Thame.net

Category: Thame news

  • Walk into Spring in the Chilterns

    Image courtesy of Outdooraholics

    THIS spring, The Chilterns Walking Festival invites experienced and novice walkers alike to explore the landscapes, locations and lifestyles of The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The inaugural festival runs from May 15 – 29, with an exciting programme of over 80 walks, talks and special events.

    Spring festival highlights include:

    • An Ancient Feast walk, including a recreated Iron-Age menu.
    • Guided walking tours of Henley’s Midsomer Murders locations, bringing to life various plot lines and ‘stand in their shoes’ activities;
    • Woodland walks around Chalfont exploring outdoor bushcraft, foraging and bread-making;
    • Have-a-go Nordic Walking events
    • Gruffalo spotters trail where the characters come to life in Wendover Woods,
    • Guided electric bike tour with a picnic lunch from Henley on Thames, taking in Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery, Hambleden Valley, Turville and Warburg Nature Reserve,
    • Expert led wild medicine walk around The Sunnyside Trust’s Hemel Food Garden, discovering what plants can be used for medicinal purposes,
    • Take the train for a walk, starting from Princes Risborough station journey together to Haddenham, and walk back to Princes Risborough

    Annette Venters, People and Society Officer at Chilterns Conservation Board, said: “We are tremendously excited about the Chilterns Walking Festival. Spring’s programme sees enthusiastic local guides and walk leaders sharing their love and understanding of the Chilterns countryside.”

    Details of every walk, event and activity, including length and scale of the challenge involved, is available on the website. For more information and to book places go to www.visitchilterns.co.uk/walkingfest.

  • Double showing for A United Kingdom

    THAME Cinema 4 All will be showing the film, A United Kingdom, twice this week as it is predicted to be extremely popular. The first screening will be on Thursday, March 30, at 10.30 am, and the second the following evening, Friday, March 31, at 8pm

    THIS British-made film is a 12A certificate, is Directed by Amma Asante and stars David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, Tom Felton, Laura Carmichael.

    Asante’s wonderful movie tells the story of a true life post-war interracial love affair that would have a significant impact on British politics, the colonial administration, and the nation that would become Botswana.

    It begins in 1947. David Oyelowo plays Seretse Khama, a young man from Bechuanaland, then a British protectorate, studying law in London. He meets Pike’s Ruth Williams, a woman of humble middle class South London stock, working as a typist. Their first date goes exceptionally well. Realising that he wants to see this woman again, Seretse has to come clean: he is actually a prince in his homeland, and must return imminently to take the throne of Bechuanaland. The two are soon very deeply in love, and in spite of the multiple obstacles to their being together, they marry and he makes his triumphant return with Ruth as his bride. The reaction of Seretse’s people is, to say the least, suspicious, even hostile. But still more chilling is the response of Her Majesty’s government. Neighbouring South Africa, which was in the process of legislating apartheid, is appalled at the prospect of an African king with a white wife, and is threatening to withdraw from the Commonwealth – cutting off British access to its mineral resources.

    The machinery of the Commonwealth, desperate to appease, does everything in its considerable power to come between the couple. They force Seretse to return to England alone and plead his case in exile, with considerable public support but up against the duplicity and imcompetence of the government. Meanwhile Ruth is effectively hostage in Bechuanaland, giving birth to their child, and gradually establishing a rapport with her new neighbours. This is a powerful and uplifting love story, a slice of colonial history, and a damning indictment of colonial politics and its functionaries, quite breathtaking in their smug arrogance (including a particularly juicy performance from Davenport as Alistair Canning). It will have you cheering as the credits roll, a real gem. View the trailer here.

    CONTRIBUTED BY Catriona Gilmour Hamilton

  • Appeal following serious collision

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a serious collision in Haddenham on Sunday (26/3).

    At around 4.35pm, a collision took place between three cars on A418 Aylesbury Road.

    The collision involved a red Ford Focus, a red Renault Clio and a grey Range Rover.

    Road closures were in place whilst emergency services attended the scene. The road was reopened shortly after 8.40pm.

    An occupant of the Clio, a woman in her sixties, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital by ambulance where she currently remains.

    A man in his thirties and an eight year-old boy, who were both travelling in the Focus, were also taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

    PC Ashley Jordan, from the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: “We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision.

    “If you have any information which may assist with the investigation, please call the Thames Valley Police 24-hour enquiry centre on 101, quoting URN 943 of 26 March.

    “I’d also like to thank nearby motorists for their patience whilst the road closures and diversions were in place.”

  • Feel, see and try-on at Chinnor’s Forget Me Knot cafe

    THIS photograph was take at the Forget Me Knot café, in Chinnor, held on March 20, when Hands on Heritage visited with lots of interesting things to feel, see and try on.

    The Forget Me Knot Cafe meets twice monthly on a Monday at the Chinnor Village Centre, between 10.30am to 12.30pm. Its purpose is to provide information, support and fun activities aimed at helping people with their coordination, brain stimulation and general health, and well being for people suffering with dementia, mental health issues, old age or isolation. Everyone is welcome.

    The next Forget Me Knot session will be on Monday, April 3, when Chiltern Music Therapy will visit with music and instruments.

  • Clifton click to spoil Chinnor’s title chances

    AFTER their previous outing, Chinnor RFC made a number of changes against Canterbury on Saturday (25/03), with Nathan Hannay returning to the second row, Connor Adams coming in for his debut at Nine, Junior Fatialofa at inside centre and Henry Lamont at outside centre. Luke Hibbard started on the left wing with Charlie Broughton on the right wing.

    Chinnor dominated the first 10 minutes with scything runs from Burns and Pineaar taking play to the Clifton try line where a dropped pass prevented a score. Clifton’s clearance kicks relieved the pressure and enabled them to counterattack with their backs giving winger Sharp an overlap to round Chinnor’s defence and score near the post. Fly half Newey converted for a 7 – 0 lead.

    This gave Clifton the confidence to run with the ball and keep the pressure in the Chinnor half with their forwards driving at the Chinnor line. Hannay was then yellow carded and from the resulting penalty and driving maul, prop Alex Giltrow grounded the ball for Clifton’s second try converted by Newey.

    Five minutes later Chinnor had a second yellow card with Burns sent to the sin bin for a late tackle, leaving them with 13 players to finish the half. Chinnor responded well with probing runs from Bentley, Fatialofa and Lamont but the Clifton defence held out until half time.

    Chinnor were now playing with the wind and kicked deep into Clifton territory. Full back Ian Clark caught the ball in his own 22 metre area and went on a swerving run to the half way. From the resulting loose scrum he did another penetrating venture through the Chinnor defence to put centre Sam Harrison away to score under the posts after just 3 minutes of the second half. Newey converted for a 21 – 0 lead.

    With Chinnor now back to 15 players, they were into an attacking rhythm and following nine phases of play Jonny Bentley cut through a gap to score and convert his own try. A revitalised Chinnor took play back to Clifton’s try line where various forward interchanges put hooker Koree Britton over for an unconverted try.

    Clifton’s attacks were annulled by replacement full back, Strang who kicked well to take play back into Clifton’s half. Clifton realised that the running game played to their strengths and soon full back Clark broke through a tackle to feed centre Malcolm Peacock who scored an unconverted try.

    Driving runs by Tom Burns and Ben Manning took the game to the Clifton try line where their players were sucked into the loose scrum and a quick blind side pass put Jonny Bentley over in the corner to score an unconverted try and a score of 26 – 17.

    With minutes to go, Chinnor were piling on the pressure to score a try worth 2 bonus points when they were awarded a penalty, which if converted would give Chinnor a losing bonus point. Chinnor opted to run the ball and no bonus points were achieved as the Clifton winger, Pomphrey intercepted a try scoring pass on his own line to run the length of the field to score the final try of the game converted by Newey giving Clifton a well-deserved 33 – 17 victory; their best display of the season according to their supporters. Chinnor now aim for a place in the playoffs to achieve promotion.

    TEAMS:
    Clifton
    Clark, Pomphrey, Peacock, Harrison, Sharpe, Newey, Spencer, Bullimore, Wheeler, Giltrow, Hawkins, Uren, Luckwell, Woodward,Chesters
    Interchanges: Vaughan, Edwards, Renwick, Luxton, Barnes

    Chinnor
    Kieran Goss, Luke Hibberd, Henry Lamont, Junior Fatialofa, Charlie Broughton, Jonny Bentley, Connor Adams, Joe Hutchinson, Koree Britton, Jay Tyack, Nathan Hannay, CJ Osazuwa, Ben Pienaar ©, Alex Bradley, Tom Burns

    Interchanges: Tom Price, Jamie Townsend, Ben Manning, Ali Bone, Basil Strang

    SCORERS:
    Clifton
    Tries (time): Sharp 13, Giltrow 29,Harrison 41, Peacock 65, Pomphrey 80
    Conversions (time): Newey 14, 30, 66, 80
    Penalty Goals (time):

    Chinnor
    Tries (time): Bentley 46, 77 Britton 53
    Conversions (time): Bentley 47
    Penalty Goals (time):
    Referee: Lius Caviglia
    Attendance: 163
    Half time score: 14-0
    Full time score: 33-17
    Star man: Mike Uren – Clifton

  • Town Council Grant Scheme Now Open

    THAME Town Council’s grants scheme is now open to local charitable organisations in the Thame area, who are working for the benefit of Thame to apply for funding to support projects that aim to develop skills, improve health, revitalise the local environment and enable people to become more active citizens.

    Any community or not-for-profit group working for the benefit of the people of Thame can apply. The terms and conditions and a downloadable application form can be found at the following LINK www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/grant-aid

    The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. For further information or for assistance in completing your form, contact the town council on 01844 212833.

    The scheme aims to fund projects ‘….that address the needs, aspirations and issues of the people in our community’.

  • Thame family takes on Resolution Run for the Stroke Association

    DAVID Boyle, 25, from Thame, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run on Sunday, April 2, to mark five years since his life-changing stroke.

    David had a stroke on Christmas Day in 2012 which left him unable to speak and move the right side of his body. He had to take time out from University whilst he recovered.

    David’s mother, Sue, said: “David’s determination to rebuild his life has been unbelievable. He spent ten days in hospital and then had physiotherapy and speech therapy at home. His speech returned and his walking gradually came back, although his arm was slower to mend. He now has a weakness in his right side, particularly his arm, but his recovery has been remarkable. Taking time out from University was hardly the gap year you would wish for. But he went back the following year, and we were so proud to see him walk up on stage to receive his degree.”

    Sue and David’s dad, Phil, and his older sister, Megan, will be running with him. David said: “We’ve dubbed ourselves as ‘Boyle Family 25k’. Between us we will cover the distance of 25k at the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run. We’ve already raised over £1,000 for the Stroke Association, and hope more donations will come through in the days before.

    “I never thought at the age 20 I’d be a stroke survivor. It’s been a long journey, but one that’s made me realise just how important it is to be aware of conditions like stroke. I wanted to take on the Resolution Run with my family to raise awareness and vital funds for the Stroke Association – I think the charity does an amazing job.”

    Emma Evans, Events Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, it is vital that we have people like David and his family to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re looking forward to cheering them on alongside our other participants as they make their way through the park.”

    To sponsor David and his family, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Philip-Boyle3

    Entry fee is just £15 and runners can choose the 5km, 10km or 15km course. All runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.

    SOURCE: The Stroke Association

  • Do you know someone who deserves recognition?

    THERE are people, organisations and groups all around Thame who help their neighbours, support local groups or go out of their way for others in their community. Who do you know that has achieved something great in a sport, activity or hobby? Perhaps you know someone that always goes that extra step to provide a service with a smile? What about that individual or group who has contributed, small or big, to the life of Thame and deserves recognition for their hard work?

    This year we are looking for people to nominate Thame individuals and groups into the following categories: Lifetime Achievement, Volunteer of the Year, Creative Arts Achievement, Sporting Achievement and Service with a Smile.

    If you are still stuck for ideas, why not like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter where we will regularly be posting examples of previous Thame Town Award winners for inspiration! Don’t forget to get your nomination in as voting closes at midnight on Monday, April 3 – that’s just 10 days time!

    Nominating your unsung hero and heroes couldn’t be easier – simply visit www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/town-awards or pick up a nomination form from the Town Hall or Thame Library.

  • All Stars cricket is coming to Thame and Tiddington

    THE future of cricket is in safe hands, as today the ECB (English Cricket Board) announced its brand-new programme – ‘All StarsCricket’! The initiative aims to provide thousands of five to eight year-olds with the opportunity to play cricket, meet new friends and create Big Moments. All Stars Cricket is a fun first-experience of cricket and it develops children’s skills, gets them active and provides the first steps on the National cricket pathway.

    Thame Town and Tiddington Cricket Clubs have announced that their All Stars Cricket programmes will start on Friday, May 19, for eight weeks.

    Matt Swain (Thame) & Lesley Pykett (Tiddington): “This is a fantastic programme the ECB has developed to support local clubs open up Cricket to younger children, similar to Rugby Tots and Little Kickers. We now have an opportunity to reach even more families and youngsters. The eight week programme is designed to incorporate parents and carers and is just £40 which includes a personalised t-shirt, cap, backpack, bat, ball, and drinks bottle.

    Both clubs have decided to run the sessions on a Friday evening at different times. Parents and carers can come to the grounds and unwind after a week of work whilst the children have fun and exert some energy. The bar will be open for refreshments and the sessions at Thame Town CC will coincide with Lydia Greenways academy for Girls.”

    Tiddington CC will be running their sessions from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and Thame will be running their sessions from 5:30pm to 6:15pm, this will provide people in the area a broader choice of times to fit in with their other commitments.

    If you want to find out more information or register a child, go to allstarscricket.co.uk. Information video:
    https://www.ecb.co.uk/tv/327845

  • Help for businesses taking their first digital steps

    THE Do it Digital Roadshow is coming to a town near you! From March 30-31, the Do it Digital bus will be hitting the road to Oxford and Aylesbury to bring you a series of talks and workshops to help improve digital skills for small business owners.

    The workshops will provide small business owners with an understanding of the basics they should consider when taking the first steps to getting their business online. The aim is to enable any small business to establish the foundations of an effective online marketing strategy.

    All the workshops are free to attend. See LINKS HERE  and HERE – click on ‘EVENTS’ page 3 for Oxford and Aylesbury dates