Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Deadline extended for Young Entrepreneurs Competition with £500 top prize

    A brand new Young Entrepreneurs Competition, launched on September 19 as part of Small Business Saturday, invited entries from anyone in Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire under 30 years-old, with a new business idea.

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    The closing date for entries was last Friday, November 4. Now, the competition organisers have extended the closing date to Friday, November 18 to allow more time for late entries to come in following the half term holidays.

    Even if you haven’t thought about entering the competition before, there is still time to send in your idea by the new deadline of November 18. A great first prize is up for grabs of £500 cash, plus business mentoring, as well as free business advice for two runners-up.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1All entrants have to do is describe their idea on up to two pages of A4 paper and submit it to sbsthame@gmail.com.

    Entries can be made by individuals or teams of up to three. There is no lower age limit and the competition is open to all under 30, whether student, employed, or looking for a job. A panel of judges, including the Mayor of Thame, Cllr Linda Emery, entrepreneurs, marketing and business advisers will choose the finalists.

    The finalists will pitch to the judges on Small Business Saturday, in Thame, on December 3, and three winners announced on the day. All finalists can attend a free coaching workshop, run by Semaphora, who are specialists in helping people achieve their goals.

    For more information and to download a competition entry form go to smallbizthame.uk

    Small Business Saturday  is an annual campaign that puts small independent businesses across the country in the national spotlight, with the message ‘Small Business, Big Difference.’ In Thame, this year’s event on December 3, will include a variety of speakers and workshops on themes relevant to small businesses, as well as retailer displays and a Christmas shop window competition.

  • Thame man finds burglars in his home

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a flat in Thame. The occupant of the flat in Lee Court had returned to his flat to find two men inside. They left without saying anything and were carrying tools.

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    Subsequently he discovered a large quantity of cash had been stolen. The incident took place between 10am and 4pm last Thursday, November 3.

    The first offender is described as black and wearing a grey hooded jumper, dark trousers and white trainers. The second offender was white and wearing a light blue, hooded jacket, blue/purple trousers and black trainers. They were driving a dark grey Audi A3 with tinted rear passenger windows.

    Investigating officer, Det Sgt Frankie Jarvis of Abingdon Local CID, said: “We believe this incident is linked to another burglary from the same day at Moorend Lane in Thame. I would like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Thame area at this time.”

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1“Anyone who recognises the description of the men or their vehicle should get in touch with the Thames Valley enquiry centre on 101.”

    If you do not want to speak to the police directly, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • Five Thame cars broken into in two days!

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a number of thefts from Vehicles in the Thame area.

    Image for illustrative purposes only
    Image for illustrative purposes only

    Between 8am on Saturday (5/11) and 8am on Monday (7/11) unknown offenders broke into a vehicle on Queens Road, Thame and stole tools.
    Between 00.25am on Monday (7/11) and 00.44am today (8/11) unknown offenders broke into a van parked on Sedgemoor Drive, Thame and stole a hedge trimmer. A witness saw three men drive off in a 2003 silver Ford Focus from the scene.
    Between 8.30pm on Monday (7/11) and 6.48am today (8/11)) unknown offenders broke into a vehicle on Onslow Drive, Thame by smashing a window. Nothing was taken.
    Between 10pm on Monday (7/11) and 6.18am today (8/11) unknown offenders have broken into a van on Cavendish Walk, Thame. It is not yet known what was taken.

    If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in these areas or have any information relating to this message please call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101. Please remember to remove valuables from your vehicles if possible.

    Alternatively, if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online by visiting www.crimestoppers-org.uk. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • Burglary in Lee Court – police appeal

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Thame, Oxfordshire

    On 03.11.16 at approximately 13:00 a property in Lee Court was burgled. Entry was gained through the front door.

    Money was stolen.

    If you have seen any suspicious looking vehicles or people in the area or have any information relating to this message, please call the police via the 24 hour non- emergency telephone number 101.

    Alternatively, if you have any information but wish to remain anonymous, please call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online @ crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • Serial distraction burglar jailed

    David Kerrigan, also known as David Brown
    David Kerrigan, also known as David Brown

    A distraction burglar who preyed on elderly women, including a 101 year-old from Thame, has been sentenced at Harrow Crown Court.

    David Kerrigan, also known as David Brown, aged 36, from Wellow Road, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to seven offences across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Thames Valley. All of the offences happened between June and July this year (2016).

    Kerrigan’s tactics included telling victims that he was carrying out security checks following a spate of robberies and thefts. He asked victims where their valuables were so he could check them, before making off with jewellery and cash. On other occassions he said that a neighbour had problems with their water and that he needed to come in and check the valves on the radiators. He made the victim clear out the cupboards under the sink and turn on the taps while he walked around the property.

    On June 10, a 90-year-old woman was targeted at her home in Luton, Bedfordshire, where she woke to find Kerrigan in her bedroom. After he left, she found her flat had been ransacked and cash and jewellery had been taken.

    The burglary series was investigated by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Manhunt unit and a search for Kerrigan was launched. An appeal to trace him was also featured on BBC’s Crimewatch programme in September. He was later arrested in Nottingham on September 21.

    Detective Constable Sam Casey, from Operation Manhunt, said: “David Kerrigan preyed on elderly, vulnerable women in their own homes and his despicable actions have had a devastating effect on his victims and their families. Sadly, one of his victims has since passed away and was never able to recover from her ordeal.

    “I hope today’s sentence can at least provide some small comfort to everyone who has been affected by Kerrigan’s callous behaviour.

    “The majority of the jewellery stolen from victims has not yet been recovered and I am appealing for any jewellers or pawn shops that may have been sold items by David Kerrigan to please get in touch on the non-emergency number 101.”

  • Patio door smashed in Thame burglary

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a burglary in Moor End Lane, Thame.

     

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    It is believed that on Thursday, November 3, between 11am and 4pm, an offender or offenders gained entry to the property by smashing through a rear patio door. Once inside they carried out an untidy search of the property leaving personal possessions and clothing strewn around before leaving through the same door with stolen jewellery and camera equipment

    The investigating officer PC Christopher Gibson of Abingdon, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who was around Moorend Lane on Thursday (03/11) who may have witnessed the incident.

    “Anyone who has any information of the incident should get in touch via the Thames Valley enquiry centre on 101”

    If you do not want to speak to the police directly you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • Don’t miss the Small Business Saturday bus!

    THE Small Business Saturday promotional tour bus is travelling through the UK and visits Thame on Monday, November 14, as part of its nation-wde journey from Aberdeen to Bournemouth on November 25.

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    Using the theme Small Business, Big Difference, the bus tour aims to promote Small Business Saturday, the annual campaign that puts small, independent businesses in communities across the country in the national spotlight, to both consumers and small business owners around the UK.

    During its visit to Thame the tour bus will be stationed next to Thame Town Hall from 2 pm until 4 pm. The Mayor of Thame, Cllr Linda Emery, will welcome people on board, where there will be free workshops and business advice for anyone who wants it. Business and financial advisers will be on hand from NatWest Bank, Thames Valley Business Advisers and others, as well as experts on sales and marketing, social media, and how to improve your presence on Google.

    Local food, beer and fitness challenge

    There will also be opportunities to sample local artisan food and drink, including sausage rolls, charcuterie, cheeses and other products from the Egg House Charcuterie and the Deli at No 5, in Buttermarket, Thame, with canapes by Katie Ryder-Richardson Catering. Ben Smith of Concha Y Toro will be holding tastings and talking about Chilean wines, while XT Brewery will be offering samples of craft beers. As a counter to all the food and drink, local fitness centre Racquets will be staging a rowing challenge.

    Tom Flynn, Project Manager for the Small Business Saturday Tour Bus campaign said: “Small Business Saturday is not just a campaign to raise awareness of our diverse and innovative small business sector, but also a way in which small businesses who embrace it can make use of the campaign and get tangible benefits from it. The bus tour is a very visible way for us to meet small businesses around the UK and show them how they can become involved as well as drumming up consumer interest, support and enthusiasm.”

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1More information on the Small Business Saturday Bus Tour can be found at https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/#bus-tour, also on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page and Twitter feed @SmallBizSatUk

    For more information about Small Business Saturday on December 3, in Thame, go to https://www.facebook.com/Thame.Smallbiz2016

  • Expert Judges Swoop On Thame

    THAME is on full alert this morning as a crack team of expert judges find out what makes its High Street so special and a contender to win the Great British High Street Competition 2016.

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    A visiting judge from Holland & Barrett, sponsors of the small market town category, and an official from the DCLG (Department of Communities and Local Government), will have a 50% say on who wins the title of Best Small Market Town high street in Great Britain. The other 50% is taken up by public voting already over 100,000 votes have been cast. The winners will get a share of a prize pot worth £100,000 and expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to boost their social media skills.

    Helen Johns, of Thame’s High Street bid team, said: “As proud winners of a Rising Star award in the Great British High Street Competition 2015, Thame couldn’t resist entering again this year, our sights firmly set on becoming champions in the small market towns category.

    “Now we’ve heard, not just that Thame is a finalist, but that Thame’s Chris Hurdman is a finalist in the high street heroes market trader category. So we’re pulling out all the stops to wow the judges – Chris has even taken to writing poetry to describe our beautiful town.

    “We’re asking every resident, every business and every shop to vote for Thame and for Chris once every day until the voting period ends on November 18. We will be rooting for a double victory, confirming Thame as a vibrant destination, from its historic foundations to its ambitious vision for the future.”

    The twenty-seven finalists in the nine categories for places were announced on October 18. In the small market town category, Thame is competing against county rival Chipping Norton and Hebden Bridge in Calderdale.

    How the voting works

    The public can vote directly for their best-loved high street online. Between now and November 18, you can cast your vote for Thame for free via vote4thame.uk and for Chris via vote4chris.uk.

    During the voting period, individuals may place one vote per day, per email address in each category, which will be registered through the GBHS website using their email addresses.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1For more information and to vote for Thame High Street or for Chris Hurdman, visit the Great British High Street website http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk

    Peter Aldis, Chief Executive Officer of Holland & Barrett International said: “We are proud to be supporting this celebration of the greatest that the British high street has to offer. Looking at the finalists, it’s going to be a tough competition, but I’m excited to see examples of the innovation and community spirit that make our British high streets the institutions they are today.”

    The Great British High Street Competition 2016 celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets. It is one of a number of initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community. This year’s competition saw a record 900 entries across all 14 categories, including the new categories for individuals and shops.

    The Great British High Street competition is run by the Department for Communities and Local Government and sponsored by British Land, the Post Office, Holland & Barrett, Boots UK, Google UK, Marks & Spencer, Wilko, Revo and Ellandi.

  • Matt Edwards returns to Thame’s top monthly music event

    NOVEMBER’S First Thursday Music Club event taking place at The Stables in Thame TONIGHT, November 3, will feature Matt Edwards, an original songwriter/vocalist and guitarist.

    Matt Edwards
    Matt Edwards

    Matt writes powerful, personal songs mixing influences from blues, rock, grunge, jazz and funk. In 2015 Matt released his second album ‘Four Berry Jam’ and has received great reviews.

    Matt has been headlining his own shows with his three piece live band throughout the UK for the last three years, performing at venues and festivals such as The 100 Club, Half Moon Putney, Cropredy Fringe, Blues Bar Café, The Bear Club, Reivers Rock and Blues Festival and many more. He has also supported some great artists such as Chantel McGregor, RavenEye and Buddy Whittington.

    After touring the UK throughout 2015/2016, Matt is currently writing and preparing for his third solo album due to be released in 2017.

    In Addition to Matt Edwards, Beth Thornton, Paul & Martin and 2am Blue are scheduled to be playing during the evening.

    As has been the case since the launch of The First Thursday Music Club over six years ago, the club still offers the opportunity for artists to play live in front of a warm and appreciative audience, maintaining the “Open Mic” section of the evening where slots will always be available in the first hour on a “first come, first served” basis with player sign-up starting at 7.30. The club has a full house PA system with keyboard, bass amp, guitar amp and jazz drum kit (bring breakables!) all set up on stage and ready to go. Another eclectic evening is guaranteed and entrance, as always, is FREE to all!

    Matt Edwards Links: www.mattedwardsmusic.com      https://www.facebook.com/mattedwardsmusic/

  • Meet your local neighbourhood policing team

    THE following Have Your Say meetings are being held in your Neighbourhood:
    Tuesday, 8 November, 2pm – 3pm at Thame
    Wednesday, 9 November, 11am – midday at Wheatley Police Office
    Tuesday, 15 November, midday – 1pm at Watlington Parish Council Office
    Friday, 18 November, 6pm – 7pm at Chinnor Community Pavilion
    Saturday, 19 November 11am – midday at Wheatley Police Office
    Tuesday, 22 November 2pm – 3pm at Thame Library

    Please come along; this is your opportunity to speak with your neighbourhood officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have.

    Please be aware that these meetings can occasionally be cancelled due to officers being called to urgent operational commitments at short notice. We will try and alert you to any cancellations but unfortunately this is not always possible.

    If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your neighbourhood officers, please call 101