Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • ‘Flood Alert’ for River Thame

    A flood alert has this evening been issued by The Environment Agency, for the River Thame, which has continued to rise at Thame Bridge and Dorchester and is expected to continue to rise overnight.

    Flooded car park at CPM, Thame, during the height of the floods in Thame in Feb. 2014
    Flooded car park at CPM, Thame, during the height of the floods in Thame in Feb. 2014

    Flood water may flow out into some low lying areas, warns the agency, but no property flooding is expected.  The weather forecast is for further rain over the next few days. LINK HERE

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1A ‘Flood Alert’ means that flooding is possible and so, ‘be prepared’.

    To see a map covering the area of this warning, and for more information, visit: https://flood-warning-information.service

  • UPDATE: Just HOURS left to vote for Thame Market

    THAME market is in line for a Market of the Year Award, and there are only 10 days left for voting in this National competition!

    Chris Hurdman, Secretary of Thame Market Traders Cooperative
    Chris Hurdman, Secretary of Thame Market Traders Cooperative

    The market has been nominated for the prestigious Small Market of the Year Award (a market with less than 50 stalls). Chris Hurdman, who is Secretary of the Thame Market Traders Cooperative, said: ” There is no doubt in my mind that Thame Market is the Best Small Outdoor Market in the country. With innovations such as the Community Day and the Community and Producers stalls, I think we have a great chance of winning.

    Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon with Thame Day Centre's community stall
    Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon with Thame Day Centre’s community stall

    “The support we receive from the community every week proves to us that Thame Market is loved and valued by the community it serves. Having traded on all of Oxfordshires and many other markets over the last 30 years, I am always humbled and proud of the support of the local community in and around Thame for THIER market.’’

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Thame Market has been an industry leader for many years being the first trader operated market in the country with innovations such as the yearly Community Day, free stalls for community groups and its very own producers stall. This year Thame Market Traders Cooperative, in partnership with Bucks recycling, reached its goal of recycling an impressive 98% of all waste generated on the market.

    Simply go to www.nabma.com/britainsfavouritemarket/ and vote for Thame Market.

    Previously on Thame.Net

  • Christmas lunch, a sing-along & topical jokes – a recipe for festive fun

    THE Thame and District Day Centre will be celebrating 30 years in Thame in 2016, and to celebrate, will be producing a special recipe book.

    xmas_tie_day_centre_xmas2015 (400x296)

    One of the Day Centre’s trustees, Alison Champken Woods, announced plans for the anniversary celebrations at the Centre’s annual Christmas lunch last Wednesday (16/12) at The Oxfordshire, and asked that anyone who would like to submit a recipe to be included in the book, should call the Centre Manager, Gill Coleman or email her at: gill.coleman@thameanddistrictdaycentre.co.uk

     

    jingle_jumper_day_centre_xmas2015 (345x400)

    Over 60 Day Centre members, the Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon, volunteers and supporters enjoyed a three course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, and were joyously entertained by Ian English of Thame Pop Choir, and Boodlum Band fame, with comic songs, impersonations of Tom Jones and Ken Bruce, and a lot of locally themed jokes that had everyone chuckling in their seats.

    Organisers_guests_day_centre_xmas2015 (500x335)

    The best joke of the afternoon has to be his revelation that Atalay’s kebab van has got a Michelin – two Goodyear and a Dunlop! And it was noticeable how the musical tastes of our elder citizens are changing; no longer will a rendition of ‘Daisy, daisy’ or Vera Lynn classics dominate a seasonal sing-song. These days it’s Jim Reeves, Buddy Hollie, The Carpenters and Tom Jones that most of the guests can be seen cheerfully singing along to, and re-living memories of their younger days.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Gill Coleman, the Day Centre’s Manager, thanked the Trustees for all the hard work they do in the background, and, as she put it, ‘for keeping us open!’ and thanked her Deputy, Stephanie and the Members themselves for making their jobs so worthwhile, and finally, she paid tribute to the hospital staff for their help and advice, of which, concluded Gill, the centre could not do without.

    The Centre re-opens on Tuesday, January 5th.

  • Gas alley to be temporarily closed

    THE footpath between Wellington Street and East Street, in Thame, known as Gas Alley, is to be closed for underground cabling works months. Here are the official details:

    gas_alley_cropped

    Footpath closure
    Date of Order: 11 January 2016
    Coming into force: 18 January 2016
    This Order is been made to enable underground cabling works to take place in Gas Alley, Thame which is anticipated to take 10 days to complete. The effect of the order is to temporarily prohibit use of the footpath.

    Appropriate traffic signs are in place to indicate the measures are in force. Exemptions are included for emergency services and the works. The alternative route is via East Street and Wellington Street.

    This Order will remain in force for a maximum period of 6 months or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner.

    Traffic Regulations Team (Ref ACP/T3013) on behalf of the
    Director for Environment & Economy, Speedwell House, Oxford
    OX1 1NE. 0845 310 1111

  • Fire crews currently tackling huge fire at scrap yard

    View across the fields towards the fire at Brill scrapyard - image courtesy of Mark Shipperley
    View across the fields towards the fire at Brill scrapyard – image courtesy of Mark Shipperley

    THE Oxford Road through Oakley , near Thame, is currently closed to traffic while a 200m cordon is in operation around a large fire at a scrap yard in the area. The fire started just before 8am this morning (22/12).

    Acetylene gas cylinders on the site are making for a very dangerous situation as fire crews from Aylesbury, Wycombe, Waddesdon and Thame are currently using a CAFS jet, a ground monitor and a main jet to prevent the fire spreading across the site.

    Residents close to the site are being advised to stay inside with windows closed and drivers who have to drive through the smoke, are advised to turn off their aircon and vents closed.

    Mark Shipperley’s video of the scene can be viewed on facebook here: LINK HERE

    More information and advice from Bucks Fire & Rescue HERE

  • Thame Remembers project inspires delivery of cross in Bahrain

    Joseph Castle
    Joseph Castle

    A plaque on the wall in St Mary’s Church, Thame, commemorates Warrant Officer Joseph Arthur Castle, who died in 1957 whilst serving in the Cyprus Conflict, and on Sunday morning (December 20) a cross was placed at his grave on behalf of the Thame Remembers project, by Ann & Adrian Dite from Thame.

    The original plan had been to deliver a wreath at the Cyprus Memorial in Kyrenia but, with a little more research, Thame Remembers found Joe’s grave is in the Old Christian Cemetery in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.

    News spread through the ex-pat community in Bahrain when Gulf Weekly magazine ran a superb two page spread about Thame Remembers and the impending cross delivery, perhaps partly inspired by the editor’s early career as a reporter in Thame. Local media also featured the story which was somehow seen by Joe’s nephew, currently living in Australia, who made contact with the project and has helped with more background information and a photograph.

  • Chinnor beaten by Redingensians for the first time

    IN a dramatically oscillating 80 point match, Redingensians recorded their first ever win at Chinnor on Saturday (Dec 19) with a 41-39 victory.

    jumping_readingenians

    The first half was even with both sides scoring three tries, with never more than two points separating the tries. Chinnor’s came from Townsend, Vandermolen and Heath. Redingensians scored through McDermottroe (2) and Foxley to go in 22-21 up at half time. Goodfellow will rue a sacrificed try in the 23rd minute that would have won Chinnor the match. After a series of rucks in the Rams 22, Goodfellow dummied to coast over under the sticks. Unfortunately, as he crossed the line unopposed at a walk, his hand caught the post protector and he dropped the ball.

    Redingensians, playing a pacey game with great offloading throughout, piled on the pressure and tries came at regular intervals through Vooght, Stapley and Henderson. Chinnor’s solitary contribution came from a Manning try. With 74 minutes played, Redingensians led 41-31 with six tries in the bag and the match was coasting to an inevitable conclusion. Chinnor then squandered two chances and so, with time running out, opted to kick a penalty in an attempt to gain a losing bonus point. Hopkin’s success brought the score to 34-41 to the visitors. Determinedly, Chinnor then went into overdrive and scored another try in the 80th minute through Townsend. Hopkin’s conversion went wide but the referee ordered it taken again for early running from the visitors. Hopkin tried again but it shaved the wrong side of the post for a two point victory to Redingensians

    This match, hugely entertaining for the large Christmas crowd, was frustrating for the home side who could never just catch the visitors, whose pacey, offloading game contributed much to the spectacle. But for a post protector, Chinnor may have been celebrating a happier Christmas.
    Teams

    Chinnor
    Oscar Heath, Marcus Beer, Jack Adams, Junior Fatialofa, Jake Olley. Bertie Hopkin, Greg Goodfellow, Andy Berry, Jamie Townsend, Jay Tyack, Darren Oliver, Tom Burns, Ben Manning, James Tyas (c), Joe Vandermolen

    Interchanges: Andy Darlington, Mike Owen, Andy Tibbatts, Frank Jones, Salva Lloret

    Redingensians
    Joe Duffelen, Olly Foxley, Steve Bryant, Dan Barnes (c), Sean McDermottroe, Luke Flower, Jack Hill, Matt Weller, Ben Henderson, James Baker, Ollie Taylor, Kacper Kruzycki, Samir Kharbouch, Tom Vooght, Robbie Stapley

    Interchanges: Ollie Smith, Jake Knowles, James Smith, Andy Amor, George Drury

    Scorers

    Chinnor
    Tries (time): Townsend (9, 80), Vandermolen (14), Heath (37, 52), Manning (74)
    Conversions (time): Hopkin (10, 15, 39)
    Penalty Goals (time): Hopkin (79)

    Redingensians
    Tries (time): McDermottroe (5, 19), Foxley (29), Vooght (43), Stapley (60), Henderson (66)
    Conversions (time): Flower (20, 29, 44, 61)
    Penalty Goals (time): Flower (11)

    Referee: Luke Haskins
    Attendance: 515
    Half time score: 21-22
    Full time score: 39-41

  • Great Gala finish to the swimming year for Thame

    AS the year draws to a close, a fabulous squad of nine Thame Swimming Club swimmers dug deep and mustered every inch of their energy and competitive spirit to compete at the Winter Short Course Level Two Meet at Hillingdon over the weekend of December 19/20. What an amazing weekend it was too and a great way to end the gala season for 2015.

    December_swimmers

    As ever, the squad was under the guidance of Ian Blyth who was thrilled with the performances, especially as every swimmer put 110% effort into each race resulting in strong PBs across the board.

    Some notable mentions:

    – Hallam Cozier for joining the sub-minute crew for 100 Free (and very almost going 58 seconds)!

    – Ben Williams for the very first time going sub 30 seconds for his 50 Backstroke (Regional Consideration time tbc) and
    sub 2 minutes for his 200 Free, earning a place in the Open Final.

    – Josh Williams for achieving a Regional Accepted Time for his 50 Backstroke (tbc) and PB’ing twice in his 400 Free J

    – Rory Pridmore for being awarded a Spot Prize for his 400 Free, being singled out by the host club’s coach for such a good
    PB.

    – Marcus Birmingham for achieving a Regional Consideration time (tbc) for his 200 Free.

    So, well done to Marcus Birmingham, Harry Block, Hallam Cozier, Elizabeth Humphreys, James Newton, Rory Pridmore, Ella Simms, Ben Williams and Josh Williams for representing the Club at this gala (and to their parents for giving up the last weekend before Christmas too)!

    Wishing you all very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Helen Williams

  • UPDATED: Driver who killed Thame teenager, and who ran cannabis farm is sentenced

    Guilty - again; Sammy Edwards,
    Sam Edwards – Guilty – again! Pictured back in 2009

    LATEST: Sam Edwards has since been given a prison sentence of  seven-and-a-half years, and  his father Terry to seven years in jail.

    A MAN imprisoned for causing the death of a young Thame man in a car crash five years ago, has been found guilty with two others, of running a cannabis farm.

    Sam Edwards, 32, and his father,Terry Edwards, 68, both of Marsh, near Aylesbury, along with Luke Henney, 31, of Cotswold Green, Aylesbury, were found guilty of producing cannabis after a nine day trial at Aylesbury Crown Court sitting at Amersham on Wednesday, November 18.

    Terry and Sam Edwards were also found guilty of and using electricity without authority, having by-passed a meter in the building to steal electricity to power lights for the growing of cannabis plants. All three have been remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced on December 18.

    Greg Stiles
    The late Greg Stiles of Thame

    Back in 2010 Sam Edwards was jailed for five years for causing the death by dangerous driving of 18-year-old Greg Stiles, from Thame, when he overtook a line of three cars in his father’s BMWX5 in Kingsey, causing the teenager to swerve into the path of another vehicle with fatal results. (More here LINK)

    Six years earlier he had been jailed for dangerous driving and using an iron bar on a motorcyclist.

    Investigating officer in this latest case, Det Con Chris Hatton from Force CID at High Wycombe police station, said: “This has been a long protracted investigation and I am pleased with the jury’s verdict. The cannabis factory that police discovered at their home in Marsh was a large commercial set-up, and not only were they manufacturing illegal drugs, they were also stealing electricity in order to do so. Following the sentencing, a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is due to take place.

    “Thames Valley Police will not tolerate the supply and use of illegal drugs in our communities. We know the devastating impact that drugs can have on individuals and the wider community and we will do everything in our power to crackdown on operations such as this one.”

    SOURCE: getbucks.co.uk

  • Thame’s ‘famous’ kebabs yet to be beaten

    ATALAY’S kebabs, to be found most evenings in Thame’s Upper High Street, are yet to be beaten, according to a Thame food blogger, Dominic Stanway- Williams, although the tastes of South East Asia have provided ample distraction for him!

    Dominic Stanway-Williams
    Dominic Stanway-Williams

    As Christmas approaches food blogger Dominic concedes that even after sampling a number of kebabs on the road, Atalay’s podium of splendor remains as high as it ever was. He has however found the next best thing after taking up work in a Turkish restaurant on the small tropical island of Koh Rong in Cambodia where he hopes to further build on his culinary ability, whilst enjoying a sun-scorched Christmas.

    His food blog is now fully up and running flush with three posts for you to get your teeth into: a digest of the last three months which have seen him waltz his way through half of mainland South East Asia, tasting Thai delicacies, planting rice and learning about permaculutre from a buddhist monk. You can find these posts on his website: www.ontheflavourtrail.com

    Dominic is also keeping a rolling, visual diary via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theflavourtrail/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theflavourtrail/?ref=hl both of which will soon be overflowing with snaps of tasty Turkish tucker and other grub from the kitchen.

    With another 9-10 months of travel proposed and a wealth of countries yet to explore, there is plenty more to come so keep your eyes peeled.

    Dominic would like to wish all Thame residents plenty of Christmas cheer and hopes the pubs his misses dearly are packed to the rafters on the evening of the 24th.

    PREVIOUSLY ON Thame.net: SEE LINK