Author: Sonja Francis

THE bidding is about to open for local groups to apply for help with funding from Thame Town Council.

Thame Town Council’s Grants Scheme reopens on April 1, which, the council says, aims to: “…. fund projects which address the needs, aspirations and issues of the people in our community.”

The council is inviting local charitable organisations who are working for the benefit of Thame, to apply for funding to support projects that aim to: “.. develop skills, improve health, revitalise the local environment and enable people to become more active citizens.”

Who can apply? Any community or not-for-profit group working for the benefit of the people of Thame. Other terms and conditions apply and these can be viewed on the council’s website: www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk. Application forms will be available from April 1, from the town hall or an electronic version can be downloaded at www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday, April 30. Further information or for assistance in completing the application is available by calling 01844 212833.

THAME schools and are this month (April, 2014) being asked to host a variety of fundraising activities in aid of charity.

The British Institute for Brain Injured Children, or bibic, which helps children with conditions affecting their social, communication and learning abilities, is encouraging schools and colleges to fundraise for its cause.

Geoff Cummins, Chief Executive for the Westcountry-based national charity, bibic, explained: “We know schools and colleges often raise money for charity so we’re asking them to consider bibic when choosing who to donate to.

“There are lots of great, fun ways a school can raise money for us. They could host a non-uniform day or a themed fancy dress day or why not host a summer fete? Pupils could also take part in sponsored walks, runs or swims.

“One of our favourite ideas and one we think lots of pupils would enjoy too, is a pupils versus teachers sports match.”

bibic is a registered charity that receives no government funding and relies on support and donations to provide the life-changing help needed by many children and their families.

It helps children and young people aged from six months to 18-years-old with conditions affecting their development and learning abilities, to achieve their potential for a happier and more fulfilled life. These include developmental conditions such as Autism, Cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and brain injury.

Geoff added: “We have a great fundraising team here who are always happy to help with ideas and anything a school or college needs. Any schools or colleges interested in raising money for us should call our fundraising team on 01458 252339 or email us on fundraising@bibic.org.uk.”

The charity, which is based in Somerset, has a national assessment centre located at Langport. Its therapists work closely with families to create a therapy programme, which provides them with the skills and strategies to support their child or children.

Any school which would like to support bibic’s work and wishes to make a £5 donation to the charity, can text IDS02 £5 to 70070 or for a £10 donation text KIDS02 £10 to 70070.

For more information, visit www.bibic.org.uk, follow the charity on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bibic_charity 

OXFORDSHIRE Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) has appointed and trained six volunteer Community Ambassadors who are now operating around the county, including one for Thame.

Community Ambassadors support charities and community groups in their area to do more good work. They enable others to volunteer, help local charities to access funding and build a supportive network in their town.

, Community Ambassador for Thame, Tanya Berman, said: “My local charities and community groups are looking for ways to raise funds and find more volunteers, as well as make contact with other organisations near them. Since I know and care about Thame, I can give information and advice, as well as signposting them to relevant support services.”

Individuals who are looking for volunteering opportunities can also get in touch with Tanya and she will help them to find the perfect local volunteering role for them.

FOLLOWING the ‘suspicious incident’ in Chinnor last Thursday, March 20, in which a police helicopter was scrambled during a police chase, Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward to help them with their enquiries. 

The Police were called after a report of suspicious activity in Station Road in Chinnor. When Officers arrived at the scene at 3.30pm, a blue Volkswagen Golf with a part registration index FL07, pulled away. Officers pursued the car which then crashed into a fence on Station Road.

Of three people in the car, a man and woman were arrested at the scene, but the second man who was in the vehicle, made off in the direction of the gardens in Station Road. The man is described as white and of a heavy build, wearing a black jacket.

Officers searching the area later found a substantial amount of drugs near the crashed car.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, nor is information traced or recorded, and you will not go to court.

The two arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs, were a 33 year old man from Slough and a 23 year old woman, also from Slough. They have been bailed to appear at Abingdon police station on May 7.