Category: Thame news

A THAME food explorer and blogger, who believes that the town’s legendary kebab van makes the best doner kebabs in the land, is campaigning to persuade everyone in Thame to vote in a national competition.

“Vietnam, a country where dogmeat graces the menu, understands the doner kebab” claims Dominic Steinway Williams, recently returned from a year travelling in South East Asia.

Before setting off, Dom made it his mission to prove correct his statement that Thame’s Atalay kebab van does indeed serve up the best kebab in the world. To his surprise some real contenders emerged – on the streets of Hanoi in Vietnam – an unlikely host to a thriving Doner Kebab Culture. Dom recalled the same juicy spits of rotating meat, coupled with a round of delightfully fresh asian veg, all expertly spiced.

Whilst he admits his mission is far from over, Dom has again boldly proclaimed Atalay’s as the best the world has to offer, but can it find the acclaim it deserves by being voted the UK’s best kebab?

Now in it’s fifth year, the UK Kebab Awards take place at the end of February, pitching the best doner dealers in the land against each other for the honour of being recognised as Kebab Kings of Great Britain. It’s a Who’s Who of UK doner producers and as every Thame resident knows, Atalay’s doners are well worthy of promotion.

A significant number of points are given if an establishment has a 5-star hygiene rating, and the spotlessly clean operation Atalay’s run has earned them just that. A point a piece is then given for any votes submitted by the general public.

What can you do?

After typing this LINK:  into your web browser, you can register your vote. You only need to register a vote for one category, but there’s nothing stopping you submitting Atalay for each one! – The van’s fixed address is: North St, Oxfordshire OX9 3HH.

Dom believes that Atalay’s is: “… a wonderful example of the positive impact of the UK kebab culture, drawing in patrons from every segment of society, all waiting for their meaty parcel with glee.”

He concludes: “This is an establishment we should be wildly celebrating as a hugely important part of Thame’s community and what better way to do so than helping get it the grand acclaim it deserves.”

RELUCTANTLY, after nine years as Deputy Manager at the Thame and District Day Centre, Stephanie Johnson has decided the time is right for her to retire.

The trustees now have the tough job of finding the right person to support the Centre’s Manager, Gill Coleman, to rebuild the management team as soon as possible.

“There is no doubt that Stephanie will be greatly missed by everyone; members, trustees and volunteers alike,” said Tyrell Gillman, the Chair of Trustees.

“It is hard to put a true value on the contribution that the Day Centre feeds into the community but it is not overstating it to say that the Centre provides vital support for the older people of Thame and the surrounding area.

“Gill Coleman and Stephanie have worked tirelessly to make sure that members’ welfare and interests are always the number one priority.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about the Day Centre and the role of Deputy Manager, is invited to contact Tyrell Gillman by emailing: GTyrellgillman@aol.com or texting 07710601967.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”
Elie Wiesel 

IN his new book, Shout It Loud, Shout It Clear, John Comino-James presents an astonishing photographic record of the breadth of causes that are embraced by those who protest, including against climate change, the replacement of Trident, the refugee crisis, the government’s austerity policies, the ongoing detention of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Israeli policy towards the Palestinian people, the Chinese repressions in Tibet, Saving the Bee, and Fracking.

The list is seemingly endless and whether the protest involves small groups of campaigners or marches numbering tens of thousands, the anger and indignation of the protesters brings passion and commitment to the streets of the UK. Yet all too often many of these protests pass unremarked in the mainstream media. We may pride ourselves that it is the mark of a civilized community that it can accommodate protests and demonstrations, but, as Comino-James suggests, we must never forget that there are societies in which any form of protest carries the certainty of draconian penalties.

“We must also remember,” John states, “that while the protests on our streets may be permitted – even facilitated – they are also closely monitored by the authorities. There is no room for us to be complacent.”

Accompanying the photographs are reflective texts which explore the nature of these protests. Quoting from the banners and placards carried by protesters, Comino-James weaves together a powerful and deeply moving commentary on this important, though often overlooked, backdrop to our democracy.

John Comino-James lives near Thame and has published seven previous books of photographs, including several focusing on aspects of Thame, and has exhibited his work in the UK and in Cuba.

You can read more and about John and his previous books HERE and follow him on facebook: HERE

Shout it Loud, Shout it Clear is published by dewi lewis publishing and retails at £25.

A Thame man reported missing early this morning, has been found safe this afternoon by the Metropolitan Police.

James Holt, 33, had last been seen in Orchard Road, Thame at around 7.30am this morning (09/01).

OXFORDSHIRE County Council Fire and Rescue Service were called to a chimney fire in Tetsworth near Thame earlier today(06/01), to deal with a chimney fire.

Fire crews from both Thame and Watlington Fire Stations attended the scene at around 10.30am, to find flames coming out of the top of the chimney stack, and immediately set to using a rodding system to apply water and extinguish the fire.

Fire crews then scaled the roof of the property to remove the chimney stack that had become unstable due to the heat of the fire.

Incident Commander, Station Manager Paul Webster said: “Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service recommends regular sweeping of chimneys to minimise the chances of a fire occurring; as the cold weather begins to set in now is the perfect time to have your chimney swept.

“Remember to have your chimney swept at least once a year, ideally before you light your first log or coal fire. Don’t let the sparks fly, make sure embers are under control, put out properly before you go out or to bed and use a British Standard fire guard to prevent sparks escaping.

“Store firewood away from fire places or stoves as there is a risk of accidental ignition via radiated heat, particularly over a period of time.”

THE Mayor of Thame, Linda Emery has thanked all those who stepped out in the mud and the rain to join her in a fund-raising New Year’s Day walk on Monday.

The New Year’s Day walk has proved very popular with Thame Mayors in the past few years and this year’s began at St Mary’s Church, Thame, where 36 people, including members of the Thame and Wheatley Ramblers, Thame Rotary, Thame Inner Wheel, Thame Lions, Town Councillors and local families and friends, met to shake of the Christmas cobwebs and take up the four-mile challenge to the county boundary and back.

“Despite the weather, ” said Linda, “the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and the weather ignored! A total of £165 was raised for my two chosen charities, the Red Kite Children’s Centre and Thame Youth Projects and the walkers shared hot soup, tea and coffee afterwards at Racquets Fitness Centre at the end of the event.

“The participants expressed keenness for the Boundary Walk to become an annual event.

“I’d like to thank all those who participated in the event and made it so enjoyable.”