Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • ‘Best ever’ championship for Thame Swimming Club

    THAME Swimming Club had its most successful Oxfordshire & North Bucks (ONB) County Swimming Championships during February and March, with a record number of 35 swimmers representing the Club in at least one or more events, under the inspirational leadership of Head Coach Ian Blyth.

    swimmingClub_March2014 (600x345)

    Whilst all the swimmers performed strongly, smashing a number of their personal best times, it was Ella Simms, Marcus Birmingham, Nacho Mendi, Jo Hewett and Amy Haarburger who came home as finalists,  finishing in the top eight in the whole county. Nacho Mendi also qualified for the Regional Championships with his 50 metres Butterfly,  as did Marcus though unfortunately he will miss out on the ASA South East Regional competition as his birthday is two days too early! Marcus not only achieved top eight positions, he achieved two Bronze and one Silver medal, as well as other finalist medals – a great performance!

    Thame’s own Jo Hewett entered three disability events and took three first places, a fantastic achievement. Amy Haarburger made the final in three events and not only PB’d in the heats but also in the finals. Nacho Mendi also made the finals in two events whilst Grace Gilmore received a finalists medal and Ella Simms also picked up a finalist’s medal.

    The boys under 14s.  200 metre Free relay team, consisting of James Newton, Kymir Ibragimov, Marcus Birmingham and Ben Williams, came fouth fastest overall, a tremendous effort given they came 15th last year!

    The full list of Thame SC swimmers for the 2014 championships was: Manas Bapat, Marcus Birmingham, Emma Borme, Phoebe Brown, Georgia Cahill, Maya Camp, Hallam Cozier, Lucy Day, Ines Devitt, Lydia Devitt, Tabitha Dodds, Hannah Ekerold, Will Finch, Sophia Fisher, Lauren Gibbs, Grace Gilmore, James Goetz, Thomas Goetz, Amy Haarburger, Hannah Hawken, Joanne Hewett, Kymir Ibragimov, Nacho Mendi, James Newton, Rachel Newton, Rory Price, Rory Pridmore, Hazel Randall, Maisie Randall, Elliot Riley-Brown, Florence Savage, Ella Simms, Tally Simms, Rebecca Smith and Ben Williams.

    As ever, the county championships could not run without the effort of the volunteers, and Thame SC provided a number of poolside volunteers and also officials for the event. Many thanks to them.

    Thame Swimming Club is a competitive swimming club and should you be interested in joining, please contact our Membership Secretary at: secretary@thameswimmingclub.co.uk or see www.thameswimmingclub.co.uk for details of the club and how to join.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Thame Rotary to host Charity Movie Night

    THE Rotary Club of Thame is planning a charity Movie Night, featuring the film ‘Oh! What a Lovely War’. The profits raised will go towards Thame’s Rotary Charities for 2013-2014, which are Thame Players, Thame & District Day Centre, SAFARI and Sharing Life Trust.

    OWALW leaflet single 2014-page-002 (281x400) (2)

    The Movie Night will be held at the Thame Players Theatre, in Nelson Street, on Friday, April 11, at 7 pm, and tickets will cost £10 per person. They are available to book at the website: www.thame.rotaryweb.org

    About the film:

    ‘Oh! What a Lovely War’ is a 1969 musical film, directed by Richard Attenborough, has a cast including Dirk Bogarde, John Gielgud, John Mills, Kenneth More, Laurence Olivier, Jack Hawkins, Corin Redgrave, Michael Redgrave, Vanessa Redgrave, Ralph Richardson, Maggie Smith, Ian Holm, Paul Shelley, Malcolm McFee, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Nanette Newman, Edward Fox, Susannah York, John Clements, Phyllis Calvert and Maurice Roëves.

    It is based on the stage musical of the same name, originated by Charles Chilton as a radio play. The title is derived from the music hall song, Oh! It’s a Lovely War, which is of course, one of the major songs featured in the film.

  • Nervous about accessing the internet? ‘Spring online’ with Soha

    HOUSING association Soha, which has many tenants in the Thame area, is campaigning to get South Oxfordshire residents who are nervous or unsure about accessing the internet, ‘springing online!’

    Soha’s Digital Inclusion Project Officer, Adela Miencilova
    Soha’s Digital Inclusion Project Officer, Adela Miencilova

    During the week of March 31, Soha’s Digital Inclusion Project Officer, Adela Miencilova, will be running free sessions to assist even the most timid beginners to have a go at using computers or accessing the internet. Those who are more confident can get tips on improving their skills. People who already own portable devices, like tablets or smartphones, are encouraged to bring them along for some expert advice.

    Adela explained: “Computers can be fun and are great for hobbies. During Spring Online week we will also be looking at how to keep in touch with friends and family using Skype and Facebook.”

    The free computer sessions take place across Oxfordshire and are bookable through Soha Housing’s Lynn Wignall on 01235 515 900. Anyone can join in, but priority will be given to Soha residents for the limited places. Adela is coming to Thame’s Windmill Place in Corbetts Way, on Tuesday, April 1, in the morning.

    Spring Online is a national initiative to encourage take-up of the internet, by Digital Unite.commencing 31 March.

    Soha Housing owns and manages over 5,600 properties in Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties. It is a member of PlaceShapers, a national alliance of more than 100 community-focused housing associations.

  • From a donkey field to a modern health centre

    AS the older inhabitants of Thame will tell you, what is now the health centre in East Street, was once a field of donkeys. Now, 40 years after it was officially opened by Sir Keith Joseph, the Health Minister at the time, a completely refurbished centre, fit for the modern-day Thame, has been relaunched.

    The moment the red ribbon is cut by the Mayor, Peter Lambert
    The moment the red ribbon is cut by the Mayor, Peter Lambert

    Over the past 12 months, The Rycote Practice and Trinity Health have been working together to redevelop and refurbish Thame Health Centre. This work is now nearly complete and the new surgery was officially opened by the Mayor, Peter Lambert, on Thursday, March 20. As well as the refurbishment of all 20 existing consulting rooms, there are four new consulting rooms, new reception desks for each practice with disability access, new shared waiting areas, additional washroom facilities and a new staff room.

    Before the Mayor cut a big, red ribbon to declare the centre officially open, Dr Weir of Trinity Health said: “We would like to thank everyone for their patience during the building work. It has been a challenge to continue to run a full service while walls have been removed and floors have been ripped up. It took longer than we had hoped but thanks to your help we have managed it. We are delighted to see so many people join us to celebrate the biggest redevelopment to the health centre in over 15 years.”

    Dr Charles Chubb of The Rycote Practice added: “Thank you to staff and patients for putting up with everything from toilets being out of action to reception desks disappearing overnight! We are very grateful to Paul Wapshare and the construction team for all the work they did overnight and at the weekends to keep disruption to a minimum. It has all been worth it – the results are fantastic. I am very proud to work in the newly redeveloped Thame Health Centre.”

    Mr Andy Jinman, who is the Chair of the Rycote Participation Patient Group (PPG) said: “This redevelopment has been possible thanks to grants from NHS England (Then Bucks PCT), the Oxford Deanery (the organisation that organises GP training) and significant investment from the GP partners – in total, nearly a quarter of a million pounds have been invested in improving facilities for the local community.”

    Sandra Davidson, who chairs the Trinity Health PPG, added: “It is fantastic that over 15,000 patients, registered at the two practices at the Thame Health Centre, will be able to enjoy healthcare facilities fit for the 21st century. We are delighted that such an important facility for Thame was opened by its Mayor, Peter Lambert”.

    Peter himself added: “I would like to add my congratulations to the staff and building team for managing to complete a project of this size whilst maintaining two, fully operational surgeries throughout. Most importantly, on behalf of Trinity Health and The Rycote Practice, I would like to thank all the patients for their patience. The fact that you took the noise and dust and disruption in your stride has made it possible for such a large project to be undertaken at all.

    “It is a big achievement and this is reflected in some big numbers involved in the redevelopment:
    £250,000 + expenditure
    12 months in the planning
    12 months of construction work
    50+ room moves to manage to keep all services running throughout
    Thousands of metres of pipe work and cable to provide a new heating system and new data network, etc etc.

    “But it is not just about the building work… there are big numbers involved in providing the healthcare services that residents in Thame enjoy week-in and week-out:

    15,000+ patients
    80,000+ appointments a year
    10,000+ prescriptions a year
    Nearly 20,000 telephone calls from GPs and nurses to you – not to mention the number of calls you make to the two practices!”

    Also in attendance was Sue Brook who is a patient at Rycote Practice. She was present at the original opening back in 1973. Sue recalled: “The opening event in 1973 was a very formal affair and was attended by about 50 people. Over the years I have watched health services in Thame evolve, and have seen the now Senior GPs progress their careers right from when they started as junior doctors.

    The Mayor concluded: “To provide the level of service that Thame requires, the town needs first class healthcare facilities, and this redevelopment is a huge boost for the people of Thame and the surrounding area.”

  • FOR SALE: Bouncy castle

    FOR SALE – UFO bouncy castle. Cost £2500,will sell for £650 inc blower and mats etc –
    contact: Martyn Folley 07810 823 487

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  • All the fun of the fair at Thame surgery

    A spectacular photograph of an aerial view of Thame fair, has been selected to take pride of place on the wall of the refurbished doctors’ surgery at Thame Health Centre.

    Nick White's winning photograph of Thame Fair at night
    Nick White’s winning photograph of Thame Fair at night

    To celebrate the completion of works to redevelop and refurbish Thame Health Centre, The Rycote Practice held a photography competition to help decorate the public spaces within the building. Patients and staff were asked to submit unusual and thought provoking photographs that reflect Thame and the surrounding area. Hundreds of photos were submitted and a judging panel comprising members of the practice and the Rycote Patient Participation Group selected the winners. All winning and highly commended entries will be turned into large photo canvasses and be displayed around the corridors and waiting areas of The Rycote Practice.

    Wendy Court (Patient Participation Group member) announced the winners during Thame Health Centre official opening ceremony last Thursday, March 20. “We were delighted that so many people entered the competition,” she said. “The standard was so high that it created some healthy debate amongst the judging panel! We hope that these photos will be a real talking point for people visiting The Rycote Practice and cheer them up if they are feeling ‘under the weather’.”

    All the winning entries can be viewed on the practice website www.therycotepractice.co.uk . The top three prizes were awarded to;

    Winner – Nick White – for his picture of the Thame Fair
    Runner Up – Colin Feltham – for his picture of Kingsey Road Fields
    Third Place – Peter Matthews – for his picture of a Bull at Thame Show

    Cllr Peter Lambert, Thame Mayor, was cut the ribbon to officially open the new health centre, accepted the first prize of £50 on behalf of the winner, Nick White. He said, “As a keen photographer myself I am delighted that several photos from members of the Thame Digital Camera Club will be on display for all to see in The Rycote Practice. I hope this competition will inspire people to take up photography and to go out and explore Thame and the surrounding area.”

    Colin Feltham, a patient at The Rycote Practice, was at the opening ceremony to pick up second prize and a cheque for £30. He said: “The opportunity to share favourite views of Thame was a wonderful idea. With so many good images I was really surprised to have come second.”

    Karl Savage, Manager of The Rycote Practice, thanked everyone for supporting the competition. “It was great to be able to involve the local community in the refurbishment of The Rycote Practice,” he said. “It will be fantastic for patients to be looking at beautiful photo canvasses instead of un-painted walls for the first time in 12 months! This competition has been such a success we hope that The Rycote Practice Photo Competition might become a regular event – this way we can help keep the practice fresh and interesting for our patients.”

  • Two arrested after police car chase & helicopter scrambled

    A police helicopter was called out to Chinnor, last Thursday (20/03) to support a police search for the occupant of a car, following a police pursuit of a vehicle.

    the notting hill carnival..pic by barry phillips.

    Thames Valley Police arrived in the village shortly after they were called, at around 13.30 hrs, after reports of suspicious activity in Station Road, Chinnor.

    A police pursuit of a car resulted in a vehicle being stopped and two of the occupants being arrested and detained for drugs-related offences. A third occupant of the car fled the scene.

    The two people arrested were a 34 year-old man and a 24 year-old woman. It is not known at this time whether the person who absconded was eventually caught or not.

  • Teachers’ Industrial action

    St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Thame will be partially closed on Wednesday-Teachers’ industrial action. Early Years & Yr 1 closed. The rest of the school will remain open.

    The industrial action planned by the union is a continuation of protests over pay and pensions that have gone on for more than two years, prompted by Department for Education efforts to change teachers’ working conditions.

  • Police appeal after man dies in Thame road collision

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision in Thame on Saturday (22/3), in which an Aylesbury man died.

    Police were called to A329 Rycote Lane at 11.35am following a report that a grey Renault Laguna estate had come off the road.

    police_RTC_sign (400x250)

    The driver of the car, a 69-year-old man from Aylesbury, died at the scene. No one else was injured in the incident and no other vehicles were involved.

    The vehicle had been driving north along Moreton Road away from Moreton Village towards A329 Rycote Lane, when the vehicle mounted the nearside verge, just before the junction.

    The vehicle continued across the junction before coming to a rest against the perimeter fences of ASM scrap yard.

    If you have any information about the collision please contact PC Sarah Davies at Abingdon police station via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101 quoting URN 542 22/3.

  • Young Thespians wanted for outdoor Shakespeare

    THAME Players are looking for enthusiastic, young, local people who are interested in theatre, the arts or events.

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    Volunteers are needed for their performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, set to take place in July. It will be an outdoor performance, set in the picturesque surroundings of The Elms, off the Upper High Street, Thame. This year marks the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth.

    The play is to be directed by David Bright, who said that the Players’ performance of Much ado…will be “…frothy and light hearted. Our aim is to give audiences a delightful summer evening’s entertainment, with this whimsical rendition of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, set in the Gatsby era,” he explained.

    Volunteers are primarily needed to work backstage to assist in the seamless changeover of props and scene changes. There is also likely to be a need for ushers and other front of house roles, to ensure guests are comfortable in the outdoor environment.

    The Thame Players hope that volunteers will be able to benefit in a number of ways from the experience, which could serve as a useful ‘foot in the door’ for youngsters, potentially leading to further opportunities in the performing arts. Working on a performance such us this would also provide the ideal chance to network among members of the Thame Players, many of whom are well-connected themselves within the theatrical world. David himself is happy to speak to and provide advice to volunteers interested in going forward within theatre.

    He concluded: “Depending on how auditions go, there might even be the opportunity for one or two volunteers to get a part in he play!”

    This would be an ideal opportunity for any budding drama or events students looking to gain some practical experience in the field. However, anyone is welcome, as it would also suit those who are unsure about what they want to do and would like to try something new. In return, volunteers will need to give up a few hours of their time in July in order to take part. Anyone who would like to find our more or to express their interest, can contact Helen Johns at helen.johns39@gmail.com.