Category: More News

THE staff, volunteers and friends of John Masefield House will be walking a section of the Thames Pathway from Friday, March 25 until Sunday, March 27, in an effort to complete the fundraising for a Biometric Computer System, and start fundraising for a new single-wheelchair vehicle.

The money raised from this fun-walk will help our residents participate in a range of enjoyable activities by using a specialist computer system which develops hand/eye coordination and muscle control and also help fund a new vehicle that will be used to take residents to events and places of interest within the local community.

We are hoping to attract as many sponsored walkers as we can and have a really fun time along the route. Fancy dress is optional, but participants are invited to join in with our theme of doctors and nurses. The walk will start in Henley at 9am on the 25th March and finish in Oxford on the afternoon of Sunday 27th March. All dog walkers are welcome and there will be refreshment points along the route.

If you would like to take part, whether walking for a mile, an hour, part of a day or even the whole three days, sponsorship forms and further details can be obtained from:

David Williams, Volunteer & Fundraising Coordinator on 01865 340324 or e-mail david.williams@lcdisability.org

Alternatively, sponsorship forms and route details can be collected from Lorraine Sands at John Masefield House reception.

NHS Oxfordshire is inviting local people to comment on: Healthy lives, healthy people: a strategy for public health in England, a consultation by the consultation manager, Julia Stackhouse.

The consultation can be accessed at the following LINK

AT the end of last year, the two local U3A organisations, Thame & District and Greater Thame, were faced with a dilemma when they learnt that St Mary’s Church was to be closed for a time for repainting. This caused a problem as the U3As met at the Church for their main meetings. Both organisations have an attendance of about 160 people to their meetings.

After some discussions between them it was decided to approach The Spread Eagle, Thame, to find out if they could help out in this time of need.

“Much to the groups’ relief, the General Manager, Peter Farquhar, assured us that for the months of January and February he could accomodate us and so a weight was lifted off our shoulders,” said Frank Metcalf, Chairman of the Greater Thame U3A.

He continued: “The meetings went ahead as planned and were a great success with the help of Peter and his staff. The U3As wish to publicly thank Peter and his staff for all the help they gave us; nothing seemed to faze them and they met our requests with a smile and a ‘not a problem’. Without the help from The Spread Eagle the meetings for January and February were in jeopardy but now we wondered why we were concerned. Many thanks to The Spread Eagle.”

OXFORDSHIRE housing association, Soha Housing, has been shortlisted for a national customer service award. Soha, the major social housing landlord in Thame, now goes head to head against Boots, RBS International, Scottish Water and Volkswagen UK at the awards finals on March 22.

The Institute for Customer Satisfaction has chosen the five finalists for its Best Customer Satisfaction Strategy award.

Director of Customer Service and Operations at Soha, Maureen Adams (pictured), said: ?This is a significant tribute to the work of our Customer Services team who handle our calls and our full staff group who make customer care a priority. We are up against some major names, all with a much wider geographical remit than Soha’s. So whilst we deliver services to only 12,000 plus residents across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties, a professional judging panel thinks we do it just as well as these larger companies.

?However exciting it is to get this external acknowledgement, the acid test is what our customers think. An independent survey of residents recently found that 91% of them are satisfied with Soha ? our highest ever satisfaction rate.?

THIS year, 2011 is an important year for CPRE Oxfordshire, since it is the countryside campaigning group’s 80th anniversary (1931-2011). As well as planning several celebratory events throughout the year, CPRE (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England) Oxfordshire has relaunched its wwwcpreoxon.org.uk

LATEST CAMPAIGN BRIEFING (Contributed)

“Oxford City Council?s Core Strategy was finally approved late in 2010 (the Planning Inspector’s final report was released on 21 December). CPRE has expressed its disappointment that the Northern Gateway has been given the go-ahead.

“CPRE has submitted its response to the County Council?s planning application for an extension of the Thornhill Park and Ride, expressing concern that expansion at Thornhill risks ?urbanising? this part of the Green Belt.

“CPRE has confirmed its support for the local campaign against the giant wind turbine proposed for Horspath, alongside South Oxfordshie DC and John Howell, MP.

“CPRE is disappointed at the Inspector’s decision to approve Viridor’s application for an incinerator at Ardley. County Councillors had originally refused plans for waste firm Viridor to run a plant at Ardley in north Oxfordshire, but the company appealed in January 2010, prompting a public inquiry last summer.

“The Government is pushing ahead with first part of the route for HS2 from London to Birmingham and a major consultation is expected in February. The planned route of the high-speed rail line from London to Birmingham has been altered after protests about its impact on the countryside, but the plans still raise many major environmental issues. The route through Oxfordshire has been moved further east of Mixbury, thereby reducing its local impact somewhat.”

For more information about these and other issues see: CPRE Oxfordshire website

THE Oxfordshire Befriending Network is looking for more Befriending Volunteers to visit in Oxford and out in the County. We offer excellent free training, on-going support, and expenses.

The next training is starting in Oxford on 2nd March 2011, and the next training in Banbury starts on 6th April 2011.

For more information or an application pack telephone: 01865 791781 or email: enquiries@oxonbefriending.net

For more information about the Oxfordshire Befriending Network charity, visit: http://www.oxonbefriending.net

THE asking price of all types of homes in Thame, except for those that are semi-detached, were lower in January this year than for the same month in 2010, and the average time that a home has been on Market in Thame is currently 177 days.

For more information about house price trends in Thame, and to see if the value of your home has gone up or down, visit www.Home.co.uk

THOMLEY Activity Centre is a unique recreational facility for disabled children, their families, siblings, and friends. Situated on the Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire border in 7 acres of beautiful countryside, Thomley offers a safe and supportive setting for children to play, learn and explore.

There are a wide range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities, allowing everyone to have fun, make new friends, and most of all, feel accepted. Activities vary from outdoor activities including; a football pitch; 1km cycle track; zip wire and large sheltered sand pit to numerous indoor areas including; arts and craft; computer room; soft play area and the very popular sensory room.

Please note that in school/term time Thomley is open to special schools and mainstream schools who include students with additional learning needs. We are open Wednesdays to Fridays throughout term time. Activities can be tailor-made to compliment school projects.

Events Listing

o Tuesday 1st February ? Adult day ? Open to disabled adults (16+) and their carers to try out a variety of art and craft activities including gardening and sugar craft or relax in a rural environment for a chat and a cup of tea.

o Saturday 5th February – Community Day – Open to all children (i.e. disabled and non-disabled) and their families to enjoy all the usual Thomley activities from arts and craft and soft play to our 1km cycle track and giant outdoor sandpit.

o Tuesday 8th February ? Preschool day ? For all pre-school toddlers and babies (up to the age of 6yrs) with and without disabilities accompanied by their parents/ carers. Activities are designed for children to play, explore and most importantly get messy!

February Half term runs from Monday 21st ? Saturday 26th and is a history based week: –

o Monday 21st February ? Teenage Day ? For all disabled young people aged between 10- 19yrs accompanied by their parents/ carers. Younger siblings are also welcome. Teenage days provide a great opportunity to socialise with other teenagers, to make new friends and try out various activities, including the very popular 1km cycle track and outdoor sandpit. The theme of the day is ?Romans?!

o Tuesday 22nd February – Family Day – Open to disabled children, their families and friends to enjoy ?Vikings Day? as well as all the normal Thomley activities!

o Wednesday 23rd February ? FULLY BOOKED

o Thursday 24th February ? Family Day – Open to disabled children, their families and friends to enjoy ?British Kings and Queens Day?, as well as all the normal Thomley activities!

o Friday 25th February ? Community Day – Open to all children (i.e. disabled and non-disabled) and their families to enjoy all the usual Thomley activities from arts and craft and soft play to our 1km cycle track and giant outdoor sandpit. The day?s theme is History of Space travel, with the creator of Jonnie Rocket putting on his own workshop!

o Saturday 26th February ? Quiet Day – Quiet days are specifically designed for families and children with disabilities who might prefer a less busy day. Numbers are limited to 30 children and are a birthday party free zone. Quiet days are also good for new families to settle in. Lots of ?Historical faces? Art and craft will be available for this day.

o Tuesday 1st March ? Adult day ? Open to disabled adults (16+) and their carers to try out a variety of art and craft activities including gardening and sugar craft or relax in a rural environment for a chat and a cup of tea.

o Saturday 5th March – Community Day – Open to all children (i.e. disabled and non-disabled) and their families to enjoy all the usual Thomley activities from arts and craft and soft play to our 1km cycle track and giant outdoor sandpit.

o Tuesday 8th March ? Preschool day ? For all pre-school toddlers and babies (up to the age of 6yrs) with and without disabilities accompanied by their parents/ carers. Activities are designed for children to play, explore and most importantly get messy!

o Sunday 20th March ? Dads Day ? Open to Dads and their disabled/ non disabled children, their families and friends to enjoy a variety of indoor activities and outdoor equipment at Thomley including the soft play area, art and craft room, 1km cycle track or large outdoor Sandpit. This day will have various sports led by Adam, and a barbeque!

o Tuesday 22nd March ? Disability Preschool day ? Open to disabled pre-school toddlers and babies (up to the age of 6yrs) accompanied by their parents/ carers.

o Saturday 26th March ? Quiet Day – Quiet days are specifically designed for families and children with disabilities who might prefer a less busy day. Numbers are limited to 30 children and are a birthday party free zone. Quiet days are also good for new families to settle in.

o Saturday 2nd April – Community Day – Open to all children (i.e. disabled and non-disabled) and their families to enjoy all the usual Thomley activities from arts and craft and soft play to our 1km cycle track and giant outdoor sandpit.

o Tuesday 5th April ? Adult day ? Open to disabled adults (16+) and their carers to try out a variety of art and craft activities including gardening and sugar craft or relax in a rural environment for a chat and a cup of tea.

Updated: 17/01/11

AFTER a local campaign lasting some 30 years, residents of Sydenham, just outside Thame, and Kingston Blount are a step closer to seeing an end to sewage sweeping down their streets and into their gardens every time we have heavy rain.

Thames Water has now agreed that the problem is of sufficient concern that it meets the initial requirements for investment in improvements to the system.

Local MP, John Howell, who has been supporting the residents in their lobbying of Thames Water, said: ?I know that companies like Thames Water have difficult decisions to make about where they invest their customers? money, but in this day and age, that even one home should be flooded with sewage is unacceptable.

?This is a problem which goes back not just to the time of my predecessor but to my predecessor?s predecessor. I am delighted that we have been able to make significant progress and thank Thames Water for their co-operation.?

SYDENHAM “Delighted”

Paul Stancliffe, Chairman of Sydenham Parish Council said: ?After 30 something years I am delighted to have got to this point. I recognise that there is still a long way to go but this is an important step.?

Peter Gibbons, Chairman of Aston Rowant Parish Council added: “Our thanks go to John Howell for his intervention and efforts to help us move this forward. It is a good example of how an MP can work for their constituents.?

WHAT NEXT?

John Howell explained: “Thames Water?s investment plans will now go through a detailed exercise including costing and further design work. It is clear that the work that local residents undertook to gather data on the extent of the problem really helped to give substance to their case. Their tenacity and their attention to detail are now paying off.?

PHOTO: Sydenham sewers in flood following heavy rain

PLANNING applications considered by Thame Town Council?s Planning Committee on Tuesday, January 25.

8838
P10/E1929 4 VICTORIA MEAD
Replacement of single-storey side and rear extensions, front bay window and porch. RECOMMEND APPROVAL

8839
P10/E1921 15 MAPLE ROAD
Single-storey rear extension to provide orangery.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL

item 5, for another meeting.

8840
P10/E1966/LB THE JAMES FIGG, 21A CORNMARKET
Erection of a commemorative plaque on the southern elevation. RECOMMEND APPROVAL

8841
P10/E1915 25 HORTON AVENUE,
Removal of existing extensions and replacement with new larger single extension. RECOMMEND APPROVAL

8842
P10/E1941/LB 42 HIGH STREET
Erection of a commemorative plaque on the southern elevation. RECOMMEND APPROVAL

8843
P10/E1956/RET 3 HIGH STREET
Retention of ATM. RECOMMEND REFUSAL
i) illuminated sign on ATM goes against SODC policy within a Conservation Area.

8844
P10/E1957/RAD 3 HIGH STREET
Retention of illuminated sign.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
i) illuminated sign on ATM goes against SODC policy within a Conservation Area.

8845
P10/E1978 19 BROADWATERS AVENUE
Single-storey rear extension. RECOMMEND APPROVAL

8846
P10/E2006 45 HOLLIERS CLOSE
Demolition of single storey extension, erection of two storey extension, extension of lean to roof at front, alterations and formation of annex to ground
floor for disabled person. RECOMMEND APPROVAL

8847
P10/E1856/A ALLIANCE BOOTS 4-5 HIGH STREET
Replacement of the fascia and projecting sign.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL Whilst recommending approval, the Committee was of the opinion that SODC?s planning guidance on shop fronts should be reviewed.

8848
P11/E0002 THE DOLPHINS, 32 AYLESBURY ROAD
Change of use from residential care home (C2) to nursery (D1) to include a new access.RECOMMEND APPROVAL

8849
P10/E2008/RAD AUSTINS MENSWEAR, 104 HIGH STREET
Retention of existing illuminated fascia sign.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
i) Against SODC?s policy on illuminated signs within a
Conservation Area.

8850
P10/E2007/RLB
AUSTINS MENSWEAR, 104 HIGH STREET
Retention of existing illuminated fascia sign.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
i) Against SODC?s policy on illuminated signs within a
Conservation Area.