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  • Day Centre website keeps up with the times

    THAME and District Day Centre, the independent local charity which has met at Thame Community Hospital in East Street for the past 30 years is launching a new website.

    The Centre’s manager for the past 11 years, Gill Coleman, said: “Our work is about keeping people in contact and this is a way we can aim to keep in touch with our supporters, potential volunteers, and yes, especially those who would like to attend the Centre and those who may be in position to help them or advise them. A downloadable referral form can be found under the tab “Joining us” and a donation button has been added, should anyone wish to help us continue the good work that we do.

    “With this launch we are keeping up with our town and we are keeping up with the times!”

    The bright and beautifully designed website, created by Chinnor Website, details the work of the Centre which meets three days a week. The site’s statement of Welcome says: “We provide a day out with plenty of refreshments, a two-course hot meal and a variety of entertainment for people from Thame and some nearby villages, who are elderly, frail or perhaps isolated.”

    Gill added: “Members and volunteers who have been involved with the Centre over the years will testify that it does what it says – on the Website.

    One volunteer driver said: “This place contributes to everyone’s enjoyment of life, including mine.”

    The Centre meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30 till 3pm at the Thame Community Hospital site in East Street, Thame.

    There is much more on the Centre’s website which at : http://www.thameanddistrictdaycentre.co.uk/home/

  • Tony Hadley apologies to Thame music fans

    SPANDAU Ballet frontman, Tony Hadley, will not now be opening the first Thame Town Musical Festival on Saturday (July 8).

    Tony Hadley

    Tony notified the festival organisers yesterday and today they released the following statement explaining why he has had to cry off:

    “It is with great disappointment that we have to announce that Tony Hadley will be unable to come and open Thame Town Festival on Saturday as last minute changes to his band’s travel schedule means that he will be unable to get back to Thame from Wales and on to his concert on Saturday night in Southampton. Tony is very sorry to have let us down as he is a great supporter of both Thame and, of course, live music. Tony wishes the festival great success.”

    It has been reported by the BBC that Tony Hadley announced on social media that he has left 1980s pop group Spandau Ballet, and “will not be performing” with them in the future.

    In a facebook post he said: “I am required to state that I am no longer a member of the band”.  He didn’t say why he was leaving, but blamed “circumstances beyond my control.”

    The group, who scored hits with True and Gold, broke up acrimoniously in the 1990s but had reformed in 2009.

    The remaining members of the band, according to the BBC, have put the blame for the latest split on Hadley’s shoulders, stating on their official website: “Much to our frustration, Tony had made it clear in September 2016 that he didn’t want to work with the band anymore. This has not changed and 2015 was the last time we were able to perform or work with him. So we have now made the decision to move on as a band.”

    The search is now on for a musical VIP to replace Tony Hadley and come along to Thame at mid-day on Saturday to launch the Thane Music festival. If anyone has any connections with a celebrity who might consider stepping into the breach, contact the organisers via John Litter

     

  • Honk! – the musical

    THAME Players present this heart-warming re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling. This fully orchestrated musical tells the story of Ugly, an aesthetically challenged duck, who finds himself pushed out by the other members of the duck-yard, leading him into an adventure that will see him discover the true meaning of what it is to be different.

    Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical (beating both The Lion King and Mamma Mia), this touching celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences with its sparkling wit and memorable score.

    The cast includes 14 adults and eight children who play a range of delightful and less delightful characters, from frogs and geese to turkeys and mandarin ducks. Tom Mackriell, director of the Thame Players’ production, said: ” ‘Honk!  has been an exciting and fun experience for everyone involved. Each cast member has taken on all the challenges given to them with passion and confidence – their commitment and enthusiasm will ensure this production is a big success.

    The Ugly Duckling (Kathryn Head) with Cat (Derek Witchell) in rehearsal

    “This is my third time of being involved with Honk! and each time I find something new and exciting about it. The story carries such important messages about inclusion and diversity, especially important in today’s society, so I think that Honk! will always remain poignant and current. I can’t wait to see it on the stage here in Thame.”

    The other works of British writing duo, Stiles and Drewe, have exploded around the UK over the last few years and include Mary Poppins, Half a Sixpence, Betty Blue Eyes (based on the film A Private Function) and the soon-to-open Wind in the Willows. Honk! is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face – no matter how horrendously ugly that smile may be.

    Tickets cost £9 (concessions £8) and are available from Spear Travels, 01844 217228 or online from www.thameplayers.co.uk

  • Four days to Olympus peak in aid of children’s hospice

    THAME’S very own Champion Market Retailer finalist, Chris Hurdman, is well known for his generosity in helping raise funds for local charities through market events and the Community Stall at the Tuesday market. But his next, personal venture is a real step up (literally!) with his daughter, Evie.

    Chris and Evie Hurdman

    On August 9, Evie and Chris will be climbing from Paphos Harbour to the peak of Mount Olympus climbing to 1952 meters over some 80km. The journey will be taken over four days. You can sponsor Chris and Evie and all donations will go to Helen and Douglas House.

    Each hour that Helen and Douglas is open, it needs to raise around £600 – that’s 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The father and daughter pair hope to raise a total of £2400 – one hours’ funds for every day they climb.

     

    Go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ to find out more and donate.

     

  • Drama teacher wanted for Thame Youth Theatre

    THAME Youth Theatre is looking for a committed and reliable Drama teacher from September, 2017.

    The hours would be Monday’s, 4pm to 6pm directing members ages 10-12.5. There is potential of a second class 6.30pm to 8.30pm for ages 12.5- 14.5.

    “Thame Youth Theatre is incredibly passionate about helping members grow in confidence and helping them create shows each term,” said Paige Fox! “We need enthusiasm and passion!”

  • The Big Thame Bake 2017 is launched!

    SPATULAS at the ready; Aprons on and stand by your ovens! It’s time for this year’s BIG THAME BAKE.

    This year there are nine exciting categories to choose from and all entries are open to both adults and children. All of the cakes will be judged by Thame Food Festival’s star Bakers, who will also be appearing on the Baking Stage at the festival on Sunday, October 1.

    So dust down your mixing bowl, get planning your bakes and cakes and enter NOW to become the next Baking King or Queen of Thame.

    The categories and their judges are:

    Chris (p) up your Choux – Chris Wheeler
    Using choux pastry, devise, design, fill, build and bake any way you want. Savoury or sweet, piled high or laid beautifully on a plate – just make sure they are Chris (p), not soggy … and utterly delicious!

    Titivate your Traybakes – Chetna Makan
    Anything goes! Glitter, icing, spice, fruit, chocolate or more – go for it. Titivate to your heart’s content – NOTHING is too much!

    Prove you can make it rise – Paul Jagger
    Paul will show you his rise, if you show him yours! Use your imagination to design and bake a spectacular bread that stands out from the crowd and stuns us all.

    Gluten Free Bakes – Howard Middleton
    Howie has lovely buns! And his pastries aren’t too shabby either! You can make anything here, anything at all, just as long as it’s Gluten Free.

    Brexit Bakes – Jose Pizarro
    Let’s celebrate our European cousins’ delicious cakes and bakes. Anything you want from any European country and the lovely Jose will run his keen eye and palate over them. There are so many exciting European bakes out there, so make them and bring them to Blighty’s very best Food Festival!

    Rolling rolling rolling…. – Richard Burr
    Richard likes precision – design and bake a perfectly measured and rolled cake….Meringue based or a light and airy fatless sponge – we don’t mind – just make it a beauty.

    Flying Freestyle! – Jane Devonshire
    Whatever you want to make – Jane loves a surprise! Maybe it’s your very own recipe, or one handed down through your family. Tarts, Puffs, Brownies, Fruity or Chocolatey – we don’t mind – just fly freestyle and bring us your very best celebration bakes.

    Harvest Festival Happiness – Jane Beedle
    Autumn’s fruit and vegetable basket is overflowing with delicious produce. Bake a stunner using the best the land can offer at this time of year. Savoury or sweet we really don’t mind – just make it utterly seasonal.

    Lotte’s Kitsch Cakes – Lotte Duncan
    You can make anything you want as long as it’s completely over the top and it still tastes delicious. Glitter, icing, cream, sprinkles, jelly, chocolate, marzipan, strawberries – ANYTHING! Decorate madly and make it loud, make it fun and make it kitsch!

    Thame Food Festival, originally based in the town centre, has been going since 2008 and last year attracted in the region of 28k people. This year will see the festival relocating to Thame Show Ground and extending the programme over two days – Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1. Supported by Raymond Blanc, this year is aiming to have about 300 artisan producers alongside demonstrations from many leading chefs and bakers. The first day will be dedicated to chefs and the second day to bakers.

    The event attracts a number of high profile celebrities from both the chef and baking world including Master Chef and Great British Bake Off stars. Take a look at the Big Thame Bake 2016 video

    Details about Thame Food Festival 2017 can be found at: http://www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk/

  • Tony Hadley to open Thame Town Music Festival

    AT mid-day, on July 8, on the Main Stage in Thame town centre, music legend Tony Hadley will formally open the inaugural Thame Town Music Festival, setting in motion one of the most exciting, new, annual events to happen in Thame.

    Tony Hadley

    Tony lives locally and can be often seen around the town, and is a huge supporter of local charities and events but, as lead singer of Spandau Ballet, formed in 1978, and one of the pioneers of the ’80s New Romantic movement, Tony has earned the accolade of being one of pop music’s greatest vocalists.

    Gold, True, Only When You Leave and the iconic Through the Barricades are just some of the hits the band created. By the mid 80s, they were world-wide superstars. More recently, in 2015, a re-formed Spandau Ballet toured the planet for nine months playing at some of the world’s biggest venues.

    Whilst not performing at the Thame Town Music Festival this year, Tony will be welcoming everyone before a whole host of artists and bands perform, not only on the Main Stage outside the town hall, but at seven other venues around the town too, where you can see and hear music genres from Rock to Folk and Classical to Americana, and all stops in between, being performed.

    Put the date in your diary – Saturday, July 8! It’s going to be a FREE party with brilliant music, whatever your taste, plus comedy, food and lots more. To go with the road closures, car parking will be provided at the Southern Road Recreation Ground as well as all the other existing car parks in Thame.

    Thame Town Music Festival is a not for profit Community Interest Company, run by a team of volunteers, and its aim is to enhance Thame and get live music thriving in the town.

    Check out all the Venues and Line-ups and all you need to know about the festival at: www.ThameTownMusicFestival.org

  • ‘Determination and enthusiasm’ top Thame 10k

    THE bright and breezy weather on Sunday, June 25, reflected the determined and enthusiastic mood of the Thame 10K runners of 2017, who came in their masses to take part in Thame’s well-known annual challenge. The race limit of 1000 is normally full by early June which only highlights the popularity of this town event and added to the buzzing atmosphere.

    The jubilant JHS Team – Image courtesy of @TVAirAmb

    The race started and finished at Lord Williams’s Upper school playing fields, passed through the town centre and back along the Phoenix Trail. After completing the 10K, the competitors received a medal in recognition of their accomplishment, as well as a T-Shirt and a goody bag as mementos of the race. These were handed out by Kate from CPM, assisted by Howard Papworth (Race Director) and Rod Lavers (Race Secretary) from Thame Runners.

    The feedback surrounding the race was nothing but positive; one quote from Facebook read that the race was really enjoyable, adding: “Great course, especially if you aren’t a hill fan! A very friendly atmosphere throughout and a massive thank you to the marshals & the TVAA volunteers with the hosepipe and sponges!”

    Gratitude towards all the helpers and sponsors was prominent throughout the comments. Thame Runners’ spokesperson, Rod Lavers, said on Facebook: ” I would also like to offer my grateful thanks to our brilliant army of marshals and helpers who have once again come up trumps and provided our running guests yesterday morning with a fantastic experience. A number of favourable comments have been posted to the Thame 10k Facebook page which is always very pleasing to get such positive feedback.

    “I must also mention the incredible team of helpers at the “race village” who cleared the field in record breaking time and allowed everyone to attend the post-race barbecue at a very decent hour. Well done to Bruce ‘Mr Barby’ Lawton who tossed the burgers, sausages and chicken drumsticks with great aplomb, ably assisted by Harry Turner and my wife Sue. What a great day it was, but I was more than pleased to hit my bed last night after a tiring day. Here’s to 2018!!”

    Fastest woman in the Thame 10K 2017, Emma Houchell

    The Results

    For the third time in four years, James Bolton of the Woodstock Harriers came first – over 90 seconds ahead of the second finisher in an extraordinary time of 33.00. The fastest female in the race was Emma Houchell with a time of 36:34 making her 12th in the race overall. The first male Thame resident to finish was Kristian Williams, and the first female Thame resident was Emma Way.

    A team from John Hampden School in Thame, including the head teacher, Paul Hankey (time: 01:18:01) ran to raise funds for the Air Ambulance, in memory of four year-old Barnaby Cork.  FULL RACE RESULTS HERE

    It seems that the race wouldn’t be what it is without the dedication of the marshals, the encouragement of the family members who line the race course, and the enthusiasm of the runners themselves who keep the race going year after year.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Gabby Smith

  • Street furniture rules clarified

    DISQUIET among Thame Town Councillors about the proliferation of A boards and outside seating on the town’s pavements, has led to then seeking clarification from the Highways Authority as to the rules and regulations covering street furniture.

    What’s Cooking’s plan for outdoor seating

    The advice given is that shops and cafes should, strictly speaking, apply for a licence for such boards and furniture on the public pavement, as What’s Cooking has recently. However, the authorities prefer to take ‘a  softly, softly‘ approach apparently, and tend to tolerate any street furniture on pavements that are wide enough, as long as they do not present a nuisance or danger to pedestrians.

    During a discussion at Tuesday’s Planning and Environment committee, the Town Clerk reported that Oxfordshire County Council will be looking further into the matter in the near future.

    Councillors agreed to recommend approval of What’s Cooking’s application for tables with seating, outside their premises in Cornmarket, Thame, which has some of the widest pavements in the town.

  • Phone mast company walks away from Thame

    THAME Town Council has been notified by Shared Access that the company is no longer progressing its proposal to install a telecommunications structure at Southern Road Recreation Ground.

    At its meeting on June 20, 2017, after considering Consultation responses, the Town Council asked Shared Access to consider alternative positioning of the mast within the tree-line in response to some of respondents and town councillors’ wishes. SEE LINK and LINK

    “Shared Access are not prepared to execute further work and the operators will now seek a traditional street based solution,” said the town council, adding in a statement: “It is disappointing that in spite of significant efforts by the Town Council and the community that a solution acceptable to all could not be found.”

    If the proposal had gone ahead, the town council was in line to receive £70,000.