FOLLOWING the delivery of a new, extra long, state-of-the-art kebab van, expected to arrive from Holland in Early April, there is to be a celebratory launch party in the Upper High Street, Thame.
A queue waits patiently to be served an Atalay’s kebab in Upper High Street, Thame – Photo courtesy of Peter Sumerskill
It is hoped that the big launch, planned for April 8, will include live music from a stage erected just behind Market House, where the newly crowned, Britain’s ‘King of Kebab Vans’, Rsl Atalay serves kebabs most evenings.
The launch party will take place place between 4 – 8 pm, and will be a charity, fund-raising event and the lead-organiser, Dominic Stanway-Williams, is hoping to attract sponsorship from local businesses.
THE Mayor of Thame, Linda Emery’s charity Quiz Night on Thursday, March 2, raised an impressive £795 for her chosen charities – the Red Kite Children’s Centre and Thame Youth Café.
Mayor of Thame, Linda Emery, with the winning team – Wild Geese
The quiz, which took place at Thame Leisure Centre, involved 16 quiz teams and was hosted by Thame ‘Quiz Amigos’ – Peter Lambert, Sue Boyle and Brian West. The winning team was announced, after a tough tie-breaker question, as ‘Wild Geese’ (pictured, with the Mayor) with runners up ‘Simon and his Ladies’.
The Mayor also recently hosted a charity Snooker Competition at Thame Snooker Club raising £75. The finals take place this Wednesday, March 8, when everyone is welcome to pop along and support the teams.
The Mayor has a final few charity events planned before the end of her Mayoral year in May, including a ‘Bubbles, Boards & Cream’ evening (March 9), Musical Evening (March 18), Golf Day (April 7) and a Charity Dinner (April 29). Previous events have been very popular and have sold out far in advance so it is advisable to book your place now!
CHINNOR RFC’s match against Old Elthamians on Saturday (March 4) turned out to be a real ‘battle of the giants’ in a wind-dominated game where both teams fought hard right up to the final whistle.
Photo by Aaron Bayliss
Chinnor had a great start playing with the wind when, after just minutes, Old Elthamians’s dropped the ball allowing Ben Manning to race into the opposition’s 22 metre area. Slick passing along the backs then put Henry Lamont over for a try in the corner. John Bentley converted to give Chinnor a seven point lead. Ten minutes later, Bentley kicked a penalty to extend Chinnor’s lead.
Old Elthamians’s gradually got their act together with some penetrating drives, enabling centre Wilkins to score near the posts with fly half Robinson adding the conversion. Play became fairly even between the teams with both sides converting a penalty; Bentley for Chinnor and White for Old Elthamians’s.
Chinnor used the wind to good effect to pin Old E’s deep in their own half, resulting in two quick scores for Chinnor before the interval. A quick interchange of passes allowed C.J. Osazuwa to crash over for a try converted by Bentley. Then Greg Goodfellow scored a classic scrum half try from a five metre scrum, nipping through the defence and scoring under the posts followed by a Bentley conversion. Chinnor ended the half with a convincing 27 – 10 point lead.
Chinnor now faced the strong wind and Old E’s began to pile on the pressure with their driving mauls. After 10 minutes, centre Golledge carved through a gap to score near the posts with White reducing their arrears with the conversion. Chinnor bounced back again and from a five metre scrum, replacement No 8 Ali Bone broke from the base of the scrum and crashed over for his debut try converted by Bentley. With 15 minutes to go, Chinnor looked to have an unassailable 34 – 17 point lead. However, Old E’s running and recycling tactics put them right back in the game with quick hands putting winger Brown over in the corner to score a try converted by White. Five minutes later, Brown was put away for a 35 metre sprint for his second try converted by White and put Old E’s just three points behind Chinnor.
With 10 minutes to go, Chinnor’s Ali Bone was given a yellow card for a late tackle and Old E’s made the most of their one man advantage. They constantly drove at the Chinnor line but time and time again the visitors’ defence was resolute. The final whistle came with much relief to Chinnor whose bonus point win keeps them in the promotion race.
WHAT’S the state of Oxfordshire’s wildlife? Which of Oxfordshire’s species are at risk? Are the flood meadows in good heart? How much woodland do we have? What can we all do to make things better?
Oxfordshire’s 2017 State of Nature report is the most comprehensive review of the current situation for wildlife across the breadth of Oxfordshire. It covers all aspects of the natural environment including the status of our flora, fauna and land use. For over 18 months more than 60 skilled individuals and 40 environmental and conservation-focused organizations have worked on this report. It highlights the natural jewels in Oxfordshire’s crown and considers what is being done, and what could be done, to ensure these treasures will still be there to benefit future generations.
Sian Liwicki, Chair of Trustees, for Wild Oxfordshire, said: In Oxfordshire there’s great resource of expertise and enthusiasm to tap into from volunteers to professionals and politicians, but we need to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction. The Oxfordshire State of Nature Report is a vital first step, helping us to understand the threats and opportunities to our environment.”
Oxfordshire’s State of Nature report will be launched on 21st March 2017 contact Wild Oxfordshire to reserve your copy. We are grateful to the thousands of hours of volunteer time, organizational resources and sponsors that have made the report possible.
SOURCE: Contributed b Clare Mowbray
Wild Oxfordshire
THIS summer of cricket is bringing with it a very exciting opportunity for girls in Thame and the rest of Oxfordshire. Ex-England international, Lydia Greenway, is bringing her cricket academy, Cricket for Girls, to Thame Town Cricket Club.
The academy is open to girls up to the age of 18 years, and will be run on Friday evenings for seven weeks from May 5. The evenings will be split into two age groups, each session taking 90 minutes. The age groups are Under 11s and 11-18 years olds.
Lydia has put together an impressive coaching team of ex and current international players and coaches. Any girls booking into the academy will have access to top class coaching for the seven weeks.
“Cricket for Girls aims to allow every single female who wants to play cricket, the opportunity to do so,” explained Lydia. “Having female role models helps break down barriers which can often prevent females from taking up the sport. We offer cricket sessions which are fun, engaging and inspiring.”
Over the course of a 13 year career for England, Lydia Greenway played in 14 Tests, 126 ODIs and 85 T20s. Amongst a number of highlights she made 2,554 ODI runs at 30.04, including one hundred and 12 fifties, and 1,192 T20 runs at a strike rate of 96.12. She has won two world cups and an ashes series in Australia. She was also rated by many as the best fielder in women’s cricket.
“I am extremely excited about the launch of the female only academy sessions at Thame Town CC,” added Lydia. The aim of these sessions is to provide girls with the opportunity to have regular training from high quality coaches who have played the game at the highest level. The sessions are inclusive and open to ALL abilities. The sessions will cover all aspects of the game, including areas not always covered, such as increasing players tactical awareness, how to overcome challenges and working as a team. Cricket is a sport which teaches so much to young people and each of our sessions aim to provide the players with a positive all round experience of cricket.”
UP to £5,000 is being made available to promote youth social action, by the Oxfordshire Community Foundation, deadline March 13!
There are only two weeks left to apply to the Youth Social Action Fund . The fund promotes volunteering, fundraising and campaigning amongst young people aged between 10 and 25.
A spokesperson for the foundation exlained: “We are excited to be able to provide Oxfordshire groups with money from the Big Lottery Fund and the Office for Civil Society via this grants round. The Youth Social Action Fund is open until March 13, for grants between £1,000 and £5,000. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to apply!”
You can read the full eligibility criteria on the website: LINK HERE
Projects do not have to be led by a youth group. Applications should be for a project that lasts up to a year, but it can be a one-off event. Projects can deliver opportunities in a range of contexts and settings: for example online, extracurricular, in clubs and groups, informally, or as part of structured programmes.
Core costs are eligible if the other criteria are met, including how the project meets the principles of great youth social action.
We would encourage eligible groups to start an online application to this fund ASAP. You can apply HERE
Dear Editor, I was heartened to spot the EU and Union Jack flags on the A418 roundabout in Thame this morning. It appears the roundabout has been ‘flag bombed’ !!
I gather it is part of a nationwide campaign.
Good to see this on a day when the House of Lords is voting on an amendment to preserve the rights of EU citizens in this country. I have EU neighbours, friends and colleagues – all of whom are anxious and distressed about their future in this country. Many of them have called the UK home for decades but are now facing uncertainty and feeling very unwelcome here. I hope many of our local EU citizens see these flags too and take some comfort from knowing that in spite of the Brexit vote, many British people support and value their presence in this country.
I hope you might share the attached photo with your readers.
THE Peach Pub Company, which runs The Thatch and The James Figg in Thame, has been named one of the best places to work in the country by The Sunday Times, in the newspaper’s annual survey of great employers. Peach shot into the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For at number 45, with a Two Star accreditation.
Now in its 17th year, The Sunday Times Top 100 is an annual ranking and survey of the best of Britain’s employers. Its publication each year is a highly anticipated event in the UK’s business calendar.
Frazer Sutherland
Frazer Sutherland, Peach Partner said: “When we started Peach fifteen years ago we set out to open one, really great pub. Now, to be recognised as one of the best companies to work for in the whole of the UK is a dream come true.
“We’re a great team of like-minded individuals serving fantastic food and drink with huge enthusiasm and it’s the team and our teamwork that make it possible for our guests to have a great experience every day in all of the 18 pubs we now have, including my two here in Thame.
“Although we’ve won many awards from within the hospitality world for looking after our people and giving them inspirational training and development opportunities, getting recognition this time from outside our industry is even more meaningful. It’s tough for a hospitality company where the hours are long and the work is hard to be recognised as a great employer.
“It’s a challenge for pubs, too. The great British pub industry will only be saved if we carry on making our pubs fun, exciting places to come to and for our people to work in.”
Peach has four pubs across Oxfordshire including The Fishes in North Hinskey and The Fleece in Witney alongside The Thatch and The James Figg in Thame, plus a training and support centre in North Aston. The company has around 450 people on its team running 18 great gastropubs and one boutique hotel, The High Field Town House in Edgbaston, which it opened last summer.
The Sunday Times Top 100 is drawn up after extensive data-gathering and analysis alongside an employee survey of companies operating across all industry sectors. By asking for the views of the people working for these companies what their employer and workplace is like, the awards get a true picture of which companies, like Peach, are the best to work for.
“We are really proud to be included in the list and to be highlighted as a great employer,” added Frazer. “And now we’ve got this far it has to be our goal to be even higher up the list next year.”
To find out more about joining the award-winning Peach team and benefit from great training and career opportunities, please go to www.peachpubs.com. The full list of The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies 2017 – HERE
The Thatch is at 29-30 Lower High Street, Thame, OX9 2AA. Tel: 01844 214340 www.thethatchthame.co.uk
THIS statement hit the headlines a few weeks ago where it was reported that studies showed that participation in racquet sports increases the partipant’s lifespan. Further statements have been made that while not arguing against this statement, all forms of activity and sports will help increase people’s lifespans.
Sue Martin downhill (left) with her Monday mornings’ ladies
“What makes squash particularly useful in this area is because it is just a little addictive,” says Sue Martin Downhill of Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame.
“Play one game of squash or take some coaching – I’ll bet you want to work out why you couldn’t quite get that backhand to go where you wanted it. You had a game with a fellow work colleague – and now you want to beat them ! You spent just 40 minutes on court and you know you’ve done enough exercise for a few days.
“On top of that there is never an excuse. When it rains or snows the courts are there – clean and dry and once you’ve started very, very warm!”
So currently Racquets is campaigning to show every lady why squash is so good.
“Over the past three months, 40 ladies have started playing squash at Racquets. Starting with the right ball and playing with others who’ve just started too – much of the time on court is spent laughing!” says Sue.
Laura Miller, newcomer to squash, said: “I have absolutely loved learning to play Squash. Sue’s attention to detail and passion for squash is wonderful and is so inspiring. Playing squash has increased my fitness level in a really short space of time. We now have a great bunch of ladies who play regularly together, thanks to Sue.”
On Sunday, March 12, Racquets wants to show more ladies the game. So they’ve put on a free crèche and a free craft workshop to keep the children occupied while mums can give a new sport a try. There’ll be a free buffet included and a goodie bag including a T-shirt.
Sue concluded: “England Squash, Sport England and South Oxfordshire District Council are behind this and we’re looking for 50 ladies to join in. I want to show more ladies the sport that I’ve enjoyed for over 30 years.”
To book yourself and your kids in, visit the Racquets website: LINK HERE
TEAMS taking part in this year’s Thame Swimathon on Sunday (February 26), covered 45 miles (2,899 lengths) having fun and raising lots money towards charity.
Twenty teams attended the fifth Thame Swimathon at Thame Leisure Centre organised by the Rotary Club of Thame, with help from members and families of Thame and District Lions Club and Thame Inner Wheel Club.
Linda Emery, Mayor of Thame, and former President of the Rotary Club of Thame, with support from Erroll Bateman, Rotary Club of Thame’s president, handed medals to all participants.
Ben Williams and Marcus Birmingham, who earlier in the week received South Oxfordshire awards for sports achievements, were part of the Thame Swimming Club Team A, establishing a new Thame Swimathon record, swimming 221 lengths beating 2014’s record of 180 held by another Thame Swimming Club team. Elliot Riley-Brown, another SODC award winner was a member of Team F which swam 187 lengths, the second best ever performance. At this year’s Swimathon, Thame Swimming Club participated with nine teams.
Marius Ciortan, Rotary Club of Thame’s spokesman, said: “The fifth edition of Thame Swimathon was very successful. We send our thanks to all swimmers who enthusiastically covered 2,899 lengths and raised lots of money for good causes. A big ‘thank you’ to our families and friends from Rotary, Lions, and Inner Wheel clubs. We are also grateful to our sponsors, Aston Hearing, Booker Tate, Park Street Dental Clinic, Thame Leisure Centre and Ignite Sport who helped us covering most of the costs required to run our community event.”
The amount raised by the teams so far exceeds £4,000. Team Ice Cream, a group of Thame school children, who swam in memory of Barnaby Cork, are currently the leaders on the fundraisers’ table. The public has got until April 2, to support the teams with their fundraising. The links to My Donate can be found via www.thame.rotary1090.org
More photos taken at Thame Swimathon can be found on www.facebook.com/thamerotary.
