Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • NHS wants your views on ‘community health hubs’

    Staff at Thame Community Hospital (Library picture)
    Staff at Thame Community Hospital (Library picture)

    BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Healthcare NHS Trust which runs Thame Community Hospital and associated services, is to hold a series of public sessions to explore with patients, carers and local communities how the NHS can develop healthcare hubs that will better meet and support people’s needs.

    The sessions, which will include a presentation from a clinician and small round table discussions, aim to look at how the Trust can develop care services provided in the community. It also hopes to look at how the Trust can work more closely with other health and care providers, as well as voluntary organisations, to support care closer to people’s own homes.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1This is a great opportunity to help shape plans for community care in the future. Anyone with an interest in their local NHS can get involved. The Thame sessions will take place on April 7, in the evening.

    Contact Dee Irvin on dee.irvin@buckshealthcare.nhs.uk or 01494 734149 to book your place and for further details.

    You can also get involved online and details will be provided at:www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/communityhubs.

  • Ladies only squash morning – a game for all ages and abilities

    FOLLOWING the successful Active Women campaign over Christmas and the New Year when the SODC campaign encouraged 30 ladies to come back to fitness after long breaks – usually related to starting a family – Racquets Fitness Centre is launching a Ladies only squash morning with coaching, training and playing.

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    Squash coach at Racquets, Sue Martin Downhill, explained: “Four of the 30 ladies who joined the club during the last Active Women campaign have taken up squash as their sport and their fitness regime of choice.

    “We’d now like to get the other 26 ladies onto the court just to try it out. Fitness from squash can be gained in only 40 minutes of exercise playing against another person of the same ability. Squash can be played whenever you wish – to fit in with your own lifestyle – from 6.30am in the morning until 9.30pm at night.

    “It’s indoors – so it is never rained off!”

    Sue added: “When you book to play someone else you are committed to turning up – so there is no easy get out of doing your exercise for that day!”

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1South Oxfordshire District Council and Racquets Fitness Centre are launching this second Active Women campaign starting on April 1, and running through to September.

    The sessions can be used for any of Racquets’ classes on the timetable which includes the Ladies only squash morning starting April 13, 2016.

    Call 01844 261754 to find out more or email info@racquets-fitness-centre.com

  • I Can’t Believe It’s Not Buddy !

    BUDDY Holly and The Crickets will be brought back to life, as they looked and sounded in 1958 when they first toured the UK, at Thame’s Players Theatre, when Spencer J and the Copy-Cat Crickets will create the feel of a Rock ‘n’ Roll concert, straight from the ‘fifties.

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    The band will take you back to the age when a young Texan first played his heart out to screaming crowds in theatres and concert halls across Great Britain. At every performance, audiences clap, cheer and sing along. They dance, yell for encores and ask for photographs. And at the end of every show, the question is always: “When are you coming back?”

    Song choices are based on Buddy Holly’s late-fifties performances. Besides legendary hits like Peggy Sue, That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy and Heartbeat, other gems from his catalogue are also featured, as well as hits by the other Kings of Rock ‘n’ Roll, all of which Buddy actually performed with at live shows (La Bamba, Blue Suede Shoes, Rip It Up, Shake Rattle & Roll).

    In terms of energy, originality and ability to connect with an audience, Spencer, JJ, Gerry and Spencer succeed in re-creating The Crickets’ special brand of “feel-good fifties fun”. And whenever they are on stage, fans everywhere agree that, once again, Buddy Holly lives!

    Sunday, April 3, at 7.45pm – Thame Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame.

    Tickets cost £12 from Spear Travels, 01844 217228 or online from www.thameplayers.co.uk

  • Williams brothers work wonders at Welsh Nationals

    THAME swimmers, Ben and Josh Williams, fore-went any chocolate treats this Easter, instead competing at the closed Level One, Long Course Welsh Nationals swimming meet in Swansea from Friday through to Easter Monday.

    Ben and Josh (left) Williams
    Ben and Josh (left) Williams

    Both boys put in some truly inspiring swims, competing against the Welsh British Nationals Elite squad and holding their heads up high with their achievements.

    In summary, Ben competed in two finals (200 Back & 50 Back) and PB’d in five races, took a number of the Open Club records and achieved a goal of going under 58 seconds for his long course 100 Free.

    Josh PB’d in nine races, went through to six finals (200 Back, 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Free, 50 Back & 50 Fly), gained two further Regional Accepted times (200 Free, 100 Free), a Regional Consideration time for 400 Free and to top it all off, a Bronze medal for his 200 Back … meaning Josh is now part of the elite Thame Swimming Club Nationals medal club.

    Both boys ended the Nationals weekend on a high with both of them swimming sub 30 for the first time in their 50 Fly (29.58 for Ben and 29.64 for Josh)!

  • Emily and Oliver lead the Oxfordshire County charge

    A young brother and sister from Thame, Oliver and Emily Coulcher-Porter, aged 10 and 8, will be representing Oxfordshire in Regional and UK Under 11s, Squash inter-county tournaments as Number One boy and girl next month.

    Emily and Oliver Coulcher-Porter
    Emily and Oliver Coulcher-Porter

    The two junior Squash players started their squash career at Racquets in Thame, under the watchful eye of coach, Sue Martin-Downhill.

    Still loyal to their club, they have gained further skills from another of the club’s coaches, Will John.

    Sue said that the children are delighted that their hard work is paying off.

    “Emily, ranked 21 in the UK, is the second youngest girl ranked in the UK rankings, she explained. “She is very excited to wear the Oxfordshire colours for the first time. Oliver ranked 20 in the UK rankings is determined to beat some of his rivals in preparation for the GB championships in the Summer.”

    Their mother, Jane, said: “I am so proud of Oliver and Emily’s achievements and their dedication, and I’m very grateful to everyone who has supported them.”

  • Team Carnival needs you!

    THAME’S Carnival is one of the biggest and most popular events in the town’s calendar and as such, it takes a band of willing, resourceful volunteers to make it a success.  Such a big event needs lots of people to help with a variety of tasks – some small and some large.

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    If you would like to help the community on this family fun day, contact the Carnival team at thamecarnival@gmail.com. If you have any questions about the roles – how much time involved, what skills are required etc, the team is there to talk to you.

    1. Road closure marshalls (needed from 11am through to 1pm on 11th June).
    2. Parade organiser (small amount of work before the day and then ensure the floats leave Station Yard and Elms Park in the right order)
    3. Street Party street table manager (we need someone from your street to arrange for the residents of your street to congregate and socialise on your street’s Street Party table ! ) work required for this : put your hand up that you want a table / area for your street – then leaflet drop (we can provide the leaflets) your street to invite them to the Carnival Street Party.

    If anyone would like to meet to discuss any of these or any aspects of the event, contact suedownhill@gmail.com or call her on 07860 328880

  • Thame man jailed after ‘terrifying’ assault on woman

    A THAME man has been sent to prison for 16 months, after going on the rampage in a Thame pub, during which he punched a woman in the head and assaulted several other people who attempted to protect the woman.

    Peter Butler
    Peter Butler

    Peter William Butler, aged 61, of Glenham Road, Thame, pleaded guilty to three charges of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH), and two counts of common assault. A count of Witness Intimidation was dropped at court.

    Butler pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court on February 22, and was sentenced yesterday, Wednesday (23/3). He was also ordered to pay over £1,500 in damages

    At around 12.45am on January 24, Butler walked into the Swan Hotel, Thame, and walked up to a woman in her forties who was known to him, and punched her in the head multiple times. He also punched a 51-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, who are both staff at the pub.

    Butler then attempted to hit the man with a bottle. He then pursued the woman in her forties, pushing her into the men’s toilet, where CCTV footage captured him assaulting her. During the attack, he also assaulted another 25 year-old man, and another 51-year-old man, who were also staff at the pub, as they tried to protect the woman and eject Butler from the premises. Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1

    The woman in her forties received bruising, to her face neck and arms and a head injury.

    Butler was arrested on January 24, and charged the next day.

    Investigating Officer, PC Aaron Walker based at Thame police station, said: “This was a terrifying incident in which the woman was viciously assaulted by Butler.

    “Butler was completely out of control attacking anyone who tried to stop his assault on this defenceless woman.”

    “I would hope that the victim is able to move on from this assault which has left her deeply affected.”

    “I would also like to thank the others who were assaulted for their bravery in trying to protect the victim from the sustained attack by Butler.”

    Peter Butler, who was born in South London, and has lived in the Thame area for over 30 years, described himself as ‘a serial entrepreneur’ and is well known in the town with his mobile coffee franchise van, often seen at local festivals and events. Last May, he stood for election as both a town and a district councillor for UKIP but was not elected.

     

  • Will the Mayor bring good luck to ‘the Scottish play’?

    MacbethPoster1 (348x500)FOLLOWING a recent appeal for actors and Event staff for its next out-door production, Thame Players did have one recruit – the Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon. Although she won’t be Mayor by then, Nichola has volunteered for front of house activities.

    Thame Players will be returning to the stunning setting of The Elms this July, for another outdoor Shakespeare production, following the group’s highly successful production of Much Ado About Nothing in the same setting two years ago. Chris Parker will be directing Shakespeare’s Macbeth, in the 400th anniversary year of Shakespeare’s death, and it promises to be a stunning show.

    CAST OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE

    Chris is still casting parts and there are opportunities for anyone who’d like to be part of what promises to be an iconic Shakespeare production, and he would love to hear from anyone interested in auditioning for a part in Macbeth. Call him as soon as possible on 07831 696849 or at chrisparker02@gmail.com.

    NOT JUST THE SHOW

    As those who came to Much Ado About Nothing at The Elms two years ago will remember, the event was made even more special because everyone could enjoy a picnic or buy food and drink in the grounds of The Elms, both before the show and in the interval. This was very popular and there will again be a bar and catering facilities. You will be able to buy drinks at the bar, and bring your own picnic or you can pre-order a picnic from Kirsty’s Kitchen, who will be providing a food service throughout. Kirsty and her team will have a wide choice of sausage rolls, quiches, salads etc as well as providing a packed picnic service. They will also provide tea and coffee. More details on this nearer the time, but start inviting friends and family now!

    VOLUNTEER (and follow the Mayor’s lead!)

    nichola_dixonTo make sure Macbeth is the huge success, lots of volunteers are needed to ensure that it runs smoothly from the moment it opens until the last show ends on the Saturday night. Volunteers are needed for any (or all) of five evening performances and one Saturday matinee performance from Tuesday, July 5 – Saturday, July 9, inclusive.

    So whether you have just one evening, more than one evening, or Saturday afternoon available, please mark your diary now as Thame Players’ open-air Shakespeare volunteer day!

    If you can help – or you know somebody who can – please get in touch with the Macbeth team on 07938 857291 at thameplayers@gmail.com as soon as possible. These are the main roles –

    • Lighting and sound technicians and back stage support

    • Front of house – serving at the bar, selling programmes, manning the box office and checking tickets, guiding the public around the grounds, signposting to seating and other facilities on site, serving guests in the sponsors’ tent … and more besides!

    • First aiders – council regulations stipulate that two qualified first aiders are needed on site. Our previous first aiders are unable to help us this year, so we urgently need new volunteers

    • To help Mackbeth to be a sell-out event, can you help with promoting the show in Thame and elsewhere, through your group or association or just delivering leaflets?

    If you, your family, friends or work colleagues can help in any way with any of these important roles, please get in touch as soon as possible – either by email thameplayers@gmail.com or phone 07938 857291.

  • District Council calls for more housing sites

    affordable_housing

    SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council is updating its Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) and is inviting landowners to submit potential development sites for them to consider for its emerging Local Plan 2031. The new plan will also allocate employment land and land for gypsy and traveller pitches.

    The timetable for the emerging Local Plan 2031 is to consult on preferred options in June 2016, and have a submission version published by the end of 2016. As the updated SHLAA will also include land for employment uses it will be referred to as a Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment (HELAA).

    Anyone who knows of a new site within South Oxfordshire’s boundary that they think could be developed for housing, employment uses or for gypsy or traveller use in the period up to 2031, and which is not currently included within previous land availability assessments, is invited to contact the council.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1

    Sites that are included in the existing SHLAA, last updated in 2013, and sites that have been submitted since then do not need to be resubmitted as they will be included in the updated assessment. But any additional or new information about a site that has already been submitted can be notified to the council.

    If you would like to submit a new site for consideration it must be:

    • Located in South Oxfordshire District Council’s administrative boundary (see map)

    • Able to accommodate five or more dwellings; one gypsy or traveller pitch; or 0.25ha (500sqm) of land for employment use

    • Submitted using the Call for Sites Form

    • Accompanied with an appropriately scaled OS map showing the boundaries of the site

    Anyone with a site to be considered should email planning.policy@southoxon.gov.uk or post to Planning Policy, South Oxfordshire District Council, 135 Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, OX14 4SB

    This call for sites will close at 5pm on 29 April 2016 so make sure your submission reaches SODC by this deadline to be considered in the updated HELAA.

  • Second Thame high street business broken into

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a second burglary at businesses premises in Thame, last week. SEE LINK

     

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    Between 5.30pm on Thursday (17/3) and 8.30am on Friday (18/3), The Print Shop in Swan Walk was broken into. Offenders forced open the front door to gain entry and stole a cash register and laptop computer were stolen.

    Between 6pm the previous evening, Wednesday (16/3) and 8.37am on Thursday (17/3), an Estate Agents in Upper High Street was broken into.  Offenders smashed a rear window to gain entry.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Anyone with any information relating to these incidents, please call PC Dale Rogers at Thame police station via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.