Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • New scheme aims to help domestic abuse victims

    A new scheme to improve services to victims of domestic abuse, has been rolled out across Oxfordshire and Berkshire today, December 15.

    Thames Valley Police, Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and victim agencies will work together to ensure cases of domestic abuse in Oxford, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White House, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire, Slough, Reading, Windsor and Maidenhead and Wokingham are processed more quickly than they are currently.

    Image courtesy of http://domesticviolenceactivesupport.com/
    Image courtesy of http://domesticviolenceactivesupport.com/

    In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: “Domestic abuse is a serious crime, so it is important that the time it takes to get cases to trial is kept as short as possible. The overall aim of the scheme is to improve the outcome at court for victims of domestic violence and speedier justice for those accused of such.”

    Under the scheme, all domestic abuse cases will be listed for a first hearing at the local Specialist Domestic Violence Court. This hearing will be within 14 days from the date the suspect was charged. For cases which go on to trial, the aim will be to list for trial within two to three weeks of the first hearing rather than the current six to eight weeks.

    Superintendent Rory Freeman, Head of TVP Criminal Justice, speaking on behalf of all the criminal justice agencies involved in the scheme said: “The evaluation of the pilot in Buckinghamshire, which launched last December, has proven it to be very successful. The enhanced file at the first hearing ensures that more guilty pleas are secured, meaning fewer cases are adjourned for trial. If we process cases more quickly, we do not risk victim disengagement and are able to bring more offenders to justice.

    “It is anticipated that we will also see positive results across Oxfordshire and Berkshire and a reduction of domestic abuse cases which don’t make it to court because the victim has withdrawn their support. It is important to remember that everything we do is about supporting the victim and achieving the desired outcome for them. This scheme provides an improved service to victims of this insidious and often violent crime.”

    Since the pilot began in Buckinghamshire, the overall conviction rate for domestic abuse cases has been 68 per cent, with 46 per cent of those coming from a guilty plea at the first hearing.

  • Sexual predator jailed

    A man from Devon has been sentenced to a total of seven years’ imprisonment for sexual offences relating to child, that took place in Thame and High Wycombe, between 2004 and 2008.

    Carl Crook
    Carl Crook

    Carl Crook, aged 45, of Pale Gate Close, Honiton, Devon, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (12/12) for a number of sexual offences relating to a single child.

    Following a five day trial, a jury found Cook guilty of three sexual assaults of a child under 13, five counts of sexual activity with a child, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and two charges of making indecent photographs of children.

    Crook had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of taking indecent photographs of a child.

    Investigating officer, Det Con Maria Morrisey of the Thames Valley Police Paedophile Online Investigation Team said: “I am delighted with the sentence given to Crook, who has proved to be an extremely dangerous and predatory paedophile.

    “The jury saw through Crook’s lies and concluded he groomed his victim before taking advantage of her for his own sexual gratification.

    “I praise the victim for showing the courage to give her testament first to police and then to the court. I also praise the jury who did their duty with diligence and had to listen in detail about Crook’s depraved crimes. Finally, I praise all Thames Valley Police and Devon and Cornwall Police officers and staff who helped in this investigation, without them Crook’s conviction would not have been possible.”

  • Thame Netball Club’s latest match reports

    (1) ADNL Div 4 26/11/14 – Hurricanes v Crendon Aces 44-21 – WEDNESDAY night saw Thame Hurricanes play against Long Crendon Aces. Beset by injuries, Crendon only had six players, but Thame knew they would still have a fight on their hands.

    Thame came out very slowly from the first whistle and were behind the play for much of the first quarter. A team talk from coach Shelley Weeks saw a more aggressive start to the second quarter as Verity, Lucy and Lynn P started to chase down every loose ball and defenders Sue and Lyn tightened their game to intercept more balls. Hurricanes shooters Helen and Carol’s goal percentages went up and the play began to swing in Thame’s favour.

    In the third quarter feisty centre court play and consistent defending saw the ball turned over as Thame used their free player successfully to widen the score line. Thame were able to use fresh legs from subs Chantelle and Emma to keep the pressure on right to the end.

    Credit must go to all of the Crendon ladies who never gave up throughout the entire match and made Hurricanes work for their win.

    Hurricanes will need a flying start and more pressure from all players from the off next week if they are to beat their team mates Cyclones in the same division.

    Hurricanes Team: Carol S, Lucy S, Helen T, Chantelle, Verity P, Emma W, Lynn P, Sue F, Lyn H

    (2) ADNL Div 4 -Thame Cyclones V Wingrave

    THAME were prepared for a tough game from the beginning and the co-ordination between the team mates was excellent from the start. It was a fast paced game with a lot of smooth passes from the whole team, the first two quarters were very close with the second ending with Wingrave Comets only one net ahead. Then both teams became tired and Wingrave Comets gained a greater lead. Thame’s defence was very active over a strong attack. Some excellent goals from both GS and GA. The game ended on a disappointing 39-25 to Wingrave Comets, both teams played extremely well and determined it was a great game.

    Cyclones Team: Amy S, Sam A, Ellie D, Kelly L, Megan C, Anna M, Lynne J, Katie V, Kelly S, Sarah H.

    (3) ADNL Div 3 – Thame Tornadoes v Cherokees

    THAME Tornadoes took to the court determined to return to their winning ways. Confident they could take the points Thame took an early lead, with shooters Heather and Hayley working well together in the circle. Excellent defensive play limited the goals scored by Cherokees and the first quarter ended 11 – 2 to Tornadoes. Cherokees had a better second quarter but Thame continued to play well. By capitalising on mistakes and making the most of turn-over balls Thame extended their lead to 20 – 9. With an ambitious target of 50 goals (set by Heather!) Thame took to the third quarter with fighting spirit. The Cherokees defence were also fighting hard which forced Thame to work the ball around the circle. Thame still had the edge and the quarter ended 29 – 16. With a slightly more realistic target of 40 goals (set by Shelley!) Thame were keen to finish the game on a high. Heather and Hayley continued to sink the goals and despite giving it everything they had a tired Cherokees just couldn’t do enough to catch the Tornadoes. Thame fell just short of their target but won the game convincingly. The final score was 39 – 22. Player of the Match = Heather P Muppet of the Match = Kirsty for her hilarious “helloooo” blunder!
    Tornadoes team: Heather, Hayley, Karen, Nic, Lisa, Sheena, Susie, Kirsty.

    SOURCE: Contributed

    Thame Netball team, Hurricanes in action
    Thame Netball team, Hurricanes in action

  • Christmas gift from cyclists to Hospice charity

    A cycling club from Haddenham, whose members pedaled over three days and nights to Thame’s twin town, Montesson, presented a cheque for £12,377.90 to the Florence Nightingale Hospice during the Thame Christmas Lights event last Friday (05/12).

    Maires-adjoint of Montesson, Huguette Fouche (left) joins Justin Shardlow (with cheque), his fellow Hillbillies and Sue Jenkins, Executive Director of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, on stage for the cheque presentation
    Maires-adjoint of Montesson, Huguette Fouche (left) joins Justin Shardlow (with cheque), his fellow Hillbillies and Sue Jenkins, Executive Director of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, on stage for the cheque presentation

    The Hillbillies raised the money through sponsorship of the ride which saw them battle through sun, rain and storms before arriving to the cheers of a welcoming crowd of dignitories and well-wishers during the regular, weekend visit to Montesson in September, organised by the Thame and District Twinning Association.

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsMontesson’s Maire-adjoint (equivalent to a deputy Mayor here in England), Huguette Fouche (standing left in the picture), took a break from making crepes on the Montesson produce stall at the event, to support Justin Shardlow and his team of cyclists present the cheque to Sue Jenkins, Executive Director of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.

  • Showcase for Thame artists proves popular

    THE  Thame Rotary Art Show which  took place over the weekend at the Thame Barns Centre over the weekend,  December 5-7, proved very popular with a range of works ranging from water colours through photographs to sculpture. Proceeds from the sale of paintings, sculptures, and Christmas crafts will go towards Rotary’s causes this year,  Thame SAFARI, Thame Skatepark Project and Thame Children’s Choir.

     

    Robert Duncan with Linda Emery opening the Thame Art Show; Photo by Nick Whitre
    Robert Duncan with Linda Emery opening the Thame Art Show; Photo by Nick Whitre

    The event was opened by Robert Duncan, the world renowned cartoonist and playwright. Robert, who lives in Long Crendon and is the father of Lotte Duncan, the cookery book writer and Thame Food Festival ambassador, has been especially known for the world famous “Not Particularly Orange” range.

     The event was run by Thame Rotary Club and Inner Wheel club members, family and friends. Delicious home made cakes prepared by these groups were also available for sale.

     Marius Ciortan, spokesman the Rotary Club of Thame said: “The Thame Rotary Art Show was a great success this year. From the moment Robert Duncan opened the show at the Preview on Friday, December 5, until the doors closed on Sunday, the Barns Centre was busy with art lovers. We managed to raise over £1,600 for Rotary charities whilst putting on an excellent exhibition of mainly local artists. We are now looking forward to next year’s show.”

    Marius continued: “We are grateful to all those who supported the event, local artists, Rotary and Inner Wheel Club members and – last and not least – all the members of the local community who visited our Art Show.”

     Marius concluded: ”The Rotary Club of Thame has got its doors open to community minded people who enjoy helping running events like this and having fun at the same time. We are looking forward to hearing from you and meeting you. I recommend finding out about us on our website and Facebook page.”

     To find out how to become member, and learn more about Thame Rotary Club’s activities, please visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or follow us onfacebook.com/thamerotary  

    SOURCE: Contributed

     

  • Pride brings ‘the feel good factor’ to Thame Cinema

    ONE of the most joyously uplifting and feel-good films of 2014, Pride is part of a, by now, well established and much loved British tradition of films that manage to be funny and poignant but that engage with serious political issues. Think The Full Monty, Made in Dagenham, Billy Elliott, Brassed Off – movies that have you wiping away the tears, laughing out loud, feeling suitably aggrieved at social injustice, but tempted to hug everyone in the cinema as the credits roll. Based on a true story, and revisiting the same territory as Elliott and Brassed Off, the year is 1984, and the miners’ strike is in full stride, taking its toll on mining communities, and at the forefront of conservative political and tabloid rhetoric.

    Pride film stillA group of gay activists from London – a community equally vilified by press and conservative politics and overshadowed by the onset of AIDS – decide to fund raise in support of a Welsh mining community in the spirit of solidarity against a shared adversary. What ensues is a classic culture clash / fish out of water comedy, with hilarious scenes of two worlds colliding – disco diva Dominic West helps the Welsh macho types with the ladies by showing them a few dance-floor moves; Imelda Staunton and a bus load of housewives head to the West End for a night on the town among the drag queens at the Electric Ballroom… But the film never simplifies or trivialises the political and personal complexities of the issues at stake, and it has an emotional heft appropriate to painful and conflicted experience. If the festive season is about good will to all (regardless of gender/sexuality/race/class/politics etc…) then this is the film for the season. Wonderful. View the trailer here.

    DIRECTED by Matthew Warchus, Starring Ben Schnetzer, Dominic West, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott, George Mackay, Paddy Considine, Joe Gilgun and more…

    Saturday December 20th – PRIDE – UK 2014, 120 minutes, 15 Certificate – The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame – Licensed bar;  doors open 7.30pm – Film begins 8pm – £5 on the door.

     

  • Pretty in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

    TWO young entrepreneurs from Thame, one a make-up artist and the other a photographer, have pooled their artistic talents to help promote awareness of Breast Cancer in a very unique way!

    pink_ballerina (229x400)Photographer, Kayleigh Victoria and Make-up designer, Lorna Shepherd, together organised a photoshoot, with an extremely Pink theme, called The Pink Ballerina, and the idea is to raffle a beautiful print of the photograph to a member of the public, once everyone who wants a chance of owning the print makes a donation of their choice to Cancer Research UK. The higher the donation the better the chance of winning. The lucky winner will be picked on December 19, 2014.

    There is a just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/LornaShepherd14/ and each £1 donated gets the donor’s name in the raffle once.

    Lorna explained: “We feel that, although the cancer charities have specific times of year when they promote certain cancers, October being the Breast Cancer awareness month, they should be raising awareness and funds all year round. So our shoot, The Pink Ballerina, will do exactly that.”

    seans_choice_crendon_bedsLorna and Kayleigh enlisted a team of people to create the shoot with them, including model – Sophie Dedman, and hair stylist – Charlotte Wilkinson. The images were shot at the Blackfrog Studios (Jefferson Way, Thame) whose owner Steve Lockwood donated the studio time in support of the two ladies’ charity fundraising project.

    You can read more abour Lorna and Kayleigh’s inspiration for collaboration, here: https://www.thame.net/archives/14175

  • Cornishmen clobbered by Chinnor

    SETTING some kind of record, Jack Hayes’ three interception tries helped Chinnor to a 33-12 victory over Redruth at Kingsey Road, on Saturday (06/12)

    Photo courtesy of Peter Matthews
    Photo courtesy of Peter Matthews

    Chinnor’s first try came from a scything run through the Redruth defence by Sam Angell. His neat pass saw Ryan Long scamper over on six minutes. Then came the first of Hayes’ hatrick of interception tries. Keohane’s conversion put Chinnor ahead 12-0 with 26 minutes played.

    The referee, Mr Davis, finally lost patience with Chinnor prop, Carloni, and his yellow card led to Redruth’s first try by Luke Collins after a series of pick and drives from the resultant penalty. Minutes later, Hayes again read the play and rushed out to pluck a Redruth pass from the air and galloped the length of the field for his second try. Keohane added the extras for a 19-5 lead with 2 minutes until half time. Redruth did not give up and, from a smart dummy down the narrowest of blind sides by Webber, Redruth’s Chris Fuca went over in the corner for their second try. Hopkins converted to give a half time scoreline of 19-12 to Chinnor.

    Seven minutes into the second half, a quickly taken tap penalty by Angell almost led directly to a try in the corner. The Chinnor pack recovered the ball and Guido Camareri touched down for Chinnor’s bonus point try. Keohane’s extras put Chinnor 26-12 ahead on 48 minutes. Redruth made a number of breaks from defence but managed to butcher the ball at critical moments, saving Chinnor some defensive blushes. Chinnor continued to press but the momentum reduced with an increasing penalty count against Chinnor. The match was drawing to a close when that man Hayes again read the Cornishmen’s play and snatched the ball in his own 22 to score under the posts again. Keohane converted to put Chinnor 33-12 ahead with two minutes to go. Redruth again rallied but Chinnor held on for victory.

    Redruth were on the back foot for the first half as Chinnor claimed territory and possession but struggled to turn much of it into points. The Cornishmen were more competitive in the second half and squandered two tries after converting turnover ball into golden scoring opportunities only to be let down by the final pass. Webber and Hopkin at half back showed flair and Fuca and Marriot were influential in the back row.

    Chinnor could do nothing to please referee Mr Davis, who showed the home side the long arm at regular intervals. Chinnor played a sensible match with the pack’s back 5 active in all areas of play. The front row however had their own personal battle with Mr Davis to occupy their time. Angell ran good lines and Jones and Keohane drove things along well. A particular highlight was the positioning and intelligent play of Jake Olley at full back who has only just started his playing season after a serious pre-season injury. He kicks well too. However, the plaudits must go to the hat trick earning efforts of centre Jack Hayes. Scoring an intercept try is often lucky. To do it three times in the middle of the park shows intelligence and great athletic ability. Hayes clearly has an abundance of both.

    Teams

    Chinnor: Jake Olley, George Blewitt, Jack Hayes, Sam Angell, Reuben Hailes, Ed Keohane, Frank Jones,Guido Camereri, Joe Pickett, Simone Carloni, Darren Oliver, Toby Salmon, Andy Tibbatts, Ryan Long, Alfie To’oala

    Replacements: Ricky Cano, Ben Manning, Loti Molitika, Reece Boughton, Junior Fatialofa

    Redruth: Brett Rule, Jack Kessell, Neilson Webber, Sam Parsons, Matt Bowden, Jonathan Hopkins, Greg Goodfellow, Tommy Phillips, Ben Priddy, Craig Williams, Damian Cook, Luke Collins, Chris Fuca, Owen Hambly, Kyle Marriot

    Replacements: Ashley Hosking, Jon Drew, Richard Brown, Charlie Davey, Tommy Lee Southworth,

    Scorers

    Chinnor
    Tries (time): Long (6), Hayes (25, 38, 78), Camareri (47)
    Conversions (time): Keohane (26, 38, 48, 78)

    Redruth
    Tries: (time) Collins (34), Fuca (39)
    Conversions: (time) Hopkin (40)

    Referee: Thomas Davis

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Will Tesco ‘ place obstacles in the path of business growth’?

    DEAR Editor,  Several recent letters to the editor, including mine, have talked about the deleterious effect that the proposed Tesco development, if given the go-ahead, would have on our vibrant High Street in Thame. Quite rightly, the focus has been on the potentially adverse effect on small shops and other retailers on the High Street, which would become the victims of any large out-of-town shopping development.

    However, not much has been said about the effect on businesses. Thame is a prosperous market town and levels of unemployment are low. This prosperity feeds through into the retail environment and shops and services of all kinds benefit. Because of Thame’s proximity to London, there will always be commuters, but there are also many businesses located in or near Thame, and this translates into local employment opportunities, which, I suggest, are a major factor in making Thame an attractive place to live and work. We have all seen on television images of towns where unemployment is high and the ruining effect that this has on town centres.

    Many businesses in Thame are located in the industrial area that lies adjacent to the Eastern Bypass / Wenman Road areas, and the proposed Tesco development would occupy a large site which is currently home to a number of these businesses. These range from significant employers like DAF Trucks and other globally-known names such as Kubota to SME businesses of many kinds. The fact that Thame is home to such a rich and varied range of businesses is something to be prized, not shrugged off lightly, because of the attractions of locally based employment that they afford. If the Tesco development went ahead, where would these businesses go? Their current positioning is ideal, being edge of town but within easy distance of housing and shops. The last thing we need to do in these economically still uncertain times is to place obstacles in the path of business growth – rather, the existence and advancement of local businesses should be fostered and encouraged. To contemplate uprooting sustainable businesses and sending them elsewhere (perhaps away from Thame) is simply bad business and bad for Thame.

    Helen Johns 
    Tetsworth

  • Thame Junior squash boys climbing the rankings

    THE December 2014, England Squash Junior, National rankings are out and Racquets’ boys have been showing dedication to their sport and have achieved improvements in their positions.

    Will John (left) with a young, junior squash member he is coaching
    Will John (left) with a young, junior squash member he is coaching

    Will John has a Men’s WORLD ranking of 208 (up from 220) after his successful trip to Australia and Nick Ratnarajah has a national ranking in the Boys Under 19,  of 37.  Nick was the runner-up in the Bucks Under 19 junior championships recently.

    Another up-and-coming young squash player nurtured by Racquets, is Nick Harbour who has a national ranking in the Boys Under 15 of 53 (up from 59). He is the current Oxfordshire Under 15 Champion. Ben Hedger has a national ranking in the Boys Under 17 of 65 (up from 79). Ben is the current Oxfordshire Under 17 Champion.

    Ollie Coulcher-Porter maintains his national ranking in the Boys Under 11, of 99.

    For an explanation of how the rankings work, visit :
    http://www.englandsquashandracketball.com/competitions/how-junior-ranking-work