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.
BUT don’t worry; the kids were behaving themselves and it was all part of demonstration by local PCSOs of how to deal with such an event.
PCSOs from Thame went along to the Oxford Fire Station over the past couple weeks to help with an event called Junior Citizens. This event was held for Year 6 students to go along and learn different scenarios to help when they come across something on the street.
PCSO Davey helped out the most, his scenario being to sneak up on the students while they stood in a dark ally. This was to assess what would happen and see how the students reacted. At the end of each scenario the students had explained to them what they needed to do if this should happen to them, and how to call the emergency services.
Knife crime
In a separate event this week in support of a national programme to increase awareness of knife crime and to educate those who may be involved in knife crime, officers have been visiting schools with posters and leaflets about the dangers of knife crime.
PCSOs Thomas Kelly, Maya Brien and Natalie White gave a presentation to the Year 8 students of Lord Williams’ Lower School, in Thame, on the dangers and consequences of knife crime.
A spokesperson for the officers said: “It was great to see the students pay attention and take on board why they should stay away from knives.”
FOLLOWING the fire and theft of lorries at David Einig Contracting in Rycote Lane, Thame, recently, the company has now gone into administration, and the company has ceased trading.
This has resulted in the loss of 105 members of staff. David Shambrook and Geoff Rowley, director and partner at specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory LLP, were appointed Joint Administrators of David Einig Contracting Limited and David Einig Plant Limited (“the Companies”) on March 28, 2019.
An FRP spokesperson said: “The business ceased trading with immediate effect, resulting in all 105 members of staff being made redundant. The Joint Administrators are working closely with the Redundancy Payments Service to ensure the best possible outcome for employees in this difficult period.”
The whereabout of David Einig himself for comment is unknown at this time.
CONCERN has been expressed that the Victorian Cottage Hospital in East Street, Thame, does not appear to be a listed building.
Thame Community Hospital
Members of the Thame Conservation Area Committee noted in its most recent minutes: “This is a significant Victorian building, paid for by public subscription and is similar in importance as three other Victorian buildings in the Town paid for by subscription. i.e. The Town Hall. The old Magistrates Court, now the Town Museum and the Old Police Station, all listed. Is it possible to have this also listed? This building is still partly funded by the League of Friends of the Cottage Hospital.”
The town council has agreed to look into how best to protect the hospital building, including listing.
FOR the first time this year, two volunteer signers will be on stage at Music In The Park on May 5, interpreting song lyrics for hearing impaired people. Also, if neighbours agree, the use of the staging and marquees will be offered to community groups to use on the following day.
Also it is hoped that the event, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, will run an hour later to 10pm.
THAME Shed continue to look for a suitable location to base itself. Cllr Tom Wyse who has been instrumental in helping the members of Thame Shed fexplained: “The main problem is to get some land to put a shed on. I believe it would not be a great problem if it started off with something as small as a portacabin and then the Shed members could use their collective skills to construct a larger building. I know there have been approaches made to get a piece of land near the Rugby Club but for some reason this hasn’t been successful.”
TOWN Cllr Peter Lambert, who will not be running for re-election to Thame Town Council on May 2, has congratulated the council’s maintenance team on behalf of the Youth Memorial Trustees for the recent cleaning of the Youth Memorial and garden.
THE Town Council is continuing to look into the feasibility and costings to provide a Splash Pool on the Southern Road Rec. and are due to visit a similar facility in Hinskey Park, Oxford to further understand the operational and visitor requirements for such a pool. Watch this space!
THAME is to get a brand new Christmas Lighting scheme for Christmas 2019. The town council is about to send out tenders for the scheme.
LORD Williams’s School in Thame has produced many alumni in recent years who have gone on to become famous, including Olympic swimmer Simon Burnett; Comedian Rob Deering; Internet personality Gavin Free; musician and television presenter Howard Goodall, and Paul Volley, rugby player.
Florence Savage
Soon, the name of an ex pupil from Sydenham may be added to that Hall of Fame, as a Miss England. Because Florence Savage has discovered, she says, that Miss England isn’t just a beauty pageant, but includes dedicating much of the contestant’s time to charity fund-raising and to becoming role models for young girls and other women. This year’s chosen charity is Papyus which helps young adults when they are in their darkest moments and is aimed at preventing suicide.
Racing and baking
Florence explained: “After doing some research into the competition after watching a movie about beauty pageants, I applied on-line as I’m very interested in helping charities and knew I would have a good time. I have applied to run the Great Manchester Run in support of Papyus and I’m also hosting a bake sale at University. I have also started a GoFundMe page called Saving Our Future.
“I was put forward for a public vote, but didn’t win. However, the judges decided to take me through to the next round, and my work place, Cumnor Hill House, a care home in Oxfordshire, sponsored me. I am now a contestant for my university town, as Miss Birmingham!”
Florence grew up in Sydenham and went to St.Andrew’s school in Chinnor and then on to Thame at Lord Williams’s.
Finally, Florence explained her belief that: “Beauty is on the inside; it is the kindness we have and use that makes us beautiful.”
About Papyrus
PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide in the UK. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK. We believe that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention and we work towards a society which speaks openly about suicide and has the resources to save young lives.
AN investigation into arson and the theft of lorries at the site of David Einig Contracting, in Rycote Lane, Thame, is on-going and so far no arrests have been made.
The fire appears to have begun in a portacabin used as an office and then spread to a two-storey industrial unit. (Full story
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 43190074016.
THE Stroke Association and Rotary Clubs of Thame & District and Haddenham & District are calling on residents in the Thame area to help the two organisations conquer stroke by getting their blood pressure checked.
The number of people diagnosed as having high blood pressure has increased consistently since 2005. In England alone, more than five and a half million people remain undiagnosed and untreated for the condition – making them ticking time bombs for stroke.
Thame, Haddenham, Chinnor, Long Crendon and neighbouring villages residents can have a free blood pressure check on Saturday, April 13, between 10am and 2pm at the Co-Operative Supermarket in Thame.
Amanda Watkin, General Secretary at Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, said: “Know Your Blood Pressure Day, on 13 April 2019, is all about raising awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke and getting people to have theirs checked. Rotary is supporting the Stroke Association with blood pressure events throughout April and the rest of the year. Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, but with events like these, we hope to change this. A blood pressure test is quick and painless, and it could save your life.”
Alexis Kolodziej, Deputy Director of Policy at the Stroke Association, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and yet it’s much more common than most people think. We know that most strokes can and should be prevented and that’s why we’re urging everyone to have theirs checked. A blood pressure check only takes a moment, and is a simple way to reduce your risk of stroke.”
The results of the 2018 Know Your Blood Pressure event in Thame were the following: 65 people had their blood pressure taken, of which 43 needed no further action, five required an urgent follow up with their GP within a week, and 17 required a follow up with their GP within a month.
In addition to the events taking place on Saturday, April 13, there will be blood pressure checks at community events throughout the year. To find your nearest blood pressure event, you can visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp
NEARLY 100 local people in Thame, Moreton and Tetsworth turned out in glorious sunshine to collect litter on Thame Tidy Day, Saturday, March 30. This annual event provides residents of Thame and Moreton with a great opportunity to do their bit to keep neighbourhoods litter-free, and this year they were joined by residents of Tetsworth for the first time.
Rosemary Bryant with one of her little helpers!
Between them, Thame Tidy, Muck-Out Moreton and Tetsworth Takeaway collected enough litter to fill a large skip, brightening up streets and walkways in all three locations.
The event was held as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean, running this year between March 22 – April, 23. Keep Britain Tidy want #LitterHeroes across the country to help improve the environment on their doorstep. To date over 52,000 volunteers across the UK have joined forces – in partnership with community organisations, businesses and the government – to collect and safely dispose of litter from our streets, parks and beaches, recycling as much as possible.
Rosemary Bryant, organiser of Thame Tidy, said: “We are delighted that people in Thame, Moreton and Tetsworth have pulled together to make such a fantastic difference to the appearance of our town and villages. It is also great to see our campaign spreading, this year joined by the village of Tetsworth.”
Rosemary continued: “Thame Tidy 2019 has been a huge success and a big thank you to everyone who took part. We are especially grateful to our sponsors and partners; particular thanks must go to ASM, UniCarriers, Thame Town Council and Thame Lions for their invaluable help. We’re also indebted to Bucks Recycling and South Oxfordshire District Council, as without their support we would not be able to run this event so successfully. I’d also like to thank the Six Bells pub in Thame for providing complimentary refreshments afterwards.”
Tina Fegent, who jointed in with Muck Out Moreton, told Thame.net: “We collected about 20 bags including loads of drink cans, two tyres, two huge plastic tubs, takeaway wrappers, crisp packets and the base of a traffic cone. We as a Community activity enjoy coming together and clearing the rubbish out of Moreton every year and we are surprised every year by what people have thrown away as they are walking or driving or cycling in Moreton. Of course the tea and homemade Moreton cakes and biscuits are the end are a bonus as well. Please keep Moreton clean!”
Helen Johns, organiser of Tetsworth Takeaway, said: “I’m really pleased Tetsworth rose to the challenge on this important day and that so many residents turned out to collect litter from the streets and footpaths in Tetsworth – it was a great result. We too are grateful for the help of Thame Tidy’s sponsors and partners, without whom the event would not be possible, but special thanks must also go to White Lion Residential, who were key to marketing the event in Tetsworth, and to The Swan at Tetsworth Restaurant, who provided complimentary refreshments to village litter-pickers afterwards.”
Sue Martin-Downhill, chairman of 21st Century Thame, under whose auspices this event is held, said: “We couldn’t be more pleased that this brilliant litter-picking campaign is getting more support from people in Thame and villages year by year. Our community is setting a great example by collecting unwanted litter and contributing to the pride many of us feel as responsible residents of our beautiful South Oxfordshire town and neighbouring villages.”
