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  • Former Thame head teacher compères charity fun day

    THE former head teacher of John Hampden School in Thame, Alan Haigh, was once more where he always loved to be – at the heart of an event bringing the community of Thame together for a good cause.

    Alan Haigh chats to some of the children taking part in the Charty Fund Day – Image courtesy of The Oxford Mail

    The event was Saturday’s Charity Football and Family Fun Day, held at the ASM stadium, home of Thame United, to raise much needed funds for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance in memory of four year-old Barnaby Cork who died last December after a tragic accident. Stuart Gibson, the man who came up with the idea for the event, told Thame.Net: “The day was an amazing success with an estimated 400 people attending during the course of the day. The overriding factor from the day was that everyone had such a great, fun day from the bouncy castle, face painting, soft play areas for the little ones, to Zorb football, the princess corner, an ice cream van, balloon artistry, cake stall, sweetie cones, strawberries’n’cream pots, kids lucky number, colouring table, Lego table, giant outdoor games and sumo suit wrestling!

    Image courtesy of The Oxford Mail

    “The highlights of the day were a luxury raffle from which one lucky person won themselves a week-long holiday in a Mallorca villa, and of course the football match where the TVAA XI, mainly made up of the dads of children attending John Hampden School, ran out 2-1 winners over the Iron Maiden XI.

    “It was amazing to see former head teacher, Alan Haigh, compère the event,” added Stuart, “which he did with his usual good humour and wit! He said how much he had enjoyed being involved in a community event again!”

    Stuart concluded: “The people of Thame yet again could not be surpassed in their support of this amazing charity, and as organisers we were extremely lucky to have such brilliant people on the committee in getting the event off the ground. There are already plans in the diary for 2018 as the Iron Maiden team are keen to be part of the event again next year!”

  • ‘Happy Star Wars Day’ from Thame book shop

    THIS May 4th is Star Wars Day and to celebrate, Thame’s Oxfam bookshop is having a special Star Wars-themed window. Feel free to swoop by and take on supplies, see the window, or explore new areas of domestic space by bringing in a donation of books, DVDs, records, sheet music, or CDs.

    “Hmm! Adventure. Hmmpf! Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things.”

    Looking ahead to the Town Music festival on July 8, the shop will have a musically-themed window, stalls and even a piper with bagpipes and kilt. So, mark your calendar, and in the meantime, …all together now…May the Fourth be with You!

  • A debut ‘ton’and two impressive friendly wins for the 1st XI

    THAME Town Cricket Club’s First XI kicked off 2017 with two excellent pre-season victories. The first, against a strong Potters Bar side, saw successful debuts for Richie Straughan (48) and overseas professional Gami Kanishka (105).

    Gami Kanishka, TTCC’s new overseas professional, Gami Kanishka

    A total of 264 off 40 overs appeared daunting. However, 154 from Potters Bar opener Gale made for an excellent chase. They fell 10 runs short after some excellent death bowling. (April 22)

    The second friendly took Thame to Marlow. Having won the toss and elected to bat, Marlow slipped to 46-4 with Beard taking 3-7. They eventually stumbled to 195-9 off their 50 overs. However, this proved to be well below par as another new comer, Callum Russell, made an excellent 90* and Kanishka an explosive 81, leading Thame home for the loss of three wickets in just 30 overs.  (April 29).

    The 1st XI begin their Home Counties Premier League season away at Datchet, on Saturday, May 6.

    An exciting win and a defeat in 2nd XI warm-ups

    AGAINST neighbours, Haddenham Firsts, Thame batted first and made 181 all out from 38 overs. The man-of-the-match was Liam Evans with 50 not out, while Andy Jinman scored 39 and skipper Matt Furness 25. Haddenham batted second and came close but were all out 171 in the final, 40th over, held together by Gavin Castellyn (59).

    Bowling highlights included three wickets for Liam Evans, three wickets for Guy Holmes and the crucial wicket for Lewis Ludlam. (April 22)

    The Second XI’s second warm-up game brought them up against a strong Marlow Seconds side, at Church Meadow.  Marlow batted first and with Fisher (102) and Keenan (76) leading the way, a big total looked certain. Despite a tight spell from Pete Tervet (8-2-0-29) and two wickets each from Fellowes and Holmes, Thame couldn’t stop Marlow posting 274 for 6. In reply, Thame limped to 60-4, before hard hitting from Evan Davies (51) and Matt ‘The Chairman’ Swain (49 not out) gave the innings respectability, finishing on 205 for 6.

    Thame seconds kick off their league season, now in Cherwell Division 4, next Saturday, May 6, at home against Stokenchurch.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Walking Football Festival success

    WALKING Football teams from Better leisure centres across South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire and Reading, including Thame’s,  met at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon on Friday, April 28, for a Walking Football Festival that celebrated growing interest in the sport.

    Nearly 40 players took part in the friendly competition, which consisted of six-a-side matches that were each 12 minutes long. The nature of the event meant that there were no winners or losers, rather it aimed to encourage participation and showcase the fun inclusive nature of the sport. However, everyone involved received a congratulatory medal for taking part.

    The teams were Abingdon Almost Athletic, Thame Tigers, Windrush Wanderers and Rivermead Rapids. This was the first time that Thame Leisure Centre, Windrush Leisure Centre and Rivermead Leisure Complex had played friendly matches against teams from other areas.

    Kevin Williams, General Manager at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, said:
    “The festival has been a huge success. It’s a great way to introduce people to walking football, in a fun, non-pressured environment. We’ve seen a surge in interest in walking football over recent months. It’s a great way to stay actively involved in the game, without having to be particularly fit or risk injury. We’re already planning more of this type of event for the future.”

    Players interested in the competitive side of the sport can now look forward to entering or just watching the Better Games Walking Football championship that takes place at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, on  Saturday, May 20, from 10am-4pm.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Thame Rotary Tools Collection for Africa

    THE Rotary Club of Thame is asking the local public to check their sheds and lofts and bring their old tools to the main car park near Montesson Square, near the Market House. The tool collection will take place on Saturday, May 20, from 9am to 1pm.

    Every year the Rotary Club of Thame runs a collection point for unwanted tools. These are then taken to Tools for Self Reliance‘ s (TFSR) collection centre in Southampton. TFSR is a charity that refurbishes the tools and sends them to NGOs in Africa. All the tools sent to Africa are used to provide training and to equip trainees with their own start-up kits to set up their own businesses after completing training, not only in their chosen trade but in business management, financial, and life skills.

    One such trainee is Mohammed Kanteh who lives in Sierra Leone. He has hearing difficulties and has never attended school, but wanted the opportunity to learn a trade and earn money to support his mother and five siblings. He took part in a Tools for Self Reliance training programme, in partnership with local organisation Mobility Sierra Leone, and learnt how to repair wheelchairs and bicycles. He is now part of a small business, along with some fellow graduates, and they are already planning how to use their profits to expand.

    Items which can be collected include sewing machines, tools used for plumbing, carpentry, metalworking, building, bicycle repairs, shoe repairs and for repairing cars. Please note that no garden tools are accepted.

    For more information visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or Thame Rotary’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/thamerotary

  • Thousands flock to Thame’s ‘Big Day Out’

    UNDER mostly sunny skies and at times, a cool wind, thousands of people of all ages came together to take part in Thame’s ‘Big Day Out’, Music In The Park 2017, on Sunday (April 30).


    Many of them came along with families and friends loaded up with picnic blankets, camping chairs and picnics, to watch, listen and join in with a lineup that had something for every taste; from the pulsating, ‘post hardcore’ band, Mercia, to the vocal harmonies and unconventional twanging tones of the very entertaining, Haddenham Ukelele Band. The vibe continued towards ignitition – headliners, Skasouls UK –  with the appearance of Thame favourite, Nikki Loy and her band, the evergreen, 2AM Blue, and, fronted by the rocking headmaster himself – The Memphis Rattlesnakes. Great covers band, Working Dog had earlier got some in the crowd dancing, and Thame boys, The 2 Strokes, with their ska, blues and rock fusion were very much appreciated.

    There were gentler vibes for those who enjoy the more intimate atmosphere of the enclosed acoustic stage including home-grown, chanteuse and guitarist, Andrea Yates; 14 year-old, ex Lord Williams’s Singer of the year, Mia Wilson and at the other end of the age spectrum, popular local boys, Paul and Martin. Proud family members – and a proud Headteacher too, watched as the pupils of John Hampden School’s choir performed with great gusto and precision, accompanied by drummer, Phil Heard (who later appeared with his band, As If) and Ester Stanway Williams on key boards. She later appeared in a her band, Transit, later in the afternoon.

    There were stand-out performances too from other Thame-based young people’s groups including Oscar and Georgie, representing Thame Music Academy, Thame Children’s Choir (TCC2), Thame Youth Theatre, and stunning dancing and singing from Stage Coach, Thame, demonstrating just why their previous gigs have included professional theatre in both Oxford and the West End.

    The organising committee, including Michele Pether, were rightly delighted with the event, and posted on the MITP Facebook page: “Wow! exhausted, aching and tired, but what an amazing day Music in the Park 2017 turned out to be! Great atmosphere, awesome bands, amazing artists and acts, fantastic team of volunteers who all worked over and above.

    “There are too many to name here, and I would worry about missing out anyone, but you all know who you are. And it didn’t rain, and the crowds came in. You brought your picnics, your chairs and your rain covers, your dancing shoes and your good humour. A big ‘thank you’ to Thame for helping us put on such a great event.”

    Obviously, it was impossible to get round the three stages and see the full lineup so for a full list of all the performers at this year’s MITP, visit the website: HERE and add a comment about YOUR favourites from the day on this page.

    Lots more pictures HERE and HERE TOO! Please remember that these images are Copyright of Sonja Francis and may NOT be downloaded or copied in anyway without prior permission. Just email editor@thame.net if you would like a copy of any of these pictures, explaining what you intend to use them for. Thank you for your co-operation.

    ** All proceeds from this event are invested in improvements to Elms Park itself and grants to local groups and organisations to provide other activities in the town ‘in the interest of art, music or recreation, or other leisure activities in the Thame area. See: http://www.musicinthepark.org.uk/mitpgrants.html

  • Towersey Festival to support Air Ambulance charity

    TOWERSEY Festival has announced that Thames Valley Air Ambulance is set to be its charity partner, for the second consecutive year.

    One of the UK’s longest running music festivals, the annual Oxfordshire event takes place from Friday, August 25 to Monday, August 28, 2017, and visitors this year will be able to see appearances from KT Tunstall, Newton Faulkner, Show Of Hands, Eliza Carthy and Lindisfarne, and many others!

    Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA) is the dedicated air ambulance service for the region, and will be the sole charity partner for the four-day event.

    TVAA’s helicopter attends on average three incidents a day, where the elite team on board can perform Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine, including inducing patients into a coma; open heart surgery and treating for major trauma.

    The service is now additionally enhanced by an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), crewed in the same way and carrying on board high level equipment such as an automatic chest compressor; blood and plasma and an automated external defibrillator.

    Towersey Festival Director Joe Heap, who visited a TVAA crew at RAF Benson, said: “We’re pleased to be able to continue to support Thames Valley Air Ambulance with their life-saving work across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

    “We’d like to thank all the Towersey-goers who gave generously last year, and encourage all attending the festival over the August Bank Holiday this year to find out about TVAA’s invaluable work.”

    Ruth Dunkin, Senior Fundraising Manager for TVAA, said: “We are delighted to be supported by Towersey Festival in 2017, and have some exciting plans which will be revealed nearer the time.”

    Towersey Festival is held at the Thame Showground, and this year over 100 acts will be appearing across a dozen stages. There’ll also e street theatre, workshops for all ages, real ale and cider, gourmet street food, films, spoken word, comedy and dedicated events for children, young people and families.

    For more information about this year’s Towersey Festival and to book tickets, visit: www.towerseyfestival.com

    For more information about Thames Valley Air Ambulance and how you can lend your support, please visit: www.tvairambulance.org.uk

  • Driver rescued from lorry teetering on an embankment

    OXFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue are warning lorry drivers and all road users to pay particular attention when driving long distances, to take regular rest breaks and to leave enough stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front, after they were called out to lorry that had left the road on the M40 earlier today.

    Image courtesy of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue

    The service reported this afternoon: ‘We were called to a lorry that had crashed off the M40 between Thame and Watlington at 11:40 am on Friday, April 28, 2017. Fire engines from Watlington, Thame, Wheatley and a specialist rescue vehicle from Reading attended the incident.

    “On arrival the fire crews were met with an unstable lorry that had left the carriageway and gone down an embankment. Fire crews quickly assessed the situation, checking for injured people and checking the vehicle was not leaking fuel or carrying any hazardous loads.

    “One person was removed from the vehicle on a stretcher by South Central Ambulance Service, working closely with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police.

    “The cause of the incident is still under investigation.”

    Incident Commander, Station Manager Paul Webster said: “It was a lucky escape for the driver of the lorry.”

  • Tournament invitation to squash players

    ARE you a squash player ready to compete in a County Closed Squash Tournament to test your skills in the top level in Oxfordshire?

    Or, are you a new squash player or a lower team player or anywhere in between? Then why not compete in the Open Graded Tournament to be held at Raquets Fitness Centre, on May 20/21?

    The Mens and Ladies A grades will be limited to Oxfordshire players. Grades B to E will be mixed and open to players from everywhere. That means that the lower grades are NOT just for Oxfordshire players, so spread the word!

  • Ex Thame student back to share her ‘dystopian’ novel

    A young author from Thame, is going back to her old school to talk to pupils about her new book, Ink, the first in, what is described as ‘a dystopian trilogy’.

    Author, Alice Broadway

    Alice Broadway will be at Lord Williams’s Lower School on Wednesday, May 10, to chat with current pupils about her book, her ideas and her plans for the future. Pupils will also be able to buy Alice’s book at a reduced price and chat to her in the school library, as well as asking Alice to sign their copies.

    More information about Alice Broadway and her book ‘Ink’ here: LINK