Your letters

Game, set and match?

My instant reaction to your announcement regarding Henley Fire Station (Standard, October 31) was to go into a John McEnroe rant culminating in “Are you serious?” The problem is it looks like “game, set and match” with Oxfordshire County Council as it is already telling us we do not provide enough volunteers to man the required shifts and are proceeding with a consultation of doubtful integrity, as I cannot get on the website!

I, for one, am getting heartily sick of news of Henley shrinking before our eyes. Firstly, it was an attempt by Oxfordshire NHS to close the former Townlands Hospital. Then it was the banks doing a runner from our town. Then we have reeled with the recent closure of the River & Rowing Museum. Now, we could see the closure of Henley Fire Station.

What did our councils do for us while we are contracting? They give us a lot more houses in return, so that our essential services come under more and more pressure. Yes, houses to the left of us, houses to the right of us, houses in front of us, sprawl and fill in.

“Someone up there in charge” is trying to tell me that here in Henley we have suddenly become a low fire-risk classification and that first and second fire engine responses in Peppard will only increase by one to two seconds. This insults everybody’s intelligence.

How is it that five fire station hubs are recommended in preference to Henley when all are in localities smaller in population? Certainly, when the adjacent areas are included, Henley has a population exceeding 50,000, which requires to be serviced.

An essential consequence is that Henley and the area is a most significant contributor of council tax to local councils. Remember the saying: follow the money and take decisions based upon this?

So, what do we do now? We follow the Townlands playbook of resisting the authorities and telling them, we will not put up with this. Form a group — FSSG (Fire Station Steering Group) and talk to the authorities. If they will not agree, hold a march and raise a petition for sending to No 10. Involve leading celebrities.

Yes, it can be done, but we need leadership from our MP, Mayor, our councillors at South Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council... and ever residents’ support. — Yours faithfully,

Dr Barry G Wood

Peppard

Irresponsible proposal

Sir, — I am a resident of New Street, Henley. Ever since buying our home here some 18 years ago, my one concern has always been fire, given that homes in the street, like many other Henley streets, are all cheek by jowl and a fire in one would spread quickly to another. Time would be of the absolute essence in limiting loss of life and major damage. Seconds, not minutes, would count.

Having a well-equipped fire station here in Henley with well-trained staff, in attendance 24/7, should be the proposal, not the elimination of the little we already have.

If our fire station is eliminated, we will have to rely on one at Wallingford some
24 minutes away. Of course, the real reason behind the proposal is a money-saving exercise as Oxfordshire County Council hopes to generate £600,000 from the sale of the fire station property.

My question is. “Who is responsible for this egregiously irresponsible proposal?” Who benefits? When lives are lost or people and pets injured because a fire cannot be extinguished soon enough, who in the county council is going to be responsible? We should know their names now so we can hold them liable and responsible in due course and not be given the run around subsequently like the poor Post Office sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses have been.

How has this great country allowed, for example, the police, armed forces and NHS to become so hollowed out because of lack of money? Are we going to stand by and see the same happen to our fire brigade? Who or what have been the recipients of these funds and why are they given priority over the people who pay the taxes?

One of the proposals is to build a new fire station at a cost of £8.3 million. Instead, why couldn’t some of this money be used to attract more retained firefighters for the Henley Fire Station to provide round-the-clock service? The current retained firefighters are paid 40p an hour while on standby, £2 for each pager call while on standby and £14 per hour while on a call-out, for a lot less than I pay my gardener.

It takes a lot to make me angry but this totally irresponsible proposal has done so because the consequences could and will be so dire. And why try and force it through under the fig leaf of a consultation? Why not ask the people of Henley, those directly affected by the proposal, what they want? Hold a local referendum. Keep our fire station or do away with it? Fund the Henley Fire Station so it can afford to pay staff a living wage or carry on as before?

One last question, what do you think insurance companies are going to do when they discover there is going to be a substantial delay before a fire crew is going to be able to attend a house fire in Henley? Increase the insurance premiums or lower them? Mine has already gone up nearly 50 per cent this year because I had one minor damage claim to our home. All I can say to Henley house owners is brace yourselves.

Henley needs to stand together on this issue and not let some faceless bureaucrats, based on a faulty, commissioned, £450,000 report by outsiders and which the fire brigade should have been able to do themselves, dictate what happens to us on a real matter of life or death.

At the very least, if this disgusting proposal is allowed to proceed, at the next council election, we should remember those supposedly representing us who allowed this to happen and ensure they never do so again. — Yours faithfully,

Peter Flack

New Street, Henley

Ask right questions

Editor, — So, we can take it from Jeff Banks that Nigel Farage isn’t a Nazi (Standard, October 31). Isn’t that a rather low bar to hurdle for someone we are asked to take seriously as a fit and proper person to be the United Kingdom’s next Prime Minister? Perhaps Mr Banks is right about Farage not being a Nazi, although the former Henley MP, Lord Heseltine, seems unconvinced.

Regardless of exactly where Farage and Reform UK sit on the spectrum of zealotry, it is disappointing that the Henley Standard has helped to legitimise such an outfit. The article was no better than a political pitch, with no attempt to expose just how vacuous this one-man self-publicising machine masquerading as a serious political party really is.

All we got were a few bland statements to the effect that Reform UK will solve the nation’s ills (somehow or other; trust us). In support of this make-believe was the specious claim that Farage is a successful businessman, when his background is as a commodities trader — a somewhat different thing.

Rather than giving in to the “a plague on both your houses” temptation and taking a chance on these chancers, the good people of Henley and Thame would be well advised to ask a few questions about these new kids on the block.

If it is too much to ask for an account of how they propose to Make Britain Grate Again (sic) on the world stage, perhaps they could tell us where their money is coming from?

The independent international media platform Open Democracy documents that “Reform has received almost £5m from wealthy donors since 2023, including those with links to fossil fuels, the financial services industry and tax havens”.

Its investigations show that Reform is largely funded by ex-Tory donors, who account for around a quarter of what it has received in large donations in that time. Moreover, Reform has an unusually high number of overseas backers with links to tax havens. So, not as patriotic as all that then.

Instead of yielding to the “up yours” impulse, voters should be concerned about entrusting the serious business of governing a great country to novices with airy-fairy policies (apart from cracking down on Johnny Foreigner) and whose finances are, to be charitable, somewhat opaque. — Yours faithfully,

A Robertson

Woodcote

More of the same, please

Editor, — As someone with a little experience of constructing and contracting (and not wanting to grind any political axes regarding roadworks in Henley), the resurfacing of Reading Road and, in particular, the junction of Reading Road and Station Road, were exemplary executions with precision timing.

Please, more such contracting programmes and contractors. — Yours faithfully,

Ian Giuliani

Giuliani Architects, Wilson Avenue, Henley

We will be overlooked

Sir, — I am writing to you in respect of your article “Retirement village extension proposal is badly designed” (Standard, October 31).

Firstly, I am pleased that Henley Town Council has recommended that the planning application by Retirement Villages Group at Thamesfield Retirement Village be rejected by Wokingham Borough Council, as has South Oxfordshire District Council and Remenham Parish Council.

I am somewhat surprised by the comments from Councillor Laurence Plant that he “struggled to see that this could be counted as over-development, given the out of way nature of the site”.

I can only assume that Cllr Plant is not totally aware of the Thamesfield site, particularly as he states: “The only people that are going to view this are people sat in standstill traffic to get into Henley.”

Perhaps I could assist in his lack of understanding, as this proposal for a three-storey building to replace the existing single-storey building will directly overlook Thamesfield’s closest neighbours at Remenham Row. The proposal would create a building of only 20m distance from those at Remenham Row, which is in major conflict with the council’s Design Guide.

The mass of the building would create unacceptable overlooking for the residents of Remenham Row and impact significantly on their privacy, light and view. The aspect which faces the Remenham Row properties would have large windows and Juliet balconies having a major negative effect on the amenity of the residents, looking directly into bedrooms, bathrooms and sitting rooms.

The size and proposed materials to be used for the building are not in keeping with the current buildings at Thamesfield, its neighbours, nor the wider Henley vernacular, this being of particular importance as it will be visible from the river and the opposite bank.

Several of the residents of Thamesfield will also be affected, however it would appear that Retirement Villages Group has no interest in the impact on its own residents or its closest neighbours, but wish to overdevelop the Thamesfield site purely for financial gain. Thank you for the opportunity to respond. — Yours faithfully,

Geoffrey Snell

Remenham Row, Henley

Where will they all park?

Sir, — I was astonished to see that 57 homes are proposed for the town centre — with no parking provision (Standard, October 31). Where are residents expected to park or recharge their EVs?

One might think that a company with the name of Green Regeneration might have given more thought to this. The small orchard may tick the greenwashing box but does not justify this development.

Traffic management is hardly the right description for what we have recently endured. Proper traffic management would minimise disruption and duration. It should not be designed to provide convenient parking for contractors. There should always be a large sign indicating which utility is responsible for the works in progress, with contact details. — Yours faithfully,

Patricia Mulcahy

Milton Close, Henley

Children must be kept safe

Editor, — I would like to highlight a clear safety issue witnessed in Henley on Halloween evening.

While it was wonderful to see families out enjoying the occasion, it was concerning to observe not only children but also accompanying adults walking in groups along the road — often in the path of oncoming traffic — at a time when many drivers were returning home from work.

With fading light, dark clothing and general excitement, visibility was poor.

Yet, on several residential roads, entire groups, including parents, were walking two or three abreast on the road instead of keeping to the pavements.

Many seemed unaware of how dangerous this is, particularly on narrow roads with limited lighting and no clear sight lines for approaching vehicles.

It is vital that parents set an example by ensuring both they and their children remain on pavements wherever possible and cross roads only when it is safe to do so.

Local schools and community groups might also consider reminding families of these basic precautions before next year’s celebrations.

Halloween should be an enjoyable and safe event for everyone. A little more awareness and care would go a long way to preventing a serious accident.

I’d appreciate you drawing attention to this matter in the next publication of the newspaper. — Yours faithfully,

Nick Lawrence

Henley

Please dress for occasion

I note that the lights are to be switched on by Jerry Hall helped by the Mayor, Tom Buckley (Standard, October 31).

I do hope he will be able to find a suitably smart jacket, trousers and tie for this special event. — Yours faithfully,

Chrissie Godfrey

Victoria Court, Henley

Move on to where exactly?

Sir, — Regarding Philip M M Collings’ letter (Standard, October 31), I was reminded of God’s answer to Job (38:41). “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if you have understanding?”

At Jesus’s transfiguration (Matthew 17:5) with witnesses, God spoke again. “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

Look at the facts you say and move on! Move on? Move on to where Mr Collings? To what! — Yours faithfully,

Mrs G M Radley

Vicarage Road, Henley

Remarkable pitch debate

Sir, — The remarkable thing about the recent debate over the use of Freemans Meadow (Standard, October 24) for football coaching is that it need never have taken place at all. The Exiles football club were already in discussions with Henley Rugby Club about using their facilities before the council meeting held on the evening of Tuesday, October 14. Indeed an “urgent update” had been sent to players at 3.58pm that same afternoon, telling them their training would be at the Henley Rugby Club the following evening at 7pm.

How surprising that these developments were not disclosed during the council meeting, even when the Exiles chairman was questioned at length about their plans for the Freemans Meadow proposal by Councillor, Stefan Gawrysiak. Consequently, councillors were left in ignorance of them, when they went on to discuss and vote on the proposal — one that was very probably no longer in play.

Our councillors have a busy agenda, and this episode represents a regrettable waste of time. Also, it raises legitimate concerns about transparency and communication.

All this aside from the fact that boggy Freemans Meadow, with no parking, no toilet facilities, no proper goalposts or lighting, did seem to be an odd candidate for a football club’s practice ground. — Yours faithfully,

John Carrell

Henley

Overcoming scandal

Sir, — In the wake of the “bombshell” statement from Buckingham Palace concerning the royal status of “disgraced” Prince Andrew, it is quite uncanny how this saga echoes the confluence of current commemorations and traditions.

For instance, Poppy Day and its slogan “Lest We Forget”, marking the horror and sacrifices of the Great War. When anti-German agitation turned to witch-hunting in 1917, King George V wisely accepted the change of the Royal Family’s name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor, a more suitable name for fighting the Hun.

Following the same principle of ensuring the future of the monarchy in perpetuity, he turned down the plea from his cousin, Tsar Nicholas II, for asylum in this country following the October Revolution in Russia on the grounds that it would not be in the national interest, meaning that with the monarchical principle collapsing even in countries where it had been long-established, his own throne would be in jeopardy. Likewise, Prince Andrew has been seen as expendable.

However, what is most concerning in the royal statement is this quote: “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.” This is an outrageous denial of basic natural justice and links up with Halloween, the witch-hunts and trials over centuries in this country, Europe and the USA.

It is pure Arthur Miller’s The Crucible territory — both the play and the essay, in which he sums up the essence of a witch-hunt as the persecution and prosecution of its victims merely on the basis of allegations and accusations. So, Lest We Forget should also apply to all victims of witch-hunts.

The Palace statement has also emboldened every Tom, Dick and Harry to come out of the woodwork and speak a lot of unchallenged tosh. For example, a government minister came on Today on BBC Radio 4 and fulminated about the utter abhorrence of the worst crime, the sexual abuse of children under age.

In her posthumous memoir, Nobody’s Girl, Virginia Giuffre states that she was
17 when she was allegedly abused by Andrew — the age of consent in this country has been 16 since 1885.

Finally, as we are approaching panto season, perhaps the King could take a leaf out of Jeremy Corbyn’s book and put in an appearance as the Queen of Hearts: “Off with his style, titles and honours and his lease of the Royal Lodge.”

What is absolutely certain is that even this royal decree will not put an end to the Prince Andrew saga. US politicians and lawyers call on Andrew to testify under oath. Ms Giuffre’s brother will not be satisfied until Andrew is behind bars and the BBC believes there should be a meeting between the Royal Family and Ms Giuffre’s family. It is an extraordinary suggestion as it would imply admission of guilt on the part of Andrew.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain — the British monarchy will survive — it has shown through the centuries that it is very adept at doing so. — Yours faithfully,

Alexis Alexander

Gosbrook Road, Caversham

Worthwhile reading

Sometimes a book comes along that can really surprise. It doesn’t have to be the only one to do this and can be the next in a usually short list that will cause you to raise your eyebrow, release a “huh, how about that” or trigger warm thoughts of desire to be better. Recently a piece of work crept up, tapped me on the shoulder and whispered “hey, pay attention, this is good”.

Pity the Reader: On Writing with Style by Kurt Vonnegut and Suzanne MacConnell is the latest in a line of books that are different to my usual (often fiction) fare. The list began unbeknownst to me at the time, with Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!, a brief biography, the next was Walter Isaacson’s masterwork, Einstein: His Life and Universe. Other titles followed, not necessarily biographies.

Now Suzanne MacConnell and her work on Vonnegut (him of Fahrenheit 451) and his writing has raised those leaden eyebrows once more. It is full of humour, surprises and excellent advice on writing and story craft as well as hopscotching through the author’s life.

A solid recommendation for both readers of biographies as well as various genres of fiction. Consider it and the other titles here, a treat for yourself or a gift for someone else this coming Christmas. — Yours faithfully,

Edward Sierpowski

Henley

Celebrate our trees

Sir, — I wonder how many of your readers remember the planting of trees on Gillotts Corner Field in the year 2000. That’s 25 years ago and, to celebrate this, there will be a walk looking at the trees on Saturday, November 22. Meet at the gate at 11.30am. All welcome — walkers, joggers, buggies, children and dogs. — Yours faithfully,

Andrew Hawkins

Berkshire Road, Henley