Caravan gathering creates social media storm
On 05/08/2017 At 2:07 am
Category : Missed a ThameNews story?, More News, Thame news
Responses : 5 Comments
THERE have been reports on social media today of several caravans having arrived at Thame Show Ground, following a booking made from what was believed to be at the time, a Christian group.
The booking was apparently taken by the Thame Agricultural Association, which owns the land, in good faith.
Image courtesy of Southbrook Estate via twitter
Many of the Facebook posts are, rightly or wrongly, linking the event to gypsies and speculate about a link to an increase in reported thefts in the area and a police warning to lock away valuables and to keep them out of sight.
It must be stressed that the police have made no such connection publicly and so far, there is no evidence of a connection.
However, published on a local website, a statement, which addresses itself as ‘WE (The Thame Agricultural Society)’ states that it was contacted by the organisers of The Darlington Christian Fellowship Group to book for their annual meeting. Contracts were apparently signed and toilets booked and paid for, all – the TAS thought, was above board.
“But,” goes on the statement, “the showground has been invaded by approximately 5000, believed to be, Gypsies. They had booked the showground from now (Friday, August 4) until Thursday, and paid for in full.
“It’s a total nightmare. They are cutting down the trees on the showground; it’s carnage up there, and the police are on site in force.”
David Jones Boyd defended the visitors, posting on facebook: “Just would like to say that the field will be getting cleaned on a regular basis then on the last day you wouldn’t be able to find a match stick, these people are here to worship god, I myself am not a Christian but I know how these people are and I can tell you that you will never find a kinder people or more hospitable.
“I will admit we are a loud people but we do mean well; everyone is more than welcome to come on to the field and enjoy the meetings and see for yourself.”
It was not clear at the time of writing whether any incident was on-going or had been resolved.
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It’s an absolute disgrace. I myself have witnessed;
White pickup trucks tearing up the grass verge opposite the entrance to the field
Intimidating behaviour at Thame Leisure Centre
Filthy state the showers in the leisure centre are left in.
Intimidation in the town.
Dangerous driving – often deliberately at peak driving times.
I am also aware of a number of people and shops in Thame who have been stolen from.
Lying on a booking, theft, intimidation, vandalism, endangerment of life, none of these are Christian actions.
I, like most of the residents, wait with baited breath to see if they really do leave the area and return to where they came from. Sadly experience in the past tells me they will not.
Thank you for letting use your area for our Christian meetings hope the none Christians don’t get the Christian’s a bad name but Christ died for the people who need change in life so it is for all bad &good and the sick Jesus is not prejudice like some people think of themselves only God blessed all poeple
There ther to worship God it happens every year what harm are they doing the police should be more worried about all the booming go on around the country and leave these people in peace
They have been horrible, they have vandalised the skatepark broken down the fences. They have started on people getting into fights making thame look bad! They have stolen items of value, they look for trouble. Please i speak for all the people of Thame and we want them gone forever after this Thursday. They might worship god and I dont mind if they do it quietly, but once they start going through Thame causing trouble they should be arrested and detained and sent back where they came.
You need to get your facts right why don’t you go down and talk to the people organising this convention it’s a light and light born again Christian meeting yes they are gypsys but would it be better if they was blacks Asians Chinese ext why are you making a big deal out of it they are not worshipping the devil they are worshipping god and are nice clean people they’re are good and bad in all walks of life go see for your selfs