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Category: Missed a ThameNews story?

  • Ready Steady Girls at the Players Theatre

    Mari-Wilson_main (400x277)

    IN 2000, Mari Wilson was the obvious choice to play Dusty Springfield on the hugely successful UK tour of Dusty the Musical. Following her sellout 2014 shows – Mari Sings Dusty – Mari launches her brand new show, Ready Steady Girls featuring unique interpretations of the songs that influenced her as she was growing up, including iconic classics by Dusty, Petula, Cilla and others.

    Join Mari on her personal, emotional and often hilarious journey through life at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, on Saturday, March 12.

    Tickets are £17 from Spears Travel, in Greyhound Walk, Thame, phone: 01844 217228 or online from thameplayers.co.uk

  • Victory for Chinnor’s Under 11s in last Saturday’s Premier, half time match

    Under_11s_chinnor

    IN a true team performance, the Under 11s did themselves and the the Chinnor RFC club very proud at Allianz Park on Saturday, March 5.

    Representing Chinnor in front of a packed crowd during the half time interval of the Saracens v Northampton match, they out-scored their opponents, Southend five tries to zero. The scorers were Ben Warner, twice, Will Clarke, Nathan Barlow-Heal and Tom Bridges.

  • Grab the cash now for your community project

    COMMUNITY groups and parish councils in South Oxfordshire have just weeks left to apply for the latest batch of funding from the district council.

    community (2) (400x164)

    The money is available to help fund a variety of community facilities and improvements like building new skate parks or play areas, upgrading sports pavilions, and purchasing defibrillators.

    Applications for this round of funding close on Friday, April 1, 2016.

    Councillor Elizabeth Gillespie, cabinet member for grants, said: “We are appealing to local community groups who have got projects in mind to apply for funding, whether it’s revamping existing facilities, buying new equipment, or even building a brand new community centre.”

    “There’s still time to get an application into the current round, however we’ve got more rounds planned this year, including one opening in May 2016, and are keen to talk to anyone with a project.”

    “Why not have a chat with our grants team, even if you are only at the initial stages of your project – they are ready and willing to help.”

    “It is important to us that we help build a local sense of community and we are in the fortunate position of having set aside £1m each year in order to do just that. We really are encouraging groups to come forward and make the most of this opportunity.”

    Community groups and parish councils can contact the team for some advice at grants@southandvale.gov.uk or on 01235 540525, and can also visit their website (LINK HERE) to read more about the schemes on offer and start an application.

    SOURCE: Press release

  • No end to Chinnor’s winning streak

    CHINNOR RFC’s good form of recent weeks continued with a comprehensive victory over Worthing by 38-8, on Saturday (March 05).

    chinnor_worthing (400x300)

    Worthing opened the day’s score with a penalty goal by McLean after 17 minutes of hard rugby – rewarding the pressure the visitors produced in the first quarter. Chinnor, comfortable in defence for the first quarter, grew into the game and good work to progress the ball up the pitch led to their first try. An exquisite cross field kick allowed Oscar Heath to go over for Chinnor’s first try of the day and a 7-3 lead – thanks to Angell’s bendy, wind-assisted conversion.

    Worthing mounted a series of attacks from a five-metre lineout. From a ruck in front of the posts, Chinnor skipper, Tyas, scooped the ball back illegally and was binned by referee Robbie Bourke. From the resultant penalty, a passage of broken play saw Worthing go ahead 8-7 with an unconverted try from Coxon-Smith. This proved to be their last score of the day. Chinnor replied, courtesy of Phipps, as the referee looked to blow for half time.

    Ahead 14-8 at the break, Chinnor quickly increased their lead after Waddingham dotted down from a rolling maul after a penalty lineout. Angell’s parabolic conversion showed mastery of the difficult wind – a trick he repeated throughout the half. Another Chinnor try from debutant Jack Andrew saw the bonus point and a 26-8 lead, again with Angell’s kicking skills to the fore. Another period of Chinnor pressure saw Phipps slip a high speed pass to Manning for the fifth try. As Worthing pressed in the dying minute, Heath executed his interception party piece for a 90 metre trot to the line to see Chinnor win 38-8.

    This was a most competent display from Chinnor. Worthing struggled, despite having enough good ball, to break the resolute Chinnor defence. Kiba Richards, always a threat for Worthing, was well marshalled and in Patrick White, Worthing have discovered a player of great potential.

    The Chinnor pack played very well with a tough back row and an impressive debut from lock, Nathan Hannay. The back row were most energetic and the tight five tackled well throughout. Heath did his usual – a smartly taken try early on followed by a trademark interception at the death. Goss is an assured full back and Angell’s place kicking in a very difficult wind was exemplary. Marcus Beer did much, perhaps unnoticed, good work. Nathan Hannay was just pipped by Phipps as Star Man. Jonathan Phipps popped up everywhere – turnovers, a try, a smart pass for Mannings’ try and a lot of tackles.

    Teams

    Chinnor
    Kieran Goss, Oscar Heath, Marcus Beer, Junior Fatialofa, Henry Lamont, Sam Angell, Frank Jones, Santiago Sodini, Jonathan Phipps, Andy Darlington, Nathan Hannay, Ben Manning, James Tyas, Alex Waddingham, George Messum

    Interchanges: Jamie Townsend, Jack Andrew, Joe Vandermolen, Tom Burns, Scott Gibson

    Worthing
    Matt McLean, Matt Farnes, Ben Loosmore, Kiba Richards, Finlay Coxon-Smith, Kieran Leeming, Dan Peach, Ryan Storer, Joe Watson-Brooks, Dan Sargent, Scott Barlow, James Arthur, Patrick White, Sam Hewick, Liam Perkins

    Interchanges: Elliott Luke, Jon Whittall, Jordan Gibson, Sean Richardson, Loewy Simmons

    Scorers

    Chinnor
    Tries (time): Heath (29, 80), Phipps (40), Waddingham (42), Andrew (64), Manning (70)
    Conversions (time): Angell (30, 40, 43, 66)
    Penalty Goals (time):

    Worthing
    Tries (time): Coxon-Smith (35)
    Conversions (time):
    Penalty Goals (time): McLean (17)

    Referee: Robbie Bourke
    Attendance: 303
    Half time score: 14-8
    Full time score: 38-8
    Star man: Jonathan Phipps (Chinnor)

  • Homes shake as earthquake hits Thame

    earthquake (400x225)RESIDENTS of Thame and the surrounding area who sleep more deeply than many, woke up this morning to reports on social media that an earthquake had hit the area, causing the ground, and in some reports, houses to shake.

    The seismic trace that show the moment the earthquake hit Thame
    The seismic trace that show the moment the earthquake hit Thame

    An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.3 was later to confirmed by the British Geological Survey (BGS) to have taken place in the area, with its epicentre in Emmington, between Thame and Chinnor, at 11.12 pm last night, March 6.

    The earthquake was at a depth of 7 km, reported the BGS, and though not severe, was ‘significant’ because so many people felt it.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Alex Chivers was one of those awake at the time of the tremor and wrote on twitter: ” (@alexchivers14):
    Thought I was going mad when the house shook but there was actually an earthquake!”

    Hannie Crowther reported on twitter: “My mirror and telly rattled!”

    Geology behind the Thame quake

    The Thame and Chinnor area is very close to the Chilterns Hills which were themselves formed by seismic activity over millions of years. Over time the massive forces of the earths shifting tectonic plates lifted and folded the chalk rock which was then very gradually eroded resulting in the gently undulating hills we see today.

    This movement of the techtonic plates continues today and it is this that causes earth tremors and earthquakes – albeit fairly gentle movements in our part of the world.

    More about British techtonics here: LINK

  • Funeral arrangments for Richard Graham Martin

    THE funeral arrangements for Richard Graham Martin of Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame, who passed away peacefully last weekend, Saturday, February 27, 2016, are as follows:

    Richard Graham Martin
    Richard Graham Martin

    The Church of St Mary, Thame on Thursday, March 10. The service will start at 2pm. Anyone who knew Richard is welcome. Family flowers only.

    Anyone who would like to donate in memory of Richard can do so via JustGiving. His family have said that Richard was very thankful to Cancer Research UK.  Their work helped him live many years longer than he might otherwise have after being diagnosed.

    Up the Palace !!

  • Thame Food Festival is hungry for help!

    Tasting frenzy at last year's Thame Food Festival - Copyright Simon Earle
    Tasting frenzy at last year’s Thame Food Festival – Copyright Simon Earle

    THE team behind the Thame Food Festival need help us make this year’s festival on September 24, even better. They need lots of ‘lovely volunteers’ on the day as there are so many jobs that need filling – from set up, to helping the visitors and manning the new workshops and stages.

    In return, the Food Fesival will look after you, provide you with refreshments and make sure you have a wonderful day at the ‘Best and Biggest One Day Food Festival in the country!’

    If you would like to be involved, email alison@thamefoodfestival.co.uk.

  • Reporting of sexual crimes increasing – but other crime down

    Insp_mark Harling
    Insp_Mark Harling

    AN increase in the reporting of sexual offences is on the increase in the Thame area, while more traditional crimes like burglary have been steadily decreasing.

    This example of the changing nature of policing was just one aspect of a verbal update given to Thame Town Council, during its meeting on Tuesday, March 1, by Inspector Mark Harling and Sergeant Vicky Hosking of the Thame Neighbourhood Policing team.

    The increase in the reporting of sexual offences is mainly down to people feeling more comfortable about reporting historical sexual offences, explained Insp Harling. Although there had been a steady reduction in crime over the last ten years, including in Thame, Community Police Officers are more likely these days, to have to deal with people suffering from mental illness or vunerable in other ways:”..those leading chaotic or dysfunctional lives.” The force does, however, work with other agencies in these incidences, he added.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1As well as all this, his team had to be ready to deal with domestic and crime emergencies, and to help with major incidents like the recent tragedy at Didcot power station, protecting the scene and supporting in different ways.

    Insp Harling was asked by a councillor if the force was ‘up to strength’. He said that it was, but that the Thame team was about to lose a member on maternity leave and that he hoped the post would be ‘back filled’.

    “Whilst there is always 24 hour cover by shift officers at Thame, 52 weeks of the year,” he said, “I could not say that on any give shift how many officers there would be, and where there are gaps, PCSOs will come into that role for the occassional short gap.” At other times, he reported, officers would be called in from Abingdon or Didcot to help cover the sector which is 110 sq miles !

    FRONT COUNTER COVER

    Another councillor asked about front counter cover at Thame police station, which will cease altogether from April this year. Insp Harling explained that the use of the front desk had fallen considerably in Thame over recent times, and that the cost on average of £20 per person on the force was not sustainable. People were being encouraged to use the 101 phone service for lost-property and other non-urgent situations, he said, but that he was confident that anyone presenting at the station in dire need or fear, would not be turned away.

    THAME STATISTICS

    Sgt Vicky Hoskin there gave councillors some statistics for Thame area (includes Chinnor & Watlington) for the last period . These included:
    * 10 Missing people
    * 20 Adult Protection cases – some elderly people and some with mental health issues – usually dealt with by a Mental Health nurse on duty.
    * Child Protection cases – often Domestic cases which are oftern referred to Social Services and specialist Domestic Services

    PARKING

    Always a hot topic in Thame, one councillor referred to vehicles parking on zig-zag lines near pedestrian crossings, particularly delivery drivers, who, the councillor thought, were being ignored by officers. Insp Harling replied that although PCSOs could tell them to move along, they do not have the authority to do more, because such offences are endorsable. “If the public report these incidents, we will deal with them,” he said.

  • Ex-Lord Williams’s pupil brings dynamic London wind quintet to Thame

    THE Magnard Ensemble, a high flying young wind quintet from London will be playing a classical music concert at Christ Church, Upper High Street, Thame on Friday March 11, at 7:30 pm.

    Magnard Ensemble - CMF 20 November 2015

    The quintet includes ex-Lord Williams’ pupil, Suzie Watson (Flute), who will be returning to her home town for the performance. Funds raised from the concert will help towards production of a CD and a proportion of money from CD sales will go toward the Roald Dahl Marvellous Children’s Charity which helps make life better for seriously ill children in the UK.

    Suzie studied flute at the Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music, where she graduated with the highest honours. Since completing her studies, Suzie has been performing as a freelance flautist with numerous orchestras across the UK, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Chamber Orchestra and as a deputy for the acclaimed West End show ‘Miss Saigon’. Suzie is joined by Mana Shibata (Oboe), Jonathan Farey (French Horn), Catriona McDermid (Bassoon), and Joseph Shiner (Clarinet).
    The quintet, all in their twenties, will be playing an exciting programme including Mozart, Haydn and Patterson.

    Suzie is looking forward to returning to Thame for the concert. “It’s been several years since I last played in Thame,” she explained, “and the other guys and I are really looking forward to it. It’ll be a fun, feisty evening of music-we’ve got a special family ticket deal as we’d like to see plenty of children in the audience, I’m certain they’ll enjoy it.”

    Further information can be found at: magnardensemble.org

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Tickets are Adults £10, Concessions £7, and Family (2 adults up to 3 children) £25 and are available online from wegottickets.com/event/348729, Vintage and Modern Guitars 1a Cornmarket Thame, by contacting magnardensemble@gmail.com OR by phoning 01844 213595. Entry is possible on the night if tickets remain available.

  • Small firms will struggle with quarterly tax returns, says FSB

    THE Thames Valley region of Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is concerned about proposals being considered by the Government that would require all small businesses and the self-employed to move from annual tax returns to mandatory quarterly Digital Tax Reporting by 2020.

    Nicky Goringe Larkin
    Nicky Goringe Larkin

    So concerned is the FSB that on Monday (Feb 29), it sent out a letter to all of the 21 MPs that cover the region urging them to take action. The FSB has said that its research has shown that on average, businesses already pay £3,600 a year to ensure they are compliant with their tax obligations; this is likely to increase if every one of its members is compelled to report in the proposed new way.

    The FSB has said that while some businesses will prefer a digital tax model, others will struggle and that it is extremely concerned about the impact that mandating the use of digital tax returns will have on small business owners. HM Treasury and HMRC are working on the details of the proposals, but FSB believe that they have not yet fully assessed the potential impact this might have on businesses, or the economy – and in particular on those who lack the capability to complete their taxes in this way.

    Commenting on the plans, Nicky Goringe Larkin, Thames Valley regional chairman at FSB, said: “The UK’s self-employed will particularly struggle with this change. We therefore want to see proper consultation with business groups and professional bodies, a clear statement of benefits to the business community and a package of support to help offset this new burden on business. Our key asks to government are:

    1) No mandation should apply to smaller businesses

    2) HMRC should a) publish the impact assessment and b) consult on the impact this measure will have on smaller businesses before taking forward any proposals into law

    3) A consultation should be launched with the advice of trained accountants to explain tax options to available smaller businesses that are new to quarterly tax reporting.”