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Category: Thame news

  • Naval theme for tributes to former Towersey pub landlord

    ST Catherine’s Church, Towersey, was full today (Tuesday) for the funeral of Jim Barrett, popular former landlord of the Three Horseshoes pub in the village and a well-known resident of Thame.

    Jim Barratt at Oxford Town Hall in April 2015, when he was presented with a Convoy Medal by the Russian government
    Jim Barratt at Oxford Town Hall in April 2015, when he was presented with a Convoy Medal by the Russian government

    Jim, who died on September 1, at the age of 95, served in the Royal Navy for 25 years before taking over the pub, and saw action on destroyers and other warships from the Pacific to the Mediterranean and the Arctic during the Second World War. He was at sea from before the war started until it after it ended.

    Naval veterans were among the packed congregation for the service which reflected Jim’s life story and included the Navy’s hymn ‘Eternal Father Strong to Save’.

    There were tributes to Jim and memories of him from his son Roy and daughter Gill Coleman, and from his grandchildren, and the service was conducted by the vicar, the Revd Rachel Cross. The Three Horsehoes provided the venue for the refreshments which followed the service.

    Echoing the theme of the occasion the congregation left the church to a sequence of sea songs and shanties, including ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave’, the Hornpipe – and ‘What shall we do with the drunken sailor?’ No doubt Chief Yeoman of Signals, Jim Barrett, would have known how to cope.

    CONTRIBUTED by Norman Brand

  • Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri – An Acoustic Journey

    KIKI Dee and Carmelo Luggeri are bringing their spellbinding show to Thame on Sunday, October 9, when they will take the audience on a journey of stories and song, including unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra, and, of course, featuring Kiki’s own fantastic hits Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, I Got The Music In Me, and the stunning Amoureuse.

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    For almost two decades, Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their brilliant acoustic show across the UK and Europe. Performing in this stripped-back fashion allows each of their exceptional talents to shine through, while creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that captivates audiences.

    Kiki marked her 50th year in the music industry in 2013 and has cemented her status as one of the UK’s finest and most revered vocalists. To celebrate, the duo released their critically acclaimed album A Place Where I Can Go, which features eleven new tracks including the haunting duet, Horses, with Scottish singer Eddi Reader.

    Tickets cost £17 and are available from Spear Travels, Greyhound Walk, Thame by telephone on 01844 217228 or online from www.thameplayers.co.uk.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Thame Players is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers offering a varied range of productions all year round, from serious theatre to comedy and pantomime, including their own productions, visiting shows, and film screenings by Thame Cinema 4 All. For more information about Thame Players call 07938 857291 or visit www.thameplayers.co.uk.

  • M40 J12 southbound exit Southbound Road Works

    roadworks (240x210) PERIOD: expect disruption until 18:00 on 27 September 2016. Status : Currently Active. Lane Closures : Lane one is closed. Location : The M40 southbound exit slip at junction J12 . Lanes Closed : All lanes are closed. Reason : Road repairs.
    M40 southbound between J11 and J10 | Southbound | Road Works
    27-09-2016 01:22 PM BST

    Status : Pending. Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 05:00 from 27 September 2016 to 29 September 2016. Location : The M40 southbound between junctions J11 and J10 . Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed. Reason : Roadside equipment maintenance is planned.

  • Appeal for witnesses after three assaults in Thame

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following three assaults which occurred in Thame. Officers are linking the incidents.

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    The first incident took place on Sunday August 21, between approximately 2.30am and 2.45am. The victim, a 19 year-old woman, had been with friends in Thame. As she was walking home, along Phoenix Trail, she was punched to her left eye. As she turned around, she saw four men running away, and laughing. The assault caused bruising and swelling underneath the victim’s left eye and she was advised to see a doctor.

    The second incident took place on Monday, August 22, at approximately 9.10pm. The victim, a 20 year-old woman, was walking along Gas Alley which links East Street and Wellington Street. She walked past two men, one of which touched her on the shoulder causing her to turn around. When she did so, the second man punched in her eye. The men ran from the alley in the direction of Wellington Street, and the victim heard them laughing. The victim was not injured and did not require hospital treatment.

    The third incident took place on September 15, between approximately 9pm and 9.20pm. The victim, a 19 year-old woman, was walking along an alleyway off Elms Road with her four- month old child in a pushchair. She was grabbed from behind by the shoulders, and pushed up against a wall by a male offender, whilst a second male grabbed her pushchair. The offenders were disturbed by an approaching member of the public, and they ran away towards Elm Park.

    Investigating officer, PC Gemma Price, based at Thame Police station, said: “We are linking these three incidents because of the similarities in the accounts of the victims.

    “We are keen to hear from anyone who has any information that will help our investigation, including residents that live in the vicinity of the incidents that have CCTV,

    “We would especially like to speak to the member of the public who disturbed the most recent incident; we don’t believe she realised at the time that she was witnessing an assault.

    “If you were in the Elms Road area at about 9pm on the evening of the Thame Fair, were holding a torch, and saw two men, a woman and a pushchair please call us on 101.

    “We are increasing patrols in Thame and would encourage anyone who feels concerned about these incidents to speak to one of our officers, or to call the Thame Neighbourhood Policing team on 101.

    “I would encourage anyone who has any information about the incident to contact police by calling the non-emergency number 101.”

    If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers (opens new window) anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • The 27 Return to First Thursday Music Club

    THE next First Thursday Music Club event takes place at The Stables in Thame on Thursday, October 6. starting at 8pm. Since The 27 last played at FTMC, they have released their debut single, Call Me A Friend, in June, which has been now had over 100,000 views on YouTube.

    The 27
    The 27

    Based in London, the band features Henry Parker, Tom Michell, David Page and Alex Tschaikowsky and a style of contemporary rock/pop/country with stunning vocal harmonies that are an absolute delight. They also recently played at The Towersey Festival and received some fantastic reviews and now return to FTMC as the Featured Artists and should take the stage around 10pm.

    Cosmosis, who also appeared at Towersey Festival, return with their unique brand of electro acoustic rock with a cosmic twist, as well as club favourites Paul and Martin. Nikki Loy, is also returning to promote the launch of her new album, Pivotal, and her tour where she is supporting West Life front man, Shane Filan on his UK Tour!

    As has been the case since the launch of The First Thursday Music Club over six years ago, the club still offers the opportunity for artists to play live in front of a warm and appreciative audience. The club maintains the Open Mic section of the evening where slots will always be available in the first hour on a “first come, first served” basis, with player sign-up starting at 7.30.

    The club has a full house PA system with keyboard, bass amp, guitar amp and jazz drum kit (bring breakables!) all set up on stage and ready to go. Another eclectic evening is guaranteed and entrance, as always, is FREE to all!

    The 27 Links: www.the27band.com
    https://www.facebook.com/the27music/

  • Pace proves too much for Chinnor’s opposition

    IN this one sided match, Chinnor RFC scored 12 tries to overcome Barnstaple 76-5 and move themselves to second in the table.

    Straight from the start, Chinnor went on the attack and scored, through Burns, on the second minute. The scores then came at regular intervals as Barnstaple struggled to get into the match. A break by Burns saw Armitage in for Chinnor’s second. Lamont was next from wide out. Barnstaple then incurred the ref’s displeasure when a illegal interference too many saw Barnstaple’s Hilton into the bin and a penalty try to Chinnor. A rolling maul led to CJ Osazuwa’s try. The last few minutes saw intense Barnstaple pressure and their hearts sank when Chinnor overturned the ball and ran the length of the field to see Armitage dot down his second. With Hopkin converting all but one of the tries, Chinnor went in 40-0.

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    Barnstaple came out blazing for the second half and some sharp play in the 41st minute saw No 8 Ben Hilton dot down for their first, and last, score of the day. Normal service was resumed somewhat bizarrely. Fatialofa’s pass was intercepted on the Barum 5m line. Chasing back, Fatialofa then intercepted a Barum pass to quickly reverse direction and over the Barnstaple line for Chinnor’s seventh try. Lamont then scorched down the tramlines for the eighth try. The conversion attempt then became the talking point of the day. Everyone, save the officials, saw the kick sail clearly between the posts to keep the score at 55-5. Time for Danny Barnes to step up. A 16 phase play from 22 to 22 saw classy passing to see Barnes in for Chinnor’s ninth. Barnes then fiercely tackled a Barum attempted run out and picked up the dislodged ball for an easy try. Another piece of gliding back play saw Barnes in for his hat trick try. On the final whistle, Hopkin found the hole he had been seeking all match for Chinnor’s twelfth and final try.

    It is usually hard to draw any inferences from such a one sided match. Barnstaple appeared to be outdone by the pace of the match. When they upped the pace, at the very start of the second half, they found reward.

    Chinnor , with their all enveloping defence, gave the Devon boys little breathing space to do much at all. Frank Jones’ rapid service set the backs running all day to run in nine of the tries scored on the day. Armitage, as always, was bustling and bruising but Danny Barnes hit a 15 minute purple patch in the second half to score a hat trick and do much else, besides being awarded Man of the Match.
    The latter stages of the match saw players rotate through various positions with Frank Jones playing in three different places and Jamie Townsend in four! The scrum contest was even but the Chinnor pack had the advantage in all the hand to hand stuff with the strength of Hannay and Osazuwa always evident. Burns surely collected every ball put in the air and an honourable mention to Bertie Hopkin who tried all day to find a gap in the Barum defence and was finally successful just as the referee put whistle to mouth to end the day.

    Teams

    Chinnor
    Kieran Goss, Danny Barnes, Bevon Armitage, Junior Fatialofa, Henry Lamont, Bertie Hopkin, Frank Jones, Tom Price, Jon Phipps, Jay Tyack, Nathan Hannay, CJ Osazuwa, Richard Thorpe, George Messum, Tom Burns

    Interchanges: Ricky Cano, Mark Darlington, Jamie Townsend, Sam Miller, Greg Goodfellow

    Barnstaple
    Will Topps, Linford Brock, Jake Murphy, Ryan Carter, Ryan Lee, Steve Perry, James Bath, Mark Berry, Ash Crouch, Kevin Angell, Oli Mason, Adam Lloyd, Matt Hague, Nat Bayet, Ben Hilton

    Interchanges: Rob Dugard, Paul Thomas, Tom Dunbavin, Luke Berry, Tom Clark

    Scorers

    Chinnor
    Tries (time): Burns (2), Armitage (5, 40), Lamont (9, 49), Penalty (18), Osazuwa (26), Fatialofa (47), Barnes (60, 72, 75), Hopkin (79)
    Conversions (time): Hopkin (3, 6, 19, 28, 40, 61, 73, 76)
    Penalty Goals (time):

    Barnstaple
    Tries (time): Hilton (41)
    Conversions (time):
    Penalty Goals (time):

    Referee: Calum Howard
    Attendance: 271
    Half time score: 40-0
    Full time score: 76-5
    Star man: Danny Barnes (Chinnor)

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Inner Wheel ladies raise funds for Thame Day Centre

    THE ladies of the Inner Wheel Club of Thame recently presented a somewhat larger cheque than usual, raised specifically for Thame and District Day Centre, by their efforts during the Inner Wheel year, 2015-2016.

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    Linda Emery, the Mayor of Thame attended this event, at the Centre on Tuesday, September 6. Gillian Coleman, the Centre’s Manager, received the cheque for £2,000, on behalf of the Thame and District Day Centre.

    Inner Wheel President, June Bateman commented: “The Centre provides valuable support for elderly residents of Thame and depends on donations and the dedication of it’s volunteer staff without which it couldn’t function. Although the Centre is threatened by cuts, we believe the work of the Centre is irreplaceable and must continue.”

  • Cake for Cancer Care

    THAME Barns Centre is planning it’s annual coffee morning to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care. Each year the Centre aims to raise over £200 for this wonderful charity.

    2016-coffee-morning-400x274Karen Clark, from the Barns Centre said: “Macmillan Cancer Care know how a cancer diagnosis can affect everything. So they are there to support and help people diagnosed with cancer take back some control in their life. From help with money worries and advice about work, to someone who’ll listen if they just want to talk, they are there.

    “The coffee morning will be taking place from 9am to 12noon, on Friday, September 30, and there’ll be delicious homemade cakes available, a children’s play area and some craft stalls for you to browse.”

    Karen added: “We all know someone how has been affected by cancer and this is a nice way we can help support Macmillan – by eating cake!’

    Thame Barns Centre is situated in Church Road, Thame, right next to St Mary’s Church.

  • Food fanciers flock to Thame

    THOUSANDS of food-lovers thronged the centre of Thame on Saturday (24/08) for the Thame Food Festival, making it the biggest and the best so far in the festival’s nine year history.

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    Over 200 stalls showcasing food and drink of every kind from pickles to pop-corn and everything in between, lined the town centre streets, and more celebrity chefs that you can shake a stick blender at demonstrated and shared their skills throughout the day on three stages.

     

    Lotte Duncan with one of the 'Foodie Force' volunteers
    Lotte Duncan with one of the ‘Foodie Force’ volunteers

    The sun shone as it always seems to do on the last Saturday in September, the festival’s regular date in the diary. Volunteers and organisers must be congratulated for a well-organised, well-planned and wonderful example of how the little market town of Thame continues to come up with enterprising ways of increasing footfall in the town, helping to raise its profile and encouraging repeat visits – which must be all to the good for the vibrancy and economy of the town.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1The current big names in baking and cooking, including Natalie Coleman, Master Chef Champion 2013, Raymond Blanc OBE, Chetna Makan, Great British Bake Off winner 2015 Nadiya Hussain and the winner of this year’s Master Chef, Jane Devonshire were all there.

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    The Big Thame Bake attracted some first-class entries, including ‘A squidgy chocolate cake to bury your face in’ and the most ‘blinged up’ battenburg ever! The Victoria sponge category once again proved popular and this year, the bakers had to make their own raspberry jam for the filling! All the entries were cut up and available to buy and enjoy with a ‘cuppa’ in the Thame Belles WI pop up cafe, upstairs in Thame town hall.

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    Isabella Darnton receives her prize from Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussein

    Isabella Darnton, a member of the Thame Belles WI, won the Battenburg category and the overall prize as Best Thame Baker. Watch this space for a full list of the category winners coming soon.

    In the meantime, enjoy these images from the day: https://flic.kr/s/aHskHsus3N

  • Thame pub short-listed for CAMRA pub of the year

    OAK Taverns Ltd, the Thame-based pub Company, have announced that their pub, The Cross Keys, has been selected as the best cask Beer pub in the Central Southern region. This means that the popular Thame pub, is one of 16 pubs in the United Kingdom shortlisted for the CAMRA pub of the year – the award for the best pubs in the UK.

    Peter Lambert, Landlord of The Cross Keys pub in Thame
    Peter Lambert, Landlord of The Cross Keys pub in Thame

    This is what CAMRA had to say about Thame’s favourite cask beer pub: “Home of the Thame Brewery, transformed from a failing keg-only pub, this fantastic pub serves plentiful ales to a discerning drinker. Usually busy, the bar will see at least two beers change every day over the weekend, and more during the week.

    “Keep a close eye on Twitter for unusual beers, but be warned, they will go quickly! With cribbage and other bar games available, you can easily while an afternoon and evening away. The Cross Keys has already been recognised as Branch Pub of the year as well as Branch cider Pub of the Year 2016.”

    The 16 regional winners have been selected by CAMRA volunteers in the competition that culminates in the announcement of the National Pub of the Year in early 2017. Each of the regional finalists will now compete in the next round of the competition, hoping to be named one of the four super-regional finalists – and stay in with a chance of becoming the overall winner.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1All of the regional finalists are featured in the new edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide, published on September 15, which lists thousands more of the top pubs across the country, as well as giving full listings of all breweries in each county.

    National Pub of the Year co-ordinator Andrea Briers said: “You have to be a great pub to be featured in the Good Beer Guide and an absolutely fantastic pub to be named a Regional Pub of the Year – so whatever happens, all the pubs should be extremely proud of themselves.

    “The competition really gets difficult now, with the best 16 pubs in the country against one another to whittle it down to the best in each ‘super-region’ and then the CAMRA judges have the hardest job of all – deciding which of those four will be named the CAMRA National Pub of the Year.”