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  • Thame businesses shine in new business awards 2017

    THREE Thame Businesses have reached the final ten in the recent Southern Oxfordshire New Business Competition 2017, organised by Jennings, commercial property landlords and business mentors, and supported by Olympic rowing gold medalist, Tim Foster MBE.

    Thame Photographer, Mark Hewitson

    The Thame finalist are Mark Hewitson Photography Ltd, based in Thame, Tekat, and The Deli at No: 5, in Buttermarket, Thame. Mark Hewitson now has his own studio and is fulfilling is childhood dream, creating beautiful imagery of families, children and animals.

    Tekat started as a web design business but has grown to offer websites for mobile devices, alongside services including search engine optimisation, online security and branding advice.

    The Deli at No: 5, after taking the plunge and turning their love of quality foods into a business that offers a wide range of hand sourced produce from the UK, is a developing family business.

    SONBC Finalist, Mark Hewitson, added: “I am honoured and humbled to be a finalist in SONBC. Since our opening last year we have gone from strength to strength. Winning this award would provide recognition of our place among the finest South Oxfordshire businesses while the support provided in the prize package will no doubt assist with ensuring our continued future growth.”

     

     

    The eventual SONBC winner will be presented with an award by Tim Foster and his wife Joy (founder of digital start-up resource agency, Tech Pixies, and social enterprise Made with Joy) on April 7, 2017.

    The winner’s prize package, worth over £10,000, will include:
    * A free Jennings office or workshop for a year at Monument Park in Chalgrove (or virtual      office if better suited to the winner) in addition to a business mentoring package from         Jennings Business Mentors
    * Website, brand and marketing consultancy from Blooberry Design
    * Professional IT consultancy including Cloud set-up for all devices from Ask4Support Ltd
    * Social media mentoring from Mushroom Soufflé
    * Guidance from Clark Howes accountants and business advisors

    Chris Williams, commercial manager for organiser and sponsor, Jennings, said: “The SONBC 2017 finalists represent a diverse number of sectors, but all share a passion for making a success of their business. We would like to offer our congratulations to all finalists who should feel proud to have got this far on what we hope will be a long prosperous business journey. Whittling down our class of ten to just one winner and runner up will be a tough process for the SONBC judges.”

  • New Lib Dem candidates for Thame and Chinnor

    THE local Liberal Democrat party has two new candidates who will soon be out and about knocking on doors to hear what the people of Thame and Chinnor care about.

    Kate Gregory (L) and Gaby Oatway

    Kate Gregory and Gaby Oatway are standing in the Oxfordshire County Council elections on May 4. Both candidates are new to the party and politics. Kate lives in Thame with her husband and two children. She currently works as a Project Manager and feels her negotiating skills, and working within tight budgets will be useful if she were elected as councillor.

    Kate often catches the train from Haddenham and feels a cycle route between Thame and Haddenham is very important. “Every time I drive to the station and see cyclists making their way in the dark I am terrified for them – it’s so dangerous,” she said. Kate is an avid member of the PTFA at her children’s school and has helped organise a number of events throughout the school year.

    Kate feels very passionate about children centres and how important they are to new parents. She used the one in Thame weekly when her children were young and received a lot of support especially during those first few months.

    Gaby has lived in Chinnor for 16 years. She is married to Roy and they have one son. She worked in local government for a number of years and is now employed in financial admin and feels the need to work to tight deadlines and prioritise will be very useful if elected as councillor. She enjoyed six years as Chair and Treasurer of the Parent Teacher Association at her son’s school, leading fund raising activities for school improvements.

    Gaby is a keen and active Jazzerciser in Thame and Chinnor. “I regularly travel to my classes in the village and I am fully aware of the traffic problems within Chinnor and I am supportive of this being addressed in the Neighbourhood Plan,” she said.

    Both Kate & Gaby will be out knocking on doors and listening to what the people of Thame and Chinnor want.

    To learn more about the two candidates and their campaign, visit www.facebook.com/KateGabyMay4

  • Comedy fundraiser for Red Nose Day in Thame

    COMING to the Players Theatre, Thame soon! A double bill of fantastic up-and-coming comedians Robin Morgan and Glenn Moore with their hugely popular Edinburgh Fringe shows.

    MC for the evening will be local comedian, Andy Gleeks. Tickets are £12 (or £10 if four or more purchased) available from 01844 217228 or www.thameplayers.co.uk. It definitely promises to be a fun night and a great way to raise some money for a good cause!

    Online link for tickets is: http://thameplayers.co.uk/robin-morgan-glenn-moore/

  • Sunshine & Smiles at the CMK Swimming Club Spring Open Meet

    AS the sunshine filled Bletchley Leisure Centre, a squad of 23 Thame swimmers took to the water to compete in the annual CMKSC Spring Open Meet.

    Under the guidance of Head Coach Ian Blyth and Coach Iain Phillips, all the swimmers rose to the occasion and put in some fantastic performances. “It was so rewarding to see the smiles so wide and the genuine happiness of the swimmers after their races,” said club spokesperson, Helen Williams. “Great camaraderie was in evidence too with lots of cheering by all the team.”

    The officials were Rachel Humphreys, Rachel Mould, Michele Block and Phil Evans, and Helen Birmingham was Thame’s Team Managrt for the very first time.

    Notable call-outs include:

    – Martha Block for knocking an amazing 12 seconds off her 100 IM time and to Louise Birmingham for swimming under two minutes for the first time    in the same event.  Mayur Humphreys also took a whopping 16 seconds off his 100 IM personal best time too.
    – George Pearson for his amazing 18 second PB in the 200 Fly event
    – Oliver Humphreys and Jack Allman for both swimming under 40 seconds for the first time in their 50 Freestyle. Jack Allman also swam under a
    minute for the first time in his 50 Breaststroke.
    – All of the following swimmers who swam events for the very first time:
    Thomas Collins (100 Breaststroke, 100 IM); Isabella Johnston (50 Fly); Ben Mould (400 Free); Katelin Phillips (400 IM); Jack Allman (100 IM, 100   Breaststroke); Oliver Humphreys (100 Breaststroke); Martha Block (200 Free); Heather Sluka (200 Free) and Louise Birmingham (100
    Breaststroke).

     

  • Your chance to design Thame’s town flag!

    FOLLOWING a rebrand recently, Thame Town Council has launched a Thame Town Flag design competition, open to anyone working, living or studying in Thame.

    Back In 2016, the council installed a Flag Pole outside the Town Hall from where various flags are flown to mark special and significant occasions throughout the year. However, the Flag Pole is not used all the time and the Town Council, with the help from the people of Thame, want to change that.

    In line with the council’s re-branding, it would like the new flag to incorporate its branding colours and incorporate in some way the town logo/crest in the design of the flag.

    How to enter

    A Design Pack is available from the Town Council’s website or from the the town hall, which includes templates for A4 hand-drawn designs, competition terms and conditions and the colour palette and logo/crest. Designs can either be submitted electronically to info@thametowncouncil.gov.uk, or dropped in to the town hall in person.

    The competition is open from Monday, March 13 to Monday, April 10.

    Go to www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/flag-competition after MONDAY to download a Design Pack and for more information

  • Creatively celebrating 40 years of growing roots & beating wings!

    ASHMEAD School near Thame, is celebrating its 40th year and to mark the occasion the school invited local artist, James Ort, to work with the children to produce a piece of art for all to enjoy.

    “Being one of the county’s largest primary schools this means that hundreds of children have been taught and passed through its doors over this period,” said Marcus Pickering, Joint Headmaster of Ashmead. “It felt right to celebrate that, not only for those currently at the school but the community around it.”

    The school’s motto is: ‘Ashmead School gives its children two everlasting things; one is roots, the other wings’. This inspired the idea of making a giant tree with roots, leaves, and a flock of birds flying off it. The tree has been displayed outside the school’s main entrance for all to see and enjoy for years to come.

    James Ort, who runs the Phoenix Studio in Towersey, said: “It was important for every child to be involved in the project, and the teachers as well. This was no mean feat with over 700 pupils currently at the school. We decided that each participant would create or decorate a clay tile and together these would make up a bigger picture.”

    James spent six enjoyable days in the classroom working with the pupils, and by the end of the week had stacks of hand decorated clay tiles ready for firing in the kiln. “It was hard work but so rewarding,” said James. “Ashmead has been one of the best schools I’ve worked with. The children really engaged with the project and expressed themselves through their unique designs, ranging from stamps and patterns to tiny model faces and drawings of school life. Seeing all the pieces come together and being displayed on the wall is thrilling!”

    Blanchford Building Supplies in Princes Risborough kindly donated all the materials needed to mount the pieces on the wall. “We were delighted to be able to help support such a worthwhile project and good cause. To see our materials be used for a more creative arty purpose is really exciting,” said Ruth Fenton at Blanchford.

  • Thame Cinema 4 All – Spring Programme

     

    THAME Cinema 4 All has some great films lined up for this coming Spring. Tickets are available now to book online HERE but some may be available on the door on the night.

    • Saturday March 18, 8.00 pm Hell or High Water
    • Saturday March 25, 8.00 pm Moonlight
    • Thursday March 30, 10.30am A United Kingdom
    • Friday March 31, 8.00 pm – ditto —
    • Friday April 7, 8.00 pm Arrival
    • Friday April 14, 5.00 pm The Eagle Huntress
    • Friday April 14, 8.00 pm The Young Offenders

    Doors open half an hour before films start, admission £5, licensed bar
    Thame Cinema 4 All at Thame Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame.

  • Thriving Thame is a Quadruple Winner!

    FOLLOWING a string of awards recently, including becoming a finalist in the Great British High Street Awards, Thame shone once again at the recent Revive & Thrive Local Legends Conference held in Cheshire, bringing home four prizes!

    Helen Johns & Sonja Francis, 2nd and 3rd right, with fellow ‘Local Legends’

    The conference was held on March 2 and 3, to recognise the work of UK towns and cities involved in regeneration projects and achieving amazing outcomes within their communities and was attended by Sonja Francis and Helen Johns, steering group members of 21st Century Thame. They were nominated to attend as ‘Local Legends’ for their work on Thame projects, by Becky Reid, Market Town Coordinator at Thame Town Council.

    The four prizes were funded by sponsors of the Local Legends Conference, and all aimed at improving the town centre and building Thame’s profile, so that it continues to develop as a vibrant and flourishing market town.

    The prizes

    Global Treasure Apps, developers of an award-winning app that automatically updates with location-based content, will arrange a free treasure trail guide to Thame’s visitor attractions, with 12 months’ marketing support. Secondly, Noggin, the data specialists, will provide a half-day workshop to help Thame use data more effectively and support growth in the local area. Thame was chosen for the third award by Real Towns, who help communities bring smart technology and digital solutions to their towns, They will be providing a free digital health check for Thame and award a bronze, silver or gold badge that positions Thame in the Real Towns’ UK digital status league table. Thame’s final prize was awarded by Revive & Thrive, the originators of the Local Legends awards and publishers of Place magazine. They will produce a special issue of Place that promotes every aspect of Thame to national audiences, showing off all that is best about the town.

    ‘A fantastic boost for Thame’

    On hearing of Thame’s wins, Becky Reid said: “This is a fantastic boost for Thame, following our recent success in the Great British High Streets Competition. These great prizes will help us continue the journey to ensure Thame is the best of market towns for residents, businesses and visitors. On behalf of Thame Town Council, we look forward to working with 21st Century Thame and others to achieve measurable outcomes for the town.”

    Sue Martin-Downhill, chair of 21st Century Thame, said: “21st Century Thame was set up to facilitate projects that enhance the town for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Working in partnership with Thame Town Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, local businesses and community groups, we aim to protect Thame’s past while promoting its future as a vibrant town serving the whole community. These prizes will help us achieve these goals, to the benefit of all. Our work would not be possible without the help of volunteers like Sonja and Helen, who are passionate about their place, and we are always delighted to hear from anyone in the community, whether business or resident, who can help us in any way, however small, to achieve communal objectives.”

    Sharing knowledge and ideas about your place

    The Local Legends Conference was attended by over 80 representatives of UK towns and cities involved in regeneration projects and featured talks by keynote speakers such as Simon Quin, Director of the Institute of Place Management, Joe Barratt, co-founder of The Teenage Markets, and Jez Hall, Director of Shared Future CIC and coordinator of PB Partners, dedicated to participation and place-making. There were also case study examples from representatives of Legendary Places including Wimborne Minster, Kidsgrove and Loughborough and opportunities for the delegates to share ideas and suggestions.

    The Local Legends campaign includes four elements dedicated to successful place management: Inspire, Do, Deliver and Achieve. The campaign reaches out to Local Legends just getting started as well as those who have already successfully delivered an idea benefiting their place. Local Legends are individuals or groups of passionate people, local businesses, BIDs, councils, or town teams who, with imagination, energy and motivation have made their place remarkable.

    Getting involved

    Any businesses or individuals interested in learning more about 21st Century and how their skills and passion might help the partnership achieve good things for Thame, can contact Sue Martin Downhill via email: suedownhill@gmail.com

  • World Book Day at Barley Hill school

    WORLD Book Day 2017, was a very special event at Barley Hill School, in Thame, last Thursday (March 2) where dressing up as a favourite character from a book was just the start!

    All the pupils – and staff – dressed up as their favourite book characters and brought in the book that their character was based on, and were also given the opportunity to take part in a book swap and within class, and ‘dropped everything to read’ when they heard a whistle go.

    Children from the older year groups visited the younger classes and read with the children, and teachers also swapped classes to read their favourite book to another class.

    There were challenges too where children entered two competitions to design their own book cover for their favourite book, and to write their own story using up to 500 words. The judges included school Governors to ensure that everyone was involved.

    A fantastic day was had by all, to celebrate World Book Day’s 20th Year!

  • UPDATE: Bailed -Thame man questioned after woman found dead in Ludgershall

    THE man arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of the body of Samantha Blake-Mizen, has been released on bail until April 10.

    PREVIOUSLY – A 43 year-old man from Thame has been arrested and is currently in police custody follow a murder investigation into the death of a woman in the village of Ludgershall, Buckinghamshire.

    Officers were called at about 12.25pm on Sunday (5/3) by the ambulance service following reports that the body of a 47-year-old woman had been found in a property in The Green.

    A police spokesperson said: “A scene watch has been put in place at the property while an investigation into the incident takes place.”

    A post mortem was carried out yesterday (6/3) which revealed the cause of death to have been a subdural haematoma (Ed. usually associated with traumatic head injury).

    The woman has been identified as Samantha Blake-Mizen. Her next of kin have been informed.

    Senior Investigating Officer Det Ch Insp Ailsa Kent, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “I understand that there will naturally be some concerns in the community following this incident, but I would like to reassure people that a full investigation is taking place, and that an arrest has been made in connection with the incident.

    “We continue to support the family of the victim, at this very difficult time.

    “People living nearby may see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are carried out.

    “I would like to appeal to anyone who has any information which they think could relate to this incident, no matter how small it may seem, to please call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number 101 as soon as possible.”

    If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.