Thame.net

Category: Missed a ThameNews story?

  • Expert advice for Thame’s winning Young Entrepreneurs

    THE winners of Thame’s Small Business Saturday, Young Entrepreneurs Competition held back in December 2016, were able to pick the brains of long-standing business experts, on Saturday (February 25).

    Back row – Mr Mason (Amelie’s father), Tim Luscombe, Tom Wylam, Philippe van Caloen
    Front row – Katy Dyer, Amelie Mason, Lottie Moore, Rod Carmichael

    Meeting at the offices of specialist recruitment company, CarmichaelUK, based in Thame, the young entrepreneurs – Tom Wylam, Amelie Mason and Philippe van Caloen –  received expert advice on how to develop their winning business ideas. The local business experts were the competition judges, Tim Luscombe (Thames Valley Business Advisers), Rod Carmichael (CarmichaelUK), Lottie Moore (Mindset Metaphors) and Katy Dyer (style and image coach).

    The ideas brainstorm was part of the prize pot awarded to the young entrepreneurs in December. The first prize of £500 and 12 months’ mentoring went to Tom Wylam of Princes Risborough School for his idea, CupCycl, based on recycling disposable cups. The second prize went to Amelie Mason of Lord Williams’s School for her idea, Magical Maths, based on a new maths app, and the third prize went to Philippe van Caloen of Oxford Brookes University for his idea, WeCoach, aimed at helping students apply for their first job.

    Competition Co-ordinator, Helen Johns, said: “Tom, Amelie and Philippe were very enthusiastic about the brainstorming day, saying that they had gained valuable insights to make the most of their business ideas, which would help them develop and bring them to fruition.”

    Philippe commented: “The Small Business Saturday competition helped me translate my project into a really clear and simple business idea. The brainstorm gave me the chance to reflect on my idea and clarify my vision on how to make it a simple but sustainable business opportunity. Advice given by the coaches and judges was really valuable. Last but not least, it helped me build my confidence about this project, one of the main ingredients for any entrepreneurship journey.”

    The Young Entrepreneurs’ Competition is a new venture, sponsored by CarmichaelUK. Its Managing Director ,Rod Carmichael, said: “The competition offers a brilliant platform for young talent. It’s important that young people can express themselves outside the standard GCSE route to market, and they should be encouraged to try new ideas. Entrepreneurs don’t all have to come from one place; you can start your journey by doing something different. The markets have changed dramatically in recent years, and clients are challenging us to find people who can show talent, ideas and innovation.”

  • ‘Honour the doner’ and Thame’s is Britain’s Best !

    WE all knew it, but now it’s official. Thame’s kebab van is the Best in Britain as voted for by all Atalay’s customers and friends from the Thame area and far beyond, and a panel of expert judges from the food industry.

    A jubilant Resul Atalay, between two Lindas! His wife (L) and Linda Emery, Mayor of Thame

    Atalay’s Kebab Van is based at the top of North Street behind Market House in Thame. It has grown in popularity since it was first awarded a licence to trade there in 1988, and queues can be found most nights outside the van waiting to be served by Resul (or Russell as he is known to most of his fans) or one of his twin sons, Joshua and Jason.

    The announcement that Atalay’s Kebab Van had won the ‘Best Kebab Van’ category in the British Kebab Awards 2017, saw Resul leap up from his seat with joy and his fellow table-guests surround him with hugs, back-slapping and kisses, before all filing onto the stage to receive the award.

    The event organisers later told the Atalays that their nomination had received more votes than ANY other nomination, in the five-year history of the awards! This was, in no small part, down to Thame resident, Dominic Stanway Williams, who originallt nominated the Atalays for the award, drummed up media attention and urged Thame kebab fans everywhere to vote for them.

    The night’s celebration by the 26-strong Thame, Atalaly supporters group – including the Mayor of Thame, Linda Emery – who had travelled to the prestiguous Park Plaza Westminster Hotel for the event, ended at the London Eye, with a champagne shower and ‘bubbles’ all round.

    Top kebab man, Rosul Atalay, told Thame.Net: “This was the highlight of everything I have been doing all these years. All I care about is using the best ingredients, and making people happy. I am so lucky to have the support of my wife Linda, and my children, and the people of Thame who I love!”

    The British Kebab Awards were founded by London restaurant owner, Ibrahim Dogus, who is also the man behind Bira London, a new beer specially brewed to go well with kebabs. Welcoming guests to the ceremony, he said the history of the kebab could be traced back to Homer’s Odyssey in the 8th century BC.

    He spoke of the dedication of all the people who work in the £2.8 billion kebab industry, calling them: “…the refuge, the light that shines out late at night in our neighbourhoods, serving hot food on a cold night.” Ibrahim also paid tribute to the many Turkish, Kurdish and other peoples working in the industry, who had come to this country ‘to work hard, and who pay their taxes.’

    Several Members of Parliament attended the awards ceremony which was hosted by Radio One presenters, Scott Mills and Chris Stark, who read out messages of support from both the Prime Minister, Theresa May, and Jeremy Corbyn. A grand raffle at this year’s awards ceremony raised money for the veterans’ mental health charity, Combat Stress.

    You can find out who the other category award winners were by visiting the British Kebab Awards website HERE and see MORE PICTURES HERE

  • Nominate YOUR unsung Thame hero!

    AS a way of recognising people in Thame who help their neighbours, support local groups or go out of their way for others in their community, nine years ago, the Town Council launched the Thame Town Awards. Since then, dozens of local people have been thanked and celebrated for working hard to make our community a safer, more vibrant and happier place to live.

    Each year the Council invites members of the public to nominate their local, unsung heroes, and this year is no different! They want you to tell them about individuals and groups who have made a special contribution to life in Thame. This could be a volunteer, a teacher, a shop worker, someone old, someone young – pretty much anyone! This year there are five categories in which you can make a nomination:

    Sporting Achievement
    Someone of any age who has shown great dedication to their sport. Perhaps a player, a coach, even someone who supports your team from the side-lines.

    Volunteer of the Year
    An individual or organisation who has worked tirelessly for the good of the community. Thame is a hive of community activity, but who deserves your nomination?

    Lifetime Achievement
    Someone who has made a significant contribution to Thame over an extended period of time. They could be anyone from a teacher or carer to a fundraiser or event organiser. This award can be made posthumously.

    Service with a Smile
    A business or an individual that consistently provides a faultless and friendly service.

    Creative Arts Achievement
    A person of any age who excels in the creative arts. This could be in acting, painting, music, dance, photography – the list goes on!

    One of last year’s winners, Angela Willson, was delighted with her Voluntary Individual award: “I was totally surprised to be nominated for the Voluntary Individual award in 2016. I have had the privilege of being part of Lea Park Residents’ Association for many years and this had opened up opportunities to take part in a number of Thame projects such as Thame Tidy Day. In the past I have attended the Thame Town Awards event which highlights the wide range of activities and services that are organised by ordinary Thame citizens. I am thankful to those who nominate others for recognition of their contribution to the life of Thame.”

    To nominate your local hero, visit www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/town-awards and fill in the form, or pop in to the Town Hall Information Centre and pick up a voting card. You can find out more and meet some of the judges at the Thame Market Community Stall on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. You can follow the awards on Facebook ‘Thame Town Awards’ or on Twitter using #ThameAwards!

    The closing date for nominations is Monday, April 3, 2017. LINK HERE to read the terms and conditions. This year’s awards are generously supported by Risborough Carers, who are celebrating their 25th birthday in 2017.

  • Thame’s ‘Young Achievers’ recognised

    THE talents and achievements of young people from all over South Oxfordshire have been recognised at a special Awards Ceremony held on Wednesday (Feb 22), including three swimmers, and a squash player – all from Thame clubs, and an athlete from near-by Great Haseley. (more…)

  • Thame football says ‘Farewell’ to Frank

    THAME Football Partnership, which includes Thame United, has today said ‘good bye’ to its General Manager Frank Thompson, who is leaving to take up a new role at Oxford City FC.

    Frank Thompson

    In a statement just out, the club said: TFP, today, say goodbye to General Manager Frank Thompson who is leaving to take up a new role at Oxford City FC. Frank has been at the Club since it’s launch six years ago, and has been connected with the Junior and Senior section over the last 35 years.”

    Frank himself said: “I’m sorry to be leaving the Club but felt that this new opportunity would be a fresh and exciting challenge to me. I wish everyone connected with TFP the very best for the future and hope that the town gets behind Thame Utd in their push for promotion this year.”

    Lauren Austin has been appointed Bar & Events Manager and she can be contacted at the Club or by email at lauren.austin@thamefootball.co.uk

  • Father-of-two attacked during Thame burglary

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Thame, during which a father-of-two was assaulted.

     

    Three offenders gained entry to a property in Brookside, Thame, at about 8pm on Wednesday (22/2). It was while the offenders were searching the property that they assaulted the victim, a 49-year-old man, who was at home with his wife and two children.

    The offenders then fled the scene on foot towards Lambert Walk and Queen’s Close, empty handed.

    As a result of the assault, the victim sustained minor injuries which needed to be treated at his local GP surgery

    Investigating officer, DC Georgina Bradley of Local CID in Oxfordshire, said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the vicinity of Brookside, Lambert Walk or Queen’s Close on Wednesday evening.

    “The offenders were wearing dark clothing, including balaclavas, so if you saw anyone in similar clothing in the area then please contact police as soon as possible.

    “I believe that the offenders may have been using a small dark vehicle that was parked in or near Queen’s Close. If you saw a vehicle you do not recognise parked in the area or being driven at speed in the vicinity on Wednesday night, then we want to hear from you.

    “If you have any information about the incident, even if you think it might be insignificant, please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

    “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.”

  • ‘Awesome’ swimming by Thame at Long Course Meet

    A squad of some 21 swimmers across all the groups from Thame Swimming Club attended the Wycombe District BC Long Course Meet over the weekend of Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, under the guidance of coaches Mark Simms and Iain Phillips on the Saturday, and Ian Blyth and Simon Haarburger on the Sunday.

    Spokesperson for Thame Swimming Club, Helen Williams, said: “For some swimmers it was their first ever gala and for some it was their first time swimming long course.
    The swimmers were all on fire with an abundance of PBs and medals in evidence! A very big well done to all.

    “Very excitingly we achieved the status of Top Visiting Club for the Girls (out of 14 other Clubs) and we were third for the boys. The Girls won 254 points across the weekend, outperforming Windsor who came in secondnd place with 205 points.

    “A few notable swims and call-outs:

    · Jack Allman for winning medals in his first ever gala for Thame – and a 50m pool too J Excellent swimming Jack!
    · Thomas Collins for swimming under a minute in his 50 Breaststroke and winning a Gold medal in his 50m Free, despite his goggles snapping before
    the race and swimming it goggleless. What a great spirit Thomas!
    · Ben Mould for taking a massive 12 seconds off his entry time for his 200 Free. Fabulous Ben!
    · Martha Block for taking an amazing 24 seconds off her 100 Breaststroke and winning the Silver medal – brilliant Martha J
    · Katelin Phillips, Kate Collins and Flora Kershaw for taking over 20 seconds off their 200 Free time.
    · Tally Simms for taking a huge 15 seconds off her 200 IM time – whoop!

    “I would also like to take this opportunity to say huge congratulations to Tom Goetz for winning two Gold medals in his last ever gala for Thame. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tom for his commitment to the Club, being one of the original swimmers when the Club first evolved. We wish you well in your future studies Tom.

    “Thank you to Melissa Simms and Marcus Birmingham for Team Managing and to those parents who gave up their time to officiate, as ever it’s hugely appreciated.”

  • Thame Tidy and Moreton Muck-Out Day 2017

    THE date for this year’s Thame Tidy and Moreton Muck-Out Day is Saturday, March 25, beetween 10am and 3pm.

    Young Thame scouts get ready to have some fun litter-picking

    This annual community event gives the people of Thame and Moreton the opportunity to help clean up their local area. Last year’s efforts made a real difference and coincided with the national ‘Clean for the Queen’ weekend. Look out for the poster coming soon which will have further details about the event, but in the meantime keep up-to-date on the Thame Tidy 2017 Facebook Page.

  • Doris causing havoc at Thame Cricket Club

    Image courtesy of Kathryn Broom

    STORM Doris, currently raging in the Thame area, has so far caused delays on Chiltern Railways following a fallen tree on the line at Gerrards Cross, blocking some trains towards Birmingham.

    Some trains are being altered, delayed, or cancelled. Visit: ChilternRailways.co.uk for details of other trains not running today or restricted to 50mph.

    Doris is also causing havoc at Thame Town Cricket Club this afternoon where a wicket cover was blowing around dangerously in the Aylesbury Road, and dealt with my local police officers.

  • There’s been a murder at Thame’s Players Theatre !

    BREAKING NEWS – There’s been a Murder at The Players Theatre !!! WHODUNNIT ?

    During an unscheduled rehearsal of a play at the Trinity Arts Centre the body of a young actress has been discovered. The body is that of rising star Carina Harris, and now the play’s director must turn detective to find out which of his temperamental cast members is the killer.

    The Empty Stage is an innovative murder mystery from the pen of award winning and critically acclaimed playwright, Tobias Nicholls, uniquely set on the stage of the Players Theatre, and promises to be a real treat for theatre goers looking for something different. The play follows the play’s director as he tries to find the murderer, and is packed with enough twist and turns in the plot to keep the audience guessing as they witness the most deadly rehearsal Oxfordshire has ever seen.

    This new play, which is already being well received by audiences as it tours the country, is expertly scripted and is one that is sure to get you guessing WHODUNNIT?

    To find out, book tickets now, for Saturday, April 1st, at 7.45pm. Tickets £10, concessions £9 , available from Spears Travels, Greyhound Walk Thame, Tel 01844 217228 or online at www.thameplayers.co.uk

    Purple Dreams Productions are a completely self-funded group formed in 2012, and have been touring theatres for the past four years with original plays written exclusively for them by their founder and creative director, Tobias Nicholls. The plays range from dramas to comedies and have had audiences gasping and laughing from Brentwood to Bridlington, Cumbria to Cornwall and many places in between.