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Category: Thame news

  • Invitation to fund-raising party night

    A Party Night at Thame Football Club, aimed at raising funds and awareness of a rare desease, is being organised by a sufferer of Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease, a rare neurological condition.

    Annabelle Moultm (right) with her friend Lucy O'Hare who completed a triathlon to raise money in aid of NMO
    Annabelle Moultm (right) with her friend Lucy O’Hare who completed a triathlon to raise money in aid of NMO

    Annabelle Moult, who lives in Long Crendon with her husband Danny, was struck down by NMO in 2007 when overnight she found herself paralysed from the chest down and blind. Over the past eight years she has supported events to raise money and awareness for NMO, but this is the first event for the NMO UK Charity, which was only set up in 2014.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsAnnabelle is aiming to hold a yearly NMO UK Event in the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire to continue raising the profile of the condition.

    The Party Night on Saturday, August 29, and will include The Band Isabelle (Sponsored by MG Vending), a DJ and a Hog Roast, and tickets cost £15. There will also be a prize draw and a Bonus Board to raise further funds on the night.

    https://www.justgiving.com/annabellemoult/
    http://nmo-ukresearchfoundation.org/

  • Why I’m walking six miles in glowing bunny ears!

    AS the clock ticks down towards the ‘Glo4Flo’ Midnight walk in aid of the Florence Nightingale Hospice, women from all over the area are signing up to take part to raise funds for the charity, including Yvette Cundy, proprietor of Kismet Jewellers in Thame.

     

    Yvette Cundy walking in last year's midnight walk
    Yvette Cundy walking in last year’s midnight walk

    Charlotte SanMarco, from Chinnor, another walker, has been explaining why she has decided to take part: “In 2013, my dad, Bian Mace, was told that his bowel cancer had returned and that he would probably only have months to live. When you’re told something like that, it doesn’t just affect your loved one – it affects the whole family.

    MNW-LAUNCH-PIC-2 (400x266) (2)

    “Once we realised Dad’s illness was terminal we were put in touch with the amazing team at Florence Nightingale Hospice. They stayed by our side for the next year, explaining everything to us to make the whole experience seem less scary.

    “Last summer, Dad’s cancer took hold and he was admitted to the hospice, where he was cared for with dignity and pride right up until his final few days. My young boys, Callum (6) and Zak (4), were very unsure about why ‘Grampy’ had to stay in the hospice.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsBut, the nurses were brilliant. They even gave the boys a teddy bear each which put smiles back on their faces.

    “Sadly, on the August 3, 2014, dad lost his battle. We’re just so grateful that he had somewhere safe and comfortable to spend his last days. This is why on Saturday, July 11, my Mother-in-law, Sister-in- law and me (with my five-month-old baby bump) will be walking six miles to support the outstanding care provided at the Hospice, and to enable them to continue to help families just like us.”

    There is still time to register to take on the challenge; visit www.gemstonewalk.co.uk to find out how.

  • Open doors business event gains council support

    THAME Town Council is to give a grant of £500 to a business group planning an ‘Open doors’ business event in the town centre, to add to a £1,000 grant from South Oxfordshire District Council.

    Image courtesy of Thame Town Council
    Image courtesy of Thame Town Council

    Following a presentation by Nicky Stallwood, Careers Officer at Lord Williams’s School, Thame, the council agreed its contribution to the ‘Open Doors’ event, being planned by Thame Business Forum for July 11, outside the town hall.

    A number of the larger companies in Thame such as CPM, Box Technologies, Unicarriers (Atlet), Kubota, Gregory and DAF, as well as smaller businesses have already signed up to the event.  There will also be some stalls outside the town hall in the car park area and others inside in the town hall upper chamber.

    The idea of the event is to build awareness of what the larger businesses in Thame do, and the employment opportunities they may offer.

    More information about the ‘Open doors’ event here: https://www.thame.net/archives/20647

  • Invitation to ‘The Big Thame Bake’

    ARE you Thame’s best baker? Oxfordshire’s cake king or queen? Thame Food Festival’s ‘The Big Thame Bake’ is now calling for entries, and they want local people to rise to the occasion for local good causes.

    Victoria sponge - image courtesy of goodfood.com
    Victoria sponge – image courtesy of goodfood.co

    Whatever your baking skills or age, there’s a category to charge your imagination. There are prizes to be won plus the chance to meet some of the biggest names in the world of baking, including Great British Bake Off’s Frances Quinn, Louis Troyano, Miranda Gore-Brown and patisserie legend Benoit Blin from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, to name a few.

    Local businesses, from pubs to estate agents too are being encouraged to show just how competitive they really are!

    Click here  to see the categories and how to enter.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsOn Thame Food Festival Day, Thame Belles WI will be transforming the Town Hall into The Town Hall Tea Room from 1.30pm, open for tea, cake and a quick rest from the hustle and bustle of the show, selling the cakes from the bake off, so if you’re more of an eater than a baker you can still play your part!

  • Strengths in all age groups at Racquets

    THAME’S popular squash and fitness centre, Racquets, has proved once again that its racketball membership has great strength in all age groups.

    Last weekend, June 14/15, saw Bryan Cummings triumph over Mike Clarke as the Over 65s Southern Area Racketball Champion 2015. Both players play at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame. Bryan will go on to represent the Southern Area at the National Championships at Edgbaston Priory in Birmingham in July.

    Racquets proudly hosted the event which saw players visiting from all over the Southern Area of the country.

    Tournaments for all age groups

    Will John in action during a previous tournement
    Will John in action during a previous tournement

    Will John, Racquets’ resident Pro and one of its coaches, took the Men’s Open, beating ex European Racketball Champion, Simon Martin in the final. After the final Simon said: “Will has a good racketball technique and will only improve with more games which is a daunting prospect.” Will’s sister, Beth John, also took the Ladies Open title.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsThe Over 35s, Over 45s and Over 55s were won by visiting players who all thoroughly enjoyed their tournaments. One of Racquets’ newest members, Kevin Young, who played in the Over 55s, said: “Just wanted to email to say I really enjoyed the tournament. Even though my scores were not great I do feel the fitness and passion have returned so it’s all now about practising more frequently and getting more games in.”

    To help more players join in the Over 55s and Over 65s in future tournaments, Racquets holds a Racketball morning, known as ‘Silver Servers’, on Tuesdays from 10am, to provide coaching, guidance and the equipment for complete beginners. Why not pop over to Racquets and try it out next Tuesday?

    Visit Racquets’ website for more information about the centre and what it has to offer:
    http://www.racquets-fitness-centre.com/

  • Thame’s first lady bowls first ball

    THAME’S Mayor, Cllr Nichola Dixon was at Thame Town Cricket Club’s ground on Wednesday (June 17), to bowl the first ball at the first Crick-Fit session run by Thame Town Cricket Club for females of all ages.

    Nichola_dixon_mayor_Crick-Fit 17_June (322x400)

    Crick-Fit is part of a nationwide initiative to help boost involvement and awareness of women’s sport and participation in cricket. Thame’s Cricket Club is hosting one-hour sessions over the next eight weeks for females of all ages and abilities. The sessions will include cricket related circuits and fast-paced team games for everyone to get involved in.

    The first session on Wednesday, was attended by 40 women of all ages. Future sessions will be taking place every Wednesday between 6.30pm – 7.30pm on the cricket ground at Church Meadow. To find out more or to sign up, contact Sheena Beard on sheenabeard@btinternet.com or call 01844 213695.

    Read more: http://tiny.cc/tzjozx

  • Thame Neighbourhood Plan and the Tesco proposals

    To say that the arrival of Tesco will not affect town centre businesses is simply not true.  The Thame Neighbourhood Plan clearly states that;

    “any major shopping outside the town centre would be likely to undermine the town’s vitality of the town centre shops.  This would be detrimental to the overall sustainability of the town and would be likely to reduce the accessibility and choice of services and facilities available to the community”.

     FACT:  a study in Fakenham, Norfolk found that town centre food retailers experienced a 64% decline in market share following the opening of an out of town supermarket. 

    Furthermore, government policy on both a national and local level is focusing on the use of town centres for convenience shopping.  Therefore, if there is a need shown for an additional store, then this is exactly where it should be placed, to act as an “anchor” for the independent shops, just as the current supermarkets do.

    Is should also be noted that many independent retailers also buy their supplies locally which obviously contributes to the wider local economy and also employment.

    On the subject of employment, these supposed 200 jobs are likely to be part-time or on zero hours contracts and permanent, full-time positions would be lost in the town as a result of businesses closing or relocating, so no gain here!

    What would happen to Thame Market if Tesco came to town?  This has been in existence since the 14th Century and is one of the most successful markets in the South East of England, providing great variety and choice at a reasonable price.

    If people really do ‘care’ about the town then help to preserve what is truly great about it ……. Its High Street!

    Estate agents describe Thame as “a bustling market town” … let’s keep it that way and say “no thank you” to out of town shopping.

    Kate Sherrington

     

  • Appeal for witnesses after dangerous dog incident

     

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after two dog walkers were attacked by a stranger’s dog and verbally abused by the dog’s owners.

    The incident took place at about 7pm on Wednesday (17/6) in Whites Field, off Mill Lane, Chinnor.

    police-large (400x267)Two women in their twenties were walking their dog in Whites Field when they were approached by a dog which jumped up and bit each victim on their arms. The victims both suffered puncture wounds. They did not require hospital treatment.

    The two offending dog owners were verbally aggressive towards the victims.

    The offending dog owners were described by the police as being two white women. The first is between 50 and 60-years-old, around 5ft 6ins tall, with very short dark hair and of a large build. She was wearing dark glasses, light long sleeved top and dark trousers.

    The second woman was in her late thirties, with blonde shoulder length hair and is of a large build. She was wearing a zip up hooded top and blue jeans.

    PC Ali Shahed from Thame police station said: “Members of the public who were enjoying their evening may have seen or heard this incident as it was a busy evening on the field.”

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsIf you have any information please contact PC Shahed via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

    If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

    Join us on Thames Valley Alert (opens new window) to recieve local crime and safety messages.

     

  • Summer of fun at Thomley

    THOMLEY, the centre at Worminghall for people of all abilities and disabilities, has an exciting summer of activities lined up, including golf and cricket workshops.

    thomley_football (400x311)

    Upcoming workshops can be found here (including sports workshops) – particular note of Golf, Cricket and Ignite Sports (all inclusive): http://thomley.org.uk/whats-on/upcoming-workshops/

    Thomley’s whole summer programme of activities can be found here: LINK HERE and to give you an idea of Thomley’s facilities, look here: http://thomley.org.uk/visit-us/facilities/

    What does Thomley do?

    Thomley brings disabled people, their families, carers and friends together with experienced and nurturing staff that understand their needs.

    What does Thomley offer?

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsThe centre’s site is spacious and secure, with an excellent range of fully-accessible facilities. Each day the friendly and experienced staff run fun and educational activities which cater for all ages and abilities.

    Who can visit?

    Thomley welcomes disabled people of all ages from babies to adults, and their families, carers or friends, supporting people at any stage of their diagnostic journey, whatever their additional needs. Regular days for disabled visitors and their families are held and ‘focus days’ for Pre-school children, adults, schools, respite groups and the wider community, when any family can join us to enjoy our facilities. For more information, or to book your visit call: 01844 338380.

    When can you come?

    Thomley is open 10 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and Mondays too in the school holidays, and also runs evening youth clubs for disabled teenagers, and takes bookings for birthday parties and disability events. Take a look at Thomley’s website to see when would be best to visit:
    www.thomley.org.uk/visit-us .

    What does it cost?

    It is important to Thomley that anyone who needs its services can access them. Wherever possible the centre fundraises to subsidise costs but it is also recommended that visitors make a donation as a small contribution towards their visit.

    Thomley is just outside the village of Worminghall between Oxford and Aylesbury.

  • Chinnor Parish Neighbourhood Plan invitation

    THE work for Chinnor Parish Neighbourhood Plan will be officially launched at Chinnor Village Hall on Thursday, July 2, between 3 pm and 8.30 pm.

    Marius Ciortan with Chinnor Neighbourhood Plan leaflets
    Marius Ciortan with Chinnor Neighbourhood Plan leaflets

    Every resident of Chinnor, Chinnor Hill, Emmington, Henton and Wainhill is invited to attend and bring ideas about the future of the parish for the next 20-25 years.

    There will be timed sessions when Chinnor Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group volunteers will outline the preparation stages and objectives for the neighbourhood plan. There will also be break-out sessions, when local residents will have the opportunity to share their ideas about the future of Chinnor Parish. The expected themes will include housing, road infrastructure, schools, doctors’ surgeries, retail, recreation facilities and other topics which local residents may wish to bring up.

    Marius Ciortan, spokesman for the Steering Group, said: “We as a Community covering Chinnor, Chinnor Hill, Emmington, Henton and Wainhill can make a difference and become a force to be reckoned with. However, we can only achieve this if we pull together and gather our views and ideas on how we would like to see our area develop over the next 25 years. Therefore, we would like to encourage all residents who live in the area covered by Chinnor Parish, to attend our Chinnor Neighbourhood Plan Launch Event on July 2.

    “This is going to be our own Neighbourhood Plan prepared by all of us, all together, all our Community.”

    Chinnor Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is also looking for more volunteers who could help distribute communications, report progress, get involved with surveys and collate information for the Steering Group to work from.

    More information about Chinnor Parish Neighbourhood Plan can be found at: www.Chinnorneighbourplan.com The Chinnor Neighbourhood Plan Steering group can be contacted via: Chinnorneighbourplan@outlook.com & share ideas with other members of the community via: www.facebook.com/ChinnorNeighbourhoodPLan