IN the Town Council election, Rebecca Fox and Joshua Lay are standing for Thame North ward and Helen Flitton and Paul Swan are standing for Thame South ward. Paul and Joshua are also standing for Thame in the South Oxfordshire District Council election. All candidates live in Thame with their young families.
Rebecca, Joshua, Helen and Paul state that:
“We love Thame and we want this to be an even better place to live now and for generations to come. That is why we are campaigning for a greener, safer and fairer future. We will achieve this by supporting key local services, engaging the community to find innovative solutions and protecting our environment. We will build on the excellent work done by current Labour councillor, Mary Stiles.
“We are concerned about the massive cuts Tories and Lib Dems have made to local government and schools since 2010, local child poverty and families relying on food bank parcels in Thame. Labour is committed to investing in our communities and public services, and opposing austerity.”
The Labour candidates’ priorities for Thame are:
Families, children and young people – championing local schools, supporting the Red Kite Family Centre and improving children’s play areas and facilities for young people.
Transport solutions – campaigning for a cycle route to Haddenham train station, a town hopper bus, sustainable public transport and traffic calming measures near Lord Williams’s school.
Protecting our environment – working to improve parks, footpaths and open spaces, whilst opposing fracking and the environmentally damaging Oxford to Cambridge Expressway.
Sustainable development, local business and culture – supporting sustainable development with the necessary services and infrastructure. Working with the community land trust to deliver genuinely affordable housing for local people. Supporting the high street, local businesses, festivals and events.
LOCAL people from Thame, Chinnor, Haddenham, Princes Risborough, and Long Crendon have been joining the action by Extinction Rebellion in London over the past three days, blocking major roads and bridges in the city, to demand government action on averting the worst effects of climate change.
Maureen Dyroff from Chinnor was at Marble Arch all day on Monday, along with three others from the AVDC area. She told Thame.Net: “It was a very peaceful protest with a lovely atmosphere and some very thought provoking and inspiring speakers.”
‘People are recognising the severity of the threat’
Florence Miller from Long Crendon went with her three children. She explained why she decided to join the Extinction Rebellion protest: “I took my children (9, 5 and 5) to the Extinction Rebellion protest at Marble Arch. I feel the time has finally come when people are recognising the severity of the threat we’re facing, collectively, and the huge effort we must put into addressing it.
The Miller family from Long Crendon
“It was uplifting to be there, surrounded by others who are willing to be arrested to make the point. I had no plans to be arrested given I was there with my kids; we did stand on the road for a bit (and the kids lay down on it, because how often can you lie down on the road at Marble Arch?), but we mostly stayed on the grass, there to add to the numbers and provide moral support. It was rather wonderful to experience central London with no cars — the streets were amazingly calm.
‘convivial, welcoming and very respectful ‘
“My elder daughter (9) has watched a few of Greta Thunberg’s speeches and is very taken with her message; the little ones didn’t quite get what it was all about but loved the atmosphere, which was convivial, welcoming and very respectful. We were there on the first day of the protests and there had not yet been any arrests; the (many) police present were friendly and letting people get on with it.
‘Evidence-based hope’
“It’s too late to ‘avoid’ climate change; it’s already here. But human beings are incredibly resourceful, innovative and resilient. I have total confidence that we can mitigate the worst effects of it and in so doing transform our relationship with the planet and with each other. My husband and I worked on a short film for the BBC Ideas platform that outlines some of the ideas behind this ‘evidence-based hope’, as the Rapid Transition Alliance puts it: https://www.bbc.com/ideas/videos/can-we-transform-the-world-in-12-years/p073j3z5. I was pleased to see it linked to in the BBC’s coverage of the protests today: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-47947775
‘They’ll be there until the Government agrees to meet’
Florence concluded: “My children didn’t want to leave and are desperate to go back! I highly recommend it to all for a fun and positive atmosphere. I was under the impression that they’ll be there until the government agrees to meet, which might be some time…the more people, the more effective it will be!”
Manning the barricades
John Francis from Thame, went along on Tuesday to the protest with members of the Oxford XR group. He found himself at Marble Arch, manning the barricades to block the surrounding roads. John explained what had driven him to become involved with the protest:
‘Government not taking matters seriously enough’
“Despite what our MP John Howell has said, I don’t think the government is taking climate crisis seriously enough, nor taking the necessary action quickly enough. If it was, all these new houses going up would be of higher spec. with maximum insulation and solar power etc. and developers being allowed to lower standards at the planning inspection stage because of so-called ‘viability’ concerns.”
Officially ‘heading for a crisis’
“Several recognised bodies like the UN, the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Clinate Change and the World Wide Fund for Nature, have stated that we heading for crisis if we carry on the way we are. So, there have to be some massive changes; changes that may affect peoples lives. But if we do nothing, everyone’s life will be affected even more drastically.
Disappointment with Oxfordshire County Council
“Speaking more locally, I was disappointed that Oxfordshire County Council did not vote to declare a Climate Emergency and rather than stop the Express Way, by a narrow majority, voted to ask for more public consultation.
Fun, but a serious message
John concluded: “Although there was a jolly, party atmosphere among those at the rally, that didn’t deflect from the seriousness of the message Extinction Rebellion were trying to convey.”
FOLLOWING a question about Air Quality in Thame at the annual Town Meeting recently, Cllr Nigel Champken Woods has reported that currently, at the three monitoring points in Thame, the levels of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) are below the ‘optimum’ of 40 micrograms per cubic meter.
An example of a Monitoring Passive diffusion tube similar to those used to monitor CO2 levels in Thame
Since 2015, levels of CO2 at the three Thame monitoring stations. Ludlow Drive, Park Street and Aylesbury Road, had steadily increased (See LINK for example https://oxfordshire.air-quality.info/diffusion_tube/162). Figures for 2018 are not available on the Oxfordshire Air Quality website.
The lower current figures so far this year could be influenced by the colder temperatures and lack of sunshine lately. It is the annual average figure that will show whether levels of CO2 are continuing to rise or not.
No monitoring in the town centre
Cllr Champken Woods pointed out at the final meeting of the current Thame Town Council on Tuesday (16/04) that no monitoring takes place in Thame town centre or the Oxford Road end of the High Street .
Part of SODC’s Air Quality Action Plan (AQMA) states: “Although the monitoring data suggests a downward NO2 concentration trend, this is only the case of Wallingford and Henley. Some other areas like Watlington’s AQMA, Thame, Chinnor and areas near the M40 have suffered significant increases in NO2 levels, suggesting the potential need for new AQMAs in the district.
Measures to reduce NO2 emissions
The main air quality measures South Oxfordshire has said that it would like to have progressed during 2018 aiming to reduce NO2 emissions are: • Further implementation of South Oxfordshire’s Low Emission Strategy (LES) • The installation of more electric vehicle (EV) charging points within some of the council owned car parks • Work towards some community engagement projects
‘May not gain political support’
But, the Plan then states: “The adoption of these measures, stated in the LES and described above, will progress and improve during 2018 and the next few years.
“However, the LES will face challenges since some of its measures are controversial and therefore may not gain political support.”
” If elected I pledge to support Thame Town Council to scrutinise for Climate Sustainability, every aspect of its functioning and services..”
ABOUT ME
I’m Sonja Francis and I’ve lived and
worked in Thame for 27 years, married to John with whom I’ve brought up our
three children who all went to Thame schools and have now spread their wings!
For the last 16 years, I’ve been News
Editor of www.thame.net so I like to think I know how
Thame ticks!
Thame is a great place to live and
work and is generally a clean and green, thriving market town – largely through
the care and attention of Thame Town Council.
BUT – beyond Thame we know that the
world’s climate is changing and too much waste and over-consumption is
impacting our beautiful planet and threatening all our future lives and livelihoods.
MY PLEDGE
If elected I pledge to support Thame Town Council to scrutinise for Climate Sustainability every aspect of its functioning and services, including the revised Neighbourhood Plan, the Green Living Plan, where the council buys its energy from and where it chooses to invest YOUR money, to make sure that the council sets the best example it can to our communities by enacting and encouraging an effective response to what has been officially declared to be a ‘Climate Emergency’.
GRASS ROOTS ACTION
All of us now have to take
responsibility for halting the march towards possible water shortages, poor air
quality, unsustainable house-building, loss of habitat for our native animals,
birds and insects and the legacy of a worse world for our kids to inherit.
TIME FOR ACTION
So, from ranting on social media and
marching for climate action, I’m ‘putting my money where my big green mouth is’
and standing up for what I believe in by putting myself forward for election to
represent YOU as a member of Thame Town Council. So, if you share my passion to
make Thame the greenest, most people and beast-friendly, healthy and happy
place in which to live, work, bring up a family and retire, please vote for me
on May 2, 2019
THAME Town Cricket Club welcomed a very special visitor after the club’s brand new pavilion was chosen to launch the new Home Counties Women’s Cricket League.
Claire Taylor was the first woman to win Wisden Cricketer of the Year and was capped 168 times for England including Ashes and World Cup wins. It is Claire’s aim to see opportunities for women’s cricket at all levels and in her inspiring speech, she stressed the importance of the enjoyment of the game, not just at competitive and elite levels but for all women who wish to play.
Representatives from the clubs in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire joined League and OCB officials to celebrate the new league as the 2019 season gets under way. The 24 clubs involved will play up to 15 fixtures over the season.
For League Chair, Tim Haworth of Moreton CC, it was the achievement of a long-held wish to provide a structure for women to play a range of cricket, having struggled to find a way to enable to his own three daughters to play. Neil Rider MD of League Sponsors, Serious Cricket, has a particular interest in the women’s game, having been manager and assistant coach of the England Women’s team between 2003 and 2007. T
The evening was rounded off by a delicious cricket tea and drinks from the new bar; and the next day, Thame’s women’s team won an indoor final versus Eynsham, so the women’s season has got off to a brilliant start!!
Housewife, lived in Thame most of my life. Married. Two daughters & four grandchildren. All reside in Thame. Previously Represented: Thame South Ward (1986-1993) Mayor of Thame (1990-1991) S.O.D.C. (1998-2015) Chairman of S.O.D.C. (2014-2015) Thame South Ward (2015-2019) Mayor of Thame (2018-2019) ASSOCIATED WITH Thame Welfare Trust Thame and District Housing Ass Thame Museum Trustee Thame Day Centre Trustee Royal British Legion
My aims and objectives if elected • CARE IN THE COMMUNITY support in whatever way I can to maintain ongoing provision re the Day Centre, Youth Projects and a new Health Hub, as well as giving aid to community groups • DEVELOPMENT OF THE CATTLE MARKET site must be used for the benefit of the local community and be sustainable • Ensure the REVISED THAME NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN takes into account our local needs and infrastructure • COMMUNITY LAND TRUST as a founding member of the Community Land Trust Committee I would continue to support this work covered by this charity. The aim of which is to provide opportunities for the people of Thame young and old to have affordable accommodation within our community. • I support the GREEN LIVING PLAN this innovative Pilot Scheme to help the way forward re health and well-being for our community is paramount. Taking into consideration such topics as monitoring air pollution, suggesting walk ways, cycle ways, house design for sustainability; all suggestions for healthy living
I am standing for re-election to Thame Town Council as an INDEPENDENT Candidate because I believe that Party Politics have no place in Parish/Market Town Councils.
Helena Fickling
I am an architect with three adult children, am Churchwarden of St Mary’s Church, a Trustee of the Thame Welfare Trust, a Friend of St Mary’s & Thame Youth Projects Group. I support & volunteer with Music in the Park, Tidy Thame, Muck Out Moreton, Thame Twinning & other activities which benefit the life of Thame and Moreton.
I have lived in Moreton since 1982 & have served as a Town Councillor for two terms; for 6 years as Chairman of the Planning & Environment Committee; for 2 years as Chairman of the Town Centre Working Group & have served on the Policy & Resources & Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Committees whilst represented the Town Council on the 21st Century Thame Steering Group, Thame Youth Projects Group & Green Living Plan Working Group.
It is vital that families, children, young & old people have the best facilities & opportunities possible. I have worked for many years with children at Lighthouse & St Mary’s Church & at both the Youth Cafés for 11-13 & 14-17 year olds. I welcome the financial support that Thame Town Council has promised to Thame Youth Projects Group to enable the employment of a Youth Outreach Worker to meet the needs of our teenagers.
I believe that Thame is a very special Market Town which has much to offer to residents & business but needs to have a fair development programme for a progressive Thame & to keep responding to changing expectations & the social & economic demands of 21st Century life, including Sustainability & the Environment.
Care for the Environment & minimising our human impact on this planet are vital to our future. I wrote the brief from TTC for the Thame Green Living Plan & give the RSA group my full support in taking it forward to meet & communicate the aspirations of the Community.
All future development in Thame and Moreton should enhance the unique town centre & surrounding area for the benefit of all people in Thame & local business. I am prepared to contribute to the new Thame Neighbourhood Plan to meet the aspirations of the people of Thame. As a Town Councillor I would work to ensure that all new development should benefit Thame.
I would relish the opportunity to serve the people of Thame and Moreton as an Independent Councillor for another term on the Town Council. PLEASE VOTE FOR ME
Chinnor ward – covering the villages of: Aston Rowant, Chinnor, Crowell, Chalford, Chinnor, Kingston Blount, Kingston Stert, Sydenham & Towersey. Plus the small hamlets making up these parishes.
Gordon Archer
Being a new resident to Chinnor (Feb 2017); Previously having lived in Princes Risborough for 30 years then my employment taking me to a small Warwickshire village for 20 years, where I served as a local parish councillor. During this time having family connections to the area through my son and his family living in Sydenham.
That small south Warwickshire Village, due to having a neighbourhood plan, did not suffer the over development Chinnor has. (And is still having). Despite multiple planning applications surrounding the village.
If Elected :-
As an Independent Candidate and therefore not tied to any political agenda I can apply myself to the best interests of the people of South Oxfordshire District Council’s Chinnor Ward.
I will be supporting your local Chinnor Ward Institutions & Parish Councils, to push for completion and adoption of the very delayed and important local plan
Support Local groups & local services to improve your local services and Transport links
Look to improve the environment & ecology to reduce pollution and improve air quality
Push for the existing granted developments to complete their build out and finish the environmental commitments as promised. (Landscaping and general reinstatement of hedgerows and open areas). Plus the all-important mitigating funds as defined by their planning consent. (Cil & S106 agreements)
We need our roads repaired and the through links to the M40 improved especially in the light of future development in both the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire border towns & villages (Princes Risborough and Thame etc).
Future development cannot be allowed without sound infrastructure investment we cannot wait until the demand is there then provide it.
David Bretherton, Kate Gregory and Pieter-Paul Barker are standing as a team for Thame because they want to see a fresh and positive approach from South Oxfordshire District Council.
● Our local council should be putting the environment, health and leisure at the forefront of its policies, providing a better quality of life for local residents ● It’s not healthy for democracy when one party – the Conservatives – holds over 90% of the seats on the local council ● Constant infighting in the ruling group has led to a terrible local plan and a complete lack of consultation about Government plans to build a new motorway across Oxfordshire
David Bretherton is twice a former Mayor of Thame and an experienced Town and District Councillor. He is standing for both SODC and Thame North. David is a trustee of Thame Museum and a founding trustee of the newly formed Thame Community Land Trust. David spent the last four years as a leader of the Thame Remembers Project, commemorating the centenary of the First World War by researching all the names on Thame War Memorials – from all conflicts – to place a “Thame Remembers” cross on each resting place, wherever in the world that may be.
Kate Gregory is also standing in Thame South. She lives in Thame with her husband and two children. She currently runs her own business and believes her negotiating skills and ability to work within tight budgets will be useful if she were elected as councillor. Having caught the train regularly from Haddenham station for work, Kate feels a proper cycling and pedestrian route between Thame and Haddenham is vital. “Every time I drive to the station and see cyclists making their way in the dark I am terrified for them – it’s so dangerous”.
Kate is a school governor, an avid member of the PTFA and has helps Thame Museum with their events and activities programme.
Kate feels very passionate about the children centres and how important they are to new parents. She used the one in Thame weekly when her children were young and received a lot of support especially during those first few months.
Pieter-Paul Barker is a former Thame Town Councillor and lives near Barley Hill School with his family. “It’s great to see how successful the Thame Neighbourhood Plan is. Thank goodness it was approved by Thame voters, because the rest of South Oxfordshire is suffering major problems due to the mismanagement of their Local Plan by the ruling group.”
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.
