllr Linda Emery, for the second year running, as Deputy Mayor.
The new Mayor of Thame, Cllr Ann Midwinter (Right) and her Deputy, Cllr Linda Emery
The new Mayor has chosen Sharing Life Trust and Thame Youth Projects as her charities for the year. “It is a great honour to represent Thame as Mayor,” said Ann after receiving the chain of office from the out-going Mayor, Tom Wyse. “I will do my best to do justice to that position. I am sure with a team of hard-working officers and Councillors, we will overcome all challenges that we might face in the coming year”.
Cllr Ann Midwinter thanked the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress for their hard work over the last year. She will be choosing a Girl Guide Ranger as her cadet, in memory of Mrs Julia Hussey who was involved with the Girl Guide Movement in Thame all her life.
MANY of the 54 previous winners of the Thame Town Awards over the past ten years, gathered at the Thame Barns Centre recently to celebrate a decade of awarding local people for their services to the town, and to recognise this year’s winners.
Pat Ruxton and Alex Bond but the Thame Town Awards birthday cake together
Also present were Pat Ruxton, Chair of the Awards panel 2009-2014, and former panel members, Jeni Pilkington, Jake Collinge and Dee Bixley, whose original idea it was to hold an annual Town Awards event. Alex Bond, the current Chair of the panel, was also there to share the anniversary and later cut a special birthday cake made by Nell King, with Pat Ruxton.
Guests were welcomed with live musical accompaniment from pianist Ian English, a previous Town Award winner.
And this year’s deserving winners – with extracts from their nominations, are:
First Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Thame Freight Services – presented by Alison Biddle – to Gill Read – “Nominated in recognition of the vast range of organisations with which she volunteers, including; Thame Good Neighbour Scheme, Thame Museum, Thame Arts & Literature Festival and Thame citizens Advice. She has been a dedicated volunteer & supervisor at Thame CAB for over 20 years, during which time she has helped hundreds of local people who have been facing great problems in their lives.”
L to R – Vicky Wheeldon, John Hussey, Mayor of Thame Tom Wyse flanked by Gill Read and Janet Shannon, Johnie Littler
Second Volunteer of the Year Award (Quote: “The entries where so good for both Gill and Janice that the panel couldn’t award one without the other as they were incredible in what they do for the Town.”) sponsored by Thame Freight Services – presented by Iain Biddle – to Janet Shannon – “This individual has been a Beaver Leader for over 20 years. She quietly gives her time, including evenings and weekends, to support Beavers Club, including going camping, planning meetings and attending jamborees….a truly exceptional role model..”
Sporting Achievement Award, sponsored by Thame Leisure Centre – presented by Dominee Sewell – to Vicky Wheeldon – “This individual is the first lifetime member at Thame Hockey Club, which is also celebrating ten years in 2018. She has been instrumental in developing the junior section which now has 230 members, through coaching, managing membership and administration, and communicating with parents. Her ‘infectious enthusiasm’ and passion for hockey is one of the reasons the club has been so successful…..Described by the Hockey Club as ‘an inspiration’ and their prized asset..
Service with a Smile Award, sponsored by the Atalay family from Atalay Kebab Van – awarded to Dominic Mutero – “This individual’s work ethic is described as ‘admirable’. He is unfailingly reliable, polite and always has a smile; delivering newspapers for The Chocolate Box in Thame for several years…come rain or shine (and snow!). Described as “a fine example of today’s youth and a great asset to The Chocolate Box… Unfortunately, Dominic was unable to be present at the Awards evening and will be presented with his award at a later date by Resul Ataly.
Creative Arts Achievment Award, sponsored by Towersey Festival – presented by Joe Heap and Simon Diegan – awarded to Johnnie Littler – “This individual is a musician, founder of Thame’s monthly open mic night (First Thursday Music Club), promoter and encourager of all things music…He is loved by everyone who meets him – he encourages, listens and physically helps anyone who is interested or involved in music…The new Thame Town Music Festival, launched in July last year was a fantastic success and a credit to the town…due entirely to his enthusiasm and vision.”
Past and current award winners, with the Mayor of Thame, Tom Wyse
Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Town Awards Panel – presented by Panel Chair, Alex Bond – awarded posthumously to Julia Hussey, received by her husband John, and daughters. “This individual’s life in Thame spanned 84 years, during which she was a Magistrate at Thame Magistrates Court for 25 years; involved in setting up Thame Museum; Chair of Governors at Barley Hill School for 17 years; Poppy Seller in Thame for the British Legion for 40 years; decorated the war memorial in St Mary’s church every Remembrance Sunday; gave her time to Thame Conservation Trust; the Barns Centre; St Mary’s Guild; Thame Housing Association; Thame Welfare Trust; Lord Williams’s Association; the Thame Hospital Appeal Fund; Thame Girl Guides for 50 years….The ultimate ‘people person’ with a unique ability to remember who was related to whom, where they lived, what they did – she was in her daughter’s words – ‘a bridge and connection to our shared past’.
Following the presentations, the Mayor’s cadet, Jake Newbrook, was thanked for his year’s service by the Mayor, Tom Wyse, and presented with a framed citation.
A buffet, birthday cake and drinks concluded this inspiring annual event celebrating the community of Thame and those special people who contribute to the life of the town.
RECORD temperatures, record number of visitors and an even wider choice of music this year proved to be a winning formula for what has become Thame’s biggest day out, Music In The Park.
Guitar-playing phenomenon, 17 year-old Billy Watman – Image copyright Sonja Francis
The Mayor of Thame, Tom Wyse, in what was his last official duty before he hands on the mayoral baton, officially opened MITP 2018 at 12pm on Bank Holiday Sunday, and from then on it was non-stop music to suit every taste and age, from the delightful youngsters from the John Hampden School choir; from Thame Pop Choir, to the zany lyrics and wacky renditions (and corruptions) of well-known pop and rock songs from the Boodlum Band. We were treated to rock ‘n roll from the Rattlensnakes (fronted by John Hampden School’s very own rocking headmaster), Folk from Celtic Heartbeat, Country music from A Little Bit Country, right through to the evening with two of the best tribute bands on the circuit, Prof Floyd and the Headline act, the Bootleg Bee Gees.
Local talent abounded between the two main stages, including First Thursday Music Club regulars, Band With No Name, as well as Indie Rock band, Sinfiction – a band which truly brings to any live event, its very own brand of energy, great melodies and a just-about tamed rawness (you can probably tell they were my favourite set of the whole day!).
For a small, market town, there is no doubt that Thame punches above its weight when it comes to the nurturing of musical talent, and the young people of our town did not fall short in doing the town proud; Lord Williams’s Singers of the year showed why they deserved the title and all the young people who performed either alone or together, whether playing an instrument, singing, dancing or both, were refreshing, confident and competent and many bound for greater things. (See Billy Watman’s evocative and memorable While my Guitar Gently Weeps looped, on Ukulele, HERE
Having to compete with the sounds coming from the two main stages, those performers in the ASM Stage, nevertheless held their own in the more intimate space, an oasis of comparative calm and welcome shade from the heat and sunshine of the main field. From the mid-day Youth Hour – a new concept for MITP this year – to 7pm, some familiar faces to Thame such as Tay O’Lay, 2am Blue and Paul Martin, alternated with some new faces and younger artists, and one particular act that I was sorry to miss but heard all about, Wildwood Didgeridoo!
I’m sorry for not mentioning everyone who performed at MITP 2018 – there was so much choice that it was impossible to personally ‘cover all bas(s)es’ (musical pun there !) but I know from talking to friends and aquintances there that Thame’s Music in the Park never fails to search out talent o’plenty to keep entertaining, amazing and inspiring its towns folk in an atmosphere of jollity, pleasure, relaxation from our work-a-day lives and above all, a sense of community.
And long may it continue. Music In The Park deserves all our support, and on that note, let’s not forget to be thankful to the hard-working organising team and the local businesses who, through sponsorship and help in-kind, make it happen. Rock ‘n Roll on to 2019.
WITNESS APPEAL – On Thursday, the April 26, two males offered to complete some roof works at an address in Cotmore Gardens, Thame. The males deliberately caused damage to the roof of an elderly resident’s home and then demanded £250 to fix it. The males made several attempts to get the elderly resident out of her home. One of the males managed to access the house through an insecure window but was quickly told to leave. It is believed the males left in a white Ford Transit type vehicle with ladders on the roof. If these males knocked on your door offering to complete works on the day or you witnessed anything suspicious or saw the vehicle please call 101 with details quoting reference number 683 of the 26th of April 2018.
VIGILANT BANK STAFF – On April 20, police officers from Thame were called to a bank in Thame from where staff had called raising concerns about an elderly customer who they suspected may be being defrauded of over £12,000 during a 48 hour period. The officers and bank staff worked together to mitigate the fraud, with bank staff managing to reverse over £8,000 of the funds.
“Another good example of the excellent team work taking place in our local Community,” said a TVP spokesperson in the latest Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter If you are concerned that you are being targeted for fraud or you believe you know someone who is, contact TVP immediately.
DRUNK DRIVER BANNED AND FINED – On April 10, a female driver was witnessed struggling to park a vehicle in Chinnor Road in Thame. The woman had consumed alcohol and subsequently failed a roadside breath test. She was banned from driving for 18 months and fined over £550.
EMERGENCY SERVICES FUN DAY – The Thame neighbourhood team are currently organising an emergency services fun day which will be taking place on the Southern Road recreation ground on Sunday, the July 29. This event took place last year and was a big success with many residents coming along and having fun with Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service, South Oxon Fire and rescue service and the RAF. This is a fun family day out where you can engage with different teams from various different strands of the emergency services. Further details of the event will be advertised on social media very soon.
On Tuesday, May 15, PCSO Diane Jackson will be holding a ‘Have your say’ meeting in the Co-Op in Thame High Street, between 2pm and 3pm.
You can read the complete monthly, Thame Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter HERE
PLANNED Maintenance work by Thames Water with potential traffic disruption – Chinnor Road, Thame. Reference number: 31067497 – Essential repairs in this area to fix a leak found on the water supply. Start Date May 9, 2018 – End Date May 11, 2018
Thames Water says: “We’ll minimise any disruption and keep everyone updated as we complete our repairs. Sometimes, we need more time, for example, to get the right permit or permission from the Local Council, however we’ll be sure to finish our works as soon as possible.
“If we need to provide a temporary supply of water until our we’ve finished our repair work, we’ll find the best options available and let you know what we’re doing.”
A Safe Places scheme, aimed at offering places of refuge for vulnerable or threatened people while out and about in Thame and Wheatley, will be launched on May 15, at 10-30 am in the Market Place in Thame.
South Oxfordshire District Council’s Community Safety team is working with Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Oxfordshire Family Support Network and local communities to launch the nationally recognised ‘Safe Places’ scheme across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.
What is a Safe Place?
The Safe Places Scheme aims to help vulnerable people feel confident and safe whilst out and about. If someone is feeling lost, anxious, confused, bullied, abused or harassed they can go to a Safe Place. Safe Places offer support to elderly people, people with dementia, those who may have a physical or learning disability, people with mental health needs or someone who feels unwell.
How does it work?
Safe Places are identified by a nationally recognised logo that will be visible on a sticker in the window of participating shops, community centres and cafes. Cards can be carried by the individual with contact numbers on for family members, adult social care and the police. A ‘Safe Place’ card can be picked up from a Safe Place location or by emailing: communitysafety@southandvale.gov.uk.
What help can be provided?
If you have a Safe Places card, a member of staff can phone your nominated person, whether it be a carer or family member. But, whether you have a Safe Places card or not, you can go into a participating location and ask for assistance and a trained member of staff will be able to help you.
Safe Places in South Oxfordshire
Current local locations signed up in Thame are; Waitrose, Boots, Thame Town Hall, Esso Garage, BP Garage, AutoParts, Sainsburys, Co-op, Costa, Library. In Wheatley the Safe Places are; Asda, Post Office Wheatley and Moorland Rd Surgery Wheatley.
To find out where the other Safe Places are in South Oxfordshire please see the interactive map on the national Safe Places website HERE
If you are interested in becoming a Safe Place, please email communitysafety@southandvale.gov.uk. Premises will receive a resource pack and free training on how to help vulnerable people.
MURDERED to Death by Peter Gordon is a hilarious spoof in the best Agatha Christie tradition and Thame Players will be giving their special treatment at the Players Theatre, Thame, from May 8 to 12.
Murdered to Death is a ludicrously funny ‘whodunnit’ story, featuring a cast of stereotypical characters doing stereotypical things. There’s a blustering English colonel with a suitably stiff upper lip, a well-meaning local sleuth who seems to attract murder wherever she goes, the village policeman – a bumbling and appropriately named Inspector Pratt, a shady French art dealer, and a femme fatale. Oh, yes, and of course what whodunnit would be complete without the faithful family butler in a country house setting in the 1930s?
They’re all there, getting caught up in the side-splitting antics which follow the mysterious death of the owner of the house. It soon becomes clear that the murderer isn’t finished yet, but will the murderer be unmasked before anyone else has met their doom, or will audiences die laughing first?
Murdered to Death was written by Peter Gordon, one of the UK’s most popular playwrights. To date, he has written thirteen comedies, a psychological thriller and a one-act comedy. It is part of the ‘Inspector Pratt’ trilogy, which also includes Secondary Cause of Death and Death by Fatal Murder, described variously as ‘deliciously wicked’, ‘hilarious’ and ‘very clever’. These plays have had over 1,000 professional and amateur tours and productions in the UK and overseas, including USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
It has been said of Peter Gordon that his writing is ‘Sometimes bizarre and funny, sometimes sad, but is always entertaining’.
Adam Hurst, director of this production for Thame Players, said: “Murdered to Death provides the perfect recipe for a great comedy. If you enjoy watching the play half as much as the cast enjoy performing it, then you are in for a wonderful evening’s entertainment.”
Murdered to Death is being performed at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame OX9 2DP from Tuesday, May 8, until Saturday, May 12, inclusive at 7.45pm. Tickets: £9, concessions £8, are available from Spear Travels, Greyhound Walk, Thame, telephone 01844 217228 or online from www.thameplayers.co.uk
HAVING recently gone into Administration, the owners of H & C Pearce & Sons Ltd, in Aylesbury Road, Thame, one of the largest agricultural farm supply businesses in central and southern England. has been acquired by the agricultural supplies group, Wynnstay.
H & C Pearce was a family run company which could trace its history back nearly two hundred years when it began as a wool grading business. Wool stapling (or trading) having been part of Thame’s heritage since medieval times.
Powys-based Wynnstay has agreed with the administrators to pay £800,000 in cash for the Countrywide Farmers plc (“Countrywide”) stores, including Thame. At completion, the total number of Wynnstay Country Stores will increase from 52 to 60 outlets.
Ken Greetham, Chief Executive Officer of Wynnstay, commented: “We are very pleased to have acquired eight country stores previously operated by Countrywide Famers. Their addition increases our footprint in both our existing trading heartland, and in the South West of England, in particular giving us an increased profile in Cornwall and Devon.
“Farmers and the rural community are at the heart of Wynnstay’s offering and we look forward to welcoming new customers to the Group, as we introduce our products and services across these new stores.”
SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL has published its latest figures showing that it can demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, which it claims should deter speculative planning applications from developers.
If a local planning authority cannot show that it has a five-year housing land supply, its policies with regards to residential development will be regarded as out-of-date. Where this happens, the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) sets out a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’.
Cllr Felix Bloomfield, South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “It is good news for South Oxfordshire that we can currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. This will help us to fight speculative development on sites which are not the most suitable or preferred, whilst continuing to deliver on housing growth.”
Under government planning rules set out in the (NPPF), all local planning authorities should have an up-to-date deliverable five-year housing land supply. The council’s Housing Land Supply Statement for 2017-18, published today, shows that it has a 5.4-year supply.
To determine this figure, the council monitors planning permissions, carries out site surveys to check progress on house-building and works with housebuilders to understand how many houses have been built and how many are likely to be built in the next five years.
Its latest housing completion survey shows that in South Oxfordshire 967 homes were built and finished in 2017/18, a third more than the previous year’s figure of 722, when the council was unable to demonstrate a five-year supply.
Cllr Felix Bloomfield continued: “While this is not a significant over-supply and there are outside forces that can affect supply, we are working hard to ensure that this can be sustained moving forward. We are in the final stages of preparing our Local Plan for independent examination and this sets out how South Oxfordshire will grow over the coming decades in a planned, phased way.”
The Housing Land Supply Statement can be viewed HERE
