WITH the exception of John Hampden Primary School, all the other schools in Thame were closed today because of the wintry conditions, so many children were able to enjoy a second ‘snow day’, just like these youngsters enjoying one of the few slopes on Sunday, in Thame, near Lord Williams’s Upper School. (more…)
Category: Thame news
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Top chef’s sister admits attacking their mother in Thame
THE sister of Heston Blumenthal, who lives in Park Street, Thame, has admitted to Oxford Magistrates that she attacked their mother, Celia, aged 76, in East Street, Thame.
Alexis Blumenthal (Image Courtesy of thisisoxfordshire.co.uk) According the the Mail Online, the court heard how a witness, Mrs Lambert, who lives in Thame, reported hearing the defendant, scream: “You f*****g b***h; I’m going to kill you!” before going out onto the street and calling the police, at which point the altercation stopped and the younger woman left the scene.
It was revealed that Alexis Blumenthal, who had a problem with drink, had on one occasion, grabbed hold of her mother’s hair, repeatedly punched her and almost caused her mother to fall down the stairs, at the older woman’s home in Watlington. In the second attack in Thame, Alexis ‘slammed’ her mother’s head against a car.
Alexis was originally charged last October, with two counts of assault by beating on October 7 and September 9, but failed to show up for the court hearing.
The case has been adjourned for sentencing until January 11, and in the meantime, Alexis Blumenthal’s Bail conditions mean that she cannot contact her mother or call at her house unless accompanied by a police officer with the purpose to collect her own belongings from the property.
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Onwards and Upwards for Thame Young Entrepreneur
THOMAS Wylam, who is in his final-year at school, has completed a productive year developing his business idea, Cupcycl, after winning first prize in the Small Business Saturday Young Entrepreneurs Competition, held in Thame last December.
The competition, which was sponsored by CarmichaelUK, a specialist civil engineering and construction recruitment company headquartered in Thame, was open to young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who had a great business idea and were based in Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire.
Thomas’s big idea
Over 8 million paper cups are disposed of every day, but they aren’t made from easily recyclable materials and take 30 years to rot down in landfill sites. Cupcycl is a waste management project that aims to reduce the number of throwaway cups being disposed of via landfill by providing the infrastructure for throwaway cups to be properly recycled and turned into new goods.
The scheme will operate by providing collection points in local coffee shops and cafes. Consumers leave a coffee shop with their drink and once done consuming their beverage, drop the empty cup into the nearest collection point as they walk past. Thomas then empties each collection point once a week and once packaged and the different materials segregated, he ships these to a recently launched scheme, Cupcycling , run by James Cropper PLC who use the materials to manufacture some of the world’s most distinctive and technically advanced paper products.
How Cupcycl will makes money
CupCycl is a non-profit enterprise. The revenue comes from local business who pay a membership fee that covers Cupcycl’s fixed costs (the collection point, labour, marketing, waste couriers license) and a small fee per cup recycled through their collection point. Included in the budget is a minimum wage of £5.60 for Thomas himself, or someone else to collect the cups from the coffee shop/cafe.
On completing his first year, Thomas, who attends Princess Risborough Upper School, said: “Thame’s Young Entrepreneur Competition gave me the opportunity to take an idea and run with it. It’s fantastic to have gone through this process and get to where I am now, with a project that brings something unique to the local area.
“Thanks to the event sponsor, CarmichaelUK, the prize included not only the financial means to start up CupCycl, but also 12 months of mentoring. This helped me develop my scheme so that I could exhibit at Thame Food Festival, where I recycled the cups of over 1,200 visitors to my stand. I’m delighted with the interest I’ve had from other local event organisers, who may run this scheme at their events.”
Collection points in Thame
“The goal for 2018 is to install collection points in Thame so that coffee shop customers can dispose of their cups and ensure that they get recycled, rather than go to landfill. Currently, even cups put in recycling bins end up being picked out as contaminants and put into landfill, because recycling authorities don’t have facilities to separate the wax coating that waterproofs paper cups.”
Owen Mendez, Commercial Director of CarmichaelUK, the competition sponsors, said: “It’s great to be able to support innovation and encourage entrepreneurship in the next generation of business people.”
Thomas also drew praise from his three mentors, who gave their time free of charge – Jackie Jarvis, business and sales coach; Sarah Fletcher of social media experts, Mushroom Souffle and Jemima King of Richardson’s Chartered Accountants.
L to R – Sarah Fletcher, Thomas Wylam, Jemima King, Jackie Jarvis and Owen Mendez Jackie said: “Thomas is really impressive, incredibly well-organised, and has a good business head on his shoulders. He took on board everything I told him about opening up opportunities, participated in my natural stress-free selling programme, and appreciated the value of tips from my book Quick Wins in Sales and Marketing.”
Sarah too was impressed with Thomas. She said: “Thomas attended one of my Facebook workshops and attended a private mentoring session. It was great to see him absorb information and come up with ideas for social media and how he could implement them. I’m looking forward to seeing his business progress and becoming a great success.”
Jemima said: “We discussed business planning, including the importance of budgeting and the implications of different business structures. We were impressed with Tom’s enthusiasm and commitment to running a business while completing his A-Level exams.”
The Young Entrepreneurs Competition has taken a break this year, but it’s intended to run it again in 2018. Sponsors are being sought and if any businesses in the local area are interested, they should contact Helen Johns at helen.johns39@gmail.com or on 0771 743 4983.
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Sad news for Thame Sinaia Friendship Association
MEMBERS of the Thame and Sinaia Friendship Association were sad to learn of the death of King Michael of Romania who has passed away at the age of 96.
The late King Michael of Romania Marius Ciortan, the founder and Chair of the TSFG, who is himself from Romania, told Thame.net: “For me, King Michael was a symbol, a great personality and a great believer in Romania restoring its democratic values and the rule of law. He defied both the brutal fascist and communist dictatorships which succeeded in Romania in the 20th Century. He was in fact, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth ll.
“I remember His Majesty visiting Bucharest in 1992, and myself – in my early ’20s at that time – being among hundreds of thousands of people waving at him hoping that one day His Majesty would regain his throne, should the will of the people say so.”
Vlad Oprea, the Mayor of Sinaia, who has visited Thame, wrote the following in the condolences book at Peles Castle December 6: “For me, as a resident of Sinaia, it was a great honour to meet in person His Majesty, King Michael of Romania, for the first time here at Peles Castle in June 2008.”
Marius recalled that during Sinaia’s Christmas Lights switch on in the evening of December 6, Vlad Oprea said: “His Majesty, King Michael is joining in Heaven those other personalities who watch over our town where they were born.”
Crown Princess Margareta’s words expressed the feelings of the Romanian people: “….A personal loss as well as a loss for the entire Nation. We mourn together, knowing that we are united in our sorrow. An example of unwavering devotion to his people, with a high sense of duty and strong principles, he wrote the most valuable page in the contemporary history of our nation. His kindness and compassion defeated all villainy of the past century. His wisdom insured the constancy of our identity, in times of serious deviation from the natural path of our State and Nation.”
You can read the Princess’s full statement here: LINK
You can read about the life of King Michael of Romania via the BBC: LINK
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It’s On! Date announced for Thame Music Festival 2018
YES! Following last year’s fantastic, free, inaugural event, the Thame Town Music Festival will return on Saturday, July 14, 2018. (more…)
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Thame Community Lunch for those alone this Christmas
THERE’S no reason why anyone should be alone this Christmas because, for the sixth year running, Community Christmas Thame aims to provide a lunch on Christmas Day for the isolated and vulnerable elderly of the Thame area.
Two of the Thame Community Lunch volunteers from 2017 Previously, the events have been hosted in the The Birdcage pub, in Thame, but due to increasing demand, Founder, Kathy Thomas, has had to find a larger location so this year’s event will be held at the Masonic Hall, in Thame.
Kathy said: “We must also say a massive thanks to Sainsburys and the Thame Welfare Trust for supporting us these last couple of years. Without them, we would not have been able to provide this event.”
On Christmas Eve, Kathy and her band of volunteers we will be preparing the food and decorating the dining area. Volunteers will then collect the Christmas lunch guests on Christmas morning, and once at the Masonic Hall, they will all enjoy some entertainment and a traditional, freshly cooked lunch.
If you would like to join Kathy as either a volunteer or a guest, call 01844 217413.
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Don’t give burglars an easy time in the run up to Christmas
THAMES Valley Police is asking members of the public to be vigilant in the run-up to Christmas, as there is often an increase in burglaries at this time of year.
The police want residents to think about what security they have in place, and what more they can do to deter burglars.
In recent months there has been a national increase in burglaries and break-ins with a 25 per cent rise in burglaries across the Thames Valley in the last six months.
Thames Valley Police stated today: “We have dedicated resources in place to disrupt and investigate burglaries, and bring offenders to justice. Officers in our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are also working to offer advice to residents and also disrupt burglars.
“On Wednesday (6/12) we will be holding a live webchat to offer the public advice on how to keep their homes safe. LINK HERE to join in. This week too we have launched an online advent calendar with good advice on how to stay safe over the next month.
People can visit the Thames Valley Police’s Facebook page and TVP Twitter pages every day for advice which includes how to ensure your home is properly protected, how to plan your journey home after a night out, the consequences of drink driving and what to do if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
There is further information on how to protect your home on the Thames Valley Police website.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard List, said: “We are only too aware of the serious impact that having your home broken into has on people in the Thames Valley. It is traumatic both psychologically and financially.
“Over recent months, like other forces across the country, we have been seeing an increase in burglaries. There are a number of reasons for this increase but it’s important that we all do everything we possibly can to prevent burglaries being committed in the first place.
“We are taking every action possible to tackle this by bringing offenders to justice, and also disrupting those who see fit to carry out these crimes.
“We would ask the public to think about what measures they can take to secure their homes.
“This could include securing doors and windows, having lights on timers and also not advertising on social media if you are going away for a holiday. My taking just a few simple measures, particularly at this time of year, you can significantly reduce your risk of being a victim of burglary.
“Additionally, we would ask members of the community to be vigilant and keep an eye on their neighbours’ properties if they are unoccupied and report any suspicious behaviour by calling 101 or speaking to one of the neighbourhood policing teams.”
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Titanic defence sinks Taunton Titans and keeps Chinnor on top
HEAVY drizzle greeted both sides as they took to the park for this top of the table clash on Saturday, December 2, which left Chinnor RFC on top of National League Two, South.
Chinnor started positively and scored after just two minutes when a well judged kick ahead by Jonny Bentley found Phil Chesters who gathered cleanly to go over in the corner 5-0. The conversion went wide of the posts. Taunton then dominated possession, as they did almost throughout the game. Chinnor looked dangerous when they had the ball but gave away possession cheaply in the final third and spurned a number of dangerous opportunities.
After a period of Taunton attacking play, a counter by Chinnor lead to an offfside penalty under the posts. Jonny Bentley slotted over making it 8-0. The rest of the half saw Taunton once again monopolise possession but they found it difficult to break through the well organised Chinnor defence which was as disciplined as it was aggressive. Half Time 8-0
The second half was almost a replica of the first 40 minutes. This time a lineout steal 60 m out and some slick handling gave Chinnor the early opening try of the half with Jamel Hamilton going over out wide after 48 mins. Jonny Bentley missed the conversion.
Taunton threw everything they had at the Chinnor defence but the controlled aggression in open play, defensive lineouts and powerful scrummaging, constantly rebuffed the visitors’ assaults. The score remained Chinnor 13-0 until 10 mins from the end, it came as a welcome relief for the Titans when they crossed the Chinnor line. Kenny James swooped in to score in the corner. An excellent touchline conversion by Toby East set up a nail biting final 10 minutes, but Chinnor held strong and sound game management ran the clock down.
Tony Yapp (Taunton) said afterwards: “Two good teams; no quarter given. Disappointed at the start; we gave the opposition an opportunity which they took. Pleased with the second half – a good day for Rugby!”
Matt Williams (Chinnor) said: “ A day of superb defence against a well drilled Taunton attack. Our defence was resilient and brutal. All credit to Taunton!”
Chinnor
Morley, Hutchinson, Gilding, Curry, Ramshaw, Bradlet, Bordill, Waddingham, McDonald, Bentley, Chesters, Dancer, Barnes(cpt), Hamilton,Goss
Reps: Mason, Oliver, Green, Manning, LamontTaunton
Baker, Spurdle, Dalton, England, Lugg, Harvey, Vakalutukali, Prior, Banks, Webb, Claydon, East, Mason(cpt) Fraser, Rice
Reps: Francis, Kenny, Oliphant-Thompson, Davis, Brown
Referee – Mr Veryan Boscawen
Assistants – Mr Glenn O’Hara, Mr Simon Bourne
Star Men: Jack Gilding – Outstanding scrummaging
Will Bordill- Simply Fearless!
Attendance 331REPORT by Ken Vaughan
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How about some scandal in your Christmas stocking?
HISTORY buffs may appreciate having their stockings filled with the latest books from Oxfordshire historian Julie Ann Godson, who recently enthralled her audience at the Thame Barns Centre.
Julie Ann Godson Secret love affairs, murder, blackmail, poisoning and extortion: most of us enjoy a good scandal. And it’s even more fun when it involves our so-called betters. “Scandal in High Society Oxfordshire: twenty tales of toffs in trouble” tells a selection of jaw-dropping true stories of shenanigans in high places, from the Tudor period right up to the modern age.
Few readers will fail to be impressed by the sheer variety of ways in which the upper classes of the county have contrived over the centuries to behave badly, and usually to get away with it. Available on Amazon.co.uk at £10.99
“1066: Oxfordshire and the Norman Conquest – why it all started and finished in our county” is an entertaining romp through the events of the Norman Conquest in Oxfordshire. From Edward the Confessor’s birth in Islip through to the formal surrender in Wallingford after the Battle of Hastings, modern Oxfordshire provided the backdrop to major events that shaped the destiny of the whole nation. Available on Amazon.co.uk at £8.49
Julie Ann Godson studied modern history at the University of Oxford and worked for twenty years in publishing and design. She now lives in a country village near Oxford and makes regular appearances talking about her research. Her first book, The Water Gypsy: how a Thames fishergirl became a viscountess, was published in 2014, and tells the Cinderella story of a humble village girl who married an Anglo-Irish aristocrat in 1766. Some readers may remember Julie Ann’s entertaining talk on the subject at the Barns Centre in May of this year. See www.julieanngodson.com
Julie will be back at the Barns Centre next autumn.
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And there was light! Phew!
HUNDREDS of families turned out in the cold and, at times very damp air on Friday (01/12), for the big, Thame Christmas Event with its switching-on-of-the-Christmas lights grand finale.
As little Ellen Sweet pushed the magic plunger with the help of her dad, Andrew and the Mayor Thame, Tom Wyse, at just after 7pm, a huge sigh of relief went round from all concerned. An emergency repair and replacement of some of the lights by a lighting engineer had to carried out earlier, after vandals snipped wires on the tree lights over-night on Wednesday.
Ellen Sweet, who won the Snowflake search, gets ready to press the magic plunger! A camera has now been installed by a public-spirited businessman in the area to monitor the tree 24 hours a day and the police CCTV operators are monitoring the area regularly.
LINK HERE for some of the best moments captured from the big, Thame Christmas Event, including the ever-popular Crêpe ladies from Montesson, Thame’s twin town in France.
