ASHMEAD School near Thame, is celebrating its 40th year and to mark the occasion the school invited local artist, James Ort, to work with the children to produce a piece of art for all to enjoy.
“Being one of the county’s largest primary schools this means that hundreds of children have been taught and passed through its doors over this period,” said Marcus Pickering, Joint Headmaster of Ashmead. “It felt right to celebrate that, not only for those currently at the school but the community around it.”
The school’s motto is: ‘Ashmead School gives its children two everlasting things; one is roots, the other wings’. This inspired the idea of making a giant tree with roots, leaves, and a flock of birds flying off it. The tree has been displayed outside the school’s main entrance for all to see and enjoy for years to come.
James Ort, who runs the Phoenix Studio in Towersey, said: “It was important for every child to be involved in the project, and the teachers as well. This was no mean feat with over 700 pupils currently at the school. We decided that each participant would create or decorate a clay tile and together these would make up a bigger picture.”
James spent six enjoyable days in the classroom working with the pupils, and by the end of the week had stacks of hand decorated clay tiles ready for firing in the kiln. “It was hard work but so rewarding,” said James. “Ashmead has been one of the best schools I’ve worked with. The children really engaged with the project and expressed themselves through their unique designs, ranging from stamps and patterns to tiny model faces and drawings of school life. Seeing all the pieces come together and being displayed on the wall is thrilling!”
Blanchford Building Supplies in Princes Risborough kindly donated all the materials needed to mount the pieces on the wall. “We were delighted to be able to help support such a worthwhile project and good cause. To see our materials be used for a more creative arty purpose is really exciting,” said Ruth Fenton at Blanchford.
THAME Cinema 4 All has some great films lined up for this coming Spring. Tickets are available now to book online HERE but some may be available on the door on the night.
Saturday March 18, 8.00 pm Hell or High Water
Saturday March 25, 8.00 pm Moonlight
Thursday March 30, 10.30am A United Kingdom
Friday March 31, 8.00 pm – ditto —
Friday April 7, 8.00 pm Arrival
Friday April 14, 5.00 pm The Eagle Huntress
Friday April 14, 8.00 pm The Young Offenders
Doors open half an hour before films start, admission £5, licensed bar
Thame Cinema 4 All at Thame Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame.
FOLLOWING a string of awards recently, including becoming a finalist in the Great British High Street Awards, Thame shone once again at the recent Revive & Thrive Local Legends Conference held in Cheshire, bringing home four prizes!
Helen Johns & Sonja Francis, 2nd and 3rd right, with fellow ‘Local Legends’
The conference was held on March 2 and 3, to recognise the work of UK towns and cities involved in regeneration projects and achieving amazing outcomes within their communities and was attended by Sonja Francis and Helen Johns, steering group members of 21st Century Thame. They were nominated to attend as ‘Local Legends’ for their work on Thame projects, by Becky Reid, Market Town Coordinator at Thame Town Council.
The four prizes were funded by sponsors of the Local Legends Conference, and all aimed at improving the town centre and building Thame’s profile, so that it continues to develop as a vibrant and flourishing market town.
The prizes
Global Treasure Apps, developers of an award-winning app that automatically updates with location-based content, will arrange a free treasure trail guide to Thame’s visitor attractions, with 12 months’ marketing support. Secondly, Noggin, the data specialists, will provide a half-day workshop to help Thame use data more effectively and support growth in the local area. Thame was chosen for the third award by Real Towns, who help communities bring smart technology and digital solutions to their towns, They will be providing a free digital health check for Thame and award a bronze, silver or gold badge that positions Thame in the Real Towns’ UK digital status league table. Thame’s final prize was awarded by Revive & Thrive, the originators of the Local Legends awards and publishers of Place magazine. They will produce a special issue of Place that promotes every aspect of Thame to national audiences, showing off all that is best about the town.
‘A fantastic boost for Thame’
On hearing of Thame’s wins, Becky Reid said: “This is a fantastic boost for Thame, following our recent success in the Great British High Streets Competition. These great prizes will help us continue the journey to ensure Thame is the best of market towns for residents, businesses and visitors. On behalf of Thame Town Council, we look forward to working with 21st Century Thame and others to achieve measurable outcomes for the town.”
Sue Martin-Downhill, chair of 21st Century Thame, said: “21st Century Thame was set up to facilitate projects that enhance the town for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Working in partnership with Thame Town Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, local businesses and community groups, we aim to protect Thame’s past while promoting its future as a vibrant town serving the whole community. These prizes will help us achieve these goals, to the benefit of all. Our work would not be possible without the help of volunteers like Sonja and Helen, who are passionate about their place, and we are always delighted to hear from anyone in the community, whether business or resident, who can help us in any way, however small, to achieve communal objectives.”
Sharing knowledge and ideas about your place
The Local Legends Conference was attended by over 80 representatives of UK towns and cities involved in regeneration projects and featured talks by keynote speakers such as Simon Quin, Director of the Institute of Place Management, Joe Barratt, co-founder of The Teenage Markets, and Jez Hall, Director of Shared Future CIC and coordinator of PB Partners, dedicated to participation and place-making. There were also case study examples from representatives of Legendary Places including Wimborne Minster, Kidsgrove and Loughborough and opportunities for the delegates to share ideas and suggestions.
The Local Legends campaign includes four elements dedicated to successful place management: Inspire, Do, Deliver and Achieve. The campaign reaches out to Local Legends just getting started as well as those who have already successfully delivered an idea benefiting their place. Local Legends are individuals or groups of passionate people, local businesses, BIDs, councils, or town teams who, with imagination, energy and motivation have made their place remarkable.
Getting involved
Any businesses or individuals interested in learning more about 21st Century and how their skills and passion might help the partnership achieve good things for Thame, can contact Sue Martin Downhill via email: suedownhill@gmail.com
WORLD Book Day 2017, was a very special event at Barley Hill School, in Thame, last Thursday (March 2) where dressing up as a favourite character from a book was just the start!
All the pupils – and staff – dressed up as their favourite book characters and brought in the book that their character was based on, and were also given the opportunity to take part in a book swap and within class, and ‘dropped everything to read’ when they heard a whistle go.
Children from the older year groups visited the younger classes and read with the children, and teachers also swapped classes to read their favourite book to another class.
There were challenges too where children entered two competitions to design their own book cover for their favourite book, and to write their own story using up to 500 words. The judges included school Governors to ensure that everyone was involved.
A fantastic day was had by all, to celebrate World Book Day’s 20th Year!
THE man arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of the body of Samantha Blake-Mizen, has been released on bail until April 10.
PREVIOUSLY – A 43 year-old man from Thame has been arrested and is currently in police custody follow a murder investigation into the death of a woman in the village of Ludgershall, Buckinghamshire.
Officers were called at about 12.25pm on Sunday (5/3) by the ambulance service following reports that the body of a 47-year-old woman had been found in a property in The Green.
A police spokesperson said: “A scene watch has been put in place at the property while an investigation into the incident takes place.”
A post mortem was carried out yesterday (6/3) which revealed the cause of death to have been a subdural haematoma (Ed. usually associated with traumatic head injury).
The woman has been identified as Samantha Blake-Mizen. Her next of kin have been informed.
Senior Investigating Officer Det Ch Insp Ailsa Kent, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “I understand that there will naturally be some concerns in the community following this incident, but I would like to reassure people that a full investigation is taking place, and that an arrest has been made in connection with the incident.
“We continue to support the family of the victim, at this very difficult time.
“People living nearby may see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are carried out.
“I would like to appeal to anyone who has any information which they think could relate to this incident, no matter how small it may seem, to please call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number 101 as soon as possible.”
If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
FOLLOWING the delivery of a new, extra long, state-of-the-art kebab van, expected to arrive from Holland in Early April, there is to be a celebratory launch party in the Upper High Street, Thame.
A queue waits patiently to be served an Atalay’s kebab in Upper High Street, Thame – Photo courtesy of Peter Sumerskill
It is hoped that the big launch, planned for April 8, will include live music from a stage erected just behind Market House, where the newly crowned, Britain’s ‘King of Kebab Vans’, Rsl Atalay serves kebabs most evenings.
The launch party will take place place between 4 – 8 pm, and will be a charity, fund-raising event and the lead-organiser, Dominic Stanway-Williams, is hoping to attract sponsorship from local businesses.
THE Mayor of Thame, Linda Emery’s charity Quiz Night on Thursday, March 2, raised an impressive £795 for her chosen charities – the Red Kite Children’s Centre and Thame Youth Café.
Mayor of Thame, Linda Emery, with the winning team – Wild Geese
The quiz, which took place at Thame Leisure Centre, involved 16 quiz teams and was hosted by Thame ‘Quiz Amigos’ – Peter Lambert, Sue Boyle and Brian West. The winning team was announced, after a tough tie-breaker question, as ‘Wild Geese’ (pictured, with the Mayor) with runners up ‘Simon and his Ladies’.
The Mayor also recently hosted a charity Snooker Competition at Thame Snooker Club raising £75. The finals take place this Wednesday, March 8, when everyone is welcome to pop along and support the teams.
The Mayor has a final few charity events planned before the end of her Mayoral year in May, including a ‘Bubbles, Boards & Cream’ evening (March 9), Musical Evening (March 18), Golf Day (April 7) and a Charity Dinner (April 29). Previous events have been very popular and have sold out far in advance so it is advisable to book your place now!
CHINNOR RFC’s match against Old Elthamians on Saturday (March 4) turned out to be a real ‘battle of the giants’ in a wind-dominated game where both teams fought hard right up to the final whistle.
Photo by Aaron Bayliss
Chinnor had a great start playing with the wind when, after just minutes, Old Elthamians’s dropped the ball allowing Ben Manning to race into the opposition’s 22 metre area. Slick passing along the backs then put Henry Lamont over for a try in the corner. John Bentley converted to give Chinnor a seven point lead. Ten minutes later, Bentley kicked a penalty to extend Chinnor’s lead.
Old Elthamians’s gradually got their act together with some penetrating drives, enabling centre Wilkins to score near the posts with fly half Robinson adding the conversion. Play became fairly even between the teams with both sides converting a penalty; Bentley for Chinnor and White for Old Elthamians’s.
Chinnor used the wind to good effect to pin Old E’s deep in their own half, resulting in two quick scores for Chinnor before the interval. A quick interchange of passes allowed C.J. Osazuwa to crash over for a try converted by Bentley. Then Greg Goodfellow scored a classic scrum half try from a five metre scrum, nipping through the defence and scoring under the posts followed by a Bentley conversion. Chinnor ended the half with a convincing 27 – 10 point lead.
Chinnor now faced the strong wind and Old E’s began to pile on the pressure with their driving mauls. After 10 minutes, centre Golledge carved through a gap to score near the posts with White reducing their arrears with the conversion. Chinnor bounced back again and from a five metre scrum, replacement No 8 Ali Bone broke from the base of the scrum and crashed over for his debut try converted by Bentley. With 15 minutes to go, Chinnor looked to have an unassailable 34 – 17 point lead. However, Old E’s running and recycling tactics put them right back in the game with quick hands putting winger Brown over in the corner to score a try converted by White. Five minutes later, Brown was put away for a 35 metre sprint for his second try converted by White and put Old E’s just three points behind Chinnor.
With 10 minutes to go, Chinnor’s Ali Bone was given a yellow card for a late tackle and Old E’s made the most of their one man advantage. They constantly drove at the Chinnor line but time and time again the visitors’ defence was resolute. The final whistle came with much relief to Chinnor whose bonus point win keeps them in the promotion race.
WHAT’S the state of Oxfordshire’s wildlife? Which of Oxfordshire’s species are at risk? Are the flood meadows in good heart? How much woodland do we have? What can we all do to make things better?
Oxfordshire’s 2017 State of Nature report is the most comprehensive review of the current situation for wildlife across the breadth of Oxfordshire. It covers all aspects of the natural environment including the status of our flora, fauna and land use. For over 18 months more than 60 skilled individuals and 40 environmental and conservation-focused organizations have worked on this report. It highlights the natural jewels in Oxfordshire’s crown and considers what is being done, and what could be done, to ensure these treasures will still be there to benefit future generations.
Sian Liwicki, Chair of Trustees, for Wild Oxfordshire, said: In Oxfordshire there’s great resource of expertise and enthusiasm to tap into from volunteers to professionals and politicians, but we need to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction. The Oxfordshire State of Nature Report is a vital first step, helping us to understand the threats and opportunities to our environment.”
Oxfordshire’s State of Nature report will be launched on 21st March 2017 contact Wild Oxfordshire to reserve your copy. We are grateful to the thousands of hours of volunteer time, organizational resources and sponsors that have made the report possible.
SOURCE: Contributed b Clare Mowbray
Wild Oxfordshire
THIS summer of cricket is bringing with it a very exciting opportunity for girls in Thame and the rest of Oxfordshire. Ex-England international, Lydia Greenway, is bringing her cricket academy, Cricket for Girls, to Thame Town Cricket Club.
The academy is open to girls up to the age of 18 years, and will be run on Friday evenings for seven weeks from May 5. The evenings will be split into two age groups, each session taking 90 minutes. The age groups are Under 11s and 11-18 years olds.
Lydia has put together an impressive coaching team of ex and current international players and coaches. Any girls booking into the academy will have access to top class coaching for the seven weeks.
“Cricket for Girls aims to allow every single female who wants to play cricket, the opportunity to do so,” explained Lydia. “Having female role models helps break down barriers which can often prevent females from taking up the sport. We offer cricket sessions which are fun, engaging and inspiring.”
Over the course of a 13 year career for England, Lydia Greenway played in 14 Tests, 126 ODIs and 85 T20s. Amongst a number of highlights she made 2,554 ODI runs at 30.04, including one hundred and 12 fifties, and 1,192 T20 runs at a strike rate of 96.12. She has won two world cups and an ashes series in Australia. She was also rated by many as the best fielder in women’s cricket.
“I am extremely excited about the launch of the female only academy sessions at Thame Town CC,” added Lydia. The aim of these sessions is to provide girls with the opportunity to have regular training from high quality coaches who have played the game at the highest level. The sessions are inclusive and open to ALL abilities. The sessions will cover all aspects of the game, including areas not always covered, such as increasing players tactical awareness, how to overcome challenges and working as a team. Cricket is a sport which teaches so much to young people and each of our sessions aim to provide the players with a positive all round experience of cricket.”
Blanchford Building Supplies in Princes Risborough kindly donated all the materials needed to mount the pieces on the wall. “We were delighted to be able to help support such a worthwhile project and good cause. To see our materials be used for a more creative arty purpose is really exciting,” said Ruth Fenton at Blanchford.
