THAMES Valley Police is releasing CCTV images of three men who may have vital information in connection with multiple burglaries, including two in Thame.
At around 1.30pm on Monday (29/7) offenders have knocked on the door of a property in Southern Road, Thame. to discuss guttering with the home owner. They have subsequently entered the property and conducted a search. It is unclear if anything was stolen.
At around 5pm on Tuesday (30/7) three offenders forced entry into the rear of a property on Wellington Street, Thame. Once inside the property a search has taken place. It is unclear if anything was stolen.
Between 1.45pm and 4.45pm on Monday (29/7) offenders have forced entry via the rear patio doors at a property on Fernhill Close, Tiddington. An amount of cash and personal belongings were stolen.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Chris Gibson based at Abingdon police station, said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises these men to come forward as I believe they may have vital information about these offences.”
You can contact Thames Valley Police with any information about these offences by calling 101 quoting reference number 43190233770.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or on 0800 555 111.
A Bledlow Household Recycling Centre (HRC) Action Group has been set up led by County Councillors Bill Bendyshe-Brown and Carl Etholen with the aim of reopening the HRC as a commercial enterprise which was closed by Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) on March 31, 2019, despite huge opposition from local residents.
Responding to this enormous opposition within their local communities, leaders from 10 local Town and Parish Councils, including Thame, have also joined the Action Group.
The HRC was used by 95,000 members of the public every year from across the region including some 30% of the users coming from Oxfordshire. These users now have to travel to either High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Aston Clinton, Oxford or Watlington resulting in an estimated additional 4,100 tons of CO2 and 3100 kilos of NOx + PMs being emitted into the atmosphere based on a normal small sized car.
The Action Group has set up a Community Interest Company (CIC) and a Just Giving account and are asking members of the public to subscribe to their fund to enable a planning application to be made to BCC to enable the HRC’s reopening. Bill Bendyshe-Brown said: “The petition raised to object to the closure received nearly 4,500 signatures and we are hoping that members of the public will respond in large numbers to support our funding drive. We require a minimum of £10,000 for the planning application but significantly more to restore the site to enable it to be used again.”
Thame’s Mayor, Ann Midwinter, said: “We believe passionately that this is a worthwhile cause and our Council has contributed £500 towards the planning application. Our residents and others around our local area used Bledlow HRC regularly and they feel strongly that they want it to reopen.” The Mayor of Princes Risborough Town Council, Matt Walsh, also added his support: “With nearly 2,500 homes to be built in Princes Risborough over the coming years, let alone the big developments in Chinnor, Longwick and over 1,000 homes to be built on Haddenham airfield, reopening the Bledlow HRC is essential to meet this increased local demand. We fully support this funding drive and initiative.”
The Just Giving Page by the Action Group is now open for donations. It was officially launched on Thursday, July 25, outside the closed gates of the Bledlow HRC.
BUT first, Congratulations after the Thame Town Cricket Club’s Women’s Softball Festival proves to be a great success!
THE Women’s Softball Festival finally took place at Thame Cricket Club on Sunday, July 28. This was a huge success, after the disappointment of having to cancel the original date nine days previously. Six teams took part, which was a very good turnout at short notice. There was an entourage of supporters for all teams from family and friends, which added to the fun.
The games were played in competitive spirit and with good humour. “We had positive feedback from all teams, many commenting on the great atmosphere and how much fun they had,” reported a spokesperson for the Thame contingent. Women and girls of all ages played and whether experienced or not, the teams played with carefree enthusiasm!
Thanks were extended to all who helped to make this day a great success, from setting up pitches, umpiring and scoring, running the BBQ and the music. The play-off was between Thame and the Kites netball team – with Thame proving the winners overall!
A special ‘thanks’ went to The Bay of Bengal Restaurant and Holland Green Architects for their donations, which enabled TTCC to provide prizes for various awards for the winning team – best catch, highest score and best bowler!
And now for the Men !
THAME Town Cricket Club’s First team went top of Home Counties Premier Two over the weekend (July 27-28), with a penultimate ball victory over Wokingham.
After winning the toss and choosing to field, Thame’s bowling attack produced an extremely disciplined display to control the flow of runs. Aided by some excellent catching, Wokingham were restricted to 176-7 – Hassam Mushtaq and Andy Russell taking two wickets each.
Mike Beard
The Thame response got off to the perfect start, with openers Mike Beard (67, pictured above) and Ollie Burland (45) putting on 99 for the first wicket. A brisk 29 from Callum Russell moved Thame closer to the target, but the fall of three quick wickets saw Chris Jeffcock needing three from the final six balls. After two dot balls, a fine strike over mid off brought the scores level, and Jeffcock sealed the victory with a tickle off the pads with a ball to spare.
Rain elsewhere in the league saw Thame climb to top of the league. The Firsts go to Oxford Downs next week.
Seconds gain points in rain affected draw
THAME’S second XI hosted Great Brickhill Seconds, and after a late start and winning the toss in this rain affected match, the Seconds decided to field first and knew what to chase to secure the most points. Thame fielded very well and stuck to their plan of restricting Great Brickhill’s runs, bowling them out for 146 in their allotted 42 overs. Liam Evans (pictured below) with 5-34 off 12 overs led the way, ably backed up by Gareth Bridges with 3-47 and Dan Patey (2-41).
Liam Evans
Thame were 38-2 before the rain struck again, reducing the chase to a maximum of 23 overs but the Seconds resumed to score 94-6, well ahead of their target of 82, to secure the seven ‘winning draw’ bonus points in addition to their seven bowling points.
The Seconds host Stokenchurch next week.
Superb Thirds bowling keeps them top!
THE Thame Thirds hosted Stokenchurch at home. Having won the toss, Thame inserted Stokenchurch Seconds into bat on a slightly damp, green wicket. With an excellent opening spell from Luke Hayes (3-4, pictured below recently receiving his Award for U15s batting) and Robbie Jackson (2-16), supported once again by tight fielding, Stokenchurch struggled to get any momentum.
Luke Hayes receiving his award
The first bowling change, Fahad Majeed, continued the pressure with a spell of seven overs for only eight runs, being unlucky not to take a wicket. Ian McStay (3-20) and Rob Johnson (2-12), finished the job off, as Stokenchurch were skittled out for 86.
After an excellent Jinman tea, for the second innings, the wicket had dried out somewhat. However, with clouds and rain still threatening, Thame were keen to finish the job off. Despite the loss of two wickets, Thame eased home for an eight wicket win inside 21 overs with Nick Fuller (15*) and Guy Holmes (38*) beating the rain and securing 25 points.
Thame Thirds next play second from bottom, Long Marston, away.
Frustrating draw for the Fourths
THAME Fourths took to the road in week 12 to take on Kingston Bagpuize Seconds. Having lost the toss Thame were put into bat. Here they made a strong start with Mark Fellowes and Tim Dabbs putting on an impressive 100 run opening partnership. Dabbs falling on 30 was replaced by Charlie Anderson (48) to continue to support Fellowes who posted 84. Thame eventually finished on an impressive 205-3 off their 45 overs.
Kingston Bagpuize, in reply, set to bat out the draw from ball one in a rain affected innings. Incredible efforts and figures from Thame’s bowlers ripped into the hosts including a superb five-for-five from Trevor Spindler off his 11 overs. Three more wickets from Pete Tervet, Neil Smith and Rob Kenny heaped on the pressure but Bagpuise held on to get a draw on just 39-8 off 33 overs. Another winning draw for the Fourths bagging 18 points.
A revised road closure notice (back in April it was stated dates would be July 23-26, 2019, for Croft Road, Thame. The revised dates are now August 30 – September 1, 2019.
SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE’S Soha Housing, which has 6,700 homes across Oxfordshire and surrounding area including Thame, is one of the top housing associations in the country for growth.
Photos for Soha (South Oxford Housing Association) at their HQ in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Date: 27.03.2013. Photos by Anna Lythgoe 07801819711
Working with developers, local authority partners, and residents, Soha built 229 new homes in 2018/19 – the majority for affordable rent and a quarter of these for shared ownership (part rent, part buy).
Inside Housing, the housing sector’s trade magazine, recently published its annual league tables on new building for the affordable housing market across the UK. Achieving a 3.4% growth puts Soha in the top three housing associations for the number of homes developed relative to stock size.
Soha’s vision is to provide homes across the range of housing needs in places where people want to live and work. Steve Lynch, Director of Property and Development, said: “We’re forecasting around 260 new homes across both rented and shared ownership by the end of this financial year. This exceeds our annual target of 250”.
Soha aims to minimise the environmental impact of the new homes it builds through energy-efficient construction. It also invests in resident engagement and community activities to help residents settle in quickly.
FACT BOX:
Soha Housing, founded in July 1997, is a provider regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. The majority of our homes are for social rent, with nearly 14% shared ownership or leasehold properties. Our stock is located across South Oxfordshire and neighbouring districts.
Soha is a community-based mutual housing association, meaning its residents can apply to become shareholding members and influence the priorities and direction of the company.
JOHN Hampden Primary School, Thame, was celebrating as the school closed for the summer holidays, on two counts.
First good news was that the school has been rated ‘Good’ in it’s recent Ofsted Inspection, and to top it all, the school’s PTFA has smashed its £20,000 fundraising target for this year. Congratulations all round!!
Join Thames Valley Police for their Open Day
THE annual Thames Valley Police (TVP) Open Day is on Saturday, August 10, at the force’s training centre in Sulhamstead, between 10am and 4pm.
TVP’s Roads Policing Unit, Forensic Investigations Unit, Contact Management team and Specialist Operations team are just a handful of over 50 exhibitors who will be attending to showcase their work.
Highlights include: •Displays from our dogs section, our local search and rescue dogs and our public order team who have a new twist in store this year. •The force helicopter will be dropping by with an opportunity for you to meet the pilots and grab a photo. •11 exciting talks throughout the day; find out what family liaison is, what it’s like to answer the 999 and 101 calls, and learn about the history of Thames Valley Police. •A fancy dress competition, dress in your best police themed costume to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize. •Get involved in our scavenger hunt which will see you take a trip round our stalls to follow the clues and bring out your inner detective. •Visit the museum and museum shop which will be celebrating its return to Sulhamstead.
As at previous events, TVP will also be raising funds for two worthy charities. This year the public’s donations will go towards supporting PACT and Pilgrim Bandits.
Key Information: •Car parking is available on a first come, first served basis. •Assistance dogs are permitted to the event, other visitors with dogs will be turned away and dogs must not be left in vehicles. •Bag searches will be taking place upon entry to the event. •Entrance to the site is free. •Last entry will be at 3.30pm for a 4pm close. •Seating on site is limited, so please feel free to bring picnic blankets with you. •Venue address: Thames Valley Police Training Centre, Sulhamstead, near Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4DX.
Look out for further information in the lead up to the event on TVP’s Facebook and Twitter channels.
COUNCILLORS in South Oxfordshire have agreed to take a more time to consider options for the district’s Local Plan following a vote at a Council meeting last week.
Councillors say they want to find ‘effective and suitable ways’ to ensure the plan takes into consideration feedback from local residents, who have raised concerns about the emerging plan’s approach to providing land for housing in the district.
South Oxfordshire District Council submitted its new Local Plan to the government in March ready for it to be examined, but following the local elections in May, the council’s new administration is keen to ensure the district has a plan that addresses local concerns.
SODC has also formally declared a Climate Emergency and so at the meeting in Crowmarsh on July 18, councillors also expressed their wish to use the Local Plan process to help address the issue.
Cllr Sue Cooper, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We’re all very keen to make sure that we have a Local Plan that protects the best interests of South Oxfordshire and our residents. It’s sensible to take time to make sure we investigate fully of the implications desired changes might have, particularly if they have an impact on quality of life in the district.”
Following the councillors’ vote, council officers will be working with partners and the government to discuss issues related to the Local Plan including implementing Oxfordshire County Council’s successful Housing Infrastructure Funding bid.
Councillors approved a recommendation from the council’s Cabinet and agreed to:
(1) express its determination to maintain its housing land supply and avoid speculative development;
(2) express its continued support for the Housing and Infrastructure Fund (HIF) funding and infrastructure projects that could be delivered by it;
(3) ask officers to explore with Oxfordshire County Council, Homes England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government options for protecting the HIF funding whilst enabling the council to address concerns about the current emerging Local Plan 2034 including (but not limited to) climate change issues, Oxford City’s unmet housing need, and to report back to Cabinet and Council;
(4) recognising that the Climate Change Emergency is all too real and is recognised to be of key and statutory importance under the Climate Change Act 2008 and the associated objective of “zero carbon by 2050”, express its wish to do all that it can to respond through the Local Plan process;
(5) agree that as soon as practicable, alongside satisfactory progress being made on resolving issues in the emerging Local Plan, work on a subsequent Local Plan shall commence, strengthening climate change considerations.
EXTREME HOT WEATHER WARNING – AS it is looking very likely that the temperature could reach 39°C somewhere in southern and eastern England today – the hottest temperature ever recorded in the UK is 38.5°C – the public is being advised to take precautions.
Tips to survive the heat:
* Drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Take a bottle with you always. * Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, older people or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes. * Keep cool. Seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics. * Plan ahead. Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, * wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you. * Check in on others. Look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets * Be aware of the dangers of playing near or swimming in rivers, lakes and reservoirs
The police locally have particularly warned of the dangers of jumping into the old quarry lakes at Chinnor, which are surrounded by crumbling cliffs and the very cold water is shallow in places, concealing hidden objects. Traces of chemicals in the water from the previous operations at the quarry, have caused skin irriatations in some people. Apart from anything else, the site is now privately owned and anyone caught there could be charged with trespass.
Two in court for causing suffering to a fox
ISSUES surrounding identification and a planned independent expert report which would dispute ‘whether the necessary suffering would have been caused in the circumstances described’ were raised in court where two Kimblewick huntsmen faced charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Ian James Kirby Parkinson, 64, of Lower Road, Haddenham, and Mark Anthony Vincent, 53, of Kimblewick, near Aylesbury, President of the Kimblewick Hunt, face a trial on October 30.
The charges relate to an incident near Moreton Field Farm, in Moreton, near Thame, on January 1, 2019. Members of the Hunt Saboteurs Association had released footage claiming to show an incident on the same date where a fox was forced out of an artificial earth using drain rods and then thrown towards hunt hounds.
Both defendants were given bail.
Road Closed following two incidents now re-opened
THE Aylesbury Road, the A418 at Scotsgrove, was closed for a while yesterday, following a road collision and a broken-down combine harvester. The 280/X8 bus route was affected by the temporary closure.
Sponsors needed for Thame’s Christmas Lights Switch-On
THAME Town Council is looking for local businesses to sponsor this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On, planned this year for Friday, December 6. Lucy Electric have already agreed to sponsor the lights themselves.
MEMBERS of Thame Town Council’s Planning and Environment Committee have turned down a proposal for a mobile Steam Car Wash service based in the Upper High Street park.
Councillors felt that the space the operation would take up in a busy car park, the dirt and pollution it would cause, meant that the business was inappropriate for the intended location. It was suggessted that the Cattle Market car park might be a better location for the operation.
Ali produces again as Firsts brush aside Cookham – FAISAL ALI put in another majestic display on Saturday, taking 5-24 as Cookham Dean were bundled out for just 66 – a total that might have been smaller had the usually dependable Hassam Mushtaq put his hands on the right way round. Ali was supported by new ball partner Jo Van Dyk (3-31) and Dev Warner (2-8), who both bowled with excellent aggression on a bouncy surface.
Thame got off to their usual wobbly start in reply, but an innings of immense maturity and control by Tom Bamford (26*) saw Thame home for the loss of 5 wickets. Thame remain third, one point off the promotion spots, and travel to Wokingham next weekend.
Winning draw for Seconds at Banbury
THAME won the toss and elected to bat on a hot, but breezy day. Banbury’s opening bowlers bowled tightly but, Thame were well placed with wickets in hand to accelerate the scoring for the second half of their innings, ending up on 213-8 off their 53 overs. Everyone chipped in with the bat; Christian Warwick (42), Matt Furness (36), Richard Carr (30) and James Adams (29).
In reply, Banbury never really got going, being restricted by tight bowling from the three spinners, Mike Higgs (3-43, pictured below), Adam Phippen (13 overs for just 27) and Ali Thomas (3-50). Thame’s out fielding was outstanding with Oli Sutcliffe throwing himself over the whole of the outfield and Dave Saunders taking two low catches. The match was played in a good spirit, with Banbury holding out for a losing draw on 159-8. The Seconds host Great Brickhill Seconds next week.
Thirds strengthen position at the top
THAME Thirds Visited Brackley Seconds hoping to continue their winning ways on a day that threatened thunderstorms, and the potential use of Duckworth Lewis. Having won the toss Thame elected to field first on a wet, spongy track. Nick Humphries (3-19) and MOTM Ollie Chaplin (4-32) both bowled with considerable control and discipline and, with the support of some excellent fielding, Brackley found it really hard to score runs. At one stage they were 26-1 off 12 overs. With pressure building, bowling changes of Robbie Jackson (2-23), Pete Tervet (1-23) and 7 catches there was little respite for the home team, who eventually were bowled out for 102 in the 45th over.
In reply, Thame lost their causal make shift opener, Paddy Harris, early leaving Thame on 1-1. Andy Jinman (52) and Gareth Bridges (32) steadily rebuilt the innings taking the total to 84-1 before losing Gareth. This set up a comprehensive seven wicket win as Thame took all 25 points to remain top. Thame next play Stokenchurch Seconds at home.
Fourths draw one wicket short of victory
THAME hosted Cropredy on Saturday on a blustery day. Having successfully won the toss, Cropredy put Thame into bat. Thame made a steady start before a mix up saw Nick Fuller (16) run out. A crucial partnership followed shortly after, between top scorer Fahad Majeed (44) and Rob Kenny (27), which saw Thame reach a competitive total of 150 -8 off their 45 overs.
In reply, Cropredy opening partnership also made a steady start to their innings before Thame introduced Fuller into the attack. Making an immediate impact, Fuller posted impressions be figures of 7-31 runs off his 15 overs. Such figures took Thame within one wicket of victory with five overs remaining in the game. After a concerted effort, the wicket just would not come as the opposition batters dug in for the draw – Thame bagging 17 vital points in the process. Next week Thame Fourths travel to Kingston Bagpuize.
RAF Women’s team fly in for a cracker!
IN a welcome last-minute fixture after a cancellation, Thame began to wonder if they had overstretched themselves after losing the toss, batting first, and with an early tea beckoning at about 15 overs! The RAF women set an attacking field, severely limiting Thame’s run rate, at the same time as claiming 8 wickets. However, Sarah Sanderson and Emily Neighbour shared a brilliant 94 unbeaten partnership – Sanderson scoring a magnificent 56, including eight 4s, while Neighbour made 26. After the 30 overs, Thame had made a strong recovery at 166-8.
Following another delicious tea (hot fajitas) courtesy of Lina and her mum (thanks Mrs Manning!), Thame took to the field, demonstrating a strong bowling attack. Neighbour (1-18) set the tone with a wicket in the second over, and Mel White (1-23) followed with a caught and bowled with her first ball! Top bowlers were Sally Brentnall (2-26), including a double wicket maiden over, and Antonia Barnes with a stunning 3-15. Barnes’ victims included the RAF’s opener on 92!
With the RAF wickets falling rapidly, Thame were in with a chance and the excitement began to mount! With 3 overs still to go, a couple of 4s from the RAF left them equal on 166 and Thame’s fielders crowded the wicket. A dramatic melee then ended the game, with keeper Vicky Shaw scrambling in the dust, and RAF batter and fielder Mags Lightbody colliding to the ground at the wickets as Thame desperately tried to stop the run!
After a moment’s confusion for everyone, and once the bodies had been cleared, the umpires declared the run had been made and the game was over! The RAF had won with 167-7 off 28.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable and competitive match, and the two teams hope to do battle again in the future!
BETWEEN 5pm – 10pm on Saturday, July 20, tools were stolen from a black Ford Transit on Lincoln Road, Thame. If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in thid area or have any information relating to this incident, call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.
Alternatively, if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, you 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.
Celebrate 75 years of Theatre in Thame
A REMINDER that Thame Players are celebrating 75 Years of entertaining audiences with their new review show, Landmarks, which they will be performing on Friday, July 26, and Sunday, July 28, at the Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame.
Thame Players can trace their origins back to 1944, when they put on one of Thame’s fundraising events, held a few weeks after D-Day, to welcome returning soldiers home. Since then, this well-loved amateur group has gone from strength to strength, from performing only once or twice a year to audiences of just a few hundred, to today’s thriving theatre which has some 8000 people coming through the doors to see Thame Players’ own productions or visiting live shows and cinema screenings. See website for more information and to book tickets: https://www.thameplayers.co.uk/Events/75-Years-Of-Thame-Players—Landmarks
Living with Alzheimer’s disease, with humour, love and hope
AS part of this year’s TAL Festival in Thame, meet Steph Booth, the wife of actor, Tony Booth, the father of Cherie Blair, and hear her remarkably moving and personal story of coping with a partner suffering from Alzheimers.
Join Steph on Sunday, October 20, at 11am, in the Players Theatre, as she recounts their experience, adding humour, love and hope to her practical advice for partners and children. She helps us see that for all its difficulties, there is still a life to live and a person to care for.
Get yourself a Functional Fitness MOT!
TO be held at Thame Town Hall, on Friday October 4, 2019, between 1pm and 4pm, the Functional Fitness MOT is a programme developed by the partnership between the Glasgow Caledonian University, the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Later Life Training.
A Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Fitness Instructor or Postural Stability Instructor will take the participants through seven tests that will give them an indication of their exercise performance. Each test comes with a set of ‘normal values’ for people of different ages (From 60yrs to 90yrs) and this will give participants an idea of whether they are doing well compared to their peers, or whether they could benefit from being more active.
Participants are recommended to book an appointment – they can just turn up but may risk being turned away. Appointments can be made from September 23, 2019, with Karen Copping on: 07842 684760. There will be a list available of local activity opportunities the participants may like to join in with, and some online websites that will give them some more information. Also on hand will be representatives from the following organisations to give information and advice, mainly on physical activity opportunities available in the Thame area; AGE UK Oxford including the Community Information Network and Generation Games and Thame Leisure Centre including GO ACTIVE.
