Thame.net

Category: Thame news

  • Customers confuse fact and fiction after shop robbery

    CUSTOMERS trying to access a shop that had become a police crime scene after a robbery, thought they were witnessing the filming of a scene from Midsomer Murders.

    McColl's in Banks Parade, Haddeham. Photo courtesy of Keith Milmer & Haddenham.Net
    McColl’s in Banks Parade, Haddeham. Photo courtesy of Keith Milmer & Haddenham.Net

    This was the situation following a robbery at a branch of Martin McColl in Haddenham, on Monday morning (July 28) after two members of staff who had gone into work early in the morning to sort out the newspapers, were restrained by a robber and threatened with a weapon, while he took the weekend’s takings from the till.

    “Luckily,” said a Haddenham resident who described the scene, “the two shop workers, though very shocked, were not injured. But early morning customers continued to try to get into the shop, despite the police tape and the presence of officers investigating the scene of the crime. This area is used frequently for the filming of Midsomer Murders and some shooting of the programme had taken place near by just a few weeks ago.”

    The man who carried out the real-life robbery is described as being in his early 20s, black and wearing a baseball cap and scarf around his face.

    It is not known at this time what the weapon was.

    Anyone with information that could help the police with their investigation is asked to call DC Gemma Robinson on call the non emergency number 101, quoting URN 167 of July 28.

  • Invitation to join ‘Lights Out’ for WW1 Commemoration

    SAM Juthani, the Labour Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Henley Constituency that includes Thame, is inviting the people of Thame to join him in turning their lights out on August 4, marking 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.
     

    San Juthani, the Labour Party's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency
    San Juthani, the Labour Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency

    The Lights Out campaign invites people across the country to switch off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4, and light a single candle in a shared moment of national reflection.
     
    The moment will mark precisely a century since Britain declared war on Germany and formally entered the First World War at 11pm on August 4, 1914.
     
    The campaign is inspired by the words of the then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, who famously remarked on the outbreak of the war: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”
     
    Millions of people across the UK are expected to take part in Lights Out, which will see hundreds of public buildings and iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Blackpool Illuminations also turning out their lights.
     
    The project is being organised by 14-18 NOW, the official cultural programme for the First World War Centenary Commemorations, with particular support from the Royal British Legion.
     
    Sam said: “The First World War was a conflict that changed Britain forever. It touched every family, affected every community and fundamentally altered our country’s place in the world.
     
    “The centenary anniversary is a unique opportunity for us to commemorate those who served and sacrificed for us on the frontline and the home front, and to think about the profound impact the war had on our society. 
     
    “I hope people across Thame will join me in taking part in the Lights Out campaign and turn out their lights between 10pm and 11pm on August 4. With the busy lives we lead today, the simple act of pausing, switching off the lights and lighting a candle will be a very powerful tribute.”
     
    NB More information about the Lights Out campaign can be found here: http://www.1418now.org.uk/lights-out/
    Those using social media should use #LightsOut
     
    Official Lights Out candles can be purchased in Marks and Spencer stores or online: http://www.marksandspencer.com/world-war-1-centenary-candle/p/p22340844, with all profits going to the Royal British Legion.

  • Want to be a town councillor?

    A vacancy for a town councillor has arisen, following the resignation of Andy Gunn last month. As no call was made from the public for a by-election, the position is to be be filled by Co-option. The successful candidate would serve for the remaining term of office, until May 2015, when local elections will me held.

    Thame Town Hall - Image Courtesy of Mark Percy
    Thame Town Hall – Image Courtesy of Mark Percy

    Anyone who would like to apply for Co-option can send a letter of application to the Town Clerk, at Thame Town Hall, by August 22, 2014. Applications will be considered at a full Council meeting on September 2, 2014. Guidance notes to assist with applications are available from the Town Hall or on the website at www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk 

  • ‘Enchanting’ Bethany at Thame’s top open mic night

    THAME’S First Thursday Music Club continues to grow and develop and has now become an unmissable monthly, social event for many people in Thame – as well as the best Open Mic night in the District – and its FREE!

    Bethany Weimers
    Bethany Weimers

    With a big crowd every month and an average of 15 different acts during the evening, FTMC offers performers of all abilities and from all musical genres, the opportunity to play in front of a large, warm and supportive audience.

    As well as the wonderful randomness of the ad-hoc musicians who sign up for the night, the club pre-books an act to feature in the 10 o’ clock spot and next Thursday, August 7, the extremely talented Bethany Weimers will be performing.  London born, Oxford- based alt-folk artist Bethany spent nine months as a bit of a hermit, performing, recording and producing her atmospheric debut album, Harpsichord Row, which she released to widespread praise in 2012. Since the album’s release and with a reputation as a stunning live performer preceding her, Bethany has been gathering fans from across the globe through successful tours and airplay that includes 6 Music & BBC Introducing. Reviewers have described Bethany and her music as “Ethereal and enchanting” (Music in Oxford) and “Think Florence without the Machine or Kate Bush in a cathedral” (Fresh on the Net).

    FTMC is at The Stables, at the rear of The James Figg pub in Cornmarket, Thame. and welcomes musicians of all abilities. Anyone can play by signing up at the venue before 7.45pm. Check out the club on the FTMC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFirstThursdayMusicClub

    Further information about Bethany Weimers at: www.bethanyweimers.com and www.facebook.com/bethanyweimers

  • ‘How’s zat?’ for Cricketing fun and food

    THAME Town cricket club is preparing to throw open its pavilion doors to the local community on Sunday, August 17, as part of a nationwide initiative to help boost grassroots cricket participation.

    cricket (329x400)The club is inviting all local cricket fans and people who are interested in finding out more about the club, to head along to the ground for the day to watch some cricket, meet their members and ECB (The England and Wales Cricket Board) qualified coaches, and enjoy some Waitrose food and drink, in a bid to entice new members to sign-up.

    Thame Town CC is one of hundreds of cricket clubs that will host an ECB Club Open Day this season and it is anticipated that thousands of events will be held at clubs across the country to coincide with England’s international cricket weekends throughout the summer.

    Building on the successful launch of the initiative las, Waitrose, to help deliver their event.

    Matt Swain, TTCC’s fixture secretary, said: “We are inviting people to come and enjoy one of the most idyllic cricket settings in the country, which is right on their doorstep. At the Open Day there will be a 6-aside tournament, BBQ, Music, Bouncy Castle, taster nets sessions, bowling machine, raffle and lots more. The event is for everyone and in particular we would like to build on the success of the Ashes-winning England Women’s Cricket team as we look to establish a strong girls’ section. Come and join us at Church Meadow, you will be most welcome.”

    Former England captain and ECB’s Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships, Mike Gatting, added: “Club Open Days represent a unique opportunity for cricket clubs to capitalise on the public interest in England’s international summer. By opening their doors and showcasing what they have to offer to their local community, clubs will hopefully be able to inspire newcomers to come and join them – whether that is as a player, volunteer, social member, or even a local business as a new supporting sponsor.”

    Thame Town Cricket Club runs three adult league teams on a Saturday and a friendly team on a Sunday during the cricket season. The club also has a large junior section for age groups U9’s, U’11s, U13’s, U15’s and U17’s that run during the week. The U15’s and U17’s also have the option to play for the adult league and friendly teams.

  • Changes proposed for Thame’s Elms Park

    A planning application for improvement to Elms Park, in Thame, including the erection of an arts and musical performance stage, has been submitted by the developer who wants to build homes on land next door, at The Elms.

    elms_park_gatesFull details of the application can be read here:http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/S2310/O

    A spokesman for Barton Willmore, planning consultants on behalf of developer Rectory Homes, told Thame.Net that the proposed improvements to Elms Park will be funded through the proposed housing development on land at The Elms, a planning application for which is immenant (not yet on the Planning Register).

    He said: “The Town Council will undertake a consultation so that it can find out how local residents would like to see the park improved. The park will not be built on and will remain for public use at all times in posterity – this application is simply so that the council can find out how local people think that funding from the neighbouring development can be used to help improve the facilities on offer there.”

    The application for land at The Elms itself will be for residential development, a new public open space, 18 affordable homes, new public footpaths and cycleways.

  • New home for Towersey Festival

    AS the Towersey Playing fields become a hive of activity in preparation for the 50th Towersey Festival, the organisers have announced today that 2014 will be the last year that the festival will be held in the village of Towersey itself.

    From next year, the Towersey Festival will be held on Thame Show Ground, just a stone’s throw away.

    Joe Heap, whose grandfather, Dennis Manners, was a founder-member of the Towersey Festival
    Joe Heap, whose grandfather, Dennis Manners, was a founder-member of the Towersey Festival

    Joe Heap, whose family has been involved with organising the show since its inception, told Thame.Net: “We were warned by the farmer, David White, a couple of years ago that the show may have to leave his farm and now he has decided to retire and has sold some of his land. But the move will be a positive thing for the show, taking it into the next half century and enabling us to improve some things, like having less gates to Man and check, and to continue involving the people of Thame more by bringing more local Arts, theatre, music and culture etc to the show.”

    A video explaining the move, is available on the Towersey Festival Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Towerseyfestival

  • New homes design ‘not good enough’ says council

    THAME Town Council has once again rejected a developer’s detailed plans for a site designated for new housing in Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan.

    Image courtesy of Croudace Homes Ltd
    Image courtesy of Croudace Homes Ltd

    The main reasons for not recommending Croudace Homes Ltd’s detailed designs for the remaining 18 houses on the old Memec site, part of site D in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan, are vertually the same as the reasons for rejection of plans for site C, a month ago. (see report https://www.thame.net/archives/15470)

    These are that there are not enough one and two bedroomed properties in the proposal – a need identified and included in the Thame Neighbourhood Plan, that the lay-out of this group of 18 homes does not co-ordinate with the overall lay-out of site D in that as a block, they would appear to ‘turn their backs’ on the rest of the development and leave the gardens that would back onto a roadway, vunerable to trespass.

    Councillors also agreed that the overall design, choice of materials and scale of the some of the proposed houses, were not of a suitably high standard to reflect the character of the best parts of Thame, again another requirement of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan for any new homes.

    Other concerns regarding amenities, storage, Open-space and landscaping, can be gleaned in full by reading the report and recommendations put to the council at yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) full council meeting, by its Planning Consultant, Jake Collinge. http://www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/images/10._Report_-_P14-S2001-RM.pdf

    NB  The full planning application, reserved matters discussed can be seen HERE on South Oxfordshire District Council’s web site: http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P14/S2001/RM

  • How about a day at Raymond Blanc’s Cookery School?

    THERE are still some tickets left for a fabulous day at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School, generously donated by Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons to the Thame Food Festival, to help raise funds towards sustaining this great, annual event in the town.

    Raymond Blanc takes some refreshment from signing his book at a previous Thame Food Festival, of which he is Patron
    Raymond Blanc takes some refreshment from signing his book at a previous Thame Food Festival, of which he is Patron

    Thame Food Festival Patron, Lotte Duncan, explained: “Thame Food Festival is a CIC, set up as a platform for artisan producers and to support our beautiful market town. There are only 10 places available – so be quick if you want to come.

    “I’ll be there on the day too – I’m doing a cookery demonstration for you all at some point which is an incredible treat for me, if a little bit scary!”

    DETAILS; Exclusive event: A day at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School with Mark Peregine and Lotte Duncan; Monday, September 22, 2014.

    Master effortless entertaining at the world famous cookery school at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; Create the perfect autumn dinner party menu; Ideas for simple, seasonal dishes to impress your guests!
    Learn and practise new techniques with the chefs

    Make your own pastry, pasta, soups and much more; Try some of Raymond Blanc’s favourite recipes; Discover the secrets of entertaining guests with minimal effort and maximum impact.

    Book today for this special event in support of this year’s Thame Food Festival – September 27, 2014

    A full day’s tuition, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and course certificate cost £365 per person. To book, please go to www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk and click on Events.

  • Meet our local community police team

    THAME Neighbourhood police officers will be holding two HAVE YOUR SAY MEETINGS in the coming weeks. They are

    working_in_partnership (400x166)Saturday, August 9, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, between 11am and midday.

    Thursday, August 28, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, between 3pm and 5pm.

    These meetings are  your opportunity to speak with your neighbourhood officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have. If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your neighbourhood officers, you can call 101.