Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Latest Thame Netball – Hares out run the Hurricanes plus Cyclones’ match report

    (1) ADNL Division four  November 20, 2013 – Match report (contributed) – WEDNESDAY’S match saw the Thame Hurricanes pitted against top of the division Hares, who were looking to consolidate their position of having suffered no defeats during the first half of the netball season.

    Thame Hurricanes V Hares – November 20, 2013

    Hurricanes got off to a tepid start, but warmed as the quarter got underway. Hares were very strong in defence against Hurricanes’ Shooters, Helen and Lucy who were blocked at every opportunity. Thame’s Coach (Shelley) requested more shouts for passing options, and urged her team to watch for the long passes across the shooting circle. The score at the end of Quarter One was 4 – 7 to Hares.

    Hurricanes managed to get the first and second goals at the start of the second quarter which boosted their play even more, unsettling Hares by this show of strong passes and accurate play. Lynn and Jesse worked hard in mid court but were struggling to get to the Centre passes amidst a strong opposition defence. Half Time saw the score at 7 – 13 to Hares.

    Carol came on for the Third Quarter to GA, and Lucy switched back to WA. There were some excellent passes into and across Hurricanes’ shooting area to enable Carol and Helen more opportunities to score and escape Hares’ tough defenders – although Helen did find herself on the floor on a couple of occasions, taking her defender with her at one point. Hurricanes’ defence stepped up a gear and Lyn and Nic made some excellent interceptions enabling them to get the ball back down the court. Tor worked really hard in mid court with some great movement and passing. At the end of Quarter Three the score was 11 – 22 to Hares.

    Hares’ shooters seemed to lose their shooting eye this quarter, or was it the incredible defending by Hurricanes that put them off their game a little? They scored their fewest goals this quarter and Hurricanes had some excellent direct play into the circle and the coach was very happy.

    Final Quarter score: 15 -25 to Hares.

    Team: GK L Hopwood, GD N Renyard, WD T Bloxham, WA L Palmer/L Storey, GA C Storey, GS H Turner

    (2)  Thame Cyclones V Southcott – ADNL division five – 5 – November 20, 2013

    Cyclones Joint player of the match, Sam

     THE match started well with some determined play from Cyclones with the score Seven each at the end of the first quarter. Southcott made some changes to their team positions and managed to take the lead by three goals at the end of the third quarter. Cyclones fought hard in the last quarter with some solid midcourt play from Penny (GD) Sam (WD) Amy (C) and Katy (WA).

    However Southcott took advantage of their turnovers and with some outstanding shots from their GS, were able to maintain their lead with the final score Cyclones 23 – Southcott 25.  Joint players of the match were Katy (WA) and Sam (WD).

    Photos by Liam Wing

  • SkyTower Challenge for Thame fire fighters

    FOUR Firefighters from Thame will be representing Oxfordshire Fire and Rescus in the UK Fire Fighters’ Operation Florian SkyTower Challenge. They will be competing against other brigades across the country by climbing 25 floors in full Firefighting kit while wearing and using BA (Breathing Apparatus).

    The challenge will take place this Sunday, November 24, in Manchester and all funds being raised will go towards Operation Florian which provides equipment and helps train Firefighters in developing countries. Additionally funds are also being raised in memory of FF Steve Hunt, who was tragically killed while fighting a fire in Manchester earlier this year.

    Mark Nunns, one of the four Thame fire fighters taking part in the SkyTower Challenge, said: “We hope to do Thame and Oxfordshire proud in the challenge.” The other three fire fighters from Thame are Steve Simmons, Nick Sawyer and Leo Shairp.

    Anyone willing to show their support for the Thame fire fighting team and make a donation, is invited to visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/thamefirestation

  • Christmas shopping in Thame

    WHY jump into the car and leave town for Christmas shopping when here in Thame we have so many wonderful, independent shops of our own? Shops where good old-fashioned service and knowledge about the providence of products is paramount – and, bonus – there’s loads of FREE parking.  Let Thame.Net guide and inspire you to find the ideal festive gift for everyone locally.                                                                                                                                                                              Quick links

    Get everyone fit for Christmas 
    Powders & potions
    Retro Chic for Christmas 
    Gift ideas galore!
    Media & technology for everyone
    Sweet delights
    Chocolate Unlimited
    Christmas Style
    Christmas flowers

    THERE’s always someone who’s particularly difficult to buy for at Christmas, but in Thame’s Buttermarket where we begin our Yuletide trail, is the lovely little emporium of cosmetics, fragrance and beauty products, POWDER, where Karen, the proprietor will help you create your own gift box of their favourites products, including gift boxes of Miller Harris, Caudalie and Dr Hauschka.

                              

    For the younger person, suggests Karen, how about a pampering soak in a Bomb Cosmetic bath with a selection of their gorgeous bath products, or again, make up your own gift box with their ‘Keep Calm and have a Bath’ boxes. Alternatively, bring them a ray of sunshine with the ‘Happiness Kit’ by Love & Toast .

                                            
                                                                                              Cracking duos of Nail Colour

     

    POWDER also has some great little stocking fillers and ideas for ‘Secret Santa’ gifts to suit most ladies, from compact mirrors, soaps and nail polish.

    But POWDER is not just about the ladies. For the gentlemen, there’s a selection of men’s fragrances, grooming and bath/shower products, including Blue Beards Revenge,  Scaramouche & Fandango.

              

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    RETRO CHIC FOR CHRISTMAS

    STROLLING back along Buttermarket, towards North Street, is picturesque Montesson Square, by the old Thame Market House. Near by, tucked away to the right of the historic Swan pub, is the courtyard shopping area, Swan Walk (Don’t forget to pat Doris the cow, currently ‘stabled’ at Thame.net’s Jordans Courtyard, as you pass). Recently opened at No. 6 Swan Walk, is Camilla Fraser’s THE LOVELY SHOP, a purveyor of loveliness indeed!  Here you’ll discover handmade, homemade, ethical and just plain funky clothes and accessories. So, what are Camilla’s hot tips for a perfect pressy for lovely ladies?  Christmas is of course party time and we all need something special to wear whether we’re the host or a guest. And ‘because we’re worth it’, we deserve to treat ourselves too!

    The Regina Floral Velvet Doll Dress, £75, by the gorgeous, retro clothing company, Collectif, is a beautifully flattering style with sweetheart neckline, capped sleeves and a flared skirt. Camilla says: “It looks fab on it’s own or for that extra ‘wow’, team it with one of my long petticoats, available in sizes 8 to 18 subject to availability.

                                                  

    “For lovely, little ladies I’d like to recommend the Purbeck Kelp Dress by organic children’s clothes company, Kite Kids. An unusual dress in Purple & green, it looks beautiful with colourful tights and is just right for Christmas parties! It’s available in sizes 3-12 months at £27, and 12 months – 3 years at £29. There’s also a tunic version for older kids in the same colourway available in sizes 3-7 years, at £24 and for 7-11 years, £26, subject to availability.” 

     And for the very new little people why not treat them to a stripy Baby Vest from organic & fair trade children’s clothes company Little Green Radicals for their first Christmas. This vest features Horatio Hound applique & is made from the softest cotton, it also comes in a pink stripe for pink babies and is available in sizes 0-3 to 9-12 months. £18. All these lovely items are available to view on THE LOVELY SHOP’S website www.lovelyandlovely.co.uk

     

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    CHRISTMAS GIFTS GALORE

     JUST opposite The Lovely Shop is ELLA JANE GIFTS which, since opening in Swan Walk just nine months ago, has proved a very popular destination for Thame’s visitors and locals as a source of something special for the perfect gift. It’s certainly worth a visit and Alison Cooper, the helpful proprietor, will give you personal service with a smile to help you choose a perfect Christmas gift for almost anyone – she loves a challenge!

             

    This compact little shop beautifully presents a fantastic variety of gorgeous quality furniture, a collection of wonderful toys, scarves, jewellery, leather bags and unique gifts of top quality at fantastic prices.

    Both THE LOVELY SHOP and ELLA JANE GIFTS are members of the Thame Loyalty Scheme by the way, so some extra discounts and goodies for Loyalty Card holders. 

     

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    MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY FOR EVERYONE

    ALSO part of the Swan Walk shopping community is the long-established, THAME AV Audio Visual, run by Steve Algar. Here, as well as flat screen TVs (which could be tricky to wrap!) Steve has some very affordable tablets, as well as some great Christmas present ideas for music lovers of all ages. With Vinyl making a big comeback, what better time of year to dig out your old records and play them on your new turntable?  “Starting at £150, these turntables would be ideal for a ‘him’ or a ‘her’,” suggests Steve.”

                  

    The use of mobile tablet computers, or just ‘tablets’, is growing and growing, and they are surely going to be the big ‘must have’ gift request this Christmas, and While some of the big names are still leading the way in terms of app selection, a number of competitors have risen to the challenge by offering great features and hardware for less money. THAME AV has been quick to realise this trend and the 9 inch, GoClever Android Tablet, complete with a case and a Keyboard, at £165, would ‘fit the bill’ for mums, dads, brothers, sisters – in fact anyone – who wants to access the internet or social media like Facebook and Twitter, suggests Steve, and they can even be used to control many of their other wi fi products.

              

     With the increasing availability of more and more digital radio stations to chose from, being able to carry your radio around the house to keep you entertained while getting ready for work or cleaning the house, a portable radio is a most acceptable addition to today’s listening experience. THAME AV has a wide selection of both the latest Digital and Analogue radios from Roberts and Pure, starting at just £20.

                        

    “Something for everyone and a present that any relative will love and cherish,” suggests Steve, adding: “And, all these products come with boxes and internal protection.” A really important, practical point to bear in mind I always think, when it comes to choosing gifts.
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    SWEET DELIGHTS

    SPECIAL chocolate and confectionery is as much a part of Christmas as crackers and turkey, and in Thame we have a sweet lover’s dream of a shop, a proper sweet shop, the likes of which would have been found in every town and village a generation ago, before supermarkets and multipacks.

     SWEET SURRENDER in Cornmarket has a staggering selection of handmade, Belgian chocolate and traditional sweets, as well as sugar free, dairy free and gluten free confectionery. Here you can buy liquorice in over 40 varieties including salted and root liquorice, individual bags of your favourite liquorice all-sorts, or as a special present for a real liqurice lover, a whole jarful!

                           

    Amy Fleming, the proprietor, will make up a gift box of any amount of chocolates selected from the huge range, including the most popular, salted coconut, champagne truffles and orange peel. Or, if it’s the old-fashioned, favourite sweets your mum, aunty, uncle, granny, grandad or other relative or friend would love as a treat, Amy will make you up a traditional mini-jar to suit all budgets. Take the 360 degree tour of SWEET SURRENDER
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    GET FIT FOR CHRISTMAS

    CHRISTMAS shopping can be tiring. Traipsing round shop after shop trying to find that perfect gift for each and every one of your family and friends, apart from all the food shopping and preparation for the big day. RACQUETS FITNESS CENTRE, in North Street, Thame, (behind the Cattle Market) is a friendly, family run health and fitness club which can help you in more ways than you might at first think.

    It is the place in Thame to get yourself fit before all the festivities – build up your stamina and strength before you go out for that long haul shopping visit.

    Splash out on a couple of personal training sessions for yourself then think about everyone else.  

    “For everyone else we can help with the presents too!” says Squash Coach, Simon Martin, who helps run his family’s business. “For kids – encourage them to get active and give them a place of their own to go to ! A silver junior membership of RACQUETS is just £50 – they can book their own squash court and bring their friends down to play.”

    For stocking fillers for the kids, RACQUETS offers lots of ideas, from rackets grips, squash and racketball balls to a child-size squash racket.

     

    FOR everyone else – yes, why not? Encourage them to get active too. “It’s the kindest present of all,””suggests Simon’s wife, Sue. “.. and it’s what they’ll need straight after eating their way through chocolate logs and turkey with all the trimmings!”  Although RACQUETS can offer presents of personal training sessions and memberships, from December 1, they will have, waiting at reception, vouchers for varying amounts which can be redeemed against any of the goods and services available at the Centre. 

    So, if you’re looking for something special, RACQUETS FITNESS CENTRE would love you to drop in and have a chat with either Simon or Martin King, who can work out with you an appropriate present for your loved one. Take the RACQUETS 360 degree tour
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    CHOCOLATE UNLIMITED

     DEFINITELY a destination for chocolate lovers, whatever the time of year, is RUMSEY’S, a cafe and Chocolaterie, headed up by  Head chef and Master Chocolatier, Nigel Rumsey and his wife Mary; a great place to take a rest from the Christmas shopping and enjoy a cup of real hot chocolate and a spot of lunch

     

    A must have as a present or to share at Christmas – their 500g selection of Nigel Rumsey’s favourite chocolates; call in watch them being made!

    RUMSEY’S is nothing short of ‘chocolate heaven’ and offers a wide selection of Christmas chocolate  gifts for any chocoholic!  Take the 360 degree tour of RUMSEY’S, Thame
                 

    Santa’s Solution  

     Whether you call him Father Christmas or Santa he’s delicious either way – a great idea for Christmas Stockings and table decorations. There are loads of different chocolate figurines to choose from at RUMSEY’S

     Something for everyone 

    Dark, Milk or White Chocolate – Chocolate dipped Honeycomb or Chocolate Buttons – great for a Christmas treat

     

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    STYLE AT CHRISTMAS

    THAME is fortunate in having a variety of women’s clothes shops to suit most tastes, and among these, at the top of the High Street, is ISABELLA’S CLOSET, run by Marie Crawley, who with a background in interior and personal styling, prides herself on sourcing new and innovative design labels and unique styles on trend at very affordable prices. Marie has made the following suggestions  that should help make any woman’s  Christmas special:  

                        

     

     

    Left: This beautiful gold and black body con dress is from the Paper Dolls range which is perfect for the party season

    Right: A beautiful gold and black body con dress from Isabella’s Closet’s Paper Dolls range, which is perfect for the party season

               

    		                                               

     

    These two are from Isabella’s Closet’s Italian range; ideal for Christmas Day – very stylish and easy to wear. The jewellery featured with the dresses is part of a stunning collection of Accessories that Marie has to chose from. Isabella’s Closet gift tokens are available all the year round!

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    CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

     FRESH flower bouquets make a wonderful gift or bring a touch of natural beauty into your home at Christmas. At BIZZIE LIZZIE in the Upper High Street (close to the Swan pub), Katie Virdi, her mum Billie and their team of experienced and creative florists, offer a stunning range of festive floral designs to chose from and will deliver within a 10 mile radius of Thame.

                                                                                        

    To see the full range of BIZZIE LIZZIE’s Christmas flower bouquets and baskets, visit their website or take a 360 degree tour of their beautiful shop here.      back to top

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    SO, there you are. To  help you find just the right present for anyone, whether it’s for the husband who has everything, a teenage boy or girl, mum and dad, or a best friend of either sex, we’ve combed the shops of Thame, and in consultation with the proprietors, have come up with, what we hope, is a very useful list of suggestions which we hope will entice you to explore our own, wonderful independent shops and discover just what our own high street has to offer – and to help our vibrant little town’s local economy. 

    Thame Loyalty Card member or not, November is a good time to subscribe to the Thame Loyalty Card newsletter. If you sign up during the month of November, you’ll be entered into a draw to win £50 in vouchers to spend in Loyalty card participating businesses during December. Go to: www.thameloyalty.co.uk, scroll to the bottom and click on ‘Sign up to our email newsletter’. LINK HERE

    FINAL THOUGHT- For every £1 spent with a local business, 83p goes back into the community’s economy. I guess therefore it’s in all of our interests to TRY THAME FIRST and buy where we can in our own high street, and particularly, to support the many, wonderful independents that Thame is known for.

                                     A very merry Christmas and a happy new year !                                                                                                                                                                              back to top

     

     

     

  • Snow White – Magical family panto

    THIS year’s pantomime performed by Thame Players, will be Snow White. This traditiona,l magical, family pantomime will be performed on December 6, 8, 11 – 15th. Weekdays at 7.45pm and at 2pm and 2.30pm at the weekend.

    Poor Snow White is in trouble with her evil Step Mother. The vain and jealous Queen threatens to end Snow White’s life for being too pretty.

    Will the handsome Prince save Snow White in time?

    Will Snow White’s friends, Dame Goodheart and Chuckles be able to protect her from the Queen’s evil plan?

    Will the silly palace guards know what’s going on at any point during the show?

    Will the seven little friends ever tidy their cottage?

    Will the evil Queen win in the end?

    all will be revealed at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, in December!

    Tickets: £9.00 and £8.00 (concessions £1 off). For block bookings of 10 or more call 01844 290888
    Booking: tickets online from www.thameplayers.co.uk (10% booking fee applies) or Tickets Anywhere, Greyhound Walk, Thame 01844 217228

     

  • Free training to help promote fitness in later life

    PEOPLE who work with groups or individuals aged 60 plus are being offered a free training session to help them promote physical activity and raise awareness of the importance of keeping fit in later life.

    The training, which is free to residents of South Oxfordshire, will highlight physical activity guidelines for those working with older people, highlight the importance of fitness, strength and balance, and raise awareness of the Physical Fitness MOT to engage older people in programmes and activities.

    The session takes place on Saturday 30 November at Thame Leisure Centre, Oxford Road, Thame, between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Those wishing to take part should contact Hendriette Thorn, Participation Co-ordinator for South Oxfordshire, via hendriette.thorn@southandvale.gov.uk or by calling 01491 823175. 

    This Active Ageing training is being provided by Later Life Training, in conjunction with Glasgow Caledonian University and the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health. The course is being offered for free in South Oxfordshire thanks to funding from Go Active.

    Cllr Bill Service, Cabinet Member for Leisure at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Engaging with people to keep fit and healthy in later life is becoming increasingly important. This training will really benefit those who work with those aged 60 plus and ultimately the people they work with.”

    For more information about Later Life Training please see http://www.laterlifetraining.co.uk

  • NHS to hold ‘Big Conversation’ in Thame and Bucks

    Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is to hold a series of public ‘big conversations’ in which it will invite patients, carers and local communities to share their views on how patients can get a better experience when they receive NHS care.

    These ‘big conversations’ will take the form of public meetings at which participants will hear presentations on how the NHS is developing locally and will be invited to take part in small round-table discussions to explore what else the NHS could do to improve patients’ experience.

    The meetings will be held over the next three months and will take place in Thame (where the Bucks Healthcare NHS Trust is responsible for services provided at Thame Community Hospital) as well as in Amersham, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Bourne End, Beaconsfield,  and Buckingham.

    The chief executive of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Anne Eden, said:  “People want good clinical outcomes. They want to receive healthcare that ensures they ‘get better’. But patients told us they also want something more. They want safe and compassionate care, they want to be listened to and they want clinicians who can take the time and trouble to explain things to them. They want a good patient experience.

    “The NHS has some of the best clinical outcomes in the world and locally, here in Buckinghamshire, we have many services we can be truly proud of. We are now putting an extra special effort into improving the patient experience and we want the help of our local communities to find out what’s most important to them. That’s why we are encouraging people to come along to these “big conversations.”

    Members of the public who would like to attend one of the big conversation sessions can receive full details of all the meetings – and can register to attend – by emailing dee.irvin@buckshealthcare.nhs.uk or by calling 01494 734953.

    SOURCE; Press release

  • Beware carpet company cold-calling vunerable residents

    THERE  have been recent reports of a carpet company cold calling elderly and vulnerable residents in the Thames Valley area. 

    Since the beginning of November, Oxford Trading Standards have received six complaints from elderly residents who have been cold called by telephone, by a carpet company who state they are in the area and offering to clean carpets for £19.99. Workers come and clean the carpet, but then issue a bill for anything between £300-700 and insist that this cost is paid.

    Please be aware of these cold calls and refuse the ‘service’ which they offer.

    If you have received a phone call recently from a carpet company offering to clean your carpet for £19.99, or know of anyone who has (if possible check with any elderly neighbours) then please contact the Doorstep Crime Team at Oxfordshire Trading Standards on 0845 051 0845 (option 2), thank you.

    Thames Valley Police is working in partnership with Oxfordshire Trading Standards to ensure that this activity is brought to a stop.

    SOURCE: Thame Valley Police alert

  • Thame Rotary Art Show

    THE Rotary Club of Thame will be holding an Art Exhibition at the Thame Barns Centre, from November 29, to Sunday, December 1, showcasing the work of  local artists, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

    This is an early opportunity to buy unique and personal Christmas presents from a selection of paintings, sculpture and crafts. Christmas cards and small gifts will also be on display. Opening at 8pm by Lotte Duncan. Wine and canapés. Tickets £7.50 including catalogue, wine and canapés. Please support your local artists and your local charities. Tickets from Jeannette – phone 0771 2032338 or send a message via Facebook

    Any profit will be donated to local Thame charities. Full details: HERE

  • A Ceremony of Carols from Thame Choral Society

    THAME Choral Society is holding its Christmas Concert, the first with new Director Helen Swift, on December 7, at St Mary’s Church, in Thame. The main work is Benjamin Britten’s delightful ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ for soprano, chorus and harp, together with carols old and new, interspersed with season readings.

    Benjamin Britton’s, A Ceremony of Carols, will be performed on December 7, 2013

    The soprano soloist will be Jessica Wyse and the harpist, Sarah Goss from Thame. Geoffrey Heath will be providing the organ music and there will be traditiona Christmas  refreshements available.

    The concert will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12, or £10 in advance – available from https://www.thame.net in Jordans Courtyard, 8 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3ER

     

    www.thamechoralsociety.co.uk

     

  • Christmas day lunch for the elderly of Thame

    NEW research commissioned by Age UK recently revealed that 450,000 people aged 65 and over are facing Christmas alone this year, but hopefully not in Thame!   Once again, The Birdcage pub in Thame is  holding a Community Christmas lunch on Christmas Day.

    Memories of the Christmas lunch at the Bird Cage, Thame, last year 2012

    One of the organisers, Cathy Thomas, said: “Last year was a huge success and we had some fabulous guests and volunteers alike. This year, we are hoping to reach out to even more of the vulnerable elderly folk of our town and ensure they ALL know about this event. Please, if anyone knows of a friend or neighbour, cares for someone, perhaps daughter or son who normally care for them are away for Christmas and which means Mum or Dad are alone on the day, we would love for them to join us for a complementary Christmas Day lunch, sponsored very generously once again by Sainsbury’s, MP Printers and Thame Welfare Trust.

    “You can contact us and leave a message on 01844 217413, by emailing kakhome@me.com, Facebook Community Christmas Thame and also through twitter. Volunteers would be most welcome for many different roles: dropping leaflets; picking our guests up from their homes; dropping them back safely; companionship; entertainment (maybe you would like to put on a half hours show!!). Or you can donate a small gift (relative to their age group and non-perishable) into the Birdcage between now and Christmas Eve. 

    “Any which way, let’s not be a town with statistics – let’s be a community with friends!”