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Category: Thame news

  • The Big Thame Bake 2017 is launched!

    SPATULAS at the ready; Aprons on and stand by your ovens! It’s time for this year’s BIG THAME BAKE.

    This year there are nine exciting categories to choose from and all entries are open to both adults and children. All of the cakes will be judged by Thame Food Festival’s star Bakers, who will also be appearing on the Baking Stage at the festival on Sunday, October 1.

    So dust down your mixing bowl, get planning your bakes and cakes and enter NOW to become the next Baking King or Queen of Thame.

    The categories and their judges are:

    Chris (p) up your Choux – Chris Wheeler
    Using choux pastry, devise, design, fill, build and bake any way you want. Savoury or sweet, piled high or laid beautifully on a plate – just make sure they are Chris (p), not soggy … and utterly delicious!

    Titivate your Traybakes – Chetna Makan
    Anything goes! Glitter, icing, spice, fruit, chocolate or more – go for it. Titivate to your heart’s content – NOTHING is too much!

    Prove you can make it rise – Paul Jagger
    Paul will show you his rise, if you show him yours! Use your imagination to design and bake a spectacular bread that stands out from the crowd and stuns us all.

    Gluten Free Bakes – Howard Middleton
    Howie has lovely buns! And his pastries aren’t too shabby either! You can make anything here, anything at all, just as long as it’s Gluten Free.

    Brexit Bakes – Jose Pizarro
    Let’s celebrate our European cousins’ delicious cakes and bakes. Anything you want from any European country and the lovely Jose will run his keen eye and palate over them. There are so many exciting European bakes out there, so make them and bring them to Blighty’s very best Food Festival!

    Rolling rolling rolling…. – Richard Burr
    Richard likes precision – design and bake a perfectly measured and rolled cake….Meringue based or a light and airy fatless sponge – we don’t mind – just make it a beauty.

    Flying Freestyle! – Jane Devonshire
    Whatever you want to make – Jane loves a surprise! Maybe it’s your very own recipe, or one handed down through your family. Tarts, Puffs, Brownies, Fruity or Chocolatey – we don’t mind – just fly freestyle and bring us your very best celebration bakes.

    Harvest Festival Happiness – Jane Beedle
    Autumn’s fruit and vegetable basket is overflowing with delicious produce. Bake a stunner using the best the land can offer at this time of year. Savoury or sweet we really don’t mind – just make it utterly seasonal.

    Lotte’s Kitsch Cakes – Lotte Duncan
    You can make anything you want as long as it’s completely over the top and it still tastes delicious. Glitter, icing, cream, sprinkles, jelly, chocolate, marzipan, strawberries – ANYTHING! Decorate madly and make it loud, make it fun and make it kitsch!

    Thame Food Festival, originally based in the town centre, has been going since 2008 and last year attracted in the region of 28k people. This year will see the festival relocating to Thame Show Ground and extending the programme over two days – Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1. Supported by Raymond Blanc, this year is aiming to have about 300 artisan producers alongside demonstrations from many leading chefs and bakers. The first day will be dedicated to chefs and the second day to bakers.

    The event attracts a number of high profile celebrities from both the chef and baking world including Master Chef and Great British Bake Off stars. Take a look at the Big Thame Bake 2016 video

    Details about Thame Food Festival 2017 can be found at: http://www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk/

  • Tony Hadley to open Thame Town Music Festival

    AT mid-day, on July 8, on the Main Stage in Thame town centre, music legend Tony Hadley will formally open the inaugural Thame Town Music Festival, setting in motion one of the most exciting, new, annual events to happen in Thame.

    Tony Hadley

    Tony lives locally and can be often seen around the town, and is a huge supporter of local charities and events but, as lead singer of Spandau Ballet, formed in 1978, and one of the pioneers of the ’80s New Romantic movement, Tony has earned the accolade of being one of pop music’s greatest vocalists.

    Gold, True, Only When You Leave and the iconic Through the Barricades are just some of the hits the band created. By the mid 80s, they were world-wide superstars. More recently, in 2015, a re-formed Spandau Ballet toured the planet for nine months playing at some of the world’s biggest venues.

    Whilst not performing at the Thame Town Music Festival this year, Tony will be welcoming everyone before a whole host of artists and bands perform, not only on the Main Stage outside the town hall, but at seven other venues around the town too, where you can see and hear music genres from Rock to Folk and Classical to Americana, and all stops in between, being performed.

    Put the date in your diary – Saturday, July 8! It’s going to be a FREE party with brilliant music, whatever your taste, plus comedy, food and lots more. To go with the road closures, car parking will be provided at the Southern Road Recreation Ground as well as all the other existing car parks in Thame.

    Thame Town Music Festival is a not for profit Community Interest Company, run by a team of volunteers, and its aim is to enhance Thame and get live music thriving in the town.

    Check out all the Venues and Line-ups and all you need to know about the festival at: www.ThameTownMusicFestival.org

  • ‘Determination and enthusiasm’ top Thame 10k

    THE bright and breezy weather on Sunday, June 25, reflected the determined and enthusiastic mood of the Thame 10K runners of 2017, who came in their masses to take part in Thame’s well-known annual challenge. The race limit of 1000 is normally full by early June which only highlights the popularity of this town event and added to the buzzing atmosphere.

    The jubilant JHS Team – Image courtesy of @TVAirAmb

    The race started and finished at Lord Williams’s Upper school playing fields, passed through the town centre and back along the Phoenix Trail. After completing the 10K, the competitors received a medal in recognition of their accomplishment, as well as a T-Shirt and a goody bag as mementos of the race. These were handed out by Kate from CPM, assisted by Howard Papworth (Race Director) and Rod Lavers (Race Secretary) from Thame Runners.

    The feedback surrounding the race was nothing but positive; one quote from Facebook read that the race was really enjoyable, adding: “Great course, especially if you aren’t a hill fan! A very friendly atmosphere throughout and a massive thank you to the marshals & the TVAA volunteers with the hosepipe and sponges!”

    Gratitude towards all the helpers and sponsors was prominent throughout the comments. Thame Runners’ spokesperson, Rod Lavers, said on Facebook: ” I would also like to offer my grateful thanks to our brilliant army of marshals and helpers who have once again come up trumps and provided our running guests yesterday morning with a fantastic experience. A number of favourable comments have been posted to the Thame 10k Facebook page which is always very pleasing to get such positive feedback.

    “I must also mention the incredible team of helpers at the “race village” who cleared the field in record breaking time and allowed everyone to attend the post-race barbecue at a very decent hour. Well done to Bruce ‘Mr Barby’ Lawton who tossed the burgers, sausages and chicken drumsticks with great aplomb, ably assisted by Harry Turner and my wife Sue. What a great day it was, but I was more than pleased to hit my bed last night after a tiring day. Here’s to 2018!!”

    Fastest woman in the Thame 10K 2017, Emma Houchell

    The Results

    For the third time in four years, James Bolton of the Woodstock Harriers came first – over 90 seconds ahead of the second finisher in an extraordinary time of 33.00. The fastest female in the race was Emma Houchell with a time of 36:34 making her 12th in the race overall. The first male Thame resident to finish was Kristian Williams, and the first female Thame resident was Emma Way.

    A team from John Hampden School in Thame, including the head teacher, Paul Hankey (time: 01:18:01) ran to raise funds for the Air Ambulance, in memory of four year-old Barnaby Cork.  FULL RACE RESULTS HERE

    It seems that the race wouldn’t be what it is without the dedication of the marshals, the encouragement of the family members who line the race course, and the enthusiasm of the runners themselves who keep the race going year after year.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Gabby Smith

  • Street furniture rules clarified

    DISQUIET among Thame Town Councillors about the proliferation of A boards and outside seating on the town’s pavements, has led to then seeking clarification from the Highways Authority as to the rules and regulations covering street furniture.

    What’s Cooking’s plan for outdoor seating

    The advice given is that shops and cafes should, strictly speaking, apply for a licence for such boards and furniture on the public pavement, as What’s Cooking has recently. However, the authorities prefer to take ‘a  softly, softly‘ approach apparently, and tend to tolerate any street furniture on pavements that are wide enough, as long as they do not present a nuisance or danger to pedestrians.

    During a discussion at Tuesday’s Planning and Environment committee, the Town Clerk reported that Oxfordshire County Council will be looking further into the matter in the near future.

    Councillors agreed to recommend approval of What’s Cooking’s application for tables with seating, outside their premises in Cornmarket, Thame, which has some of the widest pavements in the town.

  • Phone mast company walks away from Thame

    THAME Town Council has been notified by Shared Access that the company is no longer progressing its proposal to install a telecommunications structure at Southern Road Recreation Ground.

    At its meeting on June 20, 2017, after considering Consultation responses, the Town Council asked Shared Access to consider alternative positioning of the mast within the tree-line in response to some of respondents and town councillors’ wishes. SEE LINK and LINK

    “Shared Access are not prepared to execute further work and the operators will now seek a traditional street based solution,” said the town council, adding in a statement: “It is disappointing that in spite of significant efforts by the Town Council and the community that a solution acceptable to all could not be found.”

    If the proposal had gone ahead, the town council was in line to receive £70,000.

  • New site for Thame Cattle Market?

    IT was revealed tonight (Tuesday) that the owners of Thame Cattle Market are in talks with a local land owner in its search for a new site.

    The new site of interest under discussion between SODC and Thame Farmers Mart, is farm land at North Weston off Rycote Lane, just past Gregory’s Distribution headquarters. (See image)

    Yellow spot show the location of the site under discussion

    The Thame Cattle Market is privately operated by a co-operative of local farmers on the current site in North Street, where it has been operating since 1949. The lease on the site, which is owned by South Oxfordshire District Council, runs out in four years time by which time a new home for the Cattle Market will have to be found. The existing facilities are becoming less and less suitable as animal welfare regulations increase.

    A planning application for a new cattle market on the Thame Show Ground was approved in 2008 but expired in 2014.

    Though two attempts to build large supermarkets on the cattle market site have been fought off, the site is ear-marked for ‘mixed use’ in the current Thame Neighbourhood Plan and the district council’s Local Plan, and any future use is expected to include community facilities – though a small, budget supermarket has been mooted as a possibility by the town council.

  • Burning rubbish bin damages house

    AT  5:46 am on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service were called to fire outside a property in Beech road, Chinnor.


    A fire engine from Thame Fire Station attended the incident and found thee wheelie bins on fire. This had also spread to a wooden fence and damaged the outside of the house.

    The occupier had been alerted by a noise outside, went outside to investigate and manged to reduce the spread of fire using a garden hose. Fortunately, the swift intervention meant that firefighters could fully extinguish the fire and using a Thermal imaging camera check that it had not spread into the roof of the house.

    The fire was caused by hot ash from a bonfire that had been put in the plastic wheelie bin the previous day and after smouldering for some time it eventually set alight the rubbish in the bin and spread rapidly.

    Incident Commander, Watch Manager Andy Ford said: “This incident has highlighted the danger of disposing of embers from a Bonfire or Barbecue before they have completely cooled down. Fortunately, on this occasion the occupiers were alerted by the noise and were able to call the Fire and Rescue Service. If left unattended the fire could have spread into the house whilst the occupiers were asleep.”

  • Local builders invited to tender for new Cricket Clubhouse

    THAME Town Council has announced that the full tender documents for the redevelopment of the Thame Cricket Club Clubhouse / Pavilion at Church Meadow are now published on the Government’s Contract Finder web site – LINK HERE in line with public sector procurement regulations.

    The tender value is estimated at around £600,000 and it is expected that the building works would be primarily executed in the 2017-18 close season. This is a great opportunity for a local builder, with appropriate expertise, to take on a project that will serve the community for many years to come.

    The Town Council has employed Simon Keen of Ridge and Partners LLP as the Employer’s Agent and any initial queries in relation to the published tender documents should be directed to him, at 01993 815068 or skeen@ridge.co.uk.

    The tender period closes on July 24, 2017.

  • Cricket round-up: Thame ease past bottom of the table Reading

    THAME Town Cricket Club’s first XI hosted Reading CC at the Meadow last weekend, and ensured that they didn’t come unstuck against a side relegated from Division One last season and who are already in a relegation battle at the bottom of Division Two.

    Callum Russell, top scorer for TTCC’s first XI

    Thame stand-in Skipper for the day, Will Rooney, won the toss and did not hesitate to bowl first. The Thame seamers bowled tightly up top, but it was the spinners who did the damage to dismantle Reading for 116. Hassam Mushtaq (3-16), Mike Higgs (3-38) and Andy Russell (2-12) were amongst the wickets, as well as a run out, ensuring only one Reading player scored above 20.

    Reading were bowled out in 48 overs, meaning Thame had 60 overs to reach their target. Callum Russell lead Thame’s reply with a run-a-ball 56, including nine fours and a six, with Richie Straughan making 23. Thame lost three quick wickets near the end, but ultimately were too strong and made it over the line in the 24th over with five wickets to spare. Another early finish before tea for the 1st XI.

    Thame currently sit third in Division Two of the Home Counties, and face bitter rivals and top of the league, Aston Rowant away next weekend.

    Second XI fight all the way in close defeat

    THAME second XI travelled to play Brackey’s first XI on Saturday. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Thame got off to a decent start with runs coming from Harry Thomas (15), George Patey (24) and James Nielson (27). Despite quickly losing wickets, captain Matt Furness (52) anchored the innings, with quick runs coming from Richard Carr (37*) in the final few overs to propel Thame to a decent total of 192.

    Early on in the second innings, Thame looked on top as early wickets were taken by Peter Tervet, Ben Buckland and George Patey. However, a partnership of 99 between Michael Lowe (47) and Joshua Markham (55) turned the momentum of the game in Brackley’s favour. Although late wickets from Alaistair Thomas and Chris Penny almost salvaged a draw for the Meadowmen, Brackley reached Thame’s total with three wickets remaining in the final over to win the match.

    Thame second XI face Dinton at home next week.

    Third XI pick up 25 points

    THE third XI were due to take on Banbury fifth XI away this past weekend, but unfortunately the hosts had to cancel. Next week, they entertain Oxford Down thirds in a top-of-the table clash.

    Under 13s do the double

    THAME Town U13 completed an Oxfordshire League double over local rivals, MP Sports, with a comprehensive win on Thursday night. MP batted first, and tight bowling restricted them to 101-8 in their 20 overs. Thame’s fielding was excellent and resulted in three run outs. Batting second, Thame had no problems knocking the runs off and achieved the target of 102 for the loss of only three wickets with 4.5 overs to go. Star man with the bat was Jack Pember who finished 30 not out.

  • Thame Rotarians thank the community for fundraising support

    THE Rotary Club of Thame thanked the local communities of Thame and neighbouring villages for their support with fundraising during the 2016-2017 Rotary year.

    Erroll Bateman, Thame Rotary President, with charities’ representatives

    Following his ‘thank you’ message, give at an event which took place at Thame’s Spread Eagle on Wednesday, June 21, spokesperson for Thame Rotary, Marius Ciortan, said:

    “The local public actively supported major fundraisers like Erroll Bateman ’s Charity Sky Dive last July and Thame Swimathon in February. The amount donated in 2016-2017 Rotary reached almost £10,000. Red Kite Family Centre, Wheel Power and Hope and Homes for Children are the main charities which received donations in the past 12 months.

    Linda Newton and Helen Williams represented Thame Swimming Club at the event. With its nine teams participating in the Thame Swimathon, the swimming club members contributed significantly to Rotary Club of Thame’s fundraising effort.

    Marius continued: “We are proud to have made a contribution towards rescuing Red Kite Children’s Centre from its imminent closure and to make a difference towards projects managed by our charities of the year.”

    He concluded: “To continue and to expand our fundraising and volunteering 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, friendship and fundraising.

    “To express your interest to join our vibrant club, please visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or like us on www.facebook.com/thamerotary. “