Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Edible Thame is on the festival map!

    EDITORIAL USE ONLY Tomas Quinn aged 3 from London stands on VisitEngland?s edible map, in London?s St Pancras station, which is made from cakes representing the country?s food festivals, to mark British Food Fortnight, which runs from September 21st to Oc

    TO celebrate British Food Fortnight VisitEngland, the English Tourist Board, yesterday showed off an Edible England food map to showcase the country’s best Autumn Food Festivals. The organisers of Thame Food Festival were delighted to find that their upcoming event on September 28, was one of a small handful of market towns selected.

    VisitEngland also released figures exposing just what a ‘foodie’ nation we have become. Stats reveal that 13 million day visits last year involved a trip to a food festival or farmers’ market, and what’s more, 26.2 million of us want to go to a food festival this year. Research also reveals that almost 7/10 (68%) of us would like to buy local produce while on holiday and nearly 8/10 (76%) of us want to dine at restaurants serving local dishes.

    Thame Food Festival patron and TV chef, Lotte Duncan, said: “A few years ago Thame hosted its first food festival with just a handful of stalls outside the town hall. Now, five years on, the whole town celebrates local food and drink at this landmark event in the food calendar.

    “Today, people flock to Thame to enjoy a fantastic, free ‘foodie’ day out and to see Michelin-starred chefs rubbing shoulders with local growers and small-holders. Tom Kerridge, Raymond Blanc, Adam Simmonds, Shaun Dickens, Chris Godfrey and Mike North mix with an amazing array of local and artisan producers who managed to get a stall at the event. Everyone feels as strongly as we do about promoting local food and celebrating the fantastic growers and producers on our doorstep.”

    Councillor Judith Nimmo-Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at SODC, said: “We fully recognise the impact that great local food and drink has on residents and tourists alike. Not only do we support food festivals and farmers’ markets, we also launched theOxFood Trail App to help everyone discover more of them.”

    PHIOTO: The giant Edible England map, made entirely of cake, unveiled yesterday, September 19, at St Pancras Station. 

  • Extra parking during Thame fair

    ADDITIONAL car parking is available during fair opening hours at Southern Road Recreation Ground. The Cattle Market Car Park is also offering free parking throughout Saturday, September 21.

     

  • Cream and culture for Thame twinners

    THAME’S friendship with its European twin town was reinforced last weekend (Sept 13-15) when a group travelled to Montesson, near Paris, too celebrate the annual fête du pâté à la Carmen with French families and friends.

    The weekend included a trip on the Saturday to the Chateau at Chantilly, famous for its cream, lace and the magnificent 17th Century stables and world-renowned race course, owned by the Aga Khan. The chateau houses the second most important collection of French paintings in the country, after the Louvre, and a large collection of beautiful, illuminated 15th and 16th century books, many of them written by hand before the advent of the printing press.

    Many very famous paintings are permanently on display here, including Raphael’s The Three Muses, and a painting of Napoleon Bonaparte as a young man.
    An octagonal room in the chateau was used as part of a hospital by the occupying forces during WW2, and it is said that the threat was made that if any occupying soldier was killed, the paintings would be destroyed. None was.

    Whilst some of the Thame party went into the chic town of Chantilly itself to explore the shops and to taste Chantilly cream for themselves, others explored the chateau’s parkland which includes a maze, landscaped gardens, including an Anglo-Chinese garden, a grand canal and a rustic hamlet of cottages where the Prince of Condé entertained his guests.

    Although there was some rain on the Saturday, Sunday brought the sunshine just in time for the outdoor mass held in the Parc des Sophiras and a magnificent meal under canvas bringing together the visitors from Thame, those from Montesson’s German twin town of Baesweiler and their French hosts.Chair of the Thame Twinning, Jeannette Matelot Green, said: “We had a very successful twinning weekend, our 12th annual visit! The new Montesson committee are well settled in now and everything went down smoothly – especially the Chantilly cream. We are looking forward to their return to our Christmas Event in Thame, Friday, December 6, when they will be selling all things French including crepes.” 

    After the long journey back to the Eurotunnel in the capable hands of Matt the driver for Mason’s Minibus & Coach Hire the group arrived weary but very content with memories of a wonderful weekend with their French friends – and very happy with their wine and shopping.

    To discover more about Thame & District Twinning Association, visit their website: http://e-voice.org.uk/thametwinning/

    You can follow the Montesson Twinning Association on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/6959433309/

    PICTURED:  Jeannette Matelot Green (far right) with her Deputy, Linda Emery (centre), the Mayor of Montesson, Monsieur Jean Francois Bel (in the sash), the deputy Mayor of Baesweiller and Anne Gillet, the President of the Montesson twinning committee (far left)

  • Flu jabs now available in Thame

    THE Rycote Practice at the Health Centre, East Street, Thame, has begun its flu vaccination programme and will be open next for flu jabs on Saturday, October 12 and 26, between 08.30am – 11.30am. 

    All patients who meet the following criteria are eligible for NHS vaccination:

    over 65 years 
    over 6 months in the following clinical risk groups
    Chronic respiratory disease including asthmatics who are on continuous or repeated use of inhaled or systemic steroids or with previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission
    Chronic heart disease
    Chronic renal disease
    Chronic liver disease
    Chronic neurological disease
    Women in any stage of pregnancy
    Diabetes
    Immunosuppression
    residents of long-stay residential or care homes
    those in receipt of carer’s allowance

    Further weekday and evening clinics will be announced in due course.

    PHOTO: Courtesy of ageinplace.com>

  • Nomads outgunned by Thame in fast-paced battle

    THAME United defeated Oxford City Nomads 3-2 in a fast, entertaining game at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday, evening, September 17. It was a good result for Thame as Nomads were in second in the league, coming into the game, whilst United occupied ninth place.

    Matt Willett was on the right wing, with the dependable Pykett brothers full backs, and Ollie lynch wore the number six shirt, allowing Ben Connolly to wear eight. Ex Thame keeper, Milan Barisic, was in goal for Nomads.

    The initial exchanges were 50/50 but the home side were the first to test the keeper with a Taylor Collins shot. Thame went ahead in the 19th minute when Lewis Cordice received a ball from the right and hit a shot which Barisic blocked. But the ball fell to Collins who hit another shot which Barisic also parried but this time Cordice met it and beat the keeper. 

    Although possession was even, home keeper Lee Farrow, was not really tested until Nomads first goal which came on 27 minutes. They were awarded a free kick on he left which Mark Janes met with a glancing header, sending the ball into the far corner. United’s second came just before the break when a long kick from Farrow beat the visiting defenders allowing the talented Collins to collect it, run at goal, dribble around Barisic and fire into an empty net.

    The early stages of the second half saw some end-to-end football but there were few chances until United scored their third with 20 minutes remaining. Lynton Goss took a free kick on the left which Collins collected at the far post and hit a strong shot from an acute angle, giving Barisic no chance. The final goal of the game came 10 minutes later from a corner which Nomads captain, Mark Gabbidon, headed home at the near post. A few minutes later Cordice had a chance to increase Thame’s lead but with only Barisic to beat, he fired wide. The final minutes saw the visitors pressing for an equaliser but Thame held out to collect all three points.

    Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett, P Pykett, Hercules, Rhodes, Lynch, Willett, Connelly, Collins, Cordice, Goss (Ricketts).

    SOURCE: Contributed by Bob Dixon

  • Rotary Swimathon coming around again!

    PREPARATIONS for the second edition of the Thame Rotary Swimathon are under way. Inspired by last year’s London Olympic and Paralympic Games, the event will take place at the Thame Leisure Centre on Sunday, October 13, between 10am and 2pm.

    The Thame Swimathon is a fun, fundraising event on behalf of local charities, Sharing Life Trust, Thame & District Day Centre, SAFARI and Thame Players.

    Marius Ciortan, who chairs the Rotary Swimathon Steering Group, told ThameNews.Net: “The event is possible due to the generosity of several local businesses. ALR Services, ASM Auto Recycling, Thame Leisure Centre, Park Street Dental Clinic, Racquets Fitness Centre, Vale Life Magazine will cover the cost of hiring the pool, whilst Ignite Sports will cover the cost of producing the medals. Abbotts Office Solutions and Silent View Windows have sponsored the blue Rotary T-shirts which will be worn by the volunteers organising the event.

    “We have received a great response and support from the local businesses like the MP Sports Cricket Academy and many local groups. A team of Thame town councillors lead by Mike Dyer will participate this year for the first time. Lord Williams’ School, Thame Swimming Club, primary schools from Thame, Chinnor, and Haddenham are also likely to send swimmers as last year.

    “Everyone over the age of eught can take part. More local groups and businesses have been contacted and are expected to participate. Thame Rotary Swimathon became a traditional annual event and is now a part of the 2012 Olympic legacy.

    “We are looking for another 15 teams of up to 6 swimmers. Each team is given a lane of the pool and will swim for 55 minutes – with only one team member swimming at a time. To avoid disappointment we advise the teams to complete their entry forms as soon as possible.

    “On average this means that each swimmer does about 10-20 lengths during the 55 minutes, but there is no need for each team member to swim the same number of lengths.

    “Teams seek sponsorship for taking part in the Rotary Swimathon by raising a lump sum or based on the team’s total number of lengths swum – which can be up to 100 lengths or more.”

    “The benefits are for everyone, as local charities get money to help with their important work and the swimmers have lots of fun trying to swim as many lengths as they can. At the end all participants will get a Rotary Swimathon medal.”

    The teams should apply now as the slots are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Team entry and sponsorship forms can be downloaded from/www.thame.rotaryweb.org or by ringing Rotarian Peter Hook on 07836 651174 or e-mail: peterghook@hotmail.com

    Also the public can support their favourite teams by donating on-line on: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/thamerotaryswimathon2013

    PHOTO: Lightfoot’s winning team last year, 2012

  • ‘True gold’ triumph for Thame Youth Memorial

    REVELLERS at the Thame Youth Memorial’s second Eighties-themed party of the year on Friday night (13/09) at The Spread Eagle Hotel, were joined by Tony Hadley, frontman of iconic 80’s band Spandau Ballet.

    With ticket sales even better than the previous event in February, party goers threw themselves into the spirit of the occasion, with some spectacular fancy dress outfits. Lots of iconic 80s figures were present, ranging from He-Man and She-Ra, to Adam Ant and the Honey Monster.

    As well as willingly posing for photographs with some very strangely dressed people, Tony also announced the prize draw and led the judges in deciding that first prize should go to Beetlejuice, a worthy winner who, in the words of TYM Trust’s Chairman, Peter Butt: “Had gone the extra mile to produce a truly spectacular costume.

    “The evening enjoyed even greater financial success as well,” added Peter, “with over £2,350 being raised from ticket sales, prize draw and a silent auction. This was an increase on the previous event and brings the charity much closer to its overall target.”

    The Charity’s trustees plan to raise the remaining funds through a series of fun events, the next one being a quiz night this coming Friday, September 20. Tables can be booked by emailing: tymevents2013@gmail.com

    “We are delighted that so many people enjoyed our latest 80s night,” concluded Peter, “and that we were able to build on the success of the first event. We would like to thank everyone for coming and to all the local businesses who supported us and donated prizes. Special thanks must also go to Tony and Ali Hadley, who made the evening extra special.”

    About Thame Youth Memorial

    Thame Youth Memorial is a local charity, dedicated to providing a place of reflection for people in Thame and the surrounding villages who are affected by the loss of a young person. The charity also seeks to create greater understanding of the emotional and physical needs of those affected by the premature loss of a loved one. 

    An area of public space in the centre of Thame was dedicated to the Charity in 2010 for the creation of a garden of remembrance and this year’s target for the Charity is to complete the garden with the installation of a permanent memorial sculpture. 

    Thame Youth Memorial garden will be officially opened by the Mayor, Peter Lambert, on Sunday, September 29, at 12pm, with entertainment for the assembling crowds from 11am.

    For more information, visit /www.thameyouthmemorial.org 

  • Wine Tipster to talk at Thame Food Festival

    EXCITEMENT is growing for the Thame Food Festival, and what a selection of talks, demonstrations and foodie stalls are in store for this, the sixth year of this wonderful showcase for local artisan food and drink producers and retailers from around the region.

    As part of the Thame Food Festival on September 28, the Thame Players Theatre in Nelson Street will be hosting a series of wine masterclasses from Neil Phillips ‘The Wine Tipster’. Neils programme is as follows:

    11.30am Champagne Masterclass – Enjoy some fizz, whilst picking up some great tips about champagne from Champagne Ambassador Neil Phillips. 

    2.30pm Journey through Spain and taste some of the wonderful wines from Spain, with two wines from the exciting Somantano region, two stunning sherries
    and an excellent Rioja.

    4.00pm Argentina, Portugal and South Africa: Making Great Wines. Tickle your taste buds with wines from Kleine Zalze in South Africa, Finca Flichman from Argentina and Sandeman Port from Portugal. 

    Details of how to book and more information about Neil Phillips HERE

    FULL DETAILS of the day’s programme on the Thame Food Festival website: http://www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk/visitor-information/

  • Late Breakfast invitation to businesses

    THE regular Late Breakfast business networking events are back at the Eden Suite at the Spread Eagle Hotel, in Thame, on Thursday September 19, between 9 – 10.30am.

    This month a presentationt from Robert Bullard of Perfect Text, will focus on ‘Communicating your message’ with hints and tips on writing copy that clearly conveys the message you intended. Oxford based Robert is a copywriter, copy-editor, a trainer in writing skills, a non-fiction book coach as well as a writer of feature articles for national newspapers. 

    Full details of Late Breakfast events and how to book in advance to appear on the guest list, visit 

  • Book now for Thame Youth memorial quiz

    TICKETS are going fast the the Sue Boyle quiz on September, 20, in aid of the Thame Youth Memorial.

    More news about the progress of the Youth Memorial on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ThameYouthMemorial?filter=3