Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 02/11/12…Work of young residential care worker rewarded

    A CARER working at Thame’s residential home for the elderly, has won two special awards in recognition of his work there.

    Scott Turvey, who works at Meadowcroft in Thame, took home The Orders of St Johns Trust Oxfordshire Staff Awards ‘Young Carer of the Year’ award, as well as the coveted ‘Oxfordshire Employee of the Year award.’

    Scott was recgonised for his commitment to the wellbeing of the residents and his enthusiasm to progress within the home, and was presented with his awards by Tim Stevenson, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.

    PHOTO: Scott Turvey with Tim Stevenson, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, who presented the awards at Kings Centre in Osney Mead on October 11.

  • 02/11/12….What a difference a week makes in rugby

    CHINNOR seconds played in the Zoo Shield Division two this week, travelling north to Hertford for this week?s top of the league clash. But what a difference a week makes in Rugby, from the 20 players that outplayed Henley last week, Chinnor seconds lost 13 players which must be some type of record. Eight players from last week were promoted to the first team.

    Chinnor seconds had to play into a very strong and cold wind that was destined to make it difficult and knew that they would have to keep the score within 20 points to have any chance of winning the game. As is usual at most away games the home side always start the better and with the wind at their backs that is just what happened and the first points were on the board in six minutes with a converted try. Chinnor tried to kick their way out of trouble but that proved impossible and had to go to the right option of keeping the ball in hand. They did this well, but the blustery cold wind caused a number of handling errors, that was a problem for both sides.

    The Chinnor forwards did dominate the scrum and this gave them a platform to control the game and they were justly rewarded with a great try by Trevor (the General) Powell and Chinnor had closed the gap to 7 points to 5 in Hertford?s favour. Hertford kept up the pressure and were successful with a penalty and drop goal. Chinnor?s defence was outstanding with everyone giving it their all to keep the score as low as possible, which they did to the delight of the Chinnor travelling supporters.

    The first half ended 13 points to 5 in Hertford?s favour. Sadly Ed Devine and Harry Hillier were unable to play the second half due to injuries. The second half began well for Chinnor playing their free running rugby and with the wind at their backs they soon took the lead with a break by Alex Woodhouse who off loaded to George Blewitt who out muscled the home team to score near the posts, this was converted by Woody and Chinnor had narrowed the score to 13 points to 12 within five minutes. Paul Davies then outpaced the home defence to score near the posts once again it was converted by Woody and Chinnor took the lead 19 points to 13 for the first time.

    Woody then followed when he split the defence and scored out wide, giving Chinnor their seventh try bonus point in seven games. Chinnor continued to keep the pressure up with forwards and backs working well together, with just rewards when ‘the General,? Powell broke through from half way, he was then caught on the five metre line but was strong enough to cross the line with three Hertford boys attached to his back, and it was again converted by Woody.

    Chinnor increased their lead to 31 points to 13. Hertford scored a consolation try after Chinnor had cleared the ball into touch and Hertford took the advantage of a quick throw in which was knocked on, and while the Chinnor boys were waiting for the Ref to blow his whistle the Hertford player ran on to score his try under the posts. Woody added a penalty and the final move of the game saw George Blewitt go over for his second try and the game ended Chinnor 39 points to 20.

    There were a lot of commendable performances by Trevor Powell as normal Tom Webb, Jon Lavin, Ed Vickers and Woody, but man of the match goes to young Anthony Kent who will make his mark in the first team in the not too distant future. Second?s maximum points 35 points after seven games it does not get better than this.

    Tries x 6, Conversion?s x3 Penalties x1 x Thanks to Woody for coming down this weekend.

    Also a big thank you to Martins son Stephen who helped us out and played in his first senior game at just 17 years old – well done!

    Next match is on Saturday at home against Old Albanians 2s. Kick off is 14.30 Free entrance.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • 01/11/12……..Former ‘Miss England’ in the spotlight at First Thursday Music Club

    OXFORD-BASED band ‘Story Teller’ are celebrating their first birthday any day, and after just a couple of appearances at the First Thursday Music Club, have been asked to take the 10pm Feature Spot. The line up for the Story Teller set on November 1, will be the band?s founder, Lee Valentine (guitar and Vocals), Eleanor Glynn (vocals) and Simon Dawson (guitar).

    Lee has been the main songwriter for the band, but Eleanor, who only joined the band a couple of months ago, will be introducing her own material and co-writing with Lee in the future.

    Lee has been in various bands over the years, playing pubs, clubs, most of Oxford colleges, New Theatre and London venues. As well as being a former model and Miss England, Eleanor has also sung in various bands, played many venues and has also been trained in classical piano. She has been writing songs since her early teens. As well as playing guitar, Simon also runs a rehearsal studio.

    The October edition of the FTMC saw Toby Dawkins feature at another big night for the club together, alongside 12nother acts. The First Thursday Music Club is Thame?s biggest monthly music event and is held at The Stables at the James Figg. Anyone can play just by signing up at the venue from 7.45pm.

    Check out the club on Facebook ‘The First Thursday Music Club’ or at www.firstthursdaymusicclub.com where you can find more info? including contact numbers and addresses for the organisers.

  • 01/11/12…Haddenham man pleads guilty to possessing loaded gun

    A man from Haddenham has pleaded guilty to drink driving while in possession of a loaded gun and a variety of controlled drugs.

    Steven Bernard Ferguson, 41, was parked at the side of Longwick Road in Princes Risborough in July when he was approached by police officers. When breathalysed he was found to be almost three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

    Two people had earlier reported a blue Audi being driven erratically around a car park by a driver who appeared to be in possession of a shotgun.

    When the police searched Ferguson’s car, they found a loaded shotgun and controlled class A, B and C drugs morphine, codine, phenazepam, diazepam and temazepam.

    When later searched at Wycombe Police Station, he was also found to have cocaine on his person. Police then seached his home at Runfurrow, Haddenham, where they discovered more cocaine, an air rifle and shot gun cartridges.

    Ferguson pleaded guilty to a total of 12 charges at Aylesbury Magistrates Court, from where he was released on unconditional bail until sentencing, due to take place later this month.

  • 31/10/12….Meet the candidates for local Police Commissioner

    PEOPLE living in the Thames Valley Police Force area will have the opportunity to vote for one of six candidates standing for election of a Thames Valley Police commissioner on November 15.

    This brand new position will replace non-elected police authorities, which were made up of councillors and members of the public.

    Each of the 41 police areas in England and Wales will have a commissioner, except London where the mayor oversees the Metropolitan Police Force.

    The commissioners will be responsible for appointing the Chief Constable, setting the budget and deciding policing priorities for their force.

    The government says commissioners will not be there to run forces on a day-to-day basis, but to hold them to account on behalf of the public.

    In alphabetical order the candidates standing in the Thames Valley are Patience Tayo Awe (independent), Barry Cooper (UKIP), Geoff Howard (independent), John Orrell Howson (Liberal Democrat), Anthony Stansfeld (Conservative) and Tim Starkey (Labour).

    For more information about each of the candidates, CLICK HERE

    VIEW the video of the recent hustings in Aylesbury

    PHOTO: Courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk – TOP L to R: Patience Tayo Awe (independent), Barry Cooper (UKIP), Geoff Howard (independent), BOTTOM L to R: John Orrell Howson (Liberal Democrat), Anthony Stansfeld (Conservative) and Tim Starkey (Labour)

  • 31/10/12………Haddenham woman is ‘top volunteer’

    A dedicated volunteer from Haddenham is the winner of a special national award recognising her dedication to a charity.

    Fiona Daniels won the Chief Executive?s Special Recognition Award at the Specsavers Hearing Dog Awards 2012 held in Central London on October 18, recognising her devotion to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

    Fiona saw off competition from dozens of other contenders from across the country to be named as winner and was presented with the award by charity chief executive Michele Jennings and Hearing Dogs? patron HRH, The Princess Royal.

    Fiona was named as a winner because of her enthusiasm and commitment to the Charity since she became a volunteer six years ago.

    Throughout this period, Fiona has volunteered in a number of key charity roles including helping puppies learn basic obedience in the role of puppy socialiser, as a breeding scheme brood bitch holder as well as volunteering at many fundraising events across Buckinghamshire and beyond.

    In recent months, Fiona carried on her volunteer duties despite facing her own battle with breast cancer, which required an operation and subsequent chemotherapy.

    Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary and since its launch in 1982, the Charity has created an incredible 1600 hearing dog partnerships, each giving greater levels of independence, confidence and companionship to the deaf person.

    Michele Jennings said: ?The Specsavers Hearing Dog Awards 2012 was not only be a chance to celebrate the Charity?s incredible, life-changing work but it was also an opportunity to highlight some of the wonderful personal stories deaf people who have received our hearing dogs have to tell.

    ?We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the event in what is her 20th year as Patron of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. All hearing dog partnerships help to alleviate the loneliness, stress and anxiety that hearing loss can often bring. For 30 years, we have been changing the lives of deaf people right across the UK and it is fantastic to showcase just some of the partnerships we have created with these awards.”

    As well as the strong emotional support they offer, hearing dogs transform deaf people?s lives by alerting them to sounds and danger signals such as the alarm clock, doorbell and smoke alarm in the home, at work and in public buildings.

    PHOTO; Fiona Daniels with her award.

    About Hearing Dogs for Deaf People:

    Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a registered charity that creates life-changing partnerships between deaf people and hearing dogs. Hearing dogs are trained to alert deaf people to household sounds and danger signals such as the alarm clock, doorbell and smoke alarm ? providing life-changing independence, confidence and companionship. The Charity will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2012.
    Since its inception in 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People have placed more than 1,600 hearing dogs. There are currently 750 working hearing dogs in the UK.
    Registered charity in England and Wales no: 293358 and in Scotland SC040486
    Royal Patron HRH The Princess Royal

    About Specsavers Hearing Centres
    Specsavers Hearing Centres has supported Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for the past five years and since 2006 the company has generously donated thousands of pounds through many fundraising initiatives and corporate donations.

    In recent years, the company has also co-ordinated its own event ? the Specsavers Sound Barrier Star Awards ? which recognises deaf and hard of hearing people?s remarkable achievements. This is now in its third year and is fronted by actress Charlene Tilton, ambassador for the awards.

  • 31/10/12…..Thame United ‘on a roll’

    ON Tuesday evening (30/10) Thame Utd recorded their sixth consecutive league game without defeat when they travelled to Kidlington and won 0-2. The depth of talent at the club was evident when Thame?s line up included three players who are reserve team regulars. Jordan Rogers, Richard Jewell, and Ben Gray are all learning fast, and have the potential to become first team regulars.

    It was an entertaining game, played at a fast pace, with some attractive end-to-end football. Possession was fairly even but United were able to create more chances whilst maintaining a rock-solid defence. Thame?s first goal came after 11 minutes. Jewell took a free kick, hitting a high ball onto the penalty area which Ellis Hercules met with a goal-bound header before Nik Rhodes got the final touch, deflecting it beyond the keeper?s reach. Thame piled on the pressure and Luke Ricketts, Jewell, Hercules and Gray all went close.

    The hosts played better after the break and Thame?s on-form goalkeeper Lee Farrow was busy. With about 55 minutes played he pulled off a particularly brave save, diving at the feet of a forward to prevent him from forcing the ball home. Ben Connelly provided a regular supply of quality crosses from the right and one lead to a blatant hand ball, in the area, when a defender punched a high cross from a Thame head, but unfortunately the referee was unsighted.

    United?s second goal came with about 20 minutes to play. Jewell again hit a free kick into the danger zone and it looks as if it had been cleared but somehow the ball was reclaimed and driven in low where Rhodes met it at the near post. It looked as if the keeper had pulled off a save but the linesman had no hesitation in signalling that the ball had crossed the line. Minutes later, Gray created a 1 on 1 chance for Ricketts but the keeper saved well with his legs.

    Overall it was a good performance from a team who are currently high in confidence. Long may it last.

    Thame United: Farrow, Willett, P Pykett, Rhodes, Hercules, Rogers, Connelly (Evans), Jewell, Hoskins, Gray (Bonham), Ricketts.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Bob Dixon

  • 30/10/12……Health Open day at Thame Leisure Centre

    WHEN: Tuesday, October 30,2012 – TIME: 10.30am-3.30pm. FREE taster classes Tai Chi 12.00-1pm, Chair Based Exercise Class 1.30-2.30pm and Aerobics 2.45-3.30pm.

    FREE Blood Pressure testing and safe exercise advice
    All classes advisable to book at reception on 01844 215607.

    MORE DETAILS: http://www.better.org.uk/areas/south-oxfordshire/centres/thame-leisure-centre

  • 30/01/12….Thame student bows out of TV show in a conundrum!

    EX pupils from Lord Williams’s school and regulars at The Three Horseshoes pub in Towersey, may have recognised a familiar face on TV this week, when a young man from Thame appeared on the Channel 4 quiz, Countdown.

    David Boyle, whose mum is Sue Boyle, the most well-know quiz mistress in Thame, won his first game but then was narrowly beaten in the second in a Crucial Countdown Conundrum.

    David is currently in his final year studying English at Swansea University and in the holidays, works at The Three Horseshoes in Towersey. To earn his place on the show, David had to apply months ago and had to go through an audition, as well as taking part in a test game where he beat eight other hopefuls.

    David told ThameNews: ?Nick Hewer was very authoritative, even off camera when he was introducing himself to the audience or contestants. It was a very strange experience having all the lights and cameras around and going into make-up, but that was easier because we shared the room with Rachel! (Riley)

    “Everyone loved the fact that five of my ‘uni’ mates drove up to Manchester to support me, even if they were slightly rowdier than the average Countdown viewer!

    “It was a great experience, but I wish I had done a bit better – the nerves got to me!?

    And what was the crucial conundrum that ‘did’ for David?

    CITEDAVID ? (weirdly including his name!) And the solution is of course (easy when you’re not under the pressures of being in a TV studio with possibly hundreds of thousands of viewers looking in!) ADDICTIVE

    David buzzed in with one minute to spare and admitted he had no idea, but as he said: “It would be a shame to waste the buzzer!?

  • Thame swimming club makes an early season splash!

    THAME Swimmers started their new competitive season recently with two victories in a week. The first was at the BBAT Meet on Sunday, September 23, when swimmers from Thame were against swimmers from Bourne End SC, Didcot Barramundis SC and Aylesbury District SC.

    For the first time in the BBATs three year history, Thame won the Top Club trophy beating Didcot Barramundis into second place. Sixty Thame swimmers took part in the event and all but two put in at least 1 Personal Best. 

    In addition there was a strong haul of medals, with ‘Golden boy of the event for Thame, Nacho Mendi, achieved one county time and booked his place at the 2013 County Championships in the 50m Freestyle, and took home six GOLD medals as well!

    Kazia Coleman had sustained an injury playing football the previous day but still turned out for the event, taking a bronze medal before withdrawing due to the injury. Helen Malkin took home two silver medals on the day ? her 16th Birthday. Josh Williams insisted on getting to the gala to swim after being delayed due to a family crisis and as a result, Team Thame got another 36 points as Josh took Gold in the 100m and the IM, and Bronze in the 50m Freestyle as well as playing a key role in the final cannon relay team.