THAME United secured their fifth consecutive league victory on Tuesday ( in 04/11) in their Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division match, defeating Holyport 2-1 in what was a scrappy encounter, at the ASM Stadium.
Both teams came in to the game in good form, but for the majority of the match neither side were able to find any rhythm or pattern to their play. The early exchanges saw Holyport pressing forward but the first chance came to United on seven minutes when Shaun Coker in the Holyport goal did well to block a goal-bound shot from Stacey Field. Ten minutes later it was the visitors who edged in front when a cross field ball was intercepted and played through to Andy Vine on the wide left, who then placed his effort beyond Cockerill in the Thame goal.
Image courtesy of Holyport.co.uk
United looked for a quick response, which duly arrived on 24 minutes when a cross from the left was met by the head of Dan Jones whose effort came back off the post, with Ellis Hercules on hand to push the ball in to the roof of the net. For the remainder of the half there was little goal mouth action, with Calvin Evans going closest for United with a drive from the edge of the box.
The second half followed the pattern of the first half, albeit a mix-up in the Thame defence on 62 minutes, when a ball come back off the post and cleared to safety, prior to which Jamie West saw his lobbed effort land on the roof of the net for Holyport.
United, themselves, continued to press and were eventually rewarded with the winning goal on 78 minutes. A Field effort was parried by Coker with Dan Jones was on-hand to stab the ball home from close range. The remainder of the match saw little goalmouth action and United held on to take the three points, a win that pushes them up to fifth in the table.
THE Bucksum Salads team, David Newman and his Partner Tracy Russell from Long Crendon, were once again in the limelight this week, this time at the Oxfordshire Restaurant Award 2014, winning the ‘Best Producer’ award.
Winner of last years’ 2013 Observer Food Monthly ‘Best Local Farmer Award’, a delighted David said: “It’s good to be recognised for the hard work we put into supplying the best produce; we didn’t even know that we had been nominated until we were invited along!”
People often ask the couple how many staff they have at their farm and are amazed when they reply that the business is run on 20 acres of land rented from David’s parents and that the team consists of just the two of them, with a little help from their children in the school holidays.
Now in it’s fourth year, the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards were held at a glittering reception in the Oxford Town Hall on Tuesday, November 4, where City of Oxford College students had not only designed the Awards but prepared and served the food.
Local Pub, the James Figg in Thame, was also nominated in the Best Traditional Pub category.
REACTING to a far-reaching ruling from the UK Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT), David Knowles Leak, FSB’s Thames Valley Regional Chairman said: “Today’s ruling leaves many questions unanswered. It has the potential to be very damaging to small businesses, presenting a real risk of small firms being forced to close down if faced by retrospective claims.
Image courtesy of personeltoday.com
“Clearly it would be desperately unjust to expect businesses to pay retrospective compensation for how they calculated holiday pay when they were fully compliant with the law as it was understood at the time.
“The FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) has been appointed to a Government task force to examine this issue and will be fighting hard for small businesses to be insulated from the uncertainty and legal risks this ruling brings.”
A recent survey of FSB members found that a third of small businesses with employees (31 per cent) paid staff for voluntary overtime. One in 10 (11 per cent) of small firms with staff also offered some form of commission.”
PEOPLE who have lost family members and friends in road collisions in the Thames Valley area will commemorate their lives at a special, multi-faith service to be held in Thame.
St Mary’s Church, Thame
The service, organised by Thames Valley Police (TVP), will be held on Sunday, November `6, at St Mary the Virgin Church in Thame at 3pm.
The memorial service is an opportunity for the emergency services to come together with members of the public who have lost loved ones to remember those that have died on the region’s roads, or in road collisions elsewhere.
Police officers, fire and rescue workers, paramedics, ambulance technicians and hospital staff will give readings and prayers from different religions during the service. Family members will be invited to take part in an act of commemoration during the service.
The service will be led by Canon David Wilbraham, Force Chaplain of TVP. The Bishop of Dorchester, The Right Reverend Colin Fletcher will lead the Act of Commemoration.
Chief Constable Sara Thornton, said: “The Road Death Memorial Service is always very moving but I know that it also provides a great comfort for those family and friends who have lost loved ones in road traffic collisions.
“We have always held the service in Thame Parish Church, which is a lovely old and peaceful building where the bereaved can spend some special time treasuring memories and finding the strength to move forward. The service brings together all the emergency services and many families from across the area and it is our way in the Thames Valley of marking the United Nations Day of Remembrance.”
Supt Lucy Hutson, Head of Roads Policing, said: “The Road Death Memorial Service is held on the third Sunday of November each year in recognition of the tragic loss of life on our roads as part of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
“In 2013 (Jan – Dec), 57 people were killed on the roads of Thames Valley and the effect of these collisions is felt by many hundreds of people. We aim to offer support to the families of those who have been killed and we organize this service to mark this very important day.”
Force Chaplain, David Wilbraham, said: “The third Sunday of November is set aside by the United Nations as a special day of remembrance for victims of road death.
“However, while clearly a global issue, the death of someone on the roads is intensely personal and impacts greatly on their families and friends. This service provides a safe, supportive place for those affected to come together to remember and commemorate their individual loss.
“For some, this service has become an annual event; we welcome them and extend the invitation to others whose lives have been affected by death on the roads to join us.”
This is the ninth year that the service has taken place, and it is believed to be the only service of its kind in the UK organized by a police force.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event, and can reserve a space by contacting Elizabeth Richardson on 01189 231802 or, alternatively, email RDMS@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
AN injury time strike from Luke Ricketts finally broke the stubborn resistance of neighbours Chinnor as United progressed to the next round of the FA Vase on Saturday.
Luke Ricketts
In front of one of the largest crowds of the day in the FA Vase (283), United were perhaps expecting Chinnor to adopt a physical approach to the match – an approach that had been employed on numerous occasions in the recent past. Instead, they were met with a side playing neat passing football, with former United player Stuart Braun, in particular, linking the play for the visitors. As it was, Chinnor had the bulk of the play in the opening thirty minutes, albeit chances in front of goal were limited for both sides.
The first real chance came to United after a quarter of an hour when Stacey Field did well to create space and put a cross over that Ben Gray headed wide. A better chance came to Chinnor a couple of minutes later when a corner from the left was floated to the far post, with Craig Faulconbridge heading just wide. A Dan Jones half volley for United was just wide moments later, before the visitors broke the deadlock from the penalty spot, Faulconbridge calmly slotting home in to the bottom corner after an offence in the penalty area.
At this stage United were struggling to find any real rhythm or to generate any pace in the game – features that had been evident in the recent run of form. However, they levelled the game five minutes before the break when a long throw from Matt Hall was flicked on by Ellis Hercules and beyond keeper Ben Taunton, in to the far corner of the goal. The goal was, perhaps, significant not only for getting United level, but in its timing just before half time and marking a change in the momentum of the game.
United started the second half brightly and in the opening minutes Ben Gray struck an effort just wide before captain Adam Morris shaved the outside of the post from 20 yards. As the half progressed, United had the majority of the possession with Chinnor content to play on the break, but despite the possession, United were unable to take advantage. A Hercules header was cleared off the line, before Dan Jones had two good chances with Taunton saving one and the other going wide.
However, just as it looked like the game was going in to Extra Time, a perfect through- ball from Ollie Lynch was controlled in one touch by Luke Ricketts on the edge of the box, before then placing the ball wide of the advancing Taunton with his second touch. Cue scenes of jubilation on and off the field and, with barely a minute left on the clock, United held on to progress to the next round. Phew!
FREE squash lessons have proven a hit with Thame’s school children this half-term, at a ‘Squash camp’ regularly provided by Racquets Fitness Club.
Squash coach, Sue Martin Downhill, said: “It was great to see so many children attending the squash camp during the half term. There was a 25% increase in the numbers from previous camps and a brilliant competitive spirit from the kids.
“The children come from many different schools around the area including Barley Hill Primary School, John Hampden Primary School, Lord Williams’s Lower and Upper schools, Gateway school in Great Missenden, Aylesbury Grammar,cAylesbury High School, and the Dragon School in Oxford. Ages ranged from 8 to 15 and there were three children from the same family.”
The Mayor of Thame, Jeannette Matelot Green, who is a school Governor at Barley Hill Primary School, in Thame, said: “I am so pleased to see the Year 5 and 6 children from Barley Hill and John Hampden schools enjoying their free squash lessons during school PE lessons at Racquets.
“This is such a good opportunity and Racquets are again showing their commitment to our community to both young and old – I’m learning to play racketball with the Silver Servers myself! I only wish I’d had lessons when I was at primary school.”
Silver Servers is a session that takes place on Tuesday mornings where anyone over 50 can go along and join in to play racketball with other over 50s, some of whom have played before and others who are new to the game.
THAME’S elderly residents are in for a festive treat this year, thanks to the town’s award-winning butcher M Newitt & Sons.
Left to right: Tom Newitt, Kathy Thomas, Robert Probets
The family butcher, celebrating 50 years in business next year and supplier to top chefs including Raymond Blanc and Jamie Oliver, is donating tasty turkeys and delicious homemade Christmas puddings for a festive feast for 60 people, organised by Kathy Thomas of Community Christmas Thame.
Tom Newitt, who runs the business with his mum Susan and wife Angie, said: “Community Christmas Thame is doing a wonderful job of bringing some festive cheer into the lives of people who otherwise might miss out on the traditional Christmas lunch.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be playing a part in their celebration and hope everyone who comes along this year enjoys their dinner, especially the Christmas puddings which mum makes to her own special recipe every year!”
Organiser Kathy Thomas is delighted that Newitts have pledged to support the event.
“It’s wonderful that so many local companies, including Newitts, sponsor our Christmas lunch. It’s a nice way to polish off the year, and we know that everyone who has joined us previously has thoroughly enjoyed the event with many lasting friendships being made over dinner,” she said.
This will be the third Community Christmas Thame event organised by Kathy, helped by a growing army of volunteers and local companies including Newitts, The Birdcage pub in Thame, and Thame Welfare Trust.
“Word is spreading about our event, which is open to any of the elderly residents in our community who are faced with the prospect of spending Christmas Day on their own. And we’re also keen to hear from anyone who’d like to help out for a couple of hours, or with preparations, transportation and delivery of meals to those people who simply can’t join us but would like to share our Christmas meal,” said Kathy.
CUSTOMERS at a Thame pub had a shock late yesterday evening (02/11), when in walked a man who is fast becoming an political legend, whether you agree with his particular brand of politics or not.
Nigel Farage (right) behind the bar at The Cross Keys pub, Thame, with landlord, Peter Lambert
Nigel Farage MEP, and leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), had earlier in the evening delivered his one-man show at The Thame Players Theatre, to a sell-out audience, before dropping in at The Cross Keys pub.
The landlord of The Cross Keys, ex Thame Mayor, Peter Lambert, had asked Nigel a question about beer tax, during the Question and Answer session of Nigel’s show. The answer apparently was that ‘Pubs are very important places; each one is a parliament’. He added: “I’d slash beer duty to help the pub trade and introduce common sense to smoking rules.”
Afterwards, Peter Lambert said: “He said he loved the pub and stated that it was a ‘proper’ pub. He stayed for four pints and vowed that if he was passing in the future, he’d pop in.”
Apart from one lady, who had to be removed from the theatre ((more of that later), the atmosphere in the theatre for the UKIP leader’s show was by all accounts very congenial and the comments on social media generally gave an impression of a good-humoured and polite atmosphere.
Nigel Farage on stage at the Thame Players Theatre
Some of the other topics in the Q and A session, all picked randomly from a bucket, and quoted on twitter, included: Q: Are you in favour of Proportional Representation (PR)? A: “First past the post only works in two party race. Roy Jenkins’ AVplus is the best system”
“What about HS2?” A: “Completely opposed to it. London to Manchester is to 2hrs anyway. Other more pressing rail needs including London to Penzance.” Q: “”Can we stop HS2 now?” A: “Yes, but not through legal channels, only political.”
Q: “Will you form coalision with the Tories?” A: “Yes, even with the devil if necessary. Party doesn’t matter, getting policies across does.”
Q: “How can politics broaden its appeal to younger people?” A: “There is a massive anti UKIP bias, mainly on the comedy circuit. We are starting engaging on Social Media.”
Q: “Do you think you’re a comedian or a politician?” A: I have a sense of humour, but I speak plainly and I’m deadly serious about our campaign.”
Tony Long, a member of the Thame Players Theatre, and ex Chairman, was there for the show and this is how he described the evening:
Dressed in a beige jacket and yellow corduroy trousers he came onto the stage wearing the broadest of grins, sat himself in a comfortable armchair, poured himself a glass of a good red wine and began his chat to the audience. This was no party political broadcast, although inevitably politics featured heavily, but more an account, told with great humour and aplomb, of his upbringing, his formative years and his 20 years working in the city before entering politics. He then spoke about his “…..realisation in the early 1990s that Europe was becoming more and more a political union with the aim of becoming a superstate in its own right.” He claimed that 75% of all legislation in this country was now determined in Brussels and that over 400 million Europeans had the right to settle in the UK, and that we had no power to stop them.
During the interval, Nigel Farage signed copies of his book and there were plenty of people eager to buy. He also encouraged people to write down questions which he would answer in the second half. Some 50 or so questions were duly put into an ice bucket and left on stage for him to answer. He then picked questions out at random and unhesitatingly answered them. Most questions were about UKIP policies on a wide range of issues. “If UKIP held the balance of power after the next election would he join a coalition with the Tories?” asked one. He replied he would form a coalition with the devil as long as a referendum on leaving Europe was part of the agreement. “If he was part of a coalition would he demand a referendum by December 2015” he was asked. “No” he said, and then after a pause and a broad grin he added, “by July 2015”. He picked out one question paper which had 9 separate questions on it. He answered them all. “How many seats will UKIP contest at the general election” he was asked. “All 650 of them” was the reply. So love him or loathe him we shall all have the opportunity next May to express our view in the ballot box.
During the question and answer session one woman objected to all the political questions. Nigel Farage asked her if she had a question herself but none was forthcoming. The woman kept on interrupting the answers, despite the rest of the audience repeatedly asking her to ‘shut up’ until finally she was escorted from the auditorium. The performance continued in relative peace and quiet until the time came for the show to end. Whether the audience was persuaded by his arguments, whether they would vote UKIP, we shall never know. What we do know is that Nigel Farage was given a great round of applause from a largely appreciative audience who left madly chattering amongst themselves.
After the show Nigel Farage went for a well-earned pint of beer at The Cross Keys, the pub run by former mayor, Peter Lambert, who had been in the audience. Debate no doubt continued over that beer in as good-natured and lively way as the whole evening had been.
WHILE Thame town centre is fast becoming a shopping destination, due mostly to its unusually high number of interesting, independent shops and cafes, one of the town’s ‘best kept secrets’ is a bedroom furnishing retail outlet on the outskirts of the town, hidden behind a soft play centre.
As you drive along Wenman Road on the way out of Thame, you could be excused for not realising that on your right, beyond Whizzkidz on the corner of Jefferson Way, is Crendon Beds and Furniture whose showroom of stunning bedroom settings is as unexpected in an industrial building as are its prices. For CBF, as well as being the only, official suppliers of ex-showroom or exhibition models for the UK’s biggest name in mattresses, Hypnos, also sells other big name bedroom furnishings like Staples and Wiemann; most of it half price or better.
The company emphasises that the majority of its brands are UK based and its ‘green credentials’ don’t stop there. Crendon Beds and Furniture offers a furniture recycling service – even if you’re not buying from them. Mattress fillings are recycled into blankets to be used by Removals companies, and even the springs from old mattresses and seating are melted down to be reused.
These fantastic savings on beds, wardrobes, chests of draws, as well as on pillows and all the bedding you’ll need, aim to beat any High Street prices, and make a visit to Crendon Beds and Furniture for double beds, single beds, kids bedroom furniture -in fact anything you might be looking for to have your dream bedroom, well worth the short trip.
The extremely knowledgeable and experienced Managing Director, Sean Munro and his staff will show you around and help you plan your bedroom and with a lead time of 10 working days for delivery guaranteed on most products, you won’t have to wait long for the transformation.
To whet your appetite, visit Crendon Beds and Furniture’s fab new website at: http://www.crendonbedsandfurniture.co.uk/ or take a look at their exclusive ebay page: http://tiny.cc/tg33vx for the latest bargains. But as the stock is changing all the time, and let’s face it, it’s best to actually be able to see products ‘in the flesh’ as it were, for major buying decisions, a visit to the local show room at 8 Jefferson Way, Thame, OX9 3SZ, is to be highly recommended.
