Still in Ibiza; still thinking hard between Mohitos about building a better business.

The foundation of every business and the rock on which it grows is its team and the culture by which they live and breathe.

Yes, product quality matters, customer service is critical, and efficiency in all matters drives the bottom line, but all of these attributes hinge and stem from individual leadership from within the team.

With a team of 50 trading for 30 years, you would think I’d be an expert at this by now, but I admit to being on a new steep learning curve to finally get this right.

I now understand that in the end, you are who you hire.

The traditional hiring process starts with a new vacancy for which a job description is hurriedly put together, often pasted from another one, in the margins of an already busy day.

An advert is drafted and posted into the universe into which employed A players rarely descend.

Then we go through 
the voodoo process of thinking we can spot the good ‘uns over a chat about their weakness.

It’s hard to see people for who they really are and it is incredibly difficult to find and get the best from individuals and the team as a whole. Just ask Roy Hodgson.

If you want an A Team, hire A Players, people I’d define as bringing a 90% likelihood of achieving the outcomes that only the top 10% of people might achieve in the role.

The A player is the one who rips through their workload and asks you what else they can do for you.

I have some of these guys in some of my teams, but often they have found me, not the other way around.

For something so critical, it is amazing we can be so amateurish.

We have job descriptions covering roles and responsibilities and all the usual bumf but it has never struck me how obviously important it is when hiring and managing to set 6-8 clear outcomes for the role, to be crystal clear on how the person is to operate by defining the critical competencies, and to check carefully that they will fit with the core team culture.

In every role we all need specialists equipped with the skills, tools and hunger to get the job done, not generalists doing the best they can to not let you down.

A musical re-telling of classic children’s tale Robin Hood was a great success according to the show’s producer.

The production, performed by Thame group Stagecoach Theatre Arts was played out in front of a packed audience at the Lord Williams’s Lower School.

The cast, aged between five and 13, rehearsed and performed the production in the space of five days as part of one of the theatre’s summer workshops.

27 children took part and producer Nicky Goodwin said: “We have had really good feedback from parents who said they enjoyed the show and seeing what their children could do.

“The final production is always the highlight of the week.

“Everyone becomes like one big family during the course of the workshop.

“At the start, we have a lot of children who are coming in for the first time and it is always great to see their progress.”

In addition to the drama, the audience were treated to spectacular fight sequences which drew gasps from those watching, and group dance routines performed to the accompaniment of Bellowhead.

The production was also rich in atmosphere with shrewd use of lighting and backdrop. More info at www.stagecoach.co.uk/thame.

Plans for new apartments in Aylesbury Old Town are included in our list of planning applications submitted to Aylesbury Vale District Council.

To view plans in more detail, click here.

APPLICATIONS

14/02221/BED BEDGROVE

Single storey rear extension with pitched roof. 11 Chadwell Path HP21 7EL. Gareth Barnard

14/02275/ATP BEDGROVE

30% crown reduction of one horse chestnut tree. 4 Southwold Close HP21 7EZ. Mr D Bhavan

14/02141/APP CENTRAL

Change use from Class A1 retail to Class A3 Restaurant including refurbishment of existing shopfront and addition of 4 external lights. Travel Choice 7-9 Market Square HP20 1TA. Mr Roger Bolton. Eat At The Works Ltd

14/02142/AAD CENTRAL

Non illuminated signage comprising one fascia sign, two window vinyls and two hand painted signs. Travel Choice 7-9 Market Square HP20 1TA. Mr Roger Bolton. Eat At The Works Ltd

14/02143/ALB CENTRAL

Internal alterations and refurbishment of ground floor, new lighting to front and replacement signage. Travel Choice 7-9 Market Square HP20 1TA. Mr Roger Bolton. Eat At The Works Ltd

14/02222/APP CENTRAL

Conversion of ground floor offices into two apartments. Rycote House 6 Temple Square HP20 2QD. Badnell Properties Ltd

14/02235/APP CENTRAL

Alterations to existing building comprising replacement windows, construction of dormer to courtyard elevation and alterations to doors and windows in courtyard area to facilitate conversion to six flats approved under ref 13/01750/COUOR. Clocks and Chimes Court 2A Rickfords Hill. Mr Dennis Audley

14/02105/APPELMHURST AND WATERMEAD

Part single, part two storey rear extension. 1 Megdale Place HP20 2EB. Mr Sajad Hussain

14/02259/APP GATEHOUSE

Conversion of garage into living accommodation (retrospective). 73 Cromwell Avenue HP19 9PJ. Mr A Nasir

14/02267/ATPGATEHOUSE

Crown reduce one horse chestnut by 25% and shape (approximately 5m reduction in height and judiciously pruning laterals to balance, back to suitable growth points). Hillside Nursing Home Ardenham Lane. Mr Tim Hardcastle. Methodist Homes

14/02239/APP WALTON COURT AND HAWKSLADE

Erection of boundary wall. 20 Lynher Close HP21 8RW. Mr Tenweer Hussain

14/02149/APP ASTON CLINTON

Conversion of barn to dwelling house. Longhorn Farm Weston Road Aston Clinton HP22 5EJ. Mr R Mason

14/02227/HPDE ASTON CLINTON

The erection of a rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4m, for which the maximum height would be 3.5m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.4m. 95 Beaconsfield Road Aston Clinton HP22 5JX. Mr Wayne Wiseman

14/02228/ACL ASTON CLINTON

Single storey rear extension. 10 Dean Way Aston Clinton HP22 5GB. Mr Graham Bramley

14/02229/APP ASTON CLINTON

Single storey rear extension - Amendment to planning approval 08/01725/APP. 16A Weston Road Aston Clinton HP22 5EG. Mr Ross Drayton

14/02254/APP ASTON CLINTON

Insertion of two dormer windows. 4 The Burnhams Aston Clinton HP22 5EH. Mr and Mrs M Nash

14/01424/APP BOARSTALL

Two storey side extension, removal of existing porch/utility room, erection of replacement porch and new two bay carport with storage over to front. Coxs Cottage Brill Road Boarstall HP18 9XX. Mr J Stallard

14/02199/APP BUCKINGHAM PARK

Erection of 3 storey, 64 bed care home with associated access, parking, landscaping and detached outbuilding to house sprinkler storage tank (amendment to approved scheme ref. 13/02322/APP). Land Off Culpepper Close Buckingham Park. Ideal Care Homes

14/02113/APP BUCKLAND

Two storey side extension and single storey front extension. 17 Buckland Road Buckland HP22 5LL. Mr and Mrs Edward Mitchell

14/01871/APP CHEARSLEY

Demolition of existing conservatory and replacement with new conservatory and single storey rear extension. Lammas Cottage School Lane Chearsley HP18 0BT. Mr Peter Allen

14/02201/APP CHEARSLEY

Conversion of part of roofspace into habitable accommodation with front dormer and gable build up. Cornfields 3 Cousins Piece Chearsley HP18 0EY. Mr N Brown

14/02258/APP CHEDDINGTON

Removal of conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension. Thornlea 2 Keepers Close Cheddington LU7 0EH. Mr and Mrs Coulston

14/02291/AGN DRAYTON PARSLOW

Erection of agricultural building for storage of hay, feed and machinery. Prospect Farm Highway Drayton Parslow MK17 0JW. Mr David North. S and D North

14/01893/APP HADDENHAM

Two storey and single storey rear extension. 5 Windmill Road Haddenham HP17 8JA. Mr James

14/01934/APP HADDENHAM

Addition of two rooflights to south east elevation and sun tunnel to south elevation. 25 High Street Haddenham HP17 8ES. Mr Mark Rose

14/01935/ALB HADDENHAM

Addition of two rooflights to south east elevation and sun tunnel to south elevation. 25 High Street Haddenham HP17 8ES. Mr Mark Rose

14/02070/APP ICKFORD

Demolition of rear conservatory, new single storey rear extension, new dormer window to rear, alterations to front dormer, pitched roof re-covering, external rendering, re-covering of garage roof including formation of new parapets and insertion of ground floor ensuite window. 9 Church Road Ickford HP18 9HZ. Ms Cathy Lord

14/02290/APP LONG CRENDON

Conversion of integral garage into living accommodation. 4 Blanes Close Long Crendon HP18 9GD. Mr Nightingale

14/02066/AGN LUDGERSHALL

Erection of an agricultural building. Glebe Farmhouse Piddington Road Ludgershall HP18 9PL. Mr Matthew Boyt

14/02217/ATC LUDGERSHALL

Remove one Cypress (Leyland) indicated on plan as (TG1),one Horse Chestnut tree (T2) and one Poplar tree (T1). Work to one Hornbeam tree (TG2) by not allowing to exceed between 3-4 m in height and crown spread 1 m. The Thatched Cottage Duck Lane Ludgershall HP18 9XZ. Miss Pearson

14/02077/APP MARSWORTH

Demolition of existing brick built chimney. Marsworth Church Of England School Vicarage Road Marsworth HP23 4LT. Mrs Carolyn Pankiw. Marsworth C of E Infant School

14/02219/APP MENTMORE

Single storey entrance lobby extension to rear, provision of terracing to front and side and decking to rear, new sliding folding doors to rear and extension to car park. The Stag PH The Green Mentmore LU7 0QF. Charles Wells Pub Company

14/02207/APP PITSTONE

Conversion of part of an existing integral garage into living accommodation. 8 Castle Close Pitstone LU7 9FB. Mr Mark Johnson

14/02181/ADP QUARRENDON

Approval of reserved matters pursuant to outline permissions 03/02386/AOP relating to appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for Parcel HW18 comprising the construction of 109 dwellings. Berryfields Mda Bicester Road Quarrendon. Ms E Walton. Taylor Wimpey (South Midlands)

14/02078/APP SLAPTON

Conversion of existing barn to one dwelling. Church Farm Stud Grove Slapton LU7 0QU. Mr and Mrs T Harris

14/02114/APP SLAPTON

Erection of one detached dwelling with new access.- Amendment to planning permission 13/01162/APP (allowed on appeal). Chiltern Cottage 45-47 Church Road Slapton LU7 9BX. Mr and Mrs David Wright

14/02186/APP SOULBURY

Erection of detached garage. The Pool House Stockgrove Park House Stockgrove Park Soulbury. LU7 0BB. Dr Philip Harrison

14/02184/APP STEWKLEY

Demolition of existing rear conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension (Amendment to planning permission 13/03510/APP - hjp and rooflights removed). 119 High Street South Stewkley LU7 0HU. Mr Neil Foster

14/02282/APP STOKE MANDEVILLE

Single storey rear extension including replacement of existing conservatory roof. 22 Brudenell Drive Stoke Mandeville HP22 5UR. Mr Barry Rowe

14/02261/APP STOKE MANDEVILLE

Conversion of garage into living accommodation including raising of roof and addition of front dormer to provide additional living accommodation at first floor and single storey rear extension. 3 Ravensbourne Road HP21 9TG. Mr Steven Edwards

14/02272/APP STOKE MANDEVILLE

Single storey side and rear extension. 41 Kingsland Road HP21 9SL. Mr and Mrs J McNally

14/02101/ATC STONE BISHOPSTONE AND HARTWELL

Fell one tree. The Owls Nest Sedrup Lane Stone HP17 8QN. Mr Jeffrey Emmett

14/02191/APP SWANBOURNE

Creation of agricultural access and track. Land Off Station Road Swanbourne. Swanbourne Home Farms

14/02220/APP WENDOVER

Demolition of existing garage and erection of new 2 bay garage with home office above including formation of new rear access. 19 Pound Street Wendover HP22 6EJ. Mr and Mrs Hinton

14/02230/APP WINSLOW

Single storey extension to replace existing porch. 14 Chequers End Winslow MK18 3HT. Mr and Mrs Boulton

14/02250/APP WINSLOW

Two storey side extension. 15 Offas Lane Winslow MK18 3JS. Mr Richard Dove

WITHDRAWN

14/01046/APP CENTRAL

Change of use of part of ground floor from B1 offices to four residential units, including alterations to elevations. Walker House George Street HP20 2HU. W D King. W D King Group

14/01596/APP CENTRAL

Alterations to existing building to facilitate conversion to six flats approved under ref 13/01750/COUOR to include addition of one dormer and balconies, alteration to windows and doors. Clocks and Chimes Court 2A Rickfords Hill. Mr Dennis Audley

14/00829/APP BIERTON WITH BROUGHTON

First floor side extension over existing garage and single side extension with front dormer window. 47 Parsons Lane Bierton HP22 5DF. Mrs Lucy Ginger Hamer

DECISIONS MADE BY COMMITTEE

14/01000/APP MIDDLE CLAYDON

Erection of one detached Code 6 dwelling with detached double garage including ground source heat pump with associated parking and new access. Land South Of The Bungalow Verney Road Middle Claydon. Mr and Mrs Dickins. Decision: Refused

14/01282/APP MANDEVILLE/ ELM FARM(S LEYS)

Variation of Condition 11 of planning permission 11/00894/AOP to increase the net sales area of the store from 1,000 sq.m to 1,250 sq.m. Asda Stores Ltd Mandeville Road Aylesbury HP21 8BD. Mr Keith Nutter

Reason for Deferral: As per report

13/01488/AOP WESTON TURVILLE

Outline application with all matters reserved. Site for 135 dwellings with associated public open space, new vehicular, pedestrian & cycle accesses, landscaping and drainage works. Land Bounded By New Road And Aston Clinton Road Weston Turville. Mr James Pain - Broughton Farming Partnership. Reason for Deferral: Subject to S106 Deed of variation

14/01688/APP MURSLEY

Erection of single-storey rear extension with lantern rooflight. Yew Tree House 61 Main Street Mursley MK17 0RT. Mr and Mrs Richard and Andrea Pepper. Decision: Householder Approval

DECISIONS WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE

14/01592/BED BEDGROVE

Single storey porch. 41 Stratton Green HP21 7EW. Mr Lawrence Wiffin. Decision: Bedgrove Agreement - Approve

14/01590/APP AYLESBURY - BEDGROVE

Part two storey part single-storey rear extension. 7 King Edward Avenue HP21 7JD. Mr Mrs J Sallows. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01689/BED BEDGROVE

Removal of existing garage and erection of replacement garage. 99 Welbeck Avenue HP21 9BN. Mr Michael Alderman. Decision: Bedgrove Agreement - Approve

14/01234/APP CENTRAL

Change of use of ground and first floors from Class A1 (retail) to Class A2 (financial and professional services) to facilitate the creation of an advice and information centre and new shopfront. 19-21 High Street HP20 1SH. The Royal British Legion. Decision: Approved

14/01515/AAD CENTRAL

New exterior signage including fascia board(s), internally illuminated 3D lettering, new internally illuminated projecting sign, new menu box, new awning and new vinyl decals to windows and glass door panel. Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) Unit 2A The Exchange Exchange Street. Mr Mark Davison. GBK. Decision: Advert Consent

14/01562/ALB CENTRAL

Repair and reinstatement of windows. 48 Castle Street HP20 2RA. Ms T Isidoros. Decision: Listed Building Consent

14/01678/APP CENTRAL

Installation of new plant equipment to roof. Unit 2A The Exchange Exchange Street Aylesbury HP20 1UR. Mr Mark Davison. Decision: Approved

14/01763/AAD CENTRAL

Three internally illuminated fascia signs. Unit 2A The Exchange Exchange Street Aylesbury HP20 1UR. Mr Mark Davison. GBK. Decision: Advert Consent

14/00276/APP GATEHOUSE

Redesign of Block 16 and surrounding area to replace 19 flats (approved by permissions ref. 07/03068/APP & 10/02019/APP) with 4 x 2-bedroom and 3 x 3-bedroom dwellings with associated car parking, provision of 5 parking spaces for block 17, and revised parking provision for Plots 296-302, 324, 325 and 327. Gatehouse Quarter Gatehouse Road. Miss Rachel Collinge. Gatehouse Way Developments Limited. Decision: Approved

14/00605/APP QUARRENDON

Demolition of existing building and redevelopment of site to provide Class A1 foodstore including associated car parking, service yard, landscaping and new access off Rimmington Way. Former Camden Vauxhall Garage Bicester Road Industrial Estate Bicester Road Aylesbury. ALDI Stores Ltd. Decision: Approved

14/01665/APP OAKFIELD

Single storey front extension and two storey side and rear extension. 12 Ashley Row HP20 1HJ. Mr Boyt. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01612/APP ASTON CLINTON

Single storey rear extension with lantern rooflights and conversion of garage into living accommodation with roof over. 1 Orchard Drive Aston Clinton HP22 5HR. Mr Jaime Brown. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01645/APP BIERTON WITH BROUGHTON

Demolition of existing bungalow and garage and erection of three detached dwellings with associated parking provisions. 32 Grendon Way Bierton HP22 5DD. Mr and Mrs Ben Arnold. Decision: Approved

14/01645/APP BIERTON WITH BROUGHTON

Demolition of existing bungalow and garage and erection of three detached dwellings with associated parking provisions. 32 Grendon Way Bierton HP22 5DD. Mr and Mrs Ben Arnold. Decision: Approved

14/01483/APP CHEARSLEY

Conversion of loft into living accommodation including balcony to rear. South Mead Bernards Close Chearsley HP18 0BY. Mr Andy Yorke. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01630/APP COLDHARBOUR

Two storey rear extension. 4 Trebah Square Coldharbour Fairford Leys HP19 7AD. Mr Scott Sanders. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01580/APP DINTON FORD AND UPTON

Erection of 1 no. two bedroom detached dwelling and detached garage. Land Adj Perryfield Oxford Road Dinton. Mr Peter Timberlake. Decision: Refused

14/01796/ALB EAST CLAYDON

Erection of rear glazed porch. Whitehouse Farm Church Way East Claydon MK18 2NB. Mrs Maureen Bartlett. Decision: Listed Building Consent

14/00867/APP EDLESBOROUGH, NORTHALL & DAGNALL

Erection of new double garage and hardstanding. 4 Dagnall Road Edlesborough LU6 2EF. Mr Colin Reston. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01583/APP HADDENHAM

Demolition of existing garage and erection of part two storey, part single storey side and rear extension - amendment to planning permission 14/00057/APP. 24 Dovecote Haddenham HP17 8BP. Mr and Mrs Akerman. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01664/APP HADDENHAM

Rear conservatory. 13 Wykeham Way Haddenham HP17 8BL. Mr and Mrs Yates. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01599/APP HULCOTT

Refurbishment of existing entrance lobby including installation of new automated double doors and new access ramp to level threshold. Hulcott Nursing Home The Green Hulcott HP22 5AX. Mr P Jeffery. Caring Homes Group. Decision: Approved

14/01761/ALB HULCOTT

Refurbishment of existing entrance lobby with installation of new automated aluminium framed double doors and new access ramp to level threshold. Hulcott Nursing Home The Green Hulcott HP22 5AX. Mr P Jeffery

Caring Homes Group. Decision: Listed Building Consent

14/01863/APP LONG CRENDON

Single storey rear extension. 4 Sycamore Close Long Crendon HP18 9BN. Mr and Mrs P and C Clark. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01676/APP MURSLEY

Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single-storey rear extension. 33A Main Street Mursley MK17 0RT. Mr and Mrs Russell and Lorraine Fewing. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01688/APP MURSLEY

Erection of single-storey rear extension with lantern rooflight. Yew Tree House 61 Main Street Mursley MK17 0RT. Mr and Mrs Richard and Andrea Pepper. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01669/APP NORTH MARSTON

Demolition of existing single storey rear extension. Single storey rear/side extension. 19 Schorne Lane North Marston MK18 3PJ. Mrs Jayne Springer. Decision: Householder Refusal

10/01848/APP QUARRENDON

Demolition of existing buildings and erection of one 3/4 storey building comprising 10 apartments and one 2/3 storey building comprising 9 apartments with ancillary structures and associated car parking, landscaping and access. Berryfield Cottage Berryfields Quarrendon HP18 0PT. Mr John Matuszewski. Decision: Approved

14/01051/APP SOULBURY

Change of use from garage into residential (retrospective). 9 Rock Lane Farm Liscombe Park Soulbury LU7 0JL. Mrs Carol Tobin. Decision: Approved

14/01573/ADP STEEPLE CLAYDON

Variation of Condition 2 of planning permission 12/02022/APP (allowed on appeal) in respect of drawings 7270/005C & 7270/019F to amend the approved form of Plots 1 & 2 from ‘semi detached’ to ‘detached’. Depot West Street Steeple Claydon MK18 2NS. Mr Derric Heyden. P.J. Carey (Contractors) Ltd. Decision: Approved

14/01076/APP STEWKLEY

Removal of existing rear porch and extension to existing rear single storey. First floor extension over existing single storey front extension and single storey front extension. 137 High Street North Stewkley LU7 0EX. Mr Paul Aldridge. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01774/APP STEWKLEY

Two storey and single storey side extension. 104 High Street North Stewkley LU7 0EP. Mrs Kay Duxbury. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01380/APP STOWE

Refurbishment and extension of existing science block comprising demolition of single storey element and erection of replacement two storey building and provision of temporary building to house laboratory space for 13 months during the construction period. Stowe School Stowe Park Stowe MK18 5EH. Mr John Morris. Decision: Approved

14/01625/APP WEEDON

Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling with linked integral one bedroom living unit and detached garage. 20 East End Weedon HP22 4NJ. Mr Rajive Aggarwal. Decision: Approved

14/01650/APP WENDOVER

Single storey rear extension and widening of vehicle crossover and dropped kerb. 16 Manor Road Wendover HP22 6HQ. Mr and Mrs Neil and Lucy Johnston. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01614/APP WESTCOTT

Demolition of single storey side extension. Single storey front/side porch and two storey side extension. 23 Raven Crescent Westcott HP18 0PA. Mr and Mrs Thorn. Decision: Householder Approval

Thame and District Housing Association has marked its 50th birthday with the opening of a new anniversary garden for its tenants.

The association based in Windmill Road wad founded in 1964 to provide sheltered accommodation for elderly people living in and around the town.

The garden was officially opened earlier this month with founder member Cynthia Haynes and Trevor Cook, who has been a member of the association since it began cutting the ribbon at a garden party.

Guests enjoyed a buffet lunch and cream teas following the garden’s opening.

A host of local dignitaries attended the day.

TDHA’s first development in Thame was in Croft Court in 1966, when eight bedsits were built.

They received further funding from the Housing Corporation to develop Peace Court in Thame in 1976.

The scheme consisted of 13 flats and six bedsits and was first occupied two years later.

The second phase of building at the current Pearce Court site took place in 1982, with a further 32 flats constructed.

When retired design teacher Ian Morgan was struck down with a brain tumour he had to learn to walk, eat and read all over again.

The grandfather’s life changed dramatically when the benign tumour, measuring 5cm in diameter, was discovered growing on the trigeminal nerve, which controls the facial muscles.

Despite a successful five-and-a-half hour operation to remove the growth, Mr Morgan was faced with a long and difficult battle to regain his health. And he soon discovered things would never quite be the same again.

Now, almost ten years to the day since the first of two operations on August 5 2004, he credits the ‘brilliant’ Headway charity for helping in his recovery.

Mr Morgan, now 74, 
attends Headway Aylesbury Vale in Wedgewood Street, Fairford Leys, once a week and mainly spends his time painting.

On the surface he is articulate and focussed. However he says that all is not quite what it seems.

“Walking is difficult and I have to use a stick. I sometimes get number strings confused and if I am not careful, I dial the wrong phone number,” he said.

“I forget where things are in my home, so they have to be kept in the same place so I know where they are. But even then I go to the wrong place to find them.”

Some of this of course, he admits, could be down to old age, but Mr Morgan says his condition is mainly the result of the tumour which meant he spent more than three months in rehabilitation in Amersham Hospital.

“I had to learn to focus so I could see properly again and to eat properly because I couldn’t use half of my mouth,” he 
recalled.

“I taught myself to read again by taking large print books and gradually scaling down the size of the print I was reading, until it was normal. I was in the Heberden Ward where they taught me to get my balance back and to start walking.”

He added: “My mood swings caused my wife to seek the help of Headway in 2009. The Aylesbury Vale branch took me on, and we haven’t looked back since.”

It was initially suggested that Mr Morgan seek respite help by attending old people’s groups, but he found this wasn’t suitable for him.

He said: “An art therapist at Headway saw my drawings and got me painting.

“As a result of that, I just come and paint here. It’s got my mind working because I have to work out orders of operation.”

To find out more visit www.headway.org.uk

Bucks County Council has apologised to motorists after an announcement that much-needed resurfacing work to the Oxford Road has been delayed for a third time.

The county council said: “With the delays to other resurfacing work caused by the recent rainfall, and the subsequent delays to the start of work on the Oxford Road, the decision has been taken to now start the work on Tuesday August 26.

“To help minimise any disruption to road users during the bank holiday weekend, the decision has been taken to start the work after the bank holiday, rather than have lane restrictions in place over the long weekend.

“The work is still planned to last six nights with work taking place from 7pm until 6am.

“Road closures will be in operation with a full signed diversion in place.

“Bucks County Council apologise for the delay in starting this resurfacing work.”

The work was originally scheduled to begin on Thursday August 14, however due to changes in the programme this was pushed back to Monday August 18.

Wet weather and delays to work at other sites led to the works being pushed back further and they were scheduled to get underway today (Wednesday).

The work has now been moved back again and is due to start on Tuesday August 26 after the Bank Holiday weekend.

A mum whose son was killed by a dangerous driver is ‘disgusted’ after the culprit was spared another prison sentence for flouting his eight-year driving ban.

Sammy Edwards, 30, from Marsh was jailed in 2010 following the death of Thame teenager Greg Stiles on the A4129 Risborough Road between Kingsey and Longwick.

Edwards overtook three cars while driving his father’s BMW X5, forcing Greg to veer onto a grass verge, causing the crash which killed him and leaving girlfriend Abigail Dowdy fighting for her life.

He was released in 2012, after serving only two and a half years of his five-year sentence.

Despite being banned from driving for eight years he was caught behind the wheel on the A41 near Bicester earlier this year.

He was ordered to undertake 100 hours community service and pay £145 in costs, an outcome Maggie described as ‘an insult to Greg.’

Greg’s mum Maggie said: “We feel upset, disgusted and let down but not surprised at what happened in court.”

Speaking outside court on Wednesday, Edwards said he ‘had nothing to say to the family.’

Maggie said: “I pity him and I really don’t know how he sleeps at night.

“I hope he never gets in a car again.”

A Bucks golf club is building a new hotel on its grounds, a facility that will create 70 additional jobs.

The 30 room Best Western hotel is scheduled for completion later this year.

Once built, positions including general and admin staff, hotel room assistance, food and beverage staff, gym and spa staff, driving range staff and tennis court assistance will be available.

The new hotel is part of a massive redevelopment of facilities at the Magnolia Park golf and country club.

The redevelopment includes plans for a new par three course, designed by golfing legend Tony Jacklin, to replace the existing nine hole course.

The club, based in Boarstall, has also submitted planning permission to build a number of two and four bedroom lodges – which will act as accommodation for staff.

The redevelopment will also include activities such as a fitness centre and spa, an air conditioned gym and aerobics studio, a swimming pool and spa treatment rooms.

These would complement the services already on offer including golf lessons. fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting and tennis.

The new course will also be the base of the Tony Jacklin Golf Academy, the first time the two-time major winner and former Ryder Cup winning captain has set up an academy.

Later this year, the academy will host the qualifying rounds of the ISGA Schools Cup of Great Britain, an inter school competition for young single handicap golfers - what is hoped will be the first of many at the course.

Still in Ibiza, and finally coming off the adrenalin-fuelled pace of an uber-connected life and starting to relax into these moments in the sun.

Do you sometimes feel you drive fast by habit, even when you are not running late?

Could it be that you too are addicted to adrenaline?

As our lives move ever faster, propelled by the ready and ubiquitous access to more: more news, more opportunity, more knowledge.

We try to experience as much as possible, as quickly as possible and in so doing switch into a state of overdrive where precious moments in time can be missed and relegated to the next task to get through before we start something else.

The tell-tale signs are that you have come to think it to be normal to find yourself doing more than one activity at the same time like driving, talking to someone on the phone and perhaps even eating at the same time.

It would be wasting valuable time to just drive.

Or you perhaps feel compelled to be doing something all of the time, are spent and exhausted at the end of the day, and feel guilty about taking breaks at work.

After just a few weeks of consciously being more purposeful and deliberate in how I spend my time I’m becoming more able to see through some of the madness, 
have taken learning from others.

So far on this trip, I’ve been reminded by a visiting friend how easy it is to develop new positive habits with a little applied focus, like getting up earlier each morning and moving by swimming or walking, which brings with it time enough to be grateful for what you have and to look forward to the day ahead.

I’m actually writing this after swimming 50 lengths.

One lesson I’ve learned is how ridiculous it is to create unnecessary rules that cause you and those around you grief on a regular basis, like taking umbrage if someone doesn’t look you in the eye, or getting annoyed because your driver chooses not to overtake on a blind bend when you would.

The lessons for business are to focus harder on the mission critical major 
issues, put more effort into driving the right habits, and avoid funnelling our energies into the side-tracks of pedantic rules that add little 
more than displaying your desire for dominance; and, whatever you are doing, give it your full attention in the moment.

All over the country farmers are bringing in the harvest to feed the nation.

Disgruntled drivers may not like the queues that inevitably develop behind slow moving agricultural machinary, but if we want to enjoy our bread and our breakfast cereal this is all part of the process.

I’ve been in Northumberland and Scotland over the past few days and they’re just as busy up there.

Although the north is more focused on livestock there is still plenty of arable.

And we passed endless fields busy with combine harvesters and straw balers and watched the farmers working late into the night.

The first crops to come in have been the wheat and the winter barley (known as such because it is sown in the autumn months).

Next up is the spring barley, sown during the spring months and therefore harvested a little later.

Barley has remained a successful cereal crop because of its short growing time and ability to survive in poor conditions.

Although it’s grown throughout most of the UK it is often the dominant arable crop in the north and west where growing conditions are more difficult and less favourable for wheat.

Barley is striking because of the long spikes - known as awns - that emerge from the end of each grain and the crop is easily identifiable on breezy days in the early summer when it blows like waves in the breeze.

Each year the UK produces around 6.5 million tonnes of barley.

Roughly 1.5 million tonnes are exported, two million tonnes are used in the brewing and distilling trades and a further three million tonnes is used for animal feed.

Included in this week’s planning round-up is the approval given to turn Vale Park’s bowls green into a five-a-side football pitch.

To view applications in more detail click here.

STRATEGIC APPLICATION

14/02181/ADP QUARRENDON

Approval of reserved matters pursuant to outline permissions 03/02386/AOP relating to appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for Parcel HW18 comprising the construction of 109 dwellings. Berryfields Mda Bicester Road Quarrendon. Ms E Walton. Taylor Wimpey (South Midlands)

OTHER APPLICATIONS

14/02300/APP BEDGROVE

Single storey rear extension. 6 Ash Grove HP21 7PU. N Heaford

14/02299/APP BEDGROVE

Single storey rear extension. 4 Dorset Place HP21 9BW. Mr and Mrs P Huggett

14/02328/ADM BEDGROVE

Demilotion of office building and underground car park. Wendover House 2 - 4 Wendover Road HP21 9LB. NS Holdings Ltd

14/02346/APP MANDEVILLE AND ELM FARM

Change of use from Class C2 (residential care home) to House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO). 8 Haslerig Close HP21 9PH. Lindsay Estates (Aylesbury) Ltd

14/02159/HPDE QUARRENDON

The erection of a rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4m, for which the maximum height would be 3.9m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.66m. 49 Eliot Close HP19 8JB. Mrs C George

14/02298/HPDE QUARRENDON

The erection of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6.0 m, for which the maximum height would be 3.8 m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.65m.48 Belgrave Road HP19 9HN. Mr H Nawas

14/02342/APP OAKFIELD

Single storey front, side and rear extension. 136 Broughton Avenue HP20 1PY. Mr and Mrs D Evans

14/02147/APP SOUTHCOURT

Two storey and single storey rear extension and rear outbuilding. 3 Cottesloe Road HP21 8DL. Mrs Abbeda Bibi

14/02233/ACL SOUTHCOURT

Hip-to-gable roof extensions to form habitable room in the loft. 45 And 47 Prebendal Avenue HP21 8HZ. Mr Wasim and Ashfaq Altaf

14/02237/ADP SOUTHCOURT

Approval of reserved matters of access, layout, scale, landscaping and appearance pursuant to outline permission 14/00967/AOP for the erection of a 14 bedroom residential care home and 8 flats of supported living accommodation with associated parking. The Steeplechase PH Taylor Road HP21 8DY. Mr Mark Davis. SeeAbility

14/02310/APP COLDHARBOUR

Conversion of garage into living accommodation. 25 Briskman Way HP21 8FR. Mr James Muir

14/02276/COUAR ASTON ABBOTTS

Determination as to whether prior approval is required in respect of transport and highway impact, noise, contamination risk and flooding for the conversion of agricultural building to one dwelling. Burston Hill Farm Weedon Road Aston Abbotts HP22 4NQ. J Cowley and Partners

14/02286/ATC BRILL

Remove low branch of one Yew tree. The Old Vicarage 3 The Square Brill HP18 9RP. Mr and Mrs Woodman

14/02301/APP COLDHARBOUR

Single storey side and rear extension. 35 Napier Road Coldharbour Fairford Leys HP19 7AY. Mr David Eccles

14/02330/APP COLDHARBOUR

Single storey rear extension and conversion of garage into living accommodation. 10 Sandhill Way Coldharbour Fairford Leys HP19 8GU. Mr Rasika Arukgoda

14/02371/APP CUDDINGTON

Single storey infill rear extension with lantern rooflight. Bay Cottage Lower Church Street Cuddington HP18 0AS. Mrs J Collins

14/02364/ATC DINTON FORD AND UPTON

Pollard 5 Willows. Hermits Cottage The Green Dinton HP17 8UP. Mr M Usherwood

14/02311/AOP EAST CLAYDON

Outline application for demolition of existing buildings, erection of 5 new dwellings and ancillary structures (means of access and layout to be determined at this stage). New Farm 2 St Marys Road East Claydon MK18 2NA. Mr S Brown

14/02264/APP EDLESBOROUGH, NORTHALL & DAGNALL

Two storey front and side extension and conversion of garage into living accommodation including new pitched roof. 12 The Green Edlesborough LU6 2JF. Mr Andy Thorne

14/02136/APP HADDENHAM

Removal of existing conservatory and erection of replacement orangery extension. 32 Station Road Haddenham HP17 8AN. Mr and Mrs Robinson

14/02255/APP HADDENHAM

Erection of replacement side extension, demolition of rear extension and erection of two storey rear extension and single storey front extension. 9 Crabtree Road Haddenham HP17 8AT. Mr and Mrs I Slater

14/02308/HPDE HADDENHAM

The erection of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3.005m, for which the maximum height would be 3.55m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 3.55m. 11 Stockwell Furlong Haddenham HP17 8HD. Mr Peter Bayliss

14/02362/ATC HADDENHAM

Reduction of 25% of one Walnut tree. 4 The Croft Haddenham HP17 8AS. Mrs Celia Frohnsdorff

14/02347/ATC HALTON

Reduce one prunus cerasifera by 30% and shape. 20 Halton Village Halton HP22 5NS. Mrs Celia Elmey

14/02269/APP IVINGHOE

Erection of pre-fabricated timber granny annexe for ancillary residential use. Well Cottage Ivinghoe Aston Ivinghoe LU7 9DP. Mr and Mrs Taylor

14/02280/APP KINGSEY

Conversion of the existing Dutch Barn to form a single residential dwelling with associated parking and amenity space. Land At Foxhill Risborough Road Kingsey HP17 8LZ. Mr C Connelly

14/02265/APP LONG CRENDON

Removal of existing conservatory and the erection of new garden room. 20 High Street Long Crendon HP18 9AF. Mr Christopher Plumb

14/02266/ALB LONG CRENDON

Removal of existing conservatory and the erection of new garden room. 20 High Street Long Crendon HP18 9AF. Mr Christopher Plumb

14/02386/APP LONG CRENDON

Demolition of single storey garage and construction of two-storey side extension, incorporating extension to the existing roof and insertion of a new dormer window and rooflights (amendment to planning permission 13/00235/APP). 58 Bicester Road Long Crendon HP18 9EF. Mr Stuart Yeardsley

14/02355/ATC LUDGERSHALL

Remove one Holly tree and one Nigra Prunus tree. Sunny Hill Wotton End Ludgershall HP18 9NT. Mr Christopher Williams

14/01044/ALB MARSH GIBBON

Replacement of 1970s style windows. Ware Farm House Church Street Marsh Gibbon OX27 0ET. Mr Anthony Wells

14/02224/APP QUAINTON

Detached double garage and garden/log store with first floor accommodation and external staircase. (Amendment to planning permission 13/03498/APP). Denham House Denham Quainton HP22 4AL. Mr Tim Weldon

14/02283/APP QUAINTON

Front entrance porch attached to existing detached garage. 13 Winwood Drive Quainton HP22 4AZ. Mr Peter Stiegeler

14/02260/APP STEEPLE CLAYDON

Erection of a detached dwelling. Land Adjacent To Queen Catherine Road Steeple Claydon . The Trustees of the Claydon Estate

14/02117/COUAR STEWKLEY

Determination as to whether prior approval is required in respect of transport & highway impact, noise, contamination risk, flooding and locational considerations for the conversion of one agricultural barn into one dwelling (under Class MB(a)) and in relation to design and or external appearance of the building (Class MB(b)). The Barn Stewkley Farm Soulbury Road Stewkley LU7 0DL. Mrs Carolyn Evans

14/02343/ATC STEWKLEY

Three trees pruned and cut back. 60B High Street South Stewkley LU7 0HR. Julia Sargent

14/01707/APP STOKE MANDEVILLE

Installation of four lighting columns and new palisade fencing. Unit 5 and 6 Triangle Business Park Quilters Way Stoke Mandeville HP22 5SX. DSG Retail Limited

14/02329/APP STOKE MANDEVILLE

First floor side and rear extension. 29 Ligo Avenue Stoke Mandeville HP22 5TY. Mr Nick and Mrs Liz Tegg

14/02344/APP STOKE MANDEVILLE

Single storey side and rear extension. 6 Hanson Way HP21 9YE. Mr and Mrs S Mullings

14/02296/ALB WENDOVER

New single storey link building between Old Mill and detached annexe , glazed porch to kitchen, new windows and rooflights and new flue. The Old Mill 2 Hale Road Wendover HP22 6NE. Mr Kelvin Campbell. Smart Urbanism

14/02297/APP WENDOVER

New single storeylink building between Old Mill and detached annexe , glazed porch to kitchen, new windows and rooflights, new flue and internal alterations. The Old Mill 2 Hale Road Wendover HP22 6NE. Mr Kelvin Campbell. Smart Urbanism

14/02241/APP WENDOVER

Single storey rear extension, front porch and alterations to fenestration. Bluebell Barn Dutchlands Farm London Road Wendover HP16 9LS. Mr Willings

14/02331/APP WHITCHURCH

Garage extension. 5 Castle Lane Whitchurch HP22 4JD. Mr C Connor

14/02324/AOP WINGRAVE WITH ROWSHAM

Outline application with access and layout to be considered and all other matters reserved for the erection of one dwelling. Land Adjecent To Baileys Farm Aylesbury Road Rowsham HP22 4QP. Mr Henry Masters

14/02127/APP WINSLOW

Erection of lean-to agricultural building to existing building. Berry Leys Farm East Claydon Road Winslow MK18 3ND. Mr Terry Ives

14/02292/APP WINSLOW

Single storey side extension. 9 Magpie Way Winslow MK18 3JT Mr and Mrs D Winterburn

14/02336/APP WINSLOW

Erection of rear conservatory. 37 Horsemead Piece Winslow MK18 3FW. Mr and Mrs Mellick

WITHDRAWN

14/01828/HPDE HADDENHAM

The erection of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4m, for which the maximum height would be 3m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.6m. 10 Dovecote Close Haddenham HP17 8BS. Mr Evan Hatch

DECISIONS BY COMMITTEE

14/00776/APP WEEDON

Change in use of the building approved as an annexe to 8 High Street to allow independent and separate occupation. 8 High Street Weedon HP22 4NW. Mrs H Coker. Decision: Approved

14/00970/APP WINSLOW

The demolition of outbuildings. The partial demolition of the existing house (No.23) and its refurbishment to create a single house. The construction of 10 No.two storey houses with associated roadworks, parking and landscaping. 23 Station Road Winslow MK18 3DZ. Mr Eric Gadsden. W.E.Black Ltd. Decision: Approved

DECISIONS BY OFFICERS

14/01914/ACL BEDGROVE

Conversion of original garage into utility room including raising of roof level. 16 Ormesby Close HP21 7JX. Mr and Mrs Dawes. Decision: Certificate Issued - Propose Dev’t

14/01667/ADC CENTRAL

Removal of grass bowls greens and replacement with 2no. five-a-side artifical surface football pitches and provision of 6no. 10m high floodlights. Vale Park Park Street. Aylesbury Vale District Council. Decision: Approved

14/01414/APP ELMHURST AND WATERMEAD

Summer house extension. 16 Fairfax Crescent HP20 2ES. Mr Mohammed Hussain. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01711/APP ELMHURST AND WATERMEAD

Single storey rear extension. 33 Havelock Street HP20 2NX. Mr Nazir Khan. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01756/APP ELMHURST AND WATERMEAD

Single storey rear extension. 39 Cannock Road HP20 2AL. Mrs Beverley Bellingy. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01767/APP GATEHOUSE

Single storey front extension. 8 Priory Crescent HP19 9NU. Mr Jamil. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01780/APP GATEHOUSE

Two storey side and single storey rear extension. 1 Seabrook Terrace Lay Road HP19 9BQ. Mr and Mrs D Dunkley. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01666/ACL ASTON ABBOTTS

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed single storey rear extension and link to existing side outbuilding. 1 Humphreys Close Aston Abbotts HP22 4FB. Mr Paul Tomlinson. Decision: Certificate Refused - Proposed Dev’t

14/01399/APP ASTON CLINTON

Construction of two new dwellings within the curtilage of an existing residential dwelling. The Paddock House 31 London Road Aston Clinton HP22 5HG. Ms Sandra Redhouse. Decision: Approved

14/01779/ACL ASTON CLINTON

Single storey rear extension. 83 Green End Street Aston Clinton HP22 5EX. Mr and Mrs Stewart. Decision: Certificate Issued - Propose Dev’t

14/01535/APP BIERTON WITH BROUGHTON

Erection of a 4-bedroom detached dwelling with access and detached garage with associated landscaping. Land Adj Grove Court Rowsham Road Bierton. Ms J M Barry. Decision: Refused

14/01588/APP BIERTON WITH BROUGHTON

Replacement of existing low picket fence with close boarded fence (Conkers Farmhouse); erection of a new fence and gate to create new boundary between Conkers Farm and Conkers Barn and increase height of existing low brick boundary between Conkers Barn and No. 3 The Firs. Conkers Farm/ Conkers Barn 178 Aylesbury Road Bierton HP22 5DT. Ms Deborah Pengelly. Decision: Approved

14/01589/ALB BIERTON WITH BROUGHTON

Replacement of existing low picket fence with close boarded fence (Conkers Farmhouse); erection of a new fence and gate to create new boundary between Conkers Farm and Conkers Barn and increase height of existing low brick boundary between Conkers Barn and No. 3 The Firs. Conkers Farm/ Conkers Barn 178 Aylesbury Road Bierton HP22 5DT. Ms Deborah Pengelly. Decision: Listed Building Consent

14/01350/APP BRILL

Change from existing flat roof to pitched roof with brick gable; installation of new steel balcony and rendering of existing brickwork. 11A Brae Hill Close Brill HP18 9TE. Mr Paul Messenger. Decision: Approved

14/01916/ATC DINTON FORD AND UPTON

Removal of approximately 85 leylandii tree and one ash. Morland Cottage Gibraltar Dinton HP17 8TY. Mrs Anita Fields. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/01379/APP DRAYTON PARSLOW

Installation of 5.5kw of solar photovoltaics onto garage roof. Old Rectory Main Road Drayton Parslow MK17 0JF. Mrs Patricia Greaves. Decision: Householder Refusal

14/01523/AGN DRAYTON PARSLOW

Replacement of agricultural barn for storage of farm equipment. Broadways Farm Newton Road Drayton Parslow MK17 0JZ. Mr Grahame Williams. Decision: Agric - Agricultural refusal

14/01648/APP EDLESBOROUGH, NORTHALL & DAGNALL

First floor front extension over the flat roofed section of the existing garage. 16 Jacksons Close Edlesborough LU6 2RF. Mr Wyn Johns. Decision: Householder Refusal

14/01728/APP GRANBOROUGH

Extension to existing arena for all weather horse exercise area. Land Off Green End Granborough. Mrs Kathleen Young. Decision: Approved

14/01658/ATP HADDENHAM

Thin and reduce one group of 3 sycamores by 15% reducing apical and lateral growth by 1-1.5m and thin remaining crown by 10%. 36 Station Road Haddenham HP17 8AN. Mrs Evans. Decision: Consent Granted - TPO

14/01719/APP HADDENHAM

Single storey rear extension. 4 Willow Rise Haddenham HP17 8JR. Mr Alan Witty. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01736/ATC HADDENHAM

Fell one prunus. 2 Gibson Lane Haddenham HP17 8AP. Mr J Stoll. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/01843/ATC LONG CRENDON

Reduce by 30% one Chamaecyparis lawsonia and one Cupressocyparis leylandii tree. 21 Frogmore Lane Long Crendon HP18 9DZ. Mr Collins. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/01647/ALB PITSTONE

Conversion of No. 19 and 20 into one property; insertion of internal doorway and new first floor bathrooms. 19 and 20 Pitstone Green Cottages The Green Pitstone LU7 9AN. Mr Roger Hadaway. Decision: Listed Building Consent

14/01809/ACL QUAINTON

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for existing use of land for car parking and storage of logs in connection to residential occupation of Railway Cottage. Railway Cottage Doddershall Quainton. Mr Michael Puttick. Decision: Certificate Issued - Existing Use

14/01489/COUAR SOULBURY

Determination as to whether prior approval is required in respect of transport and highway impact, noise, contamination risk and flooding for the conversion of an agricultural building into one dwelling and in relation to design and or external appearance of the building. Blossom Hill Partridge Hill Great Brickhill MK17 9BH. Mr David Holloway. Decision: COU - prior approval not required

14/01698/APP SOULBURY

Demolition of detached single storey rear outbuilding. Erection of single storey rear extension. 25 The Green Soulbury LU7 0DD. Mr Neil Thomas. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01708/APP STEEPLE CLAYDON

Single storey rear extension to existing extension and replacement roof to existing extension. Tudor Cottage North End Road Steeple Claydon MK18 2PG. C Thomas. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01716/APP STEEPLE CLAYDON

Single storey side/rear extension. Jasmine Cottage 46 West Street Steeple Claydon MK18 2NS. Mr and Mrs M McGuigan. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01803/APP STEWKLEY

Single storey rear extension to provide annexe. Swallows Barn Soulbury Road Stewkley LU7 0DL. Mrs L Wass. Decision: Householder Refusal

14/01939/ATC STEWKLEY

Fell one Goat Willow tree. 22A Dunton Road Stewkley LU7 0HZ. Mr Richard Mayne. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/01699/ACL STOKE MANDEVILLE

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed loft conversion with rear dormer and two rooflights to front elevation. 81 Westfield HP21 9JG. Mr Matthew Burgess. Decision: Certificate Issued - Propose Dev’t

14/01898/ATC STONE BISHOPSTONE AND HARTWELL

Reduction of between 30% - 40 % of one Sycamore tree. The Springs Lower Hartwell Stone HP17 8NR. Mr Lewis Johnson. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/01773/APP WATERMEAD

Conversion of garage into living accommodation. 5 Bullfinch Gardens Watermead HP19 0XS. Mr R Allymamod. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01766/APP WENDOVER

Entrance porch. 34 Dobbins Lane Wendover HP22 6DH. Mr and Mrs N Ayerst. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01738/APP WENDOVER

Conversion of existing garage to additional residential accommodation including new pitched roof and link porch extension. 50 The Beeches Wendover HP22 6PB. Mr Jules Bursill. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01741/ATP WENDOVER

Works to one horse chestnut including thinning/reduction of crown by 15% and reduction of extended limbs adjacent to house by 1.5m. 8 Linden Lea Wendover HP22 6LE. Mrs Greening. Decision: Consent Granted - TPO

14/01878/ATC WESTON TURVILLE

Fell one ash and cut back limbs of a group of sycamores overhanging the road from by 2.5m. 2 Lodge Farm Close Marroway Weston Turville HP22 5TH. Mr Williams. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/01621/APP WHITCHURCH

Erection of single storey timber framed conservatory and replacement windows. 7 High Street Whitchurch HP22 4JU. Mr D Ryder Richardson. Decision: Listed Building Consent

14/01622/ALB WHITCHURCH

Erection of timber framed and brick conservatory and replacement of windows to existing lean-to. 7 High Street Whitchurch HP22 4JU. Mr D Ryder Richardson. Decision: Listed Building Consent

14/01746/ATP WHITCHURCH

Reduce height and spread of one horse chestnut by 1-2m and raise canopy to gain 7m clearance above ground level. 10 Firs Close Whitchurch HP22 4LH. Mrs K Mooney. Decision: Consent Granted - TPO

14/01644/COUAR WING

Determination as to whether prior approval is required in respect of transport & highway impact, noise, contamination risk, flooding and locational considerations for the conversion of an agricultural building into one dwelling. Land At Rear Of Stanford Stewkley Road Wing. Mr T Hall . Decision: Planning Permission is Required

14/01867/APP WINGRAVE WITH ROWSHAM

Conservatory extension to rear. 31 Church Street Wingrave HP22 4PE. Mr Ginnane. Decision: Householder Approval

14/01820/APP WINSLOW

Single storey rear extension. 14 Meeting Oak Lane Winslow MK18 3JU. Mr and Mrs Castle. Decision: Householder Approval

A parish council has provisionally agreed to introduce dog control orders after a cat was mauled to death by three dogs.

Following the attack, Professor Sir Roderick Floud called on Haddenham Parish Council to consider introducing the orders.

He said: “I asked the parish council to consider this request after a horrible incident in which three dogs emerged from a footpath, jumped over an 18 inch wall into my front garden and seized my friend’s cat.

“They dragged the cat up the street with my friend and I pursuing it.

“They dropped the cat, which by now was dead, and then turned on my friend.

“The dogs were out of control because the owner was speaking on her mobile phone.

“She did nothing other than scream hysterically and beat her fists on a parked car.

“When she finally got the dogs under control she told me that they had never done anything like this before and that, of course, they would never harm a child.

“Out of control dogs do concern me and I feel the solution is to ask all owners to keep dogs on a lead until they reach open country.”

Following a lengthy debate at the parish council’s July meeting it was decided after a vote to obtain a dog control order.

Councillors voted in favour five to two with one abstaining.

Public consultation on the proposals closes at the end of a month.

The council intend to confirm the order at their next meeting on September 1.

However, a number of Haddenham residents including Freda Dorrell, of Willis Road, are against the proposals.

Mrs Dorrell said: “I can’t see how something like this can be enforced.

“This is a complete and utter waste of council time and money.

“They should spend the money on painting the railings around the village hall.

“I hope the council will change their minds.”

More than £1500 has been raised through a street collection, open gardens and Pimms afternoon.

Sue and Byron Harvey, from Wellington Street, held the event to raise funds for the charity Hearing Dogs for the Disabled.

There was also a tombola stall, a homemade cake stall and a raffle.

The couple, who are both disabled, raised £377.17 from a two-hour street collection and £1132.20 from the open gardens.

Sue said: “We would like to thank everyone who so tirelessly supported us with this fundraiser.

“We would like to thank the people of Thame for helping us to raise this vast amount and we thank all the people who came and helped because we couldn’t do this on our own.”

The couple, who are both paraplegic rely on two working dogs, Max and Ziggy to help them complete everyday tasks.

These include getting undressed, turning the washing machine off and emptying shopping baskets.

With one of the UK’s biggest cycling events fast approaching, council workers did a not so dry run of the Bucks section of stage six of the Tour of Britain.

The cyclists are expected to go through the county in less than an hour, however the County Hall team took over three hours in the rain on Tuesday.

The group rode 19 miles from Chinnor Hill to Chesham - which included travelling through Princes Risborough, and was part of the council’s route-checking exercise.

Events manager Vanessa Mason, who drove the cyclists support vehicle, said the group decided to bike rather than drive the route, to get into the spirit of the Tour of Britain.

Vanessa said: “It rained throughout the ride and they all got very wet but this did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm!”

She added that the cyclists were grateful to Aylesbury-based Buckingham Bikes for transporting their cycles to and from the start and finish.

Bucks will be featured on stage six of the race which runs from Bath to Hemel Hempstead on Friday September 12.

There will be live coverage of the stage on ITV4.

With only a few days left of the summer holidays, it’s nice to relax closer to home.

If you’re feeling stressed after school uniform shopping and finding that your child’s shoe size has sold out, take a breather at one of the many parks in Aylesbury.

About ten minutes’ drive from the centre of Aylesbury, Bedgrove Park is on Ambleside off Camborne Avenue.

It was presented as ‘a most generous gift of land’ to Aylesbury by HC Janes Ltd, the company that developed the Bedgrove Estate from 1958 to 1973.

There are extensive playing fields lined with trees, ideal for a picnic in the shade. Bedgrove brook runs along the edge so bring wellies and fishing nets or play on the stepping stones.

The large, enclosed wooden playground is popular with 2-12 year olds and includes a zip wire and spinning wheel. For older children there is an Astroturf designed for football or basketball.

There are public toilets, free parking and an ice cream van usually visits during the day.

Alternatively, take a short walk through The Spinney to Jansel Square for local shops or The Coffee Bean café which serves good value food and drink.

The Spinney has existed since the 17th century and is a habitat for bats, squirrels and wild birds including woodpeckers. Aston Clinton Park is approximately 15 minutes from Aylesbury and is another lovely green space with views of the countryside up to Wendover Woods.

There is an enclosed play area for smaller children and for older, a wooden obstacle course and a spinning ‘witch’s hat’.

There is also a skate park and basketball hoop.

Active children (and parents) can try the trim trail; an army style course around the park.

The Hub café is open from 9-6pm and has a great view from its patio.

There is ample free parking and a public toilet. Follow the A41, turn off for Aston Clinton then turn right at the red Hub sign.

The speed limit in the village is 30mph and there is a speed camera.

Imagine if a female coach had taken over at Manchester United instead of Louis van Gaal.

There would have been shock and amazement across the nation, and cynics would have dismissed her chances of success, whatever her qualifications and background. But why?According to sportscoachUK, in the UK only 36% of qualified coaches are female and this is just not good enough.

If we are to deliver on Seb Coe’s promise to inspire a generation after the success of women at the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, and more recently Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, we must recruit, support and retain more females in coaching and leadership roles.

At Leap in Aylesbury, our mission is clear.

We are jointly delivering an initiative called Project 500 to help to create a new platform for women and girls to enjoy and excel in sport as recreational players, coaches, elite athletes and leaders.

Project 500 is a campaign to address the imbalance in the number of male to female coaches, creating a more diverse workforce to drive the growth of female participation in sport.

The aim is to get 500 female coaches recruited, developed and deployed across the seven South East counties between April 2013 and March 2015.

It’s not all bad news nationally, of course. Andy Murray made the news recently when he hired a female coach – and we can see the landscape changing gradually in favour of more opportunities for women in sport.

However, Leap – the new name for the Bucks & MK County Sport and Activity Partnership – is determined to help transform things as soon as possible.

Bucks is officially the most active county for 16+ sport in the country, according to Sport England, so where better to set the national example?

This is not calling for women to be given special advantages; it is more a case of, to coin a sporting phrase, of giving them a level playing field.

Men coach women’s teams, so tell me why then we can’t see a female one day managing Manchester United or Chelsea?

An impossible dream?

Let’s see.

Find out more at www.leapwithus.org.uk

The diaries of a former Lord Williams’s pupil who served in the Great War have been shared on the Old Thamensians’s Association’s website.

The diary was written in December 1915 while Raymond Hester was serving in France as a rifleman.

Raymond served in the infantry and during that time suffered wounds which led to him being sent back to England from the trenches.

One of the many stories recounted in the diaries is of Raymond spending Christmas Day in the trenches and on that day having to fetch water.

Raymond, who passed away in 1972, went to the school along with his brothers Percy and Sydney.

He also played cricket and football for Lord Williams’s.

His father Charles owned Hester and Son Jewellers Ltd in Thame High Street.

Old Thamensians’s Asssociation archivist Graham Thomas said: “We were sent these diaries by his family and it is great to have the first hand story of an old Thamensian who survived the war in our archives.

“They provide a fascinating insight into life in the trenches and are a very important addition to our collection.”

The view the diaries go to www.flickr.com/photos/oldtamensians

The Thame Round Table is offering men across the town a free night out.

The organisation, for men aged between 18 and 45 is offering vouchers to allow guys to enjoy themselves on an evening out with their mates.

To earn the free nights out, visit the Round Table page on Facebook and register using the ‘A Free Night Out’ tab.

A member of the club will then get in touch to invite you to the next free event.

Cait Allen, Round Table chief executive said: “We know how busy modern men are, with work and family commitments often making it difficult for them to make time for themselves.

“With our free night out offer, we want to make it as easy as possible for men to break from routine and do more with their evenings.

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I usually talk of positive matters never mentioning most of the traumas I come across.

After all these are mostly accidental but then occasionally the avoidable happens especially by somebody who should know better. 
That hurts me. The horror happens and I cannot avoid mentioning it even if it is upsetting. 
Often instigated by professionals around the country in a blind panic when they meet their arch nemesis, the flea.

Thankfully not in our catchment area the ‘quick on the draw’ exponents reach for the aerosol of fipronil, to hell with the consequences. 
This particular very sad hedgehog had been sprayed and brought to us from a long way from Haddenham. 
We turned out to be the best resort but try as we might, even we could do nothing to help.

He was having seizures.

He couldn’t breathe.

He was shaky and hypersensitive as though he had been poisoned by slug pellets another poison scattered without a thought about the consequences. 
This hedgehog did not have much wrong with him until he was shown to a professional who without a ‘by-or-leave’ has reached for his tin of fipnonil, the content of a well-known brand of flea spray, that according to scientist, Toni Bunnell, in 2009 was no longer considered safe to use on hedgehogs.

Fipronil is highly toxic to rabbits so surely it warranted a thought as to its safety for other small animals. 
I know I am always going on that fleas are host specific not spreading to other species.

But a practice in Wales is currently advocating on its website that pet fleas come from hedgehogs, rabbits and foxes, which I have never known to have fleas.

It scares me that these chemicals are still being used on animals.

In fact I have just bought a flea collar, for cats and kittens, containing permethrim that is toxic to cats.

Please, please check on the internet before using any insecticides. 
Incidentally the hedgehog died.

The biggest challenge faced by any leader is that of successfully orchestrating the various people involved.

The personalities of suppliers, employees, partners, and customers will differ greatly, as will their motivation, mood and modus operandi.

There are too many variables, but contemplating the following four might just help.

To start with, some people are naturally dominant. Others are less so and slip more into the background.

You can spot the dominance gene by their obvious and compelling need to be in control of any situation, to take the lead, and to decide for others. Dominant characters seem certain, even on issues where they are clueless.

They look at the big picture and to the future and will tend towards bullying to get their way.

Another way to slice and dice the people we work with is to consider where they sit on the Influencing continuum between being the life and soul of any gathering and the guerrilla geek preferring to work in a darkened room with binary numbers than with people.

For those for whom having influence is critical, they carry with them a huge fear of rejection by others, they like to chat and persuade, and they much prefer being in teams to working alone.

Some people are patient, planned and prepare well before they act while others love serendipity, like to experience and drive change, thrive on tight deadlines, and are at their best in fast moving responsive situations. Where we each are on this steadiness line will clearly influence how we work with the various people around us, the situations we will enjoy, and the rabbit in the headlight moments that cause many to freeze.

Finally there are those who love detail, accuracy and being precise, and those for whom the detail signifies complete and utter boredom.

Those of you who love detail and the rules are normally fantastic organisers, but tend to fear criticism and making mistakes, and can be very cautious when taking decisions. This can mean death in a fast moving environment and can drive the rest of us mad.

Of course each of us sits somewhere on each of these Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness continuums, something which psychometric profiles are designed to measure so that we are better able to understand ourselves and those with whom we work.

We are such a complicated species, are we not?