AT around 4.30pm on Sunday (21/4) an altercation broke out between two groups of men, who are believed to be known to each other, at a disused quarry in Chinnor. Weapons were used by both groups to threaten each other.
Chinnor quarry – Image courtesy of Paul Snook
The groups then left the scene. It is believed that members from one of the groups were driving a white Peugeot van that came off the road and hit a grass verge on Chinnor Hill at around 4.55pm. The occupants of the van then got into another vehicle which was driven away.
There have been no reports of injuries from these incidents.
Investigating officer PC Matthew Huard, based at Thame police station said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or saw anything suspicious in the area of the quarry and the Ridgeway between the hours of 4pm and 7pm on Easter Sunday to please come forward.
“In particular I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident involving the white Peugeot at around 4.55pm on Chinnor Hill or has dash-cam footage of the incident to contact the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 43190119960.
“I would like to remind residents that the quarry is not open to the public and is very dangerous.”
Alternatively, you can call the non-emergency telephone number, 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
THE River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT) has announced that the River Thame flood meadows at Waterstock have received formal designation as a new Local Wildlife Site.
Curlew at Waterstock – Image by Julie Cuthbert
This designation acknowledges Waterstock’s exceptional variety of bird species, including the rare breeding curlew, and its importance as a habitat for otters, other mammals and endangered plants.
Local Wildlife Sites are special places, recognised for having high wildlife value or containing rare or threatened habitats and species of county or national importance. So, it is a serious accolade for the historic, Oxfordshire village of Waterstock’s flood meadows to receive this designation via the Oxfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Project, a partnership between the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) and Berkshire Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).
Gaining Local Wildlife Site status after only three years of regular monthly surveys underlines the importance of the Waterstock flood meadows and other habitats as a safe haven for a rich variety of wildlife. For sites where value for birds is a determining factor designation can require five years’ worth of data, but the deciding panel of experts quickly recognised how valuable the flood meadows are, especially for the wide range of bird species that choose to breed, winter or use the flood meadows as a stop off and refueling point when migrating.
Pim Young, Oxfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Project Officer explained: “Across Oxfordshire rough grazing marsh and floodplain habitat is a real rarity. It plays host to some of our most endangered breeding bird species such as curlew – and it also provides crucial wintering habitat for large numbers of birds. We’re delighted that the hard work of volunteer bird surveyors has led to the discovery of such an important new site. This ongoing collection of biological data helps the Oxfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Project build a more detailed picture of the richness of sites, such as this at Waterstock.”
RTCT Surveyor, Nick Marriner commented: “Given this month (April 21) we were celebrating World Curlew Day, it’s very exciting that in recent weeks we have recorded 12 curlews in the Waterstock area. Last year the RSPB estimated there were 10 breeding pairs in the Upper Thames area east of Oxford. To have the majority of them in this area, highlights how important Waterstock and its flood meadows are both locally and regionally and how vital its wild and undisturbed habitat is. The iconic curlew is the UKs largest wading bird species and has one of the most evocative calls of all birds. It adds a real sense of wildness to the area, an ever-rarer feature in the South East of England”
The curlew is one of the UK’s most rapidly declining breeding bird species showing a 46% decline across the UK from 1994-2010. The UK holds 28% of the European breeding population. Curlew has recently been listed by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee as globally near-threatened, one of the few British species on this list. Their decline can be attributed to destruction of habitat and high levels of disturbance.
In over three years of monthly bird surveys* by RTCT volunteer surveyors; 103 bird species were recorded of which 61 are on the protected species list.
Highlights include:
Wading birds – curlew, snipe, lapwing, jack snipe, green sandpiper and oystercatcher;
Wintering Wildfowl – wigeon, teal, shoveler, gadwall, teal and pintail;
Migrating birds – hawfinch, redstart, whinchat, wheatear, sand martin, yellow wagtail
Owls and Raptors – hobby, peregrine falcon, barn owl and tawny owl
Breeding passerines – spotted flycatcher, garden warbler, willow warbler, lesser whitethroat, kestrel, yellow wagtail
“We fairly quickly discovered that Waterstock is a hidden jewel in the crown of the River Thame”, said Sally Rowlands, Chair of the RTCT. “It forms one of the richest areas for wildlife on the river. So, it’s not surprising so many of our endangered wetland birds choose to call it home. It’s brilliant the area is now formally on the birding map of Oxfordshire and the efforts of local landowners recognised for the great work they are doing to provide fantastic habitat.”
And it’s not just birds. Waterstock enjoys regular sighting of otters and cubs using the river. It has 11 species of fish in the river and over 300 species of plants, including bee orchids and the rare great dodder.
Henry Manisty, Waterstock resident said: “I have lived in the village for over 20 years and have always enjoyed seeing kingfishers, grey wagtails and little egrets feeding along the river, and regularly captured otters and polecats on our wildlife cameras. However, it wasn’t until we started working with the RTCT and their volunteer bird surveyors that we were able to monitor professionally the exceptional variety of birdlife. It’s a real honour for my land and our neighbouring flood meadows to become a Local Wildlife Site and a privilege to wake up each morning in the spring hearing the sound of calling curlew.”
The designation and survey process are inspiring significant habitat improvement actions by Waterstock residents and landowners including 12 Owl boxes installed by Bucks Owl and Raptor Group, one barn owl taking up residence within three weeks of installation, plans for a network of ponds to support great crested newts in partnership with the South Midlands Newt Conservation Partnership, plans for a complex of wetland wader scrapes and reed bed habitat and the completion of a fish passage on the main river with RTCT and the Freshwater Habitats Trust.
Local Wildlife Sites are special places and alongside legally protected areas of land, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), they form vital links across the county and beyond to create a national network of habitats that provide refuges for our country’s diverse flora and fauna.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Thame.
Image courtesy of Cornwall Live – for illustrative purposes only
At approximately 3am on Wednesday, April 17, unknown offenders broke into a property on Goffe Close, Thame. They broke in via patio doors. The house alarm was triggered and so the offenders left the scene.
It is believed that they were breaking in for the keys of the two BMWs on the driveway.
Did you see anything suspicious around this time? Do you live nearby and have CCTV that you can check on the night of the 16th/17th?
If you have any information about this incident please report it here or call 101.
WANT to try something new after Easter? Get into fencing! This exciting, dynamic and beautiful sport is easier than you think to learn, and suitable for all ages.
Thame Duellists Fencing Club is a friendly, mixed club open to beginners of any age from 7 years-old, as well as to more experienced fencers.
After the Easter break, starting on Thursday, April 25, we are running a beginners course for adults and over 11 years (separate session available at 6pm for school years 3-6) and places are available now. The course can lead (at participant’s choice) to a British Fencing Level 1 qualification.
Your first session is a free, no-obligation taster, and all the equipment you’ll need is provided throughout your course. If you’d like to book a place please let us know – email us at thameduellistsfencingclub@gmail.com
Fencing has history in Thame. James Figg (the local born champion boxer after whom the pub in town is named) was also a fencing master. Now, it’s a high-tech Olympic sport. Take up fencing – become part of the history and turn a swordfighting daydream into an exciting reality.
LOCAL people from Thame, Chinnor, Haddenham, Princes Risborough, and Long Crendon have been joining the action by Extinction Rebellion in London over the past three days, blocking major roads and bridges in the city, to demand government action on averting the worst effects of climate change.
Maureen Dyroff from Chinnor was at Marble Arch all day on Monday, along with three others from the AVDC area. She told Thame.Net: “It was a very peaceful protest with a lovely atmosphere and some very thought provoking and inspiring speakers.”
‘People are recognising the severity of the threat’
Florence Miller from Long Crendon went with her three children. She explained why she decided to join the Extinction Rebellion protest: “I took my children (9, 5 and 5) to the Extinction Rebellion protest at Marble Arch. I feel the time has finally come when people are recognising the severity of the threat we’re facing, collectively, and the huge effort we must put into addressing it.
The Miller family from Long Crendon
“It was uplifting to be there, surrounded by others who are willing to be arrested to make the point. I had no plans to be arrested given I was there with my kids; we did stand on the road for a bit (and the kids lay down on it, because how often can you lie down on the road at Marble Arch?), but we mostly stayed on the grass, there to add to the numbers and provide moral support. It was rather wonderful to experience central London with no cars — the streets were amazingly calm.
‘convivial, welcoming and very respectful ‘
“My elder daughter (9) has watched a few of Greta Thunberg’s speeches and is very taken with her message; the little ones didn’t quite get what it was all about but loved the atmosphere, which was convivial, welcoming and very respectful. We were there on the first day of the protests and there had not yet been any arrests; the (many) police present were friendly and letting people get on with it.
‘Evidence-based hope’
“It’s too late to ‘avoid’ climate change; it’s already here. But human beings are incredibly resourceful, innovative and resilient. I have total confidence that we can mitigate the worst effects of it and in so doing transform our relationship with the planet and with each other. My husband and I worked on a short film for the BBC Ideas platform that outlines some of the ideas behind this ‘evidence-based hope’, as the Rapid Transition Alliance puts it: https://www.bbc.com/ideas/videos/can-we-transform-the-world-in-12-years/p073j3z5. I was pleased to see it linked to in the BBC’s coverage of the protests today: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-47947775
‘They’ll be there until the Government agrees to meet’
Florence concluded: “My children didn’t want to leave and are desperate to go back! I highly recommend it to all for a fun and positive atmosphere. I was under the impression that they’ll be there until the government agrees to meet, which might be some time…the more people, the more effective it will be!”
Manning the barricades
John Francis from Thame, went along on Tuesday to the protest with members of the Oxford XR group. He found himself at Marble Arch, manning the barricades to block the surrounding roads. John explained what had driven him to become involved with the protest:
‘Government not taking matters seriously enough’
“Despite what our MP John Howell has said, I don’t think the government is taking climate crisis seriously enough, nor taking the necessary action quickly enough. If it was, all these new houses going up would be of higher spec. with maximum insulation and solar power etc. and developers being allowed to lower standards at the planning inspection stage because of so-called ‘viability’ concerns.”
Officially ‘heading for a crisis’
“Several recognised bodies like the UN, the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Clinate Change and the World Wide Fund for Nature, have stated that we heading for crisis if we carry on the way we are. So, there have to be some massive changes; changes that may affect peoples lives. But if we do nothing, everyone’s life will be affected even more drastically.
Disappointment with Oxfordshire County Council
“Speaking more locally, I was disappointed that Oxfordshire County Council did not vote to declare a Climate Emergency and rather than stop the Express Way, by a narrow majority, voted to ask for more public consultation.
Fun, but a serious message
John concluded: “Although there was a jolly, party atmosphere among those at the rally, that didn’t deflect from the seriousness of the message Extinction Rebellion were trying to convey.”
FOLLOWING a question about Air Quality in Thame at the annual Town Meeting recently, Cllr Nigel Champken Woods has reported that currently, at the three monitoring points in Thame, the levels of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) are below the ‘optimum’ of 40 micrograms per cubic meter.
An example of a Monitoring Passive diffusion tube similar to those used to monitor CO2 levels in Thame
Since 2015, levels of CO2 at the three Thame monitoring stations. Ludlow Drive, Park Street and Aylesbury Road, had steadily increased (See LINK for example https://oxfordshire.air-quality.info/diffusion_tube/162). Figures for 2018 are not available on the Oxfordshire Air Quality website.
The lower current figures so far this year could be influenced by the colder temperatures and lack of sunshine lately. It is the annual average figure that will show whether levels of CO2 are continuing to rise or not.
No monitoring in the town centre
Cllr Champken Woods pointed out at the final meeting of the current Thame Town Council on Tuesday (16/04) that no monitoring takes place in Thame town centre or the Oxford Road end of the High Street .
Part of SODC’s Air Quality Action Plan (AQMA) states: “Although the monitoring data suggests a downward NO2 concentration trend, this is only the case of Wallingford and Henley. Some other areas like Watlington’s AQMA, Thame, Chinnor and areas near the M40 have suffered significant increases in NO2 levels, suggesting the potential need for new AQMAs in the district.
Measures to reduce NO2 emissions
The main air quality measures South Oxfordshire has said that it would like to have progressed during 2018 aiming to reduce NO2 emissions are: • Further implementation of South Oxfordshire’s Low Emission Strategy (LES) • The installation of more electric vehicle (EV) charging points within some of the council owned car parks • Work towards some community engagement projects
‘May not gain political support’
But, the Plan then states: “The adoption of these measures, stated in the LES and described above, will progress and improve during 2018 and the next few years.
“However, the LES will face challenges since some of its measures are controversial and therefore may not gain political support.”
THAME Town Cricket Club welcomed a very special visitor after the club’s brand new pavilion was chosen to launch the new Home Counties Women’s Cricket League.
Claire Taylor was the first woman to win Wisden Cricketer of the Year and was capped 168 times for England including Ashes and World Cup wins. It is Claire’s aim to see opportunities for women’s cricket at all levels and in her inspiring speech, she stressed the importance of the enjoyment of the game, not just at competitive and elite levels but for all women who wish to play.
Representatives from the clubs in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire joined League and OCB officials to celebrate the new league as the 2019 season gets under way. The 24 clubs involved will play up to 15 fixtures over the season.
For League Chair, Tim Haworth of Moreton CC, it was the achievement of a long-held wish to provide a structure for women to play a range of cricket, having struggled to find a way to enable to his own three daughters to play. Neil Rider MD of League Sponsors, Serious Cricket, has a particular interest in the women’s game, having been manager and assistant coach of the England Women’s team between 2003 and 2007. T
The evening was rounded off by a delicious cricket tea and drinks from the new bar; and the next day, Thame’s women’s team won an indoor final versus Eynsham, so the women’s season has got off to a brilliant start!!
THAME Town council has received 81 complaints about taxis in the town centre.
The complaints include too many parking behind the town hall on the cobbled area, parking in non-designated parking places and running their engines when the vehicle is stationery.
Several complaints were aimed at taxi drivers who park in the two bays outside Barclays Bank preventing the bank’s customers to easily access the bank or cash machine.
The Mayor of Thame, Cllr Ann Midwinter, told fellow councillors at a meeting of the council’s Policy and Resources Committee that she had spoken to the police about the problem. She said that officers have told her that they are preparing letters to give to taxi drivers, telling them where they cannot park, and that they will be fined if they do not comply.
She added that the problem was exacerbated by there not being enough officers in Thame to enfore parking infringements.
THE Thame and District Day Centre has successfully moved to its new venue at the Thame Cricket Club pavilion.
The centre’s manager, Gill Coleman said: “The Day Centre, having been at The Community Hospital for so many years has become synonymous to the local community. Moving to our new location at Thame Town Cricket Club will ensure our own identity. Myself, staff, volunteers and members were all apprehensive about moving, but we are excited to be able to spread our wings and welcome new members to the Day Centre.
“Everyone is happy and our daily activities continue as before with more space to introduce new ideas and engage more with our local community. Please could I say ‘well done’ to our Trustees who have secured our future.”
Chair of the Friends of Thame and District Day Centre, Alison Champken Woods, explained why the move was necessary.
Alison told Thame.Net: “Over the last couple of years, it had become apparent to all the Trustees that the new Community Hub at the Community Hospital was working well and the need for services to be expanded on the site to ensure ‘care closer to home’.
“The Board of Trustees therefore investigated other venues and had discussions with the cricket club around a potential move. The Thame & District Day Centre which runs on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, had been located on the Community Hub site, formerly Thame Cottage Hospital, since 1986 and it was recognised that a move would ensure the continuation of the Day Centre.
“The Day Centre moved to the first floor of the new Cricket Pavilion at the end of March and whilst it’s very different the members, volunteers and staff appear to be settling in very well. Obviously this is a significant change for everyone and the Cricket Club has been very helpful in both facilitating the move and helping to access funding for lifts etc.
“The new venue is situated next to St. Marys church and is much larger, much lighter, brighter with natural light, access to a veranda plus parking and access is also much easier on the new site. The room overlooks the cricket pitch and when the cricket season starts, it is envisaged that there will be some midweek matches which will give some members the opportunity to watch if they so wish.
“The move has seen us lose a couple of volunteers but we have recruited some more and we now have two dinner ladies who deal with serving the two course hot meal to our members.”
On the centre’s first day, the Mayor of Thame, Anne Midwinter, visited and was very impressed with the venue.
Volunteers needed!
The Day Centre is still in need of volunteers, and is especially seeking a volunteer driver for Tuesdays, using their own car to bring our members in and take them home again. Usual hours being 9:00am to 10:00 am and 2:30pm to 3:30pm. A mileage allowance is paid for this role.
The centre also needs volunteers to help during the day to help Staff deliver activities, serve lunch, tea and coffee – but also to give time to listen and chat to the members, some of whom do not see or speak to anyone from week to week.
If you could make a difference, give the Day Centre’s Manager Gill Coleman a ring on 01844 212080 a call at the Day Centre to just have an informal chat, see if it is something that you could do for a few hours a week.
THAMES Valley Police have received five separate reports of thefts from vehicles in Lea Park, Thame, between April 3 and 8.
The neighbourhood team will be patrolling the area and ask local people to stay vigilant and look out for anything suspicious and review any CCTV they may have. Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to call 101. If you witness a crime in progress, call 999.
Alternatively, anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous, can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
Advice: Always lock your car, wind up the windows and close the sunroof, even if you’re only leaving it for a few minutes. You should also double check it’s locked before leaving. It only takes a few seconds for your valuables to be stolen from an unlocked car.
For extra security:
•fit a car alarm
•use a steering wheel lock
•get an immobiliser, this stops the engine from starting if the car is being stolen
•always park your car in well-lit areas in full public view
•look for police approved car parks with the Park Mark logo
•when in stationary in traffic, keep your doors locked and windows up
•take your sat nav with you and wipe away any marks left by the suction pads
•don’t leave items in the glove compartment
•if you have a garage, use it!
Never leave valuable possessions such as handbags, laptops, phones or sat navs on show inside a vehicle. This makes it much more likely to be targeted by thieves. Even items of little value, such as shopping bags and clothing, may tempt a potential thief to break into the vehicle to see whether they contain anything worth stealing. Keep your possessions out of view, or take them with you.
