Category: Thame news

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information after a fatal road traffic collision on the M40 last night (June 8).

At around 7.35pm, a black Vauxhall Corsa was travelling southbound between Junction 7, Milton Common, and Junction 6, Lewknor, when it left the motorway and went down the embankment before coming to rest in an adjacent field.

The driver of the black Vauxhall Corsa, a 17-year-old boy from Maidenhead, died at the scene.

Police are appealing to anyone with any information about the collision to contact officers via the 101 number, quoting URN 1449 of 8/6.

Police would also like to speak to the driver of a Jaguar which was seen at or near the scene of the collision.

Investigating officer, PC Alan Turnbull from the Roads Policing Serious Collision Investigation Unit based at Bicester said: “A young man tragically lost his life in this collision and we would like to speak to anyone who saw this incident so that we can establish exactly what happened.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw the black Vauxhall Corsa before the incident, or anyone who saw a Jaguar vehicle at or near the scene to also come forward.

“Any information you might, no matter how small, may aid our investigation.”

If you have any information please contact the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101 quoting URN 1449 8/6.

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 www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

A new charity shop is soon to open in Thame, in the retail space in Cornmarket that was previously occupied by Free Range Clothing.

The new shop will raise funds for the Florence Nightingale Hospice, which has five other stores, including one in Chinnor – outlets that between them currently contribute one third of the total income for the not-for-profit Trust that runs the hospice.

PR and Marketing Manager for Florence Nightingale, Sam Heggie, told Thame.Net: “We are very excited about coming to Thame which has shown us so much support in the past. We have talked to local people and researched the town centre offering and have decided that our Thame shop will particularly focus on Childrens’ wear.

“We aim to open the shop in Mid-July, and in the meantime, shall be looking for a Shop Manager and a group of volunteers to help operate the shop.”

The Florence Nightingale Hospice supports many patients in the Thame area with life-limiting illness and runs many fund-raising events for the hospice charity throughout the year, including last December’s Santa Fun-run in Thame. Registration is still open for the forthcoming, annual ‘Gemstone Midnight Walk’ on July 11th –  SEE LINK

THAME resident Doris Hallett, of Croft Road, celebrated her 100th birthday today at the Thame and District Day Centre, where she has been a stalwart member for over seven years.

As well as a beautiful cake and flowers from the Trustees of the day centre, staff presented Doris with a card, made by hand, by volunteer Denise Hutchings, which was signed by everyone at the day centre – a card that stood proudly next to a birthday card from the Queen congratulating Doris on reaching her centenary.

Doris grew up and lived in Devon, and then lived in Somerset until 2007, when she moved to Thame to live with her daughter Ann. Doris has six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Day centre Manager, Gill Coleman, told Thame.Net: “Doris started at the day centre in April 2008 and quickly became a valued member, always on hand to give advice on the Centre’s activities, based on her years of service in the Women’s institute in the West Country where she was renowned for her Dundee cakes! She enjoys singing along with our entertainment and participating in all activities.

“A family member told us that before moving to Thame, Doris served as President of her local al Evergreen Club, and in 1993, she was awarded the gift of Maundy Money from the Queen at Wells Cathedral for services to her village.”

Doris’s daughter, Ann Wright, said today that members of the Scottish side of Doris’s family will be coming down to Thame to celebrate Doris’s 100 years all over again, with a special meal at The Peacock at Henton.

IN response to local concerns about the possible effect on the town centre of a proposed large supermarket on the edge of the town, Thame Town Council has announced that it has commissioned a Retail Impact Study for the town.

The scope of works put to prospective bodies to carry out the study, says the council, included input from residents and was sent to 10 specialist consultancies and academic institutions.

The council has reported that: “A number of proposals were received and the one that most closely matched the scope of works has been chosen. This is a joint proposal from Carter Jonas and the University of Southampton. Both organisations have excellent retail credentials and have demonstrated a good understanding of Thame’s needs.

“Additionally,” the council added, “the proposal is supported by a sound project plan. The Council is confident that the output of the study will be able to be used for the benefit of the town for some time to come.”

The town council was asked to initiate a Retail Impact Study by the Thame Centre First group, who gave a presentation to the town council recently, representing the views of some residents and several town centre independent retailers, who feared that a proposed plan by Tesco to build a supermarket on the by-pass on land currently occupied by DAF, would have a negative impact on the economy and vitality of the Thame Town Centre (LINK HERE TO PREVIOUS REPORT)

STUDENTS of a Thame primary School, have been rewarded by Thame Lions, who set all the local primary schools a challenge to design a Community Spirit Poster Competition.

Last December Thame Lions invited all Local Primary Schools to participate in the Thame Lions Community Spirit Poster Competition. Students were asked to draw a poster with the title, ‘Caring, Sharing, Playing together!’

On Fridaym May 22, Thame Lions presented a trophy to the winners of the Competition at John Hampden School in Thame. The winners in three age groups were:
Group 4-7 years, 1st Elsie Smith – 2nd Evie Costar – 3rd Evie Northausen

Group 8-11 years, 1st Lyla Davies – 2nd Ellen Clark – 3rd Lewis Sutton.

Group 3- 4 years, Winner – Angel Mason

The winners received their artwork Framed and a book token. John Hampden School as a whole also won £100 as well as the trophy, and each participant was given a personalised certificate to recognise their entry. The winning picture will be made into a Christmas card that will be sold and the profits will all go to local charities.

More information about The Thame Lions can be sought from President, Ken Bennell on 07743 687745 or from Jackie Willoughby via willoughby@wjackie7.orangehome.co.uk