Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 06/09/12….Help for parents with children starting school

    IS your child starting a new school? Help is on-hand from Thame Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

    Citizens Advice?s Adding Up campaign was set up to encourage schools to help families by following these simple recession-busting tips:

    1. If you feel your child?s school isn?t doing enough to keep costs down, raise the issue with the school management team. Draw their attention to the Schools Admissions Code, and keep copies of all correspondence.

    2. If you?re not happy with the response, approach the school?s governing body. They should have a complaints procedure in place which will deal with issues such as complaints about uniform policies.

    3. You can also raise the issue with the Schools Admissions Forum in your area. Your local authority should be able to give you details.

    4. If your school has an exclusive contract with a uniform supplier which prevents you from buying ?off the peg? items at a cheaper rate, ask them to review this.

    5. If they refuse to change this policy then they may be subject to enforcement action by the Office of Fair Trading: www.oft.gov.uk

    6. If you are concerned that excessive school costs are affecting your decision to send your child to a particular school then you can object to the Schools Adjudicator: www.schoolsadjudicator.gov.uk

    7. Suggestions you can make to your child?s school for how to keep costs fair and low could include:
    ? Making sure uniform is available from a range of outlets
    ? Providing sew-on or iron-on badges that can be put on plain clothing
    ? Encourage second hand uniform sales or swap schemes
    ? Providing budgets for the year in September so parents can plan ahead
    ? Being transparent about which contributions are voluntary

    8. If you are really struggling with buying school uniform or PE kit for your child(ren), apply to your local authority for a School Uniform Grant.

    9. If you have difficulties with any of the above steps your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help. Many bureaux are already trying to influence the work of local Schools Admissions Forums as part of our Adding Up campaign.

    10. For more information visit: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/addingupcampaign
    CAB adviceline 08 444 111 444 or 0300 3300 650(mobile)
    For general advice visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
    Your local CAB is in Market Square, Thame

    SOURCE; Contributed by Thame CAB

  • 04/09/12…..Chinnor RFC take max points in first match of the season

    CHINNOR Rugby club, based in Thame, played their first 1st Team match of the season on Saturday, following their promotion from level five rugby to level four. They gained the maximum five points, beating Launceston on their home turf. This takes Chinnor to thirdplace in the table.

    MATCH REPORT: Chinnor’s ‘Never say die’ attitude snatches victory in Cornwall – Newly promoted to this league, Chinnor?s long trip to Launceston for the first match of the season proved fruitful as the boys from Thame returned 33-29 winners.

    The game started badly for Chinnor when tight head prop Pickett was sin binned after just 45 seconds for unnecessary foul play. The first score of the day came from Launceston?s highly influential Lewis Patterson who ran in a simple try after a missed tackle. With the conversion from Kieron Lewitt , Launceston (whose 1st XV go by the nickname of Cornish All Blacks) went 7-0 ahead on the 10th minute.

    Four minutes later, Cathcart, with a penalty goal, scored Chinnor?s first points of the afternoon. In the 18th minute, a downfield kick was fielded by Goode who set off on a mazy run through the defence. A quick offload to Gilbert and an inside pass saw the supporting Colver dot down for Chinnor?s first try. Cathcart?s conversion gave the visitors a 10-7 lead.

    The try of the match came in the 24th minute from a Chinnor line out some 30 metres from the Cornish All Blacks line. Quick ball off the top saw a rapid flat passing movement get the ball into Gray?s hands on the wing. His scorching pace left the defence for dead to score Chinnor?s second try of the afternoon for a 15-7 lead.

    Launceston then began to pile on the pressure and set up camp on the Chinnor line. The pressure eventually told and Patterson scored his and the All Blacks second try. Lewitt?s conversion reduced the Chinnor lead to 15-14 at half time.

    Eight minutes into the second half, Lewitt restored the All Blacks lead to 17-15 with a penalty goal. Launceston again pulverised the Chinnor line who held firm for a considerable period until Patterson broke the deadlock with his hat-trick try on the 53rd minute to further increase the home lead to 22-15.

    Chinnor, not dismayed by this period of considerable pressure stuck to their swashbuckling approach to the game. Chinnor?s Chase attempted to get free down the left wing but some foul play in the tackle saw Launceston?s Lewitt sent to the bin for 10 minutes. At the line out from the resultant penalty kick, Chinnor lost the ball but managed to partially charge down the attempted clearance kick. The ball was moved to Stoop who slipped Goode in for a powerful run to the line for Chinnor?s third try on the 58th minute. Cathcart?s conversion was a formality to level the match at 22-22.

    Just one minute later, Launceston infringed on the centre spot. Cathcart?s towering penalty kick gave Chinnor a 25-22 lead.

    Disaster struck Chinnor in the 69th minute with a charged down kick. The ball bounced comfortably for Launceston?s Friend to pick up and slowly stroll unopposed to the line for the home side?s fourth try. Lewitt?s conversion gave Launceston a 29-25 lead with 10 minutes to play.

    Chinnor reacted boldly to the setback. They attempted to run the ball at every opportunity and their efforts saw them awarded a penalty some 30 metres out when the All Blacks Richard Bright was sin binned for slapping the ball away in a three on one overlap. Cathcart duly slotted to reduce the match score to 29-28 in favour of Launceston.

    Chinnor continued to look for gaps and Chase touched down wide out on the left for it to be harshly ruled out. This only served to galvanise Chinnor. From forward play wide on the right, Jordan Wood carried the ball strongly through several tackles. The ball was whipped from the ruck and an extravagantly long miss pass found Chase at full pace scoring in the left hand corner on the 78th minute to give the boys from Thame a 33-29 bonus point victory.

    This was a most entertaining match with the lead changing hands several times. The result could have gone either way. The difference was perhaps Chinnor?s never say die attitude. At several points in the match, Chinnor was put on under enormous pressure by the home side and the match seemed as though it was beginning to drift away from them. They never gave in and their boldness ultimately brought them victory.

    The kicking of Launceston?s Lewitt and Webber will trouble any side and in Lewis Patterson they possess a real attacking talent. Although there were individual contributions of great merit for Chinnor, this performance was a team effort and the victory was forged from boldness and belief.

    Scorers:
    Chinnor: Colver T; Gray T; Goode T; Chase T; Cathcart 2C, 3PG
    Launceston: Patterson 3T; Friend T; Lewitt 3C, PG

    Chinnor team:
    Colver, Gray, Goode, Stoop, Chase, Cathcart, Jones, Stock (Berry 67), Tattersall, Pickett (Whelan 67), Blewitt (Wood 62), Smith, Gilbert, Williams, Kava
    Replacements: Whelan, Berry, Wood, Davies, Fielding

    CONTRIBUTED BY Bill O’Donnell

    MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHINNOR RFC

    The Juniors train on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. The Minis train on Sunday mornings from 10am and the Seniors train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm. All ages and all levels of players are welcome. Supporters too!

    NEXT WEEK

    On Saturday, September 8, Chinnor should have played their first home match against Rugby Lions. However, due to financial difficulties, Lions have been dropped from the League. Instead the afternoon will see action from the 2nd XV playing Thurrock RFC in the Canterbury Shield Division 2. Thurrock kinldy agreed to reverse the venue so that there would be some action at Kingsey Road. The 3rd XV will be playing Windsor 2nds in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon League Division 1

    And the Vets/Oxen will be playing Aylesbury RFC. Again a reaaranged venue due to Aylesbury?s ground and clubhouse refurbishment not yet completed.

  • 04/09/12…’The Drakes’ to take top sport at First Thursday Music Club

    LOCAL Rising stars, The Drakes, featuring Ben Cooper, Dan Mordente, George Chandler and Stephen Jones are booked to take the 10 o?clock Feature Spot at The First Thursday Music Club on Thursday, September 6, at The Stables venue, behind The James Figg pub in Thame.

    Fresh from headlining a prestigious gig at The Dublin Castle in Camden, The Drakes will playing a stripped back acoustic set to a big crowd expected on the night (free entry!).

    The Drakes are an acoustic-rock quartet with influences ranging from alt-folk to indie-punk. Since forming in Spring 2011, the band has worked relentlessly gigging and crafting a collection of songs in advance of the release of their new EP in January. For free downloads, streaming and details, go to: www.thedrakes.co.uk or search The Drakes on Facebook.

    The August session of Thame’s FTMC featured a fantastic set from ‘The August List’ as well as 14 other acts totalling over 30 musicians. 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. The club provides a high quality PA System with professional ?sound men? to allow players to maximise the chance to play in front of a crowd of up to 140.

    Check out the club on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheFirstThursdayMusicClub

  • 04/09/12…..REMINDER to all swimmers! Thame Rotary Swimathon

    THE preparations for the first edition of the Rotary Thame Swimathon are under way. Inspired by the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, the event will take place at Thame Leisure Centre on Sunday, October 7, 2012, between 10am and 3pm.

    This is a fun and fundraising event on behalf of local charities: Mayor of Thame?s Charity Appeal (2012-2013), Sharing Life Trust and SERV, and also Thame & District Day Centre, Chiltern and Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

    Sponsors

    The event is possible due to the generosity of several local businesses. ALR Services, ASM Auto Recycling, Thame Leisure Centre, Park Street Dental Clinic and Racquets Fitness Centre. Vale Life Magazine will cover the cost of hiring the pool, whilst PSG Trophies will cover the cost of producing the medals. Abbotts Office Solutions and Silent View Windows sponsored the blue Rotary T-shirts which will be worn by the volunteers organising the event.

    Rotarian, Marius Ciortan, who Chairs the Rotary Swimathon Steering Group, said: ?We have received a great response and support from the local businesses and groups. Brothers of Thame, Lightfoots and Chinnor Cubs will participate whilst Lord Williams? School, Thame Swimming Club and other groups are also likely to send swimmers.”

    Who can take part?

    ?Everyone over the age of eight can take part,” explained Marius. “More local groups and businesses have been contacted and are expected to participate. We hope the Rotary Swimathon will be repeated year-on-year and be part of the 2012 Olympic legacy.

    ?We are looking for another 15 teams of up to six 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.?

    Prospective 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

    SOURCE: Contributed

    Notes:
    Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, part of Rotary International has 1,845 clubs and more than 55,000 members.

    Rotary International was funded in 1905 in Chicago and is now the largest international service organisation with 1.2 million professional men and women as members.

    There are 33,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary Clubs are open to men and women who are business, professional and community leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others. Rotary initiates local and global projects to promote world understanding and peace and improve conditions for people of all ages and cultures.

  • 03/09/12….Children and the hurdles of war – Local Olympian & author remembers

    THAMENEWS.NET’S’s summer intern, Suzannah Smith, describes her meeting with local Rector, and war-time evacuee, Tom Farrell, who’s first book about his experiences during the second World War has recently been published:

    AROUND three million people were uprooted from their homes and transported to alien environments. I remember my grandparents’ stories of being evacuated, but so much of the detail has been lost. I was therefore fascinated when I heard that Tom Farrell of Long Crendon had decided to record his experiences in his new book: Tim Oliver: Evacuee.

    The story is about young Tim Oliver from Liverpool who is sent to live in rural Shropshire and it?s no secret that this is really an account of the author’s own adventures: ?Although a lot of the book is fictionalised, said Tom, “most of the action actually happened.? He talked about how he wanted his grandchildren to know what had happened to him, and how he would like all children to know about the experiences of war-time evacuees.

    ?I wanted to do the War justice,? explained Tom, ?but it is also for children. It?s from a boy?s perspective so children can relate to it.? And in general the story is very positive, but so many evacuees had unpleasant experiences. Was it like this for Tom I wondered?

    ?I have no bad memories of being evacuated,” Tom confessed. “I left out some bits; for example some of the village lads never took to me and I got up to a lot more mischief!? Yet overall being sent to the country was, for Tom, like being sent to a giant playground.

    Although he confesses that he doesn?t remember everything from his evacuation, Tom said: ?I tried to give as true an account of people and places as I could.? Furthermore, the process of writing the book brought back memories and allowed Tom to revisit his childhood. ?There were a lot of tears,? he said sincerely, ?particularly about my late mother and sister, Shirley whose stories I tell in the book.?

    Having worked as a rector for many years, Tom is used to writing into the night. ?I think I?ve got the Liverpool sense of humour. That helped me keep going,? Tom said with a chuckle.

    As well as this new career as an author, Tom has worked as a school teacher, a Rector and is a former British Olympian. He competed in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games as a hurdler. When I asked him how he thought the Games had changed, Tom said: ?The ethos is the same now as it?s always been, there?s just more hype.? He told me that the opening for the Melbourne Olympics was simply the Royal Marines performing a march around the stadium. When you compare this to the estimated

  • 03/09/12…Bucks Show triumphs for Rosie (Contributed)

    LAST THURSDAY, Rosie Skier (21), from Ford, near Thame, rode the only clear round to win in the middle section of the Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter pony on Connemara pony, Bruckless Euro, for Frances Castle of Thame, qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show in 2013. They went on to be Reserve Champion.

    She then won on the Dales pony, Lowhouses Monarch, owned by Jackie Morris of Kensworth, in the large section of the Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter pony and also qualified for the Royal International Horse Show next year. Max, as Lowhouses Monarch is usually called, then went on to be overall Mountain & Moorland Hunter pony Champion.

    Rosie then rode Lesley Evans, of Willow Road, Thame’s Welsh cob Section D mare, Broughton Morwena, to win her class and become Open Mountain and Moorland Ridden Champion. Wena also won the coveted National Pony Society Silver Medal and qualified for the National Pony Society Championships in 2013.

    On Bank Holiday Monday, Rosie rode Wena to come second in both the Intermediate and Open Ridden Mountain and Moorland class at the area breed show, qualifying for Equifest 2013. Wena has had numerous successes this year with Rosie and also won at Thame last year, becoming Champion there too.

    Last of all at Bucks, Rosie came 2nd and Reserve Champion in the Local Mountain & Moorland Ridden class on Kimble owner, Esme Humpston’s young Connemara gelding, Skellorn Lord of the Dance (Dan).

    The owners of all these marvellous ponies would like to give a huge vote of thanks to Rosie who is making such a success of her career despite her young age (she is 21 on 8/9/12!) and say:”keep up the good work!”

    Lesley Evans, Willow Road, Thame

  • 03/09/12….Fire fighters find body in burning car

    FIRE FIGHTERS called to a burning car in the early hours of last Sunday morning (02/09), discovered a body inside.

    The police were then called to the scene, a lay-by outside Thame, on the A4129 between Kingsey and Longwick, at around 2.30am.

    The fire is not considered to be suspicious and no formal identification of the deceased has yet taken place.

  • 03/09/12….Thame area Community Policing up-date

    HERE is the latest Thame neighbourhood update from Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Lucy Thorne, PCSO Diane Jackson, PCSO Chris Hollis and PCSO Richard Howard.

    Anti-social behaviour

    During August we received numerous reports of ASB in the Queen Elizabeth Circle where young people were creating a noise nuisance. This area is on our patrol plan and will be monitored regularly.

    We have been informed that visitors to the Queen Elizabeth Circle park area have been parking in Harrison Place and on occasion they have caused an obstruction to resident?s driveways. We would like to remind everyone to be considerate in their parking.

    We have received complaints about anti-social use of vehicles through the town centre, mainly in the evening and at night. We have developed a good rapport with the young people in the town, and combine suitable advice regarding noise levels and gathering in public areas, together with enforcement where appropriate. We will continue to monitor this and should we identify vehicles and drivers causing vehicle related ASB, we will be issuing Section 59 warnings, which can lead to the seizure of vehicles constantly coming to note.

    All of these community concerns continue to be addressed through our current patrol plan.

    Offenders brought to justice

    In August, 18 offenders were brought to justice for the following;

    2 x drunk and disorderly
    1 x assault without injury on a Police Officer
    1 x theft not classified
    2 x drug possession ? cannabis
    8 x shoplifting
    1 x harassment
    1 x assault without injury
    1 x drug possession ? excluding cannabis
    1 x public order

    Priorities

    Our Local Priority for Thame is anti-social behaviour (ASB). To deter any ASB we conduct high visibility patrols in and around the town, engaging with members of the public and listening to local people?s community concerns/issues. Where problems are brought to our attention, we conduct home visits with parents present (if appropriate), issue warning letters and work with offenders to encourage them to move forward. As well as ASB warning letters we can also issue acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs), anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), Section 27 orders ? direction to leave locality, and Section 59 orders – contracts issued for using a vehicle in an anti-social manner.

    Partnership activity

    We continue to work with our partners, ensuring that we liaise on a regular basis with the schools on our sector to maintain our good rapport.

    Non partnership activity

    Following reports of people illegally occupying a premise in Thame, we have been working closely with the relevant agencies and local residents to reduce/deter criminal activity. The premise has now been secured and we are conducting regular site inspections to monitor the premise and surrounding area. We have also conducted reassurance patrols, which local residents have appreciated.

    Planned activity

    We have participated in the following operations during August:

    Maginot – this operation continues to run, tackling travelling criminals entering and leaving our area.

    Due to an increase in thefts from vehicles in the Thame area and surrounding villages, we have been deploying the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) device at dedicated times and providing a highly visible police presence aimed at deterring and preventing offences taking place, offering reassurance and assisting in the capture and prosecution of offenders.

    ANPR is a powerful tool that can help prevent crime by identifying flagged vehicles.

    Benefits of ANPR

    ANPR identifies suspect vehicles that may not normally attract police attention.
    Unlicensed or uninsured vehicles are likely to be seized on the spot by ANPR equipped officers.
    It can be used to gather intelligence on known criminals, and for running pro-active operations using dedicated Roads Policing intercept teams.
    ANPR cameras are not safety cameras – they are not used by Thames Valley Police to catch speeding or otherwise law abiding motorists. ANPR cameras are not used to generate money for the Government or other agencies.

    Magpie – this operation involves checking parked vehicles in local car parks for valuables left on display. We also conduct these checks on our general patrols.

    Mangrove ? this operation has been set up as a result of fuel thefts from heavy goods vehicles in our area. This operation involves us carrying out static patrols in key areas at key times in marked vehicles.

    Moonlight – this operation will be running continuously and is working to protect the night time economy of Thame town centre by preventing and detecting ASB/violent assaults and managing licensed premises. PCSOs are working with police officers to conduct high visibility patrols in the town centre and are liaising with the pubs, carrying out licence checks.

  • 30/08/12…Three great chefs in one Saturday morning!

    THAME Arts and Literature Festival (TAL) will be hosting its first ‘Along the Way’ event very soon, during the run up to the festival proper on October 12 -14, 2012.

    WHEN? Saturday, September 15 – WHAT? Join award winning cook and food writer Sophie Grigson as she talks about her work and books. Sophie will demonstrate some of her techniques with the audience which can expect an exciting, interactive and entertaining morning.

    WHO ELSE? There will be a special guest appearance by Edd Kimber, ‘The Boy who Bakes’ who was the winner of last Year?s BBC Great British Bakeoff and has already established himself in the ranks of Great British Culinary Champions!

    His new book, ‘Say it with Cake’ will be published only two days before his appearance at Thame and Edd will be happy to sign copies after his interview by celebrity chef and local cafe owner, Lotte Duncan. MORE

  • 30/08/12….A hippo, a gnu, two men & a piano – What’s happening in Haddenham

    WHEN? Saturday, September 15: A Hippo a Gnu, Two Men and a Piano An Evening with Flanders & Swann performed by Tim Armitt & Gus Orchard at St Mary’s School, Haddenham at 7.30pm. In aid of the Utugi Street Children, Kenya. Tickets: