EQUINE dentist, Grant Chanter and Associates, based at Ford, near Thame, have been granted the Royal Warrant by appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, after 12 years looking after Her Majesty’s horses.
Grant Chanter told Thame.Net: “I am over the moon with being granted the Warrant. I have been working as an Equine Dental Technician for 17 years and provided my services to the Royal Household for 12 years. This is my proudest moment in this field of business.
NEXT week sees the start of a new series of guided Midsomer walking tours of Thame, one of the most frequently used filming locations for the popular ITV series Midsomer Murders. The hour-long tours will be held weekly, led by specially trained, volunteer Midsomer guides, and taking in many of the filming locations in the town centre that have been used in episodes of Midsomer Murders.
Thame regularly features, either as Causton, or as any one of the many villages in the fictional ‘Midsomer County’. Midsomer Murders is still going strong after 20 years with regular screenings, not only in the UK, but all over the world. Sarah Osborne of Tourism Angles, specialists in Midsomer tourism, says: “6.5 million people watch Midsomer Murders in the UK and millions more in over 100 countries worldwide. The series is one of the UK’s biggest TV exports – rating in Denmark’s top three and Australia’s top 20. People see it on TV and want to come and visit the beautiful towns and villages of Midsomer.”
Many Thame landmarks have been featured in different episodes over time, including Thame Town Hall, the Market House, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, the historic Swan Hotel, the Black Horse, the Spread Eagle hotel. Thame’s cricket ground and the Prebendal in Priest End, home of the late Robin Gibb, were recently featured in filming for future episodes.
Tony Long, coordinator for the new tour guides, said: “The tours have been in development for several months, and follow on from the original tour which was created by David Dodds of Thame Museum. The tours are being held under the auspices of 21st Century Thame, an organisation that brings together local businesses, community groups and councils to help keep Thame vibrant and viable as a market town. They were taken up after a successful 21st Century Thame Midsomer Workshop held in Thame last year, which recommended a number of promotional ideas to develop Midsomer tourism in the town, including regular Midsomer tours.”
Tony continued: “The tours take place weekly between May and October, alternating between Saturdays at 2.30pm and Wednesdays at 11am, and start from inside Thame Museum at 79 High Street, Thame, OX9 3AE, one of the filming locations, taking in many locations in the town centre. We hope these tours will add a new facet to tourism in the town, attracting more visitors from the UK and overseas to the historic town of Thame.”
Tickets cost £7.50 each and may be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thamemidsomer. Alternatively, you can simply turn up on the day and pay the guide.
Part of the proceeds from Midsomer tours goes to Thame Museum and other charitable causes.
THAME has been celebrating those in the community who give their time voluntarily for the benefit of others. The ninth Thame Town Awards, hosted by the Mayor of Thame, Linda Emery, were held in the Thame Barns Centre last night, one of her last official duties before her mayoral tenure ends next week.
After a presentation by the two members of 21st Century Thame, who steered Thame to two, Great British High Street Awards and four separate ‘Revive and Thrive’ prizes for town, the Mayor presented Helen Johns and Sonja Francis with a glass bowl, thanking them on behalf of the Town Council for ‘working tirelessly to promote Thame’.
Cllr David Dodds was presented with a very special award of a framed edition of the Thame Gazette, from 50 years-ago, annnouncing his election to, what was then, Thame Urban District Council, the youngest councillor in Oxfordshire. He has been Mayor of Thame eight times. David was also given a luxury two-night stay at The Billesley Hotel, as a thank you for his 50 years’ service to the Town Council, to share with his wife.
Other individuals who had been nominated by members of the public and selected by a panel of judges, received awards in five categories. The Director of Interchurch Productions and ex teacher at John Hampden School in Thame, Catherine Enticknap, received the Creative Arts Achievement Award in recognition of her having ‘motivated people of all ages to act, sing and dance and perform, with many at a high level and going on to be professionals.
This year’s Sporting Achievement Award went to Ian Blyth, Head Coach of Thame Swimming Club. ‘His passion and enthusiasm for the club, and his relentless energy for inspiring the best in each and every swimmer is palpable’ said the Mayor. ‘The club now has more swimmers competing at County, Regional and National levels than ever before, and swimmers also take part in the Swim Camp in Spain, and Welsh Nationals in Swansea.’
Described as ‘Beacons of positivity’ and ‘always delivering a happy and friendly service to their customers and the community of Thame, Jason and Joshua Atalay received the Service with A Smile Award. “They serve some of the best kebabs in Thame, and received many nominations for their top-class service,” said the Mayor. “And because they are always smiling!” she added.
Barley Hill teacher, well-know for her ‘enjoyable and popular charity quizzes’, Sue Boyle was presented with the Volunteer Of The Year Award. Through her quizzes, Sue has raised thousands of pounds for local charities including Lord Williams’s Association, Thame Carnival, Thame and District Day Centre, Safari and Children In Need. Sue was described as ‘a true pillar of the community’.
Angus Lachlan, who recently stepped down as Chairman of Thame Town Cricket Club, after 25 years of service as a volunteer at the club, received this year’s Life Time Achievement Award. He was nominated for ‘ selflessly giving up huge amounts of his time, and for his amazing breadth of service – umpiring, coaching, barman and tractor-driving!’ – ‘an outstanding contribution to the life and success of the cricket club’.
The awards ceremony finished with the Mayor presenting her Mayor’s Cadet for the year, Oscar Earls, with a special certificate in recognition of his services to herself throughout her mayoral year.
This year’s Thame Town Awards was sponsored by Risborough Carers. Next year will be the tenth anniversary of the Thame Town Awards and the Mayor said that she hoped it would be the ‘biggest and best yet’! Nominations will open in February, 2018.
THAMES Valley Police are currently searching for a high risk missing person from the area of Chinnor in Oxfordshire. It is believed they have access to a blue BMW 325 convertible registration D*** VWM.
If you have seen this vehicle please contact Thames Valley police on 101 or 999 in an emergency quoting reference number 706 04/05
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an assault of a teenage boy in Thame.
At around 4.30pm on Wednesday 26 April three teenage boys met near Lord Williams School.
They were followed by a large group of teenagers towards the town centre when a confrontation took place in the area of the Lower High Street on the corner of Bell Lane.
During this confrontation a teenager from the original group of three was spat at by others in the larger group and punched numerous times in the face causing cuts and bruising.
After this assault the large group of teenagers ran off in different directions. The victim, a 16-year-old local boy, later attended hospital for his injuries but was later discharged.
Police Constable Daniel Downes of the Thame Neighbourhood team said: “This took place in the afternoon, after school so there would have been many people around who may have seen something about this incident.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact investigating officer PC Downes at Thame Police Station via 101 quoting URN 860 28/4.
If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference ‘860 28/4’, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
THE former head teacher of John Hampden School in Thame, Alan Haigh, was once more where he always loved to be – at the heart of an event bringing the community of Thame together for a good cause.
The event was Saturday’s Charity Football and Family Fun Day, held at the ASM stadium, home of Thame United, to raise much needed funds for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance in memory of four year-old Barnaby Cork who died last December after a tragic accident. Stuart Gibson, the man who came up with the idea for the event, told Thame.Net: “The day was an amazing success with an estimated 400 people attending during the course of the day. The overriding factor from the day was that everyone had such a great, fun day from the bouncy castle, face painting, soft play areas for the little ones, to Zorb football, the princess corner, an ice cream van, balloon artistry, cake stall, sweetie cones, strawberries’n’cream pots, kids lucky number, colouring table, Lego table, giant outdoor games and sumo suit wrestling!
“The highlights of the day were a luxury raffle from which one lucky person won themselves a week-long holiday in a Mallorca villa, and of course the football match where the TVAA XI, mainly made up of the dads of children attending John Hampden School, ran out 2-1 winners over the Iron Maiden XI.
“It was amazing to see former head teacher, Alan Haigh, compère the event,” added Stuart, “which he did with his usual good humour and wit! He said how much he had enjoyed being involved in a community event again!”
Stuart concluded: “The people of Thame yet again could not be surpassed in their support of this amazing charity, and as organisers we were extremely lucky to have such brilliant people on the committee in getting the event off the ground. There are already plans in the diary for 2018 as the Iron Maiden team are keen to be part of the event again next year!”
THIS May 4th is Star Wars Day and to celebrate, Thame’s Oxfam bookshop is having a special Star Wars-themed window. Feel free to swoop by and take on supplies, see the window, or explore new areas of domestic space by bringing in a donation of books, DVDs, records, sheet music, or CDs.
Looking ahead to the Town Music festival on July 8, the shop will have a musically-themed window, stalls and even a piper with bagpipes and kilt. So, mark your calendar, and in the meantime, …all together now…May the Fourth be with You!
THAME Town Cricket Club’s First XI kicked off 2017 with two excellent pre-season victories. The first, against a strong Potters Bar side, saw successful debuts for Richie Straughan (48) and overseas professional Gami Kanishka (105).
A total of 264 off 40 overs appeared daunting. However, 154 from Potters Bar opener Gale made for an excellent chase. They fell 10 runs short after some excellent death bowling. (April 22)
The second friendly took Thame to Marlow. Having won the toss and elected to bat, Marlow slipped to 46-4 with Beard taking 3-7. They eventually stumbled to 195-9 off their 50 overs. However, this proved to be well below par as another new comer, Callum Russell, made an excellent 90* and Kanishka an explosive 81, leading Thame home for the loss of three wickets in just 30 overs. (April 29).
The 1st XI begin their Home Counties Premier League season away at Datchet, on Saturday, May 6.
An exciting win and a defeat in 2nd XI warm-ups
AGAINST neighbours, Haddenham Firsts, Thame batted first and made 181 all out from 38 overs. The man-of-the-match was Liam Evans with 50 not out, while Andy Jinman scored 39 and skipper Matt Furness 25. Haddenham batted second and came close but were all out 171 in the final, 40th over, held together by Gavin Castellyn (59).
Bowling highlights included three wickets for Liam Evans, three wickets for Guy Holmes and the crucial wicket for Lewis Ludlam. (April 22)
The Second XI’s second warm-up game brought them up against a strong Marlow Seconds side, at Church Meadow. Marlow batted first and with Fisher (102) and Keenan (76) leading the way, a big total looked certain. Despite a tight spell from Pete Tervet (8-2-0-29) and two wickets each from Fellowes and Holmes, Thame couldn’t stop Marlow posting 274 for 6. In reply, Thame limped to 60-4, before hard hitting from Evan Davies (51) and Matt ‘The Chairman’ Swain (49 not out) gave the innings respectability, finishing on 205 for 6.
Thame seconds kick off their league season, now in Cherwell Division 4, next Saturday, May 6, at home against Stokenchurch.
SOURCE: Contributed
WALKING Football teams from Better leisure centres across South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire and Reading, including Thame’s, met at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon on Friday, April 28, for a Walking Football Festival that celebrated growing interest in the sport.
Nearly 40 players took part in the friendly competition, which consisted of six-a-side matches that were each 12 minutes long. The nature of the event meant that there were no winners or losers, rather it aimed to encourage participation and showcase the fun inclusive nature of the sport. However, everyone involved received a congratulatory medal for taking part.
The teams were Abingdon Almost Athletic, Thame Tigers, Windrush Wanderers and Rivermead Rapids. This was the first time that Thame Leisure Centre, Windrush Leisure Centre and Rivermead Leisure Complex had played friendly matches against teams from other areas.
Kevin Williams, General Manager at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, said:
“The festival has been a huge success. It’s a great way to introduce people to walking football, in a fun, non-pressured environment. We’ve seen a surge in interest in walking football over recent months. It’s a great way to stay actively involved in the game, without having to be particularly fit or risk injury. We’re already planning more of this type of event for the future.”
Players interested in the competitive side of the sport can now look forward to entering or just watching the Better Games Walking Football championship that takes place at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, on Saturday, May 20, from 10am-4pm.
SOURCE: Contributed
THE Rotary Club of Thame is asking the local public to check their sheds and lofts and bring their old tools to the main car park near Montesson Square, near the Market House. The tool collection will take place on Saturday, May 20, from 9am to 1pm.
Every year the Rotary Club of Thame runs a collection point for unwanted tools. These are then taken to Tools for Self Reliance‘ s (TFSR) collection centre in Southampton. TFSR is a charity that refurbishes the tools and sends them to NGOs in Africa. All the tools sent to Africa are used to provide training and to equip trainees with their own start-up kits to set up their own businesses after completing training, not only in their chosen trade but in business management, financial, and life skills.
One such trainee is Mohammed Kanteh who lives in Sierra Leone. He has hearing difficulties and has never attended school, but wanted the opportunity to learn a trade and earn money to support his mother and five siblings. He took part in a Tools for Self Reliance training programme, in partnership with local organisation Mobility Sierra Leone, and learnt how to repair wheelchairs and bicycles. He is now part of a small business, along with some fellow graduates, and they are already planning how to use their profits to expand.
Items which can be collected include sewing machines, tools used for plumbing, carpentry, metalworking, building, bicycle repairs, shoe repairs and for repairing cars. Please note that no garden tools are accepted.
For more information visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or Thame Rotary’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/thamerotary