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  • A Better Vision for Oxfordshire?

    CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) Oxfordshire has published what it is calling, ‘an alternative approach to planning the future of Oxfordshire’, an approach it believes is vital to protect our county’s rural character.

    Summer 2019 is expected to see two major consultations on plans for huge growth across Oxfordshire. These will be on a Government ‘Vision’ for the future of the Oxford Cambridge Arc, and the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 proposals setting out the level and location of growth in the county. 

    CPRE Oxfordshire is warning that, alongside the widely recognised climate change and biodiversity emergencies, ‘business as usual is just not an option’, stating that: “Growth on anything like the scale proposed would be incompatible with preserving the rural nature of Oxfordshire. Future development needs to balance economic growth with protecting the county’s communities, character and countryside.”

    Helen Marshall, Director of CPRE Oxfordshire explained: “A Better Vision for Oxfordshire sets out our views on how an appropriate level of development could be brought forward in a sensitive and well-planned way that would both protect and enhance the landscape of Oxfordshire, and its towns and villages for the benefit of everyone. We hope to inspire current Oxfordshire residents to help ensure that anyone living in Oxfordshire in 2050 can still experience the advantages of our rural county.”

    CPRE Oxfordshire’s guiding principles, and means of realising its Vision, are that:
    • The amount of development, and its timescale, should be based on natural growth and migration
    • Brownfield land should be developed first. Green Belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) should be developed as a last resort under proven
      exceptional circumstances
    • Genuinely affordable housing should be made available, in perpetuity, to address local need
    • High densities of development should become standard, to avoid losing more land than necessary
    • Any new communities must be sustainable and existing rural communities need investment to support services and infrastructure
    • Job creation should reflect Oxfordshire’s existing skill base while addressing areas of need to reduce unsustainable commuting

    To read ‘A Better Vision for Oxfordshire. visit the CPRE Oxfordshire website: HERE  
    The accompanying film can be watched HERE

  • Thame cricket – Match report for June 29-30

    First eleven defeat Harefield – CALLUM Russell struck a magnificent century to steer Thame to a six-wicket victory at home against Harefield over the weekend.

    Callum Russell

    After losing the toss and being forced into the field on the hottest day of the year, Thame’s prolific new ball pairing of Faisal Ali and Jo Van Dyk dismantled the Harefield top order, reducing them to 40-5. Harefield fought back well as Thame wilted in the sun, eventually reaching 182 all out, Ali finishing with 4-24.

    The Thame reply started poorly with the loss of both openers, but Russell appeared to be batting on a different surface at times, as he moved through the gears fluently in making a fine 117 not out. He found support in Hassam Mushtaq, who finished 44 not out, as Thame got home for the loss of just four wickets. Thame, currently sitting second in the league table, travel to Amersham this weekend, June 6.

    Seconds trip up at Sandford St Martin

    THAME seconds won the toss and elected to bat first on a glorious day at Sandford St Martin. Thame made a strong start with Richard Carr making a quick fire 36 which was supported by Harry Thomas 32 and Rafe Dickie 40. However the middle order struggled to kick on to post an intimidating total and ultimately finished with a below par score of 199.

    Wickets were hard to come by in the field for Thame due to some excellent hitting from Sandford St Martin’s opening batsman who blasted his way to 126 which put the game to bed with Thame ended up losing by 6 wickets. They now host East Oxford at Church Meadow this weekend.

    Thirds defeat Abingdon Vale thirds team

    THE thirds hosted Abingdon Vale, at a temporary home venue of Stanton St John. Thame’s in-form opener, Andy Jinman (114*) led the charge and made the opposition toll on the hottest day of the year, building strong partnerships with Guy Holmes (29) and Fahad Majeed (31).

    Jinman carried his bat to ensure Thame reached an impressive 237. Abingdon Vale in reply showed no intention of attempting to chase down the total but Thame’s bowlers, supported by some energetic fielding, eventually broke through.  The pick of the bowlers were Luke Hayes (2-18), Ian McStay (3-27) and Majeed (2-2).  Abingdon were finally bowled out for 100 inside 37 overs.

    Thame thirds play Buckingham fourths away for a top-of-the-table clash this Saturday

    Fourths lose in agonising fashion to leaders Tiddington thirds

    THAME fourths limited Tiddington thirds to just 131-8 from their 45 overs at Great Haseley, with Jake MacKay top-scoring on 48, thanks to a magnificent spell of 7 for 38 from Dan Constant, his career-best figures! In reply, Thame made steady progress towards victory over the division-leaders, with top scores from Tim Dabbs (22) and Andy Johnston (20), but wickets were also falling at regular intervals.

    In the end they were all out for 130 in the 42nd over, just one run short of the Tiddington total. They entertain Dinton thirds on Saturday.

     

  • Thame Music Festival songwriting finalists named

    Thame Town Music Festival has announced the 10 finalists of the 2019 Songwriter’s competition, who will be performing their entries live at the Festival Final in Friday, July 12, in Christchurch, Upper High Street, Thame Oxon.

    Luke Concannon

    Festival Director, Johnnie Littler said: “We received over 50 entries with some fantastic quality songs covering a wide range of styles and subjects. It has been hard to whittle it down to ten but the panel felt that this list showed what a breadth and quality of song writing talent there is waiting to break through. The final is going to be a fantastic night showcasing this talent and all are welcome to come and watch and support the artists starting at 7:30pm (doors 6:45).

    “I’m especially pleased that due to the incredibly generous sponsorship from Christopher Ward, the British watch company, who passionately believe in supporting emerging talent and challenging established thinking, that the event is FREE ENTRY to everyone.”

    And there’s more! After the final we are all to be treated to an intimate gig by Luke Concannon in Concert! Cited by Ed Sheeran as a childhood hero, is an English singer-songwriter with deep Irish roots. Since finding success at an early age with cult duo Nizlopi, Concannon has gone onto to have a very successful solo career whilst also finding the time to teach and mentor song writing classes and workshops all over the world.

    This event, in Christchurch, Thame, is also a Free event in a special intimate performance by this incredibly influential artist!

    The Finalists are:
    ARTIST NAME                                    SONG NAME
    Abi Farrell                                    The Only Way I Learn
    Anne-Marie Allen                                   I Like
    Bisola                                        Your Love Conquerors All
    Callum Gardener                                Hang Loose
    Dan Rawle                                    Matter of Opinion

    Jack Cade The River

    Michael Lee                             Searching for the Truth

    Rhys Warriner                         Live Like you belong

    Scott Gordon                                        Roots

    Zach Johnson                                   Memories

    The winning artist will be awarded the TTMF Songwriters Trophy, receive £500 and be invited to

    perform their song on the main stage at Thame Town Music Festival between 1400-15:00 on

    Saturday 13 July.

    .

     

  • The Dam Busters story re-examined

    THE prolific historian and former editor-in-chief of the Daily Telegraph, Sir Max Hastings, will be visiting Thame to to give The Book House Founder’s Lecture, at this year’s TAL Festival in October.

    Max Hastings

    As a prize-winning author, journalist and broadcaster, his latest book CHASTISE: The Dam Busters’ Story 1943, is a dramatic retake on one of the most extraordinary episodes in British history. Remember the 1955 classic movie, The Dam Busters? Or Guy Gibson, the 24-year-old wing-commander who led the raid?
     
    In the 21st Century, however, Max Hastings urges that we should see the dambusters in much more complex shades.

    Max Hastings’ talk is expected to be a sell-out so order your tickets now if you don’t want to miss out on this fascinating event.

    Founder’s Lecture – Thursday, October 17, 6.30pm, at the Spread Eagle, Thame. On-one booking is now open for this event HERE https://talfestival.org/thursday/

  • Invitation to Clean Air and Clean Energy Open forum in Thame

    The UK Government has declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ and increasing calls from around the world for action in response to serious global warming is influencing more communities and councils to look at what they can do to face the challenges of accelerating climate change.

    And so it is here in Thame where residents are being invited to take part in a Clean Air and Clean Energy open forum.

    The RSA Thame Group which, working as independent Honorary Consultants to Thame Town Council, has spear-headed Thame’s draft Green Living Plan, will hold its next Open Forum at Thame Town Hall on Wednesday July 10, at 7pm.  

    Charles Boundy is the Founder and Chair of the RSA Thame Group. In the invitation he explained: “This is a vital next step in the development of Thame’s Green Living Plan and your chance to make a direct contribution to the town’s future well-being.
     
    “The evening is devoted to two key environmental topics from the Green Living Plan. The first is Clean Air; how much do we really understand and value this and what causes the pollution that makes us ill and adds to greenhouse gases?  Second is Clean Energy; how can we reduce the use of polluting fossil fuels in and from our streets and buildings by making greater use of renewable energy?
     
    “Even agreeing these objectives leaves a range of options as to how we might achieve them. Some of these involve tough choices, which is why we need your views. We’d like to know how far and how fast you believe we need to act locally, and in Thame showing the way forward.
     
    “After a short introduction from the RSA Thame Group and any overarching questions, we’ll use a workshop approach to look at a series of charts where everyone will have the chance to register their view. We will welcome all views and discussion. We’d also like to know where you feel you need more information.
     
    “It would be helpful if you would let us know if you intend to come (or if you have a burning question or would like to help out on the evening) by emailing Anne Fisher to that effect – anne.fisher50@yahoo.co.uk

    “Please also visit our website www.thamegreenliving.org.uk and become a member to join in the conversation on our Facebook page
    www.facebook.com/groups/ThameGreenLiving

    “Please forgive us if you get this notice more than once as we want to make sure as many as possible see it. Likewise feel free to pass it on to others.
     
    We look forward to seeing you for a vital discussion!”

  • Climate Emergency!

    FOLLOWING the presentation given by the Thame Climate Alliance at the Thame Town Council meeting last week, June 18, although a motion asking the council to declare a Climate Emergency was lost (see report), the council has nontheless now called the promised internal meeting of Councillors and Officers.

    This meeting is aimed at starting to put together a set of suggested actions and steps in response to the effects of the changing climate; actions which, the council has stated: “We are able to take, within our powers, beyond that which is being done already.”

  • Chilterns Buildings Design Awards 2019 announced

    A beautiful new River Thames Footbridge at Taplow, and Incurvo – a stunning, virtually carbon neutral house in South Oxfordshire – have been named joint winners in the Chilterns Building Design Awards 2019.

    The awards, run jointly by the Chilterns Conservation Board and The Chiltern Society, celebrate design and construction projects that leave a positive mark on the Chilterns for us and future generations to enjoy.

    The Chilterns Conservation Board and Chiltern Society named the 2019 award winners at the 19th Building Design Awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 19, at the winning house, Incurvo, in South Oxfordshire. Tom Beeston, the Chief Officer of the Chiltern Society, and Elizabeth Wilson, Chair of the Planning Committee of the Chilterns Conservation Board, presented the awards.

    The Chair of the Judges was Dr James Moir. He described the features of the footbridge which won the judges over: “The River Thames footbridge, designed by specialist bridge designers Knight Architects of High Wycombe, is an elegant and delightful new addition to the Thames riverside. Drawing inspiration from Brunel’s nearby Maidenhead Railway Bridge, this 35m single-span bridge has sweeping twin arcs of triangular section steel cradling the deck. Linking the regenerated and previously unconnected Taplow Paper Mill quarter to Ray Mill Island, the bridge unlocks a new tranquil walking route to the Thames Path. This light-touch intervention appears to have been effortlessly dropped into this location, opening up great views of the riverscape and creating a new and fully accessible recreational amenity.”

    About the house, James said: “Incurvo, as its name suggests, is a graceful, sinuous new residence that delights the eye whichever point it is viewed from. The sculptural design by Adrian James Architects of Oxford connects beautifully with its surroundings. The imposing entrance and stair-hall rises through two storeys with rooms flowing off this and thence through two storey-height glazing to the outside. Cleverly sited on an irregular contoured plot at the edge of Goring-on-Thames, the elegantly crafted landscaped gardens respond intimately to the sinuous curves of the house, and blend seamlessly into the Chilterns countryside beyond. The warm, red handmade bricks have been masterfully laid to create curved walls and are complemented by vertical charcoal zinc panels. Concealed energy-saving measures mean the house is virtually carbon neutral.”

    In a statement announcing the awards, the award sponsors said: “The Chiltern Buildings Design Awards is a prestigious biennial awards program in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recognising and encouraging great examples of design and construction based on the principles in the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide. With development pressures greater than ever in the Chilterns AONB, it is a great opportunity to showcase the very best projects.

    “Through the 2019 competition a wide variety of 19 entrants were considered for the accolade including; new buildings, restorations, extensions, conversions and one civil engineering project. Winners were carefully selected by an expert panel of six judges working in the field of architecture and planning, all who took careful account of the advice given in the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide.”

    For more information on the Chilterns Buildings Design Awards, please visit: www.chilternsaonb.org/conservation-board/planning-development/annual-design-awards   Applications for the 2021 awards will open in December 2020.

      • Thame Cricket Club – Match Reports – June 22/23, 2019

        1ST XI make short work of struggling Dinton – THAME 1st XI produced a clinical display in a comfortable 183 run victory over struggling Dinton.

        Ollie Burland

        After winning the toss and batting, openers Mike Beard (29) and Ollie Burland put on 59 for the first wicket. Beard’s dismissal only brought Cal Russell to the crease, and those two set about the Dinton bowling. Russell was eventually dismissed for 70, but Burland went through to a fine century. Some late hitting from Dev Warner (33), allowed Thame the luxury of declaring on 287-5 in 52 overs.

        Jo Van Dyk struck in the first over of Dinton’s reply, and their response never got going. Three wickets apiece for Van Dyk, Faisal Ali and Andy Russell saw the hosts dismissed for just 104.

        Thame sit third in the league and welcome second-placed Harefield next weekend.

        Late rallies not enough as 2nds are defeated at home

        THAME 2nds hosted Oxford Downs 2nds and made a good start with the bat, Richard Carr making 41, supported by James Nielson and Rafe Dickie. Following a middle-order collapse, a good final-wicket partnership between Liam Evans and James McStay got Thame up to an under-par 179 off their 53 overs. Starting well with the ball, Thame restricted Oxford Downs to 81-4 – Alastair Thomas taking 2-54. However, a fifth-wicket partnership of 73 took the game away and, despite a couple of late wickets, Downs reached the target with 7 wickets down. The 2nds look to get back on track at Sandford St. Martin this Saturday.

        Thame 3rds stay 2nd after dominating Shipton-under-Wychwood 3rds

        THAME travelled to Shipton-under-Wychwood and their bowlers reduced the home side to 16 for 5 after 11 overs, with James Olliver (2-14) and Luke Hayes (3-15) on top. After a fifth-wicket partnership of 40, Ian McStay (4-30) and Rob Tomlin (1-33) polished off the rest, as Shipton limped to 120 all out from 32 overs. In reply, Paddy Harris and Nick Fuller (39) put on a solid opening partnership. Fuller led the run chase and was well supported by Guy Holmes (20), Zahid Hussain (17) and Vim Desai (14*). Thame 3rds next take on fifth-placed Abingdon Vale 3rds at Stanton St John.

        Close defeat for 4ths in low-scoring match

        THE 4th XI hosted Bledlow Ridge 2nds at Lord Bills’s and Thame’s batsmen struggled from the off, losing the top 4 cheaply. Tim Dabbs (29) counter-attacked well, before Max Muncaster (31) compiled Thame’s top score as they limped to 108 all out. In response, Thame had Bledlow in trouble at 8-2 and continued to take wickets with Ed Mather (3-31), Rob Kenny (2-17) and Chris Penny (2-30) making the game a tight contest, but in the end Bledlow hit the winning runs, with 8 overs to spare. The 4ths next travel to Tiddington 3rds.

        Women’s team get first victory in new Home Counties league

        THAME travelled to Cookham Dean for their 2nd league fixture on Sunday. Batting first, Antonia Barnes and Beth John (15) started well, backed up by Megs Woodward (31) and Sarah Sanderson (22), as Thame reached 132 all out. In reply, the stand-out performance came from youngster Emily Neighbour, with 3 wickets and a stunning caught-and-bowled. Wickets also fell to Beth John (1-23), Mel White (1-15) and Claire Morris (1-23). Despite a flurry of late boundaries, Thame claimed victory as Cookham Dean could only reach 118-8.

        The juniors

        FINALLY, on the junior front, there was a convincing win for Thame Under-13s vs Haddenham, in the Aylesbury League, followed by a narrow defeat to Aston Rowant in the Oxfordshire League.

        SOURCE – Contributed

      • Two charged following illegal fox hunt

        FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, two men have been charged in connection with an incident of illegal fox hunting which took place in Moreton, near Thame, on New Year’s Day.

        Image Courtesy of UniLad (for illustrative purposes only)

        Ian James Kirby Parkinson, aged 64, of Lower Road, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire and Mark Anthony Vincent, aged 53, of Kimblewick, Aylesbury, have both been charged with one count each of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

        Both are due to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 23 July, 2019.

      • Pirates of Penzance sail into Thame

        IT was the very model of an evening truly marvellous!

        With its swashbuckling pirates, innocent lovers, bumbling policemen, a modern Major General, not so dutiful daughters and a Pirate King too tender-hearted to make piracy pay, this was a comedy treat for the audience at Thame Leisure Centre on Saturday night (22/06).

        Photo courtesy of Jay Lynch

        Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera The Pirates of Penzance was performed by Lord Williams’s Festival Chorus led by Musical Director Jeff Stewart with a cast of brilliant soloists, many from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and accompanied by a small group of magnificent musicians.

        In true summer concert tradition, the choir was in jubilant mood, rising to the sartorial challenge with bonnets, bustles, ribbons and lace alongside pirate hats, flags and parrots.

        Jeff Stewart commented: “It was great fun. There was some wonderful singing together with lots of humour and a great feeling of togetherness. The audience lapped it up.”

        The audience tucked into a wonderful spread of delicious treats in the interval and a good time was had by all.

        The choir will perform Hummel’s Mass in E Flat and Karl Jenkins’ Gloria along with Christmas music for choir and audience at its next concert on Saturday, December 7. Full details at lordwilliamsfestivalchorus.org.uk

        SOURCE: Contributed.