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  • Thame Amnesty – October Newsletter

    Thame Amnesty – October Newsletter (11/10)

    o Charities’ Fair – Saturday 6th November
    o AIUK Policy Review
     ‘War against terrorism’
     Colombia
     Asylum
    o Next Meeting – Wednesday 27th October
    o Other Dates for your Diary
    Charities’ Fair – Saturday 6th November
    THE Thame Charities’ Fair is on Saturday the 6th of November, from 10am to 2:30pm. We need some volunteers to man the stall during this time, and (ideally) to help with the set-up and clearing -up afterwards. On the stall, we want to sell some home-produced goods (cakes, biscuits, jams etc…), but if you have any ideas of other goods to sell, we would like to hear from you! Please get in touch with Owen Davies on 214466. Similar to the stall on our summer street collection, there will be some Amnesty leaflets and info, and a petition to sign for any interested parties.

    AIUK Policy Review
    We’ve had a copy of the AI policy review from the UK headquarters this month. The policy review covers Amnesty’s stance on a variety of topics, starting with the main campaigns for the year (Stop Violence Against Women & Arms Control), but also including summaries on topics such as the ‘War against Terrorism’, Asylum, Colombia, and the situation in Darfur. The policy review is aimed at summarising the position that AI takes on these issues, and clarifies the requests that AI makes of the UK government in respect of these topics.
    ‘War against terrorism’
    Amnesty condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks such as the Bali and Madrid bombings, but finds itself devoting an increasing amount of time to resisting the backlash against human rights resulting from the pursuit of the ‘War against terrorism’. Terrorist acts are already prohibited by national and international law, and the addition of sweeping national security powers has lead to a destabilisation in the human rights situation in many countries. The new powers being allowed in the name of the ‘War on Terrorism’ commonly include detention without charge, or on the basis of secret evidence, and provisions for prolonged incommunicado detention; well known to facilitate torture.
    For example, in India, the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (2002), gives immunity from prosecution for officials ‘acting in good faith’ against terrorists. In the UK, under Part 4 of the 2001 Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act (ATCSA) 2001 foreign nationals can be detained indefinitely without charge. As of July 2004, there were 13 individuals being held under this act.
    AI is calling on the UK government to ensure that evidence which may have been obtained under torture cannot be used in legal proceedings, and to repeal Part 4 of the ATCSA.
    Colombia
    AI is very concerned about the situation in Colombia, partially due to the impact of legislative changes on human rights in the country as a result of the ‘War against terrorism’. Since the implementation of President Alvaro Uribe’s ‘democratic security’ suite of policies, there has been a systematic undermining of the Colombian citizens’ human rights, but the conflict between the government, the FARC guerrillas and the right-wing paramilitaries continues. The weakening of key institutions such as the Constitutional Court has added to the general climate of impunity in the Country. In December 2003 congress granted police powers to the armed forces, allowing them to detain individuals and raid homes without judicial authorisation.
    In the Policy Review, AI calls on the UK government to cease transfers of military and security items and to urge the Colombian government to amend or draft legislation to end the climate of impunity in Colombia.
    Asylum
    AI’s main concern regarding the UK’s implementation of Asylum policy is that the quality of the initial asylum decision for an individual is not sufficiently high. In 2003 more than 16,000 asylum decisions were overturned on appeal. Resources should be focussed on getting good-quality, defensibly asylum decisions and to ensure that asylum seekers have early access to good-quality legal advice. Section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 allowed the Home Secretary to deny state support to adults who apply for asylum after arriving in the UK, but could not convince the Home Office that they did so ‘as soon as reasonably practical after … arrival in the UK’. AIUK calls on the government to ensure that every asylum seeker has fair and satisfactory access to the asylum procedure, and that there is independent judicial oversight on any decision to detain asylum seekers.
    At the Swan Inn, Upper High Street, Thame.
    We will take part in an action regarding the military commissions set up by the US government for the Guantanamo Bay detainees. There will also be actions focussing on Guatemala and Iraq as part of the Stop Violence Against Women Campaign, and an update on the Arms Control campaign.
    Other Dates for your Diary
    Saturday February 5th: Amnesty’s Regional Conference in Aylesbury (… and Wales v England in the Six Nations)

    We meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except August and December) at 8.00pm in the room above the Swan Inn on the Upper High Street . For more details contact John Evans 01844-291424, john@haddenhamduckpond.org.uk

  • Book Now For Santa Steam Specials

    EVERY weekend in December until Christmas the Chinnor Railway will be running its Santa Steam Specials.
    Trains run on December 4th/5th, 11th/12th, and 18th/19th at 10.00am, 11.15am, 12.45pm, 2.00pm, 3.15pm and 4.30pm *
    ( * 4.30pm train will not run on 4th/5th December ). Santa will be on each train giving out presents to all the Children and seasonal refeshments will be served to all adults at their seats and a full service Cafeteria is available all day.
    To book just phone 01844 354117 between 10.00am and 3.00pm any Saturday or Sunday from 6th November……….or book online at : www.cprra.co.uk now
    or visit the Station in Chinnor, any Sunday.
    Early booking is essential for this very popular Event.
    Chinnor Station is just 4 miles from Junction 6 of the M 40 on the B 4009.
    Further details are at the Railway’s website www.cprra.co.uk……or for Talking timetable or general
    enquiries please ring 01844 353535

  • Discussion On Africa To Follow Saturday’s Film

    ON Saturday, April, 8 Thame Cinema is showing “The Constant Gardener” (15) at the Players Theatre, Nelson Street Thame at 8.00, doors open 7.30. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz, who recently won the 2006 Best Actress Oscar for her heart stopping performance in this moving film, the film is directed by Fernando Meirelles whose outstanding film “City of God” was shown at Thame cinema last year.
    The film will be followed by a discussion of the film, reflecting on the adaptation of John le Carre’s novel, and how succsessfully the film has captured the book’s vision. Many of the cinema’s regular audience know Africa well and are keen to discuss this vision of the relationship between multi national companies, the diplomatic service and African life.

  • Cars Vandalised In Thame

    THE Police are appealing for information after a spate of car vandalism in Thame.

    Overnight on Friday 8th December to Saturday 9th between 6pm and 10.30am, a number of vehicles were damaged.

    In Croft Road a car badge was removed, damaging the car bonnet; in Kings Road a wing mirror was damaged; in Park Street two wing mirrors were damaged; in Lord Williams? Lower School car park a vehicle had its wing mirror damaged; in Seven Acres a vehicle had its wing mirrors damaged.

    Crime Reduction Advisor for Thame Lesley Nesbitt said: ?Some people may see these as minor crimes, but they are a real nuisance for local residents. Over the last few weeks there has been an increase in the number of vehicles affected by criminal damage in the Thame area and we are taking this issue very seriously.?

    Anyone with information that could assist police inquiries is urged to contact PC Elaine Durham at Thame Police Station, via 0845 8 505 505.

    If you don?t want to speak to police and don?t want to leave your name, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    You can also give information to the police in person by visiting any police station. To find out the opening times and location of your local station please call 0845 8 505 505 or visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/bcu/oxfordshire/bcu-info/stations.htm

  • Burglary Victims Continue To Ignore Advice (Ring Master Message)

    THERE have been two burglaries overnight in Thame,
    Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd November. It is believed that entry was gained via the front doors, although there is no sign of forced entry.
    The first burglary was in Fairfax Road, where offenders stole property from the house, as well as a Blue Mercedes E 320, part registration number 600 BO.
    The second burglary was in Astley Road, where property was stolen and a Grey Rangerover Sport Estate, part registration number AZ 127.

    WARNING: Offenders are gaining entry through letterboxes and pulling down the inside door handles. Residents are reminded to lock UPVC doors at night and not to leave keys in the locks.

  • 27/05/13….Thame Neighbourhood Plan – Mixed views from resident

    DEAR Editor, Hallelujah! We have a plan ? now four weeks old, and about to be delivered! Starting with history, I refer to the town clerk?s letter clarifying the process for ?The Count?. It was very reassuring that at least in this process there could be no interference by anyone in the Town Hall, or others.

    C.H. was not the only one who had concerns about this matter. These concerns stem from the total contempt with which the town clerk and all architects of the plan treated the majority of participants that were promised a say in the process but were totally excluded without notification. I will not go into details of all the disgraceful shenanigans that were employed then, as well as in the ?Yes? campaign, as those concerned will know exactly what I?m referring to.

    However, as none of this will give us a better plan, we must put it all behind us and look to the future, support those entrusted with the plan?s delivery, and hope for the best!

    I noted that the ?Yes? campaigners have made a start which, although rather late, should be welcomed by all those sidelined. I refer to the Jeanette Matelot-Green?s statement that the 24% of ?No? voters should now be listened to.

    Also, although this has not yet been confirmed by those entrusted with delivering the plan, the proposal to put 85% of all affordable/social housing on site ?F? and ?The Elms? and the remaining 15% on ?C? & ?D?, seems to me a very welcome one. The common sense of this proposal is really far sighted. Those who would normally occupy such dwellings are also those more often reliant on public transport of which there will be no shortage on those sites, in contrast to sites C & D which will have none at all.

    We hope there will be more ?good? ideas followed by ?good? decisions as ?the plan? is delivered.

    Oliver Dyroff

  • 27/05/13….Thame Neighbourhood Plan – Mixed views from resident

    DEAR Editor, Hallelujah! We have a plan ? now four weeks old, and about to be delivered! Starting with history, I refer to the town clerk?s letter clarifying the process for ?The Count?. It was very reassuring that at least in this process there could be no interference by anyone in the Town Hall, or others.

    C.H. was not the only one who had concerns about this matter. These concerns stem from the total contempt with which the town clerk and all architects of the plan treated the majority of participants that were promised a say in the process but were totally excluded without notification. I will not go into details of all the disgraceful shenanigans that were employed then, as well as in the ?Yes? campaign, as those concerned will know exactly what I?m referring to.

    However, as none of this will give us a better plan, we must put it all behind us and look to the future, support those entrusted with the plan?s delivery, and hope for the best!

    I noted that the ?Yes? campaigners have made a start which, although rather late, should be welcomed by all those sidelined. I refer to the Jeanette Matelot-Green?s statement that the 24% of ?No? voters should now be listened to.

    Also, although this has not yet been confirmed by those entrusted with delivering the plan, the proposal to put 85% of all affordable/social housing on site ?F? and ?The Elms? and the remaining 15% on ?C? & ?D?, seems to me a very welcome one. The common sense of this proposal is really far sighted. Those who would normally occupy such dwellings are also those more often reliant on public transport of which there will be no shortage on those sites, in contrast to sites C & D which will have none at all.

    We hope there will be more ?good? ideas followed by ?good? decisions as ?the plan? is delivered.

    Oliver Dyroff

  • Design chosen for Southern Road recreation face-lift

    FOLLOWING a public consultation exercise, Thame Town Council has selected the winning design for the new playground, in Southern Road, Thame.
    After much debate, during which Cllr Adam Buckland questioned the methodology of the selection process, it was felt that the scheme by ‘Proludic’ came closest to meeting the specification, and offered the best value for money.
    Although the majority of the youngsters consulted in the final stage of the consultation chose picked an alternative scheme submitted by RSS, the majority of councillors agreed that the Proludic scheme offered better value for money.
    Cllr Don Butler commented at the full council meeting on Tuesday (26/02) when the project was discussed, that the scheme did not include a Zip wire asked for by older chiltren consulted.
    Adam Barnes, Project Manager of the scheme, said:”The next stage is to apply for funding and so far we have identified four different grant giving bodies that we can apply to for support. This project will cost around

  • 21/01/03….Thame Neighbourhood Plan – Public Meeting

    THE Thame Neighbourhood Plan is to have a public hearing at Thame Town Hall. A notice will be placed in the local press two weeks before the hearing.

    The date of the hearing has been set for Tuesday, February 19, 2013 from 12pm to 2.30pm.

  • 21/01/13……Mental Health charity needs your unwanted jewellery

    OXFORDSHIRE Mind’s adult mental health project in Oxford is looking for unwanted jewellery for an up-cycling jewellery making course they are running in Cowley.

    If you can contribute, contact the project on 01865 263758.