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  • Young Thame squash players make their mark at county championships

    RAQUETS’ Junior Squash players showed real character and determination to take top positions in the Oxfordshire Squash County Championships recently.

    Ols-winner_junior squash (400x348)

    Oliver Coulcher-Porter became the Under 11s boys champion winning the tournament fairly comfortably, proving that all the coaching and practice definitely pays off. Last year Oliver entered the tournament for the first time and wasn’t placed. Oliver’s mum Jane, said: ‘We are extremely proud parents’.

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    Oliver’s little sister Emily also did her parents and Racquets proud by being runner-up in the Under 11s girls competition. Emily has only just turned seven and was beaten in the final by a 10 year old. This was Emily’s first tournament and winning any matches in a first tournament is a remarkable achievement. Emily’s coach Sue Martin-Downhill said: “‘Emily was really up for playing in this tournament so I wasn’t surprised by her achievement. She is a very determined young lady who plays with much older boys and girls at Racquets and holds her own extremely well.”

    Emily-runner-up (400x310)

    Sue went on: “Ben Hedger, who has just turned 17, now has to play in the Under 19s competitions.  Fortunately he has worked very hard over the past year and is knocking on the doors of the top senior men in the county.  Ben has brought home the U19s boys trophy.  This is a great result as quite often the first tournaments after moving up an age group can be devastating.  Ben has succeeded where many fail.  Well done Ben.”

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1One other junior from Racquets Squash Academy who did well but couldn’t quite take home the trophy this year, was Nick Harbour.  Playing up an age group from last year, he lost narrowly in the final of the Under 17s.

    “We, at Racquets, are extremely proud of all the kids playing here,” said Sue, “and hope that we will have more playing  in the County Closed Championships in 2016.  If you would like to be one of them, then please do come down to the club and see what coaching is available to you.” Visit Racquets’ website for more informtion

  • Thame high street named a ‘Rising Star’ in National Awards

    THAME can feel very proud today, after its high street was named as one of just ten, ‘Rising Stars’ in this year’s Great British High Street Competition.

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    Last week the nationwide competition revealed the twenty-one best high streets in Britain – three finalists in each of seven categories, including that of Market Town. Although Thame High Street just missed reaching the final, the judging panel were so impressed by the great strides the community in Thame had made in improving their high street that they awarded them a special Rising Star award and £1000 cash, putting the High Street firmly on the map. The judges were particularly impressed by Thame’s use of social media to promote the town.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsThe other Rising Star awards went to West Green Road, Tottenham, London; Folkestone, Kent; Dartmouth, South Devon; Newquay, Cornwall; Alcester, Warwickshire; Faversham, Kent; Baker Street, Middlesbrough; Beeston, Nottinghamshire and Lowestoft, Suffolk.

    The news comes just days after Thame was voted one of the 10 ‘Greatest Places in England’ in the Royal Town Planning Institute Competition. (See below for voting details)

    High Streets Minister, Marcus Jones, said: “We had 230 high-quality entries to this year’s competition – a record number. This is testament to the pride local people have and the brilliant work being done to boost Britain’s high streets. The local high street is the life and soul of towns, villages and cities across the country.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1“These awards are a great opportunity, not only to celebrate those that are the best of the best, but also to help others learn valuable tips for success.”

    Nichola Dixon, the Mayor of Thame, said: “Thame High Street is the heart of our town, and we’re very proud that it has been recognised as a Rising Star in this national competition. This will be a real boon for the town. Thame High Street has also just been nominated as one of the Top Ten Greatest Places in England in a competition being run by the Royal Institute of Town Planners, so we are absolutely delighted to receive this second accolade from the Great British High Streets’ judging panel. We will continue to do all we can to continue to make Thame High Street a destination of choice, and to be chosen as a winner in next year’s competition.”

    The Great British High Street Competition 2015 – sponsored by Boots, Costa, Post Office, Marks & Spencer and Tesco – is now in its second year and supports those working to adapt, revive and diversify high streets. Not for profit and government-funded, the Great British High Street aims to provide resources for high street regeneration and celebrate innovative work going on in high streets across Britain.

    *Even though Thame is now out of the voting, you can still vote for another of your best-loved high streets online via thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk

    ** There is still time for vote though for Thame as the ‘Greatest Place in England’ poll (SEE LINK TO PREVIOUS STORY) in the Royal Town Planning Institute Competition. To vote for Thame High Street (or one of the other nine Greatest Places), go to http://www.rtpi.org.uk/egpvoting before Friday, November 20.

  • Salon owner sets talented gymnast on the road to greater things!

    A THAME business owner, moved by the plight of a budding young, Thame gymnast, has made the very first donation in a sponsorship plea, to help the young Gold medalist progress to her full potential internationally.

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    Erica Grace, who owns the hair salon, Cutting Rooms, in Buttermarket, Thame, was moved by the plight of Aysha Hutter, an elite acrobatic gymnast who trains with the Oxford School of Gymnasts, based at Lord William’s Lower School in Thame, after learning of fund-raising appeal via facebook.

    Aysha told Thame.Net: “My love of acrobatic gymnastics began back when I was eight years-old. I am now 17 and train for five or six days a week, attending national and international competitions, still wholly committed to what I do!

    “My partners, Abi and Samara, and I have had an amazing year filled to the brim with successes and emotions! We won Gold in January at Heathrow, Gold in February at Bristol and Gold in March at ‘Prelims’ in Southampton which qualified us for the National Event in Stoke-On-Trent in June.

    “At the Nationals we became National Champions in Grade 6 in the Women’s Groups with another Gold. Our last competition before the summer was in Turin, Italy at the beginning of July. We not only won a Gold medal there but we also scored the highest score of the whole competition!

    Aysha (left) with Erica Grace outside The Cutting Rooms salon, Thame
    Aysha (left) with Erica Grace outside The Cutting Rooms salon, Thame

    “This past year has been a dream for me and next year is expected to be even more challenging and exciting! I will be competing in a new partnership with Elspeth and Samara this coming year. We will be in the FIG 12-18 age group with even more demanding routines than last year. We hope to compete in at least one, potentially two, International competitions during the year, plus the British Championships in Liverpool in July. There will also be various UK-based competitions, including an International in Bristol.

    seans_choice_crendon_beds“Last year my family worked incredibly hard making and selling craft items, attending car boot sales, organising a raffle and an on-line fundraising site that friends and family donated to. This year I would really love to get enough sponsorship to make it so that they can have a bit of a rest!

    “I would like to thank Erica at Cutting Rooms for supporting me and donating £200 to my acrobatic fund – my first donation of the year – a great way to start! Thank you Cutting Rooms!”

    “Each International competition costs around £700. The first competition is potentially the Valentine Acro Cup in The Netherlands in the middle of February. Competition leotards are upwards of £300. As you can see, Acrobatic gymnastics is incredibly rewarding yet also very expensive. It isn’t just a sport, it is a lifestyle which requires the whole family to be committed and make sacrifices.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1“If anyone would like to sponsor myself or another gymnast I would love to hear from you! You can make contact via email: hummingbird@asia.com”

    Or visit Aysha’s Gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/hz2fkk

  • Invitation to Junior Singles Squash Tournament

    ANOTHER junior one day squash tournament will take place at Racquets Squash Academy in Thame, on Saturday, October 10. The tournament is open to all standards, and prices include chips and cheese for lunch.

    Racquets March One-Day Junior Squash Tournament 2015 (400x297)

    Young squash players have the choice of arriving either at 11am or 12pm, depending on which is most convenient, and the tournament will last until 4pm.

    Prices are £6 for Junior Gold members, £8.50 for Junior Silver members and £11 for non members. Book your place either at Racquets’ reception (at the rear of the Cattlemarket) or over the phone on 01844 261754.

  • Invitation to Senior Citizens’ Christmas tea party

    SENIOR residents of Thame are being invited to take part in the annual Senior Citizen’s Christmas Tea Party hosted by Thame Football Club.

    Barley Hill pupils entertained Thame's senior citizens at last year's Christmas tea party - Image Nick White
    Barley Hill pupils entertained Thame’s senior citizens at last year’s Christmas tea party – Image Nick White

    This yearly celebration, jointly organised by Thame Town Council and Thame Rotary, will be taking place on Friday, December 11, between 1.30pm and 4pm and will feature a whole host of festive food and entertainment. Transport to and from the event is available if required.

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    The event is free to attend but booking is essential by contacting Rosie Collins at Thame Town Council by phoning 01844 212833, or in person at the Town Hall Information Centre.

  • Great fundraising month for Rotarians – and there’s more to come!

    THE Rotary Club of Thame has had a busy September, with a presence at both the Thame Show, and the Thame Food Festival last weekend. The club’s members, with the help of Thame Inner Wheel Club, raised just under £1,000 from the sale of raffle tickets towards hampers of good foods and wines donated by the club members. The profits from the sale will go primarily towards Medical Detection Dogs and Thame Citizens Advice Bureau which are Rotary Club of Thame’s charities for 2015-2016. Nichola Dixon, the Mayor of Thame, pulled out the winning raffle tickets at the Thame Food Festival.

    Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon and Rotary President, Peter Hook
    Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon and Rotary President, Peter Hook

    The club shared its stall at the Thame Show on September 17, with Medical Detection Dogs, the Buckinghamshire based charity, that trains dogs to assist individuals with complex medical conditions with day-to-day tasks.

    Peter Hook, Thame Rotary’s President in 2015-2016, said: “The Rotary Club of Thame was pleased to sponsor Medical Detection Dogs at Thame Show. This Charity does fantastic work in training dogs to support those who are vulnerable with diabetes and allergies. Recently dogs have been trained to detect early signs of cancer in humans, with over 90% success rate.”

    These two major events in the Thame calender were also great opportunities to share the latest news about the club’s forthcoming events, Thame Art Show and the Thame Swimathon.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsPreparations are well underway for the art show, which will take place at Thame Barns Centre over the weekend of October 31– November 1. Exhibits will include paintings and sculptures as well as hand-made cards from local artists – a great opportunity for the public to buy beautiful Christmas presents and support Thame Rotary’s charities at the same time.

    The club is also inviting teams of up to six to participate at the now annual ,Thame Swimathon due to take place at the Thame Leisure Centre on Sunday, February 28. The teams will swim for one hour, have fun and raise funds for charity. Anyone over the age of eight can participate.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Peter concluded: “To continue and to expand our fundraising activities in the months and years to come, we are looking for even more support from the local community. We are welcoming new members from the local communities of Thame, Chinnor, Long Crendon and neighbouring villages who can join our world of fun, fellowship and fundraising. To express your interest to join our vibrant club, please visit thame.rotary1090.org, and follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thamerotary

  • So near yet so far for Chinnor RFC

    CHINNOR had a positive start to the game against Dorking on Saturday, with their early pressure resulting in a penalty converted by full back, Bertie Hopkin and Dorking attacks being stifled by the excellent tackling of returning fly half, Will Millett.

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    Chinnor’s pack took control in the first 15 minutes with their scrum consistently driving Dorking back. A long kick by Dorking into Chinnor’s 22m area bounced kindly for their winger Irving, who scored an unconverted try in the corner. Chinnor maintained their dominance and a quickly recycled ball allowed skipper James Tyas to score Chinnor’s opening try converted by Hopkin.

    Two injuries to Chinnor’s new lockm Spiveym and No 8 Manning, saw replacements Andy Berry and Joe Vandermolen take to the field, the latter scoring a push over try converted by Hopkin to give Chinnor a comfortable 17 – 5 lead.

    Will Millet was given a yellow card for tackling an opponent whilst in the air giving Dorking the opportunity to take advantage of a depleted Chinnor. MacDonald kicked a penalty for Dorking soon followed by their fly half, Pimlow making a break from his 22m area then feeding winger, Irvin who weaved his way through the Chinnor defence to score under the posts. MacDonald converted to bring the half time score to 17 – 15 in favour of Chinnor.

    Chinnor started well in the second half with driving mauls coupled with good defence. Dorking’s flanker was given a yellow card for foul play. Junior Fatialofa then made a powerful break deep into Dorking’s half and sustained pressure gave Chinnor a penalty converted by Hopkin to extend their lead to 20 – 15.

    Dorking later drew level through a counter attack allowing fly half Pimlow to score an unconverted try in the corner. This gave Dorking the confidence to attack but the tackling of flanker Ryan Long kept them at bay. Dorking persisted and from a 5m scrum they switched the play one way, then the other to put Woodcock over for an unconverted try and give them 25 – 20 point lead.

    Chinnor responded well with a surging break by centre Jack Adams, and from the resulting lineout and driving maul, Jamie Townsend drove over to score and return the lead to Chinnor, 27- 25 following Hopkin’s conversion. But just when Chinnor thought they were back to winning ways on a final attack, they were dispossessed of the ball in the Dorking half. A kick and chase of the Butball to the Chinnor try line, saw winger, Irving touch down to complete his hat trick and give Dorking a 30 – 27 victory, denying Chinnor their first victory of the season.

    SOURCE – Contributed by Bill O’Donnell

  • Police warn parents about kids playing ‘chicken’ in traffic

    THE latest Thame Neighbourhood Policing update is now out, and PCSO Natalie White’s report includes an appeal for more volunteer drivers for the extremely successful Thame Good Neighbours Scheme (TGNS), continued Anti-social behaviour by young people gathering in cars at Southern Road Rec. area and advise following an increase in thefts from sheds and outbuildings.

    Image for illustrative purposes only
    Image for illustrative purposes only

    Dangers on the way to school

    Natalie also reports incidents of children playing ‘chicken’ in traffic on the way to school, and urges parents to educate their children about road safety and encourage them to behave sensibly on the way to school.

    You can read Natalie’s full report on the Thames Valley Police website: LINK HERE

  • Chinnor community cafe offers fun and support

    THE Forget Me Knot Café at the Chinnor Village Centre is ready to offer information, support and activities for residents on Mondays, and has a programme of events coming with up that has something for everyone.

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    The Café provides information, peer support and fun activities which are aimed at helping people with co-ordination, brain stimulation, and general health and well-being, for people suffering with dementia, mental health issues, old age or isolation. Everyone is welcome, including those who may want to go along your carer.

    The Forget Me Knot Café meets twice monthly, 10.30-12.30pm, at Chinnor Village Centre. You will be welcomed with a cup of tea and biscuit. They start with fun seated exercises, followed by a visiting expert. At the end of the session, they play parachute games, juggling, throwing balls, flat football, floor netball, finishing the session with a poem, lyrical or a reading. The programme is as follows:

    5 October – Music for Health – Dororthy Howlett

    19 October – Singing for Health and Wellbeing – Julia Hollander

    2 November— Singing/Drumming for Health with Jan Stansfeld

    16 November- Music therapist – Ellie Ruddock –

    30 November – Tea Dance – sing along and dance if you feel like it Mick Sayers

    14 December – Christmas Carols – sing along with mince pies and mulled wine

    For further information, contact 01844 353733 or email: chinnorvc@hotmail.co.uk

    Chinnor Village Centre Registered Charity No 1007949  The facebook page is: www.facebook.com/forgetmeknotcafe

  • Anyone for cake?

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    AMONG the many coffee mornings held in aid of the MacMillan Cancer Support ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ last Friday (25/09), were two hosted by local businesses, PCMS Design and IMS Mortgage Advisers.

    Staff from PCMS Design prepare to serve cake
    Staff from PCMS Design prepare to serve cake

    Spokesperson Debbie Mellor for PCMS Design, a Haddenham based architectural design and project management company, said: “There were plenty of homemade cakes on offer, along with tea and coffee. We would like to thank the staff from John Clegg & Co and Rectory Homes for stopping by and helping us raise an amazing £100 and, of course, eat the cake!”

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    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Ivona Lord, who runs IMS Independent Mortgage Advisers in Thame, said: “We had lots of local people popping in for coffee and cake and we managed to raise £207.68 for Macmillan. Mabel the cow, who was loaned to us from Thame.Net in Jordans Courtyard, Thame, was a major talking point and wore her Macmillan balloons with great pride!”