TWO very different choral works will be performed by Lord Williams’s Festival Chorus on Saturday, December 7 – one by a relatively unknown composer and the other by one of the most popular and performed composers in the world today.
Led by Musical Director Jeff Stewart, the chorus will sing a work by Austrian composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel. Hummel is largely unknown despite writing works of genius including his Mass in E flat. Born in 1778, he was a child prodigy, studying under Mozart, Salieri and Haydn, and was rated as one of the top pianists of his time. Contemporaries held him to be Beethoven’s equal in both keyboard improvisation and composing. He was highly respected and admired but after his death his music was quickly forgotten, and he was generally overshadowed by both Beethoven and Mozart. His music is now becoming re-established in the classical repertoire thanks to an increase in the number of live concerts across the world.
The choir will also perform Karl Jenkins’ Gloria, a vibrant piece that sets the Latin text ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’ interspersed with short readings of sacred texts from different religions and incorporates a setting of Psalm 150 sung in Hebrew. The piece has all of Jenkins’ hallmark style with quirky rhythms, contrasting big sounds alongside quieter, contemplative pieces, and hypnotic ethnic percussion.
The concert is at Thame Leisure Centre and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £13 adult, £10 concessions, £1 under 18s and available from choir members, on the door and online at Eventbrite via: www.lordwilliamsfestivalchorus.org.uk
THAMES Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council have joined forces to combat county drug lines. Filmed for Channel 4’s Dispatches programme, ‘Britain’s Child Drug Runners’ shows police officers and social services working together in tackling the exploitation of vulnerable children to transport drugs in Oxford, Banbury and the surrounding areas.
The documentary aired last night (Wednesday, November 13) and can be watched on demand – LINK HERE
Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Prescott-Mayling said: “County drug lines have a horrifying impact on children, their families and the community around them. We are pleased to be able to bring this to light through our involvement in this documentary.
“This is not an issue that is seen in Oxfordshire alone. County drugs lines affects towns and cities across the Thames Valley area and the UK. By working closely with social services and local organisations, we are determined to ensure that these crimes are stopped and vulnerable children are protected.”
Following the airing of the documentary, Thames Valley Police will be hosting an online Q&A Engage session on the documentary and county drug lines on Thursday, November 21, between 6 and 8pm. This will provide an opportunity to ask any questions raised by the documentary, which can be answered by Thames Valley Police officers. Please check the Thames Valley Police social media channels in the coming week for further details of how you can get involved. The Engage site is available here: www.tvpengage.co.uk
CHINNOR RFC made it three games unbeaten when they saw off Sale 38-31 in an entertaining clash at Kingsey Road on Saturday (16/11).
The Thame-based side produced some scintillating rugby to score six tries and lead 38-7 at half-time. But Sale came roaring back to close to within a converted score with nine minutes to go, before Chinnor dug in to record a bonus-point victory.
The home side raced into a 19-0 lead after 20 minutes, thanks to a penalty try and two scores from Nick Selway at driving lineouts, Laurence May converting once. Dan Birchall drove over, James Williams converting, as Sale replied, but Chinnor continued to dominate and scored three more tries in the space of ten minutes.
Jake Ashby, Chris Elder and Josh Hodson touched down, May converting twice, as they led by 31 points at the break.
Sale were always going to come out firing in the second half and reduced the deficit to 14 after 58 minutes, thanks to scores from Williams, who converted his own try, Jake Barron and Edward Leatherbarrow. The visitors then found themselves within a converted try with nine minutes to go after Jarad Williams dived over, James Williams converting.
But Chinnor defended brilliantly late on to win a pulsating encounter.
Photo: Nick Selway, scoring his second try, is congratulated by Carl Kirwan. (Image credit David Howlett)
CHINNOR RFC are back in Thame on Saturday, bidding to make it three games unbeaten in National League 1.
The Oxfordshire side have come through relatively similar tests against Canterbury and Rosslyn Park in the last fortnight, while the recent wet weather has led to ideal conditions for the forwards.
Callum Watson, who’s back in contention after recovering from a groin injury (image – London Scottish v Chinnor)
Chinnor sit fifth in the table and director of rugby, Matt Williams is backing his side to continue their recent run of results and stay in touch with the frontrunners. He said: “Sale will bring a big set-piece. They’ve got a very good scrum and line-out – heavy boys – not too dissimilar in structure to ourselves. It will be another very physical battle, with 16 big guys going at each other and, depending on the weather, it could be another front forward battle.
“But I think we’re well prepared. Confidence in the camp is high. And as I said last week, it’s all about building momentum for us now; we’re back at Kingsey Road and it’s important we get the win.”
Chinnor are boosted by the return of scrum-half, Callum Watson, who has been sidelined for ten weeks with a groin problem, while lock, Ben Thomas, is suspended. Ehize Ehizode and Cameron Gray are set to continue in the second row and Williams was full of praise for the duo. He said: “They were great last week, I was really pleased with them. Ehize has been out for a long time; he missed all of pre-season, and he started to fight his way back to fitness through September. I think each week that he is playing now is another big step in the right direction for him.
“Cam Gray had to wait quite a while through September for his time and he’s taken his chance. I thought it was a very well-balanced second row pairing against Rosslyn and I’m excited to see them go and do it again.”
SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council has announced that it will be providing £88,280 to Thames Sports Club to help completely rebuild their much-used clubhouse into a modern and efficient facility for the members of the bowls club and tennis club to enjoy.
Architect’s drawing of the new Thame Sports Club’s new club house
The money comes from community contributions made by housing developers relating to new homes they’ve built nearby. This contribution is on top of an up to £250,000 community grant the council has already allocated towards the project. The plan is to demolish the old clubhouse, built in the 1920s, and build a new community building, that will have modern changing facilities, clubroom, kitchen and bar.
The whole building project will cost around £500,000 and with the rest of the funds already raised coming from other grants schemes, such as Sports England and the clubs’ own magnificent fundraising, the plans can go ahead.
Robin Bennett, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “It is absolutely vital that housing developers contribute to the infrastructure serving the communities near their developments. We are delighted that Thame Sports Club has been awarded this cash to go towards their fantastic new clubhouse, which will be enjoyed by existing and new residents alike.”
Peter Bozier from Thame Sports Club said: “We are thrilled and grateful to receive this money towards our much-needed clubhouse. The new building will provide improved and more modern facilities for both of our playing clubs and also the community groups who regularly use our clubhouse.”
Planning permissions have already been approved and Thame Sports Club and the old club house has already been demolished ready for buidling work to begin on the new club house.
FOLLOWING its decision not to support declaring a Climate Emergency back in June this year, as promised Thame Town Council has now adopted an Environmental Policy which, it has stated, ‘applies to all aspects of the work of Thame Town Council’.
Image courtesy of Patrick Internet
The policy goes on to state: “Thame Town Council will use its available powers and resources to protect and enhance the well-being of local people and all that comprises the natural and built world (our environment). Accordingly we will at all times seek maximum sustainability in all our dealings affecting the environment.”
On ‘Decision-making’ the policy states that the council will: “Ensure all Thame Town Council decisions take into account environmental impact and wellbeing.”
The council’s Policy and Resources committee, at its meeting on Tuesday (12/11), voted unanimously for the policy’s adoption, with minor amendments of clarification, but agreed not to include a suggested amendment to the policy to include a review of the council’s Investment strategy ‘to consider moving to investments that support ‘green technologies’ that are likely to be needed to mitigate against climate change…and to act upon that advise’.
However, it was agreed that the council will look separately at its current Investment strategy at a later date.
Cllr Sonja Francis, who originally put forward the lost motion to the council to declare a Climate Emergency, said: “Although I was very disappointed that the town council did not see fit to declare a Climate Emergency back in June, I am delighted that the town council has now produced this far reaching policy and look forward to its swift implementation. I should like to pay tribute to Cllr Helena Fickling who put in much of the work to produce an Environmental Policy that the whole committee could get behind. We all have the interests of the town at heart, and through working together, we have produced a policy that I hope, along with the Green Living Plan, show the town that the council is serious about tackling the challenges of climate change.
“I accept that asking for ‘a policy about a policy’ to include my amendment about ‘greener investments’ would be more appropriately dealt with separately, and I look forward to a robust discussion with fellow councillors and seeking professional advise on the benefits or otherwise for Thame council tax payers.”
The complete Environmental Policy reads:
1.Background/ Principles
1.1. This environmental policy applies to all aspects of the work of Thame Town Council.
1.2 .Thame Town Council will use its available powers and resources to protect and enhance the well-being of local people and all that comprises the natural and built world (our environment). Accordingly we will at all times seek maximum sustainability in all our dealings affecting the environment.
1.3. Environmental wellbeing will be considered with all other factors such as social wellbeing, public safety, prevention of crime and disorder, equality provision etc. in all that the Town Council does.
2. Commitments
Thame Town Council commits to:
2.1. Green Living Plan–Adopt a Green Living Plan for Thame (GLP)and implement it in a time frame appropriate to the challenges faced, including the review and continued development of the GLP on an ongoing basis, as required by the existing Thame Neighbourhood Plan
2.2. Decision-making –Ensure all Thame Town Council decisions take into account environmental impact and wellbeing.
2.3. Procurement–Ensure that all procurement decisions contain weightings for sustainability, consider embodied energy, eventual disposal by recycling and avoid (or, where impracticable, seek to reduce) use of any unsustainable materials.
2.4. Development / Planning–Take such action as is within our power and resources to support and encourage sustainability in all forms of development and in our planning recommendations, where appropriate seek environmental assurances beyond the requirements of relevant legislation. Town Council will expect TNP2 to have higher building standards than the existing.
2.5. Council estate and facilities–Manage our land and activities using environmentally-friendly practices that promote biodiversity and enhance habitats, in line with already documented policies and procedures.
2.6. Energy generally –Minimise energy use in all activities and buildings. Maximise the use of renewable energy and minimise waste, pollution and use of fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources. Equally sub-contractors must comply.
2.7. Climate Change, Pollution and carbon neutrality: Work with other relevant Thame based organisations, and particularly Thame Green Living and the GLP to encourage ‘Carbon Neutrality’ and reduce pollution in the air, water, the ground and from other sources within the Thame/ Moreton area by no later than such date as may be determined by the government or otherwise be practicable locally.
2.8. Biodiversity Gain is the aim!
2.9. Awareness and information–Work in conjunction with relevant partners to inform, encourage and promote environmental information across the Council and community. To train Officers and contractors to respond appropriately to feedback and utilise the process as an aid to progress and an evolving consensus.
2.10. Monitoring and reviewing–Establish and implement suitable practices and checks to monitor compliance with these objectives/ commitments and improve our environmental performance.
2.11. Resources–Make available reasonable budget and staffing resources to facilitate local environmental initiatives and support relevant volunteer community groups and local organisations furthering those initiatives.
2.12. Other authorities–Promote Thame’s environmental awareness and initiatives with the district and county councils, nearby parish councils and other official and unofficial bodies. Share best practice with (and learn from) other Town and Parish Councils and relevant national bodies. Plus follow any specific guidance issued by Central Government for Town and Parish Councils, following Central Government’s declaration of a Climate Emergency.
DUE to the short timescales involved, South Oxfordshire District Council have stated that they are not able to guarantee when people will receive a postal voting pack, or that it will reach them in time when you post it back. So, if you are going to be away after 6 December you may wish to apply for a proxy vote instead to ensure your vote can be counted.
To find out how to apply for a proxy vote visit: southoxon.gov.uk/votebyproxy The deadline for proxy vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday 4 December.
DEPITE a few last minute cancellations, extra tables had to be found on the night, when ten teams took part in a Quiz Night, hosted by Thame’s Twinning Association on Friday (08/11/19), with the Saturday Strollers once again proving that they are the team to beat!
The Thame Twinning quiz winners, The Saturday Strollers
The annual quiz night is one of the biggest fund-raisers for Thame Twinning, this year’s raising a total of £261. Some members will be travelling over to Thame’s twin town of Montesson, in France, to sell homemade cakes and other Englist produce at Montesson’s Christmas market over the weekend of December 6, to further boost the coffers.
Thame Twinning Committee Member, Sue Mottram, said: “Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable evening answering the remarkably varied questions posed by our Quiz maestro, Sue Boyle. Thank you to those twinning members who came along either individually or with a team – this is a great start to our fundraising for the May visit next year.” (Visit of Thame’s twinning counterparts from Montesson, to Thame).
The three Champagne Treasure Hunt winners
Sue continued: “As promised we donated £70 to the British Stroke Association as a way of saying thank you to Sue for providing yet another amazing quiz. We should also say thank you to Carl for donating the champagne for the Champagne Treasure Trail, which nearly sold out and contributed £94 to our profit.”
AS Thame gathered for a Service of Remembrance, friends of Thame from the town’s twin town of Sinaia, in Romania, sent a heart-felt message to the people of Thame.
The Mayor of Thame Ann Midwinter with two ‘Tommies’ during the Service of Remembrance in Thame on Sunday (10/11/19) -Parade video HERE and HERE
** More images from Sunday’s Service of Remembrance in Thame, HERE
The message from Sinaia reads:
“MEMBERS of the Socio-Cultural Association, ‘Prahova Excelsior’ and of the Literary Club ‘Lucian Blaga’ have always felt connected to Thame’s cultural realities and are impressed by the way the English people commemorate Remembrance Day.
“We would like to join you to honour those who lost their lives in World War One. At the same time we are impressed how a flower – the poppy – came to symbolise the sacrifice of those who died for their country.
The Heroes’ Cross at Caraiman, Romania
“Recently a delegation of ASPE members participated in the TAL Festival and gave a presentation on the most beloved Queen of Romanians, Queen Marie. This is why we thought it would be important to point out our Queen’s image as ‘The Soldier Queen’ during World War One, the Queen who visited the front line, who went on to the battlefield, who talked to the wounded officers in the grounds of hospitals and who offered gifts to soldiers; the Queen who loved Romania so much, so deeply and who had a significant role in the construction of a war Monument, The Commemorative Cross For The Romanian Heroes of the First World War, also known as the Heroes’ Cross, erected on Mount Caraiman, in the Bucegi Mountains. The monument was built between 1924-1928 at an altitude of 2,291 metres and with a height of 40 metres. It was built to honour the memory of 30,000 Romanian soldiers who died during the battles along Prahova Valley.
“In 2013, the monument was chosen by Guinness World Records as the highest cross in the world. The legend has it that Queen Marie had a dream in which she saw the Bucegi Mountains ‘being drenched with the blood of heroes’ and she decided to have the monument built so that our heroes will always be remembered. The Cross has been standing for almost 100 years, looking straight down on to Prahova Valley where a wide panorama of cliffs or tall majestic trees unfolds before our eyes.
“We feel that nature echoes our feeling, that the Cross is a promise, a promise to pay our respects to our heroes.
“In 1919, The Cult of Heroes Society was established under the name of ‘Fallen Heroes’ in the War, and in 1927 was renamed as ‘The Cult of Heroes’. Queen Marie wanted to keep alive strong memories of all Romanian Heroes who died in World War One.
“On this commemorative day, 11.11. 2019, the ASPE board of Directors and Lucian Blaga Literary Club from Sinaia, twinned town with Thame, would like to bring a pious thought for the English and the Romanian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their countries.
From Claudiu Istrate translated into English by Felicia Mirza – coordinator of cultural relationship ASPE-ATS
OVER the next few weeks, all households in Thame will receive a questionnaire asking whether anybody within that household has a housing need and it will contain specific questions relating to those needs.
Thame Town Cllr Bob Austin – Image courtesy of Thame Town Council
The Thame Town Councillor leading the Thame Community Land Trust project to help the council meet some of the unmet housing needs of local residents, Cllr Bob Austin, has emphasized why everyone affected must fill in the survey.
Cllr Austin said: “If you have a housing need it is very important that you let us know. As we are all aware, the cost of housing both for sale and rent in Thame is very high. This can make it very difficult for many households to afford local housing costs or meet their specific needs. In particular, many households will not be eligible for social housing but cannot afford market prices either to rent or buy.This can put barriers in the way of keeping families together and consequently cause the loss of vital inter-generational support.
“THAME Community Land Trust (Thame CLT) has been set up to help meet the housing needs of local residents. The aim is to provide some genuinely affordable housing for people with a strong local connection to the town. It has the support of Thame Town Council.
“Please fill in the questionnaire if you have a need. It will provide us with vital information to direct our efforts in the right areas as well as give Thame CLT a powerful platform to argue its case with local and national bodies.”
