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Category: Thame news

  • Medley of medals for young Thame swimmers

    ON a hot, steamy day with an ice cold swimming pool, a squad from Thame Swimming Club did their founder swimmer, Rebecca Brightling proud on what was her last gala before she heads off on new adventures in September

    Rebecca Brightling
    Rebecca Brightling

    As is becoming a habit, once again the squad excelled, this time at the Bracknell & Wokingham Swimming Club Level 3, Open Meet on Saturday, July 4. Under the guidance of Ian Keys, the squad put in some spectacular swims with personal bests being achieved, club records being broken and all round brilliant swimming all in evidence.

    Speaking for the club, Helen Williams saod: “We would like to take this opportunity to say a massive congratulations to Rebecca; winning two Gold medals and a Silver medal is a great way to finish too! Rebecca is a founding swimmer of Thame Swimming Club and back in March 2009 won the competition to create the logo which is still being used today, what a legacy!”

    Thame Swimming Club achieved a massive medal count of 77, among the notable from the gala are:

    · Harry Block for swimming sub-30 for his 50 Fly.

    · Douglas Birchall for edging ever closer to going sub 30 on the 50 Free, 30.01 is the cruellest of all results.

    · Hazel Randall for knocking 7 seconds off her 200 Free time – no mean feat given she knocked 15 seconds off at CMK
    only two weeks ago!
    Hazel also took a whopping 18 seconds off her 200 Back personal best time.

    · Manas Bapat for taking 19 seconds off his 200 Free and 12 seconds off his 100 IM personal best times.

    · Flora Kershaw for taking 10 seconds off her 100 IM personal best time.

    · Josh Williams for swimming at all given he got home from A&E just before 1am on the morning of the gala following a
    football collision!

    Helen added: “Thank you to the following officials who supported this gala on behalf of Thame Swimming Club: Mark Simms, Michele Block, Emma Day, Brian Pridmore, Paul Williams, Wendy Randall and Matt Randall.”

    In a separate ‘first’ for the club, three of its swimmers have qualified to swim in the Welsh National Championships later in the month. They are Ben Williams (Boys Club Captain), Hallam Cozier and Josh Williams. It’s the first time Thame Swimming Club has had swimmers compete at these National Championships ‘so we’re all a bit excited!’ concluded Helen.

  • Film fund-raiser for Thame earthquake appeal

    THAME, Oxfordshire shares a name with a small Sherpa community in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. Thame in Nepal (pronounced Tam-ay) has been terribly affected by the earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25.

    The school in Thame, Nepal, badly damaged by the earthquake of April 25, 2015
    The school in Thame, Nepal, badly damaged by the earthquake of April 25, 2015

    Following a presentation by Charlie Tyson Taylor, a Thame resident with connections to Thame in Nepal, with the support of town councillor Mary Stiles, the Thame Town Council in the UK met and decided, unanimously and enthusiastically, to support the Thame to Thame appeal and to do what it could to make contact and help our Nepali namesakes recover.

    A scene from the film, The 2nd Best Marigold Hotel
    A scene from the film, The 2nd Best Marigold Hotel

    Thame Cinema for All wants to do its part to support Thame to Thame, and will be having a fund raising evening on Friday, July 17, showing the very popular ‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ starring among others, Judi Dench and Bill Nighy, which sold out on its first showing at the Thame Cinema.

    Tickets will be £10 available on the door or at www.thamecinema.org.uk and all proceeds will go to the appeal. The film notes are as follows:

    The 2nd Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – UK 2015, 122 minutes, PG certificate; Directed by John Madden, Starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Maggie Smith, Dev Patel, Richard Gere:

    ‘We are back in the beloved dilapidated, ramshackle Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in Jaipur, now accommodating a full complement of long term expat residents. Sonny is preparing for his imminent marriage to the love of his life, Sunaina, but wedding plans are threatened by his preoccupation with plans for business expansion – together with his business partner Muriel (Maggie Smith) – and his attempts to secure investors in the eponymous establishment.

    seans_choice_crendon_beds‘Meanwhile, Evelyn and Douglas (Dench and Nighy) have joined the local work force but have not quite managed to close the deal on their obvious romantic attachment to each other, and man-eater Madge (Imrie) is beating them off with a stick. Oh and Richard Gere, a writer, arrives and finds his artistic muse in Sonny’s bristly mother.

    ‘Hugely likeable follow up to the original, with a cast to die for, and the anticipation of an Indian wedding. What’s not to love? ‘

    Visit the following for more information on Thame in Nepal and fundraising:
    http://wordsfromthesnowline.co.uk
    http://www.thamesherpafund.org
    https://www.justgiving.com/thametothame/
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/739891352790332

  • Concern about anti-social behaviour in Thame

    THAME’S Community policing team has said that there are concerns about low level anti-social behaviour going on at the Scout Hut car park in Southern Road, Thame.

    PCSO_backIn the latest Crime Update for the Thame Sector, one PCSO states: “We have had reports of young adults congregating in vehicles and smoking cannabis and also underage consumption of alcohol in the area. This is a designated no alcohol public zone. We have increased patrols in the area, and seized alcohol when seen. We have reminded groups of young people to behave if congregating in the nearby park. On a separate issue, we have recently issued several ASB disposal letters in three separate locations in Thame to combat neighbour disputes that have resulted in anti-social behaviour.”

    In a separate section reporting on offenders brought to justice, one PCSO states “We have seized an untaxed and uninsured vehicle from a driver with no driving license. We have also issued a cannabis warning to a group of young people and a harassment notice in respect of a neighbourhood dispute. We arrested two men and recovered a stolen car from Thame. The local Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is currently processing this case.”

    Hot Weather and crime prevention

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsNow that the warmer weather is here, the police are warning residents to be careful when keeping windows and doors open or insecure. “We understand it can get hot but keeping windows open when you are out or asleep can provide opportunists a way into your house,” is the message.

    Anyone who would like any crime prevention advice can email Thame Valley Police via: ThameWatlingtonChinnorNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk, or by calling them on the police non-emergency number 101.

  • Thame holiday makers reassured about visiting Greece

    THAME residents wanting to holiday in Greece, are not being put off, despite the economic crisis there, though they are showing initial concern, according to the Thompson travel agency in the town.

    Image courtesy of athenguide.com
    Image courtesy of athenguide.com

    The Thame travel agency said this morning that while Greek people themselves are being limited to a withddrawal of the equivalent of £60 per day, holiday makers are able to take out as much as they want from ATMs there.

    Travellers are however, being advised to take a bit more cash with them than they might normally, and are being reassured that there are food and medicines etc in plenty on the shelves of the shops. If, however, a holiday maker takes regular medication, they are being advised to perhaps take more than they may need normally as a precaution.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsThe Greek economy is dependent on the holiday industry, and the staff at the Thame shop say they would encourage people to visit Greece, though they are not offering cheaper holidays there, which some people are going into the shop and expecting.

    To read the full statement from Thompson about travelling to Greece: Visit: http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/greece-travel-alerts

  • Peter’s hooked on Rotary!

    THAME’S recently appointed Deputy Mayor, Linda Emery, this week handed over the reins as Chair of Thame Rotary, to this year’s President, Peter Hook.

    Peter Hook and Linda Emery (Photo by Ross Dike)
    Peter Hook and Linda Emery

    Peter, who lives in Thame, was welcomed as President on July 1, at the Spread Eagle Hotel in Thame, by Linda, who during her year as President had inspired the local community to raise just over £7,000 for various good causes including Thame Skate Park, TCC2 and Cuttle Brook Volunteers.

    Peter has been a Rotarian for 16 years, and was Chairman back in 2010. His commitment to the club has earned the respect of fellow members who were only too pleased to vote him in as their new President for the forthcoming year. Peter said: “I am delighted to become the new President of our wonderful club. It’s going to be a very exciting year. We’re hoping to try out a lot of new things and are looking for inspired and enthusiastic men and women to join our club. We have a lot of fun and really enjoy ourselves, on top of all the fundraising we do, and would love to hear from anyone interested in joining us and making a real difference to their community.

    seans_choice_crendon_beds“This year, we are planning to do continue with our traditional annual fundraising events, Thame Art Show at the end of October and Thame Swimathon on February 28, which I know will have the whole community joining in and having a great time. I am looking forward to meeting and working with local groups and really getting people involved with Rotary. There is so much to do and enjoy.”

    To find out more about how to join the world of fellowship, fun and fundraising of the Rotary Club of Thame, visit: thame.rotary1090.org or follow facebook.com/thamerotary

  • Chinnor in FA Cup for only the second time in clubs history

    LAST Fridays FA Cup draw confirmed Chinnor FC’s acceptance in the prestigious cup for the second time ever. The club played in the FA Cup back in the 2013/14 season for the first time, when they traveled to Camberley Town in the Extra Preliminary round only to be defeated.

    Chinnor FC, first team
    Chinnor FC, first team

    This season has seen them drawn at home to Combined Counties Premier League side, Hartley Wintney FC – a side that were one win away from the First around proper last season.

    “What a fantastic draw for us!” said assistant manager Craig Williams. “We missed out on qualification last season, and after equalling our highest ever finish we have been accepted this season. For a village team to play in such a world famous competition is fantastic. We come up against a team we know nothing about and for a home tie the draw has worked in all our favours.

    “We know that an even bigger tie awaits us in the next round where we will come up against Southern League side, Banbury United. But we have our first hurdle to jump first.”

    The tie will be played over the weekend of August 14 – 16.

    Chinnor FC were also drawn away to Carterton FC of the Hellenic League Divison 1 East, in the FA Vase on Saturday, September 5.

  • Thame cricketers snatch a draw to stay top

    THAME Firsts almost snatched another win against Long Marston last Saturday, having been on the brink of losing their unbeaten run at relegation candidates Long Marston. Thame won the toss and elected to bat, with debutant Adam Phippen scoring 36 but he was the only batsman to push on, after several made starts.

    Adan Phippen
    Adan Phippen

    With the pitch playing quite low, Thame slowly climbed to 178 for 9 off their 53 overs, with some good knocks from the tail enders. In reply Lachlan and Higgs got early wickets but the runs came quickly for Long Marston, as they reached 82 for 4 off 19 overs. Just as it looked like Thame had pulled it back, Bastin and Bee both scored quickly to move Long Marston to 159 for 5 off 35 overs. They only needed 20 off the final 12 overs, which seemed an easy task, but overseas player Jarryd McPhee (4-27) and Hassam Mushtaq (3-49) had different ideas and Thame then reduced them to 168 for 9. This left Long Marston to bat out for a draw, although Thame had a few close shouts for LBW turned down.

    In a game which always looked set for a result, Thame came away with a winning draw and remain top of the league at the mid-point of the season, heading to Oxford on Saturday 11th.

    SECOND XI
    Thame Seconds fell agonisingly short of a win at home to Cumnor Seconds, losing by just one run. Cumnor batted first and, despite the heat, Thame managed to pin them back and take all 10 wickets for just 156. The bowling was led by Ali Thomas (4 for 39) and Ian McStay (3 for 26), with strong support from Cian Davies (2 for 33) and James McStay (1 for 22).

    In search of 157 to win, Thame lost early wickets but George Patey stood firm at one end for 27 valuable runs. The match was slowly slipping away until Ben Griffiths (33) and James McStay (16 n.o.) came together for an excellent last-wicket stand of 48 which so nearly pulled off the win.

    THIRD XI
    The Thirds had a comfortable 9 wicket win away against Chearsley, chasing 119, with 15 year-old Liam Earwicker scoring 75 not out.

  • Bus subsidies to be cut – have your say

    OXFORDSHIRE County Council would like your views on its service change proposals for subsidised bus services and Dial-a-Ride. Services that may be affected include the Vale Travel services 120, 121, 123 and 124 between Thame and Risborough, and the Carousel Bus service 40, between Thame and High Wycombe.

    This follows closely behind recent changes to services announced on June 1, after a previous public consultation.

    Hero-Carousel bus (400x288)

    The council needs to save more than £6 million on supported transport services and says that it can save money by running existing services more efficiently, but that this would not be enough. Savings will also have to come from reducing the current £4 million a year the council pays in bus subsidies and to run the Dial-a-Ride service.

    You can read the proposals and respond online by visiting the OCC Consultation page.  The Thame routes are on pages 2 and 8 of Annex X (the link to follow from the consultation page).

  • Small Businesses need a say over changes to Sunday trading

    FOLLOWING the announcement of possible changes to Sunday trading laws, David Hawes, Thames Valley Regional Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses remains concerned about the impact of any change to Sunday trading rules on smaller retailers.

    David Hawes
    David Hawes

    “As well as assessing the potential impact of these measures,” he said, “the Government should be taking a wider holistic view to see what else can be done to support these businesses.

    “Bringing forward reforms to business rates is an immediate priority. We should also do more on liberalising licensing laws, easing planning restrictions and on improving customers’ access to parking. All are areas which are currently doing more to hold back the high street then Sunday trading.

    “Under current proposals, the decision to change Sunday trading rules will be devolved to the local level. It is critical these local decision makers include small businesses in the debate. Local businesses are at the heart of our communities and the ones most likely to feel the direct impact of these proposals. Their concerns should be listened to, before any decision is made.”

  • Dip into summer with the best British strawberries, in Thame

    TO celebrate the start of summer, the chefs at The Thatch in Thame have been on the hunt for the perfect British strawberry – deliciously sweet and full of flavour, blushingly red and juicy, with a perfect heart shape. And so that everyone can make the most of this superb summer produce, they have come up with a special way of serving it – Dip Your Own Strawberries.

    Dip Your Own Strawberries Board close up 2 (400x269)

    Their quest for the best British berry took them deep into the heart of rural Staffordshire to Lower Ruele Farm, where they met grower Charles Kidson and asked him what makes the best strawberry. Here they discovered that it’s all down to the variety, and how the plants are nurtured, that produces the pick of the crop.

    “Walking into the poly tunnels we were met with a blaze of colour from the pops of red dotted along as far as the eye could see,” saID The Thatch’s head chef, Tom Upham. “We were just as struck by the way the strawberries are grown along rows of narrow table tops where the tender young fruits can gently ripen in the warm air before being picked from their delicate green stalks. Harvesting is done over several days, when each berry is deemed to be perfectly ripe, sweet and ready to eat.

    “Unable to resist popping one of the beautiful berries into our mouths, we discovered that it is nature, as well as nurture, that plays a part in growing the finest fruit. Only Driscoll’s Amesti strawberries are grown here, a modern breed chosen because of the intensity of flavour, colour and shape of the strawberries it yields. Runners are produced in Holland from the high quality plant tips and lovingly tended here on the farm in ideal strawberry growing conditions. The result is simply the perfect strawberry,” he said.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsAfter picking the perfect strawberries, the chefs went one better to bring the best of British summer to the pub, creating an irresistible dessert of Dip Your Own Strawberries.

    Into one big pot goes a generous helping of large, juicy red strawberries; into another, a glug of gorgeous, velvety Valrhona chocolate sauce and one final pot a dollop of sweet Chantilly cream. The whole lot goes onto a board ready for you to dip yourself, with a pile of crumbly shortbread biscuits that are the perfect partner to the luscious fruit and dips.

    “The best British strawberries we could find, rich chocolate sauce and unctuous cream with the crunch of biscuits on the side are the perfect ingredients for the perfect dish,” says Tom. “It’s the best of British all in one place, and the best summer dish. It’s simply delicious. But as with all good things, it won’t be around for long so catch it while you can!”

    Dip Your Own Strawberries are being served at The Thatch in Thame from now until the end of July, priced £5.75. To book a table, go to www.thethatchthame.co.uk

    The Thatch, 29-30 Lower High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2AA. Tel: 01844 214340

    To find out more about how the perfect strawberry is grown, visit http://www.peachpubs.com/blog/10-things-know-driscolls-amesti-strawberry-lower-ruele-farm/