Author: Sonja Francis

  • 31/07/12…..Young Aaron offers tech support to disabled & elderly

    A local school boy has launched a not-for-profit technical support service to help the elderly and disabled to communicate and gain better access to modern technology.

    Aaron Sabin, aged just 13, who lives in Chinnor, told ThameNews.Net that he founded Computer-Tech-Support back in April, after deciding that he wanted to do something for a charitable cause using his skills and knowledge with computers.

    Aaron is aiming high! He explained: “Computer-Tech-Support is hoping to become a big non-profit company throughout the UK! With our remote support technology we can ‘remote you in’ and fix any problems and errors with your computer or laptop. If we come across a problem we can’t fix, like a monitor or desktop not turning on, we will be able to tell you about a company that could.

    “What we’re aiming for is to empower people with disabilities, through knowledge of assisted technology, to help them communicate and increase their independence by using technology to help reduce isolation. Our services are offered free of charge to those who have a disability. Our core aim is to help people with disabilities gain better access through today?s technology.”

    Aaron would like to hear from anyone willing to act as sponsor or to be a volunteer to help him with his charitable venture. You can contact him by email via: aaron@computer-tech-support.org

  • 31/07/12.. Pink hair wins the day for Hannah

    WHILE the Americans celebrated their fourth of July with fireworks and the Stars and Stripes, South Oxfordshire held a very different kind of celebration; Independents? Day, aimed at promoting independent retailers and encouraging people to shop locally.

    All four towns in the district, Thame, Wallingford, Didcot and Henley, took part in the event to encourage shoppers to visit in their local independent retailers.

    With the chance to win a

  • 31/07/12.. Holiday activities for people 16+ with autism

    THOMLEY Hall Activity Centre (near Worminghall) Summer Holiday Programme – 24.07.2012 – 28.08.2012

    Thomley Hall Summer Programme 2012 for young people and adults with autism (aged 16 and above)! 9.30am to 3.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

    A safe and supportive environment for young people to enjoy fulfilling experiences throughout the long six week summer holidays.

    Please contact Claire at:
    My World, Thomley Hall Cottage, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall HP18 9JZ.
    Tel 01844 339840.
    myworldautismsupport@googlemail.com for details and to book.

  • 31/07/12… Inspired by Bradley Wiggins’s cycling success? Sky Ride Local

    IF you already enjoy cycling, or have been inspired to take it up for leisure, then Local Sky Rides could be just the thing for you!

    Enjoy safe, friendly cycle rides in Bucks with Sky Ride Local.

    Children keen to get out and about on their bikes?
    Inspired to get cycling again but nervous about busy roads? Don?t know where to go cycling?

    British Cycling have organised a variety of rides in Bucks on most Sundays until mid October. The cycle rides are free and are led by British Cycling trained ride leaders who are on hand to provide support and give you a few tips, whatever your age or cycling ability.

    Sky Ride Local rides are designed to help adults and children enjoy cycling and the Aylesbury Vale rides are a part of those taking place across the country. Whether you cycle regularly or are perhaps thinking about cycling again after a long break, there are rides to suit you.

    The rides are a fantastic way of exploring your local area and making new friends. There is no racing (sorry to disappoint you, Bradley Wiggins) yet children who join several rides may receive gifts as part of the Ride for Rewards scheme.

    Sky Rides in Aylesbury Vale

    Sunday 12th August
    2 pm Stowe Explorer ? Family ride in the grounds of the magnificent Stowe House

    Sunday 19th August
    10 am Bernwood Strong ? Challenging ride on country roads from Swam Pool in Buckingham
    2 pm Aylesbury Explorer ? Leisurely ride on residential roads and Gemstone cycle paths from Southcourt Community Centre, Aylesbury

    Sunday 26th August
    10 am Bucks Heritage Ride ? Cycle on quiet country roads from Quainton
    2 pm Wendover Woods Easy ? Short ride for families on woodland tracks, Wendover Woods

    Sunday 2nd September
    2 pm Riverside Meander ? Gentle ride for families on the banks of the River Thame in Aylesbury

    Sunday 9th September
    2 pm Phantom Swanbourne Station ? Leisurely ride on quiet roads and tracks from Winslow

    Sunday 16th September
    2 pm Aylesbury Explorer ? Leisurely ride on residential roads and Gemstone cycle paths from Southcourt Community Centre, Aylesbury

    Sunday 23rd September
    10 am Bernwood Strong ? Challenging ride on country roads from Swam Pool in Buckingham

    Sunday 30th September
    2 pm Phoenix Trail Steady ? Leisurely ride for families along the fabulous Phoenix Trail from Princes Risborough Rail Station

    Sunday 7th October
    2 pm Riverside Meander ? Gentle ride for families on the banks of the River Thame in Aylesbury

    Sunday 14th October
    2 pm Wendover Woods Steady ? Ride for families on woodland tracks, Wendover Woods

    For further details of all rides available and to register visit www.goskyride.com

  • 31/07/12 Cornmarket, Thame, Barn conversion approved

    SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council has approved a planning application, reference P12/S0975/DIS, for development work at the following location: Rear of 12/12A Cornmarket Thame

    The application is for: Repair, restoration, conversion and extension of barn to form two bedroom dwelling. Discharge of conditions 4, 5 & 6 for applications P11/E0904 & P11/E0905/LB

    You can see details of the application on SODC’s website by clicking this http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P12/S0975/DIS

  • 30/07/12..Witnesses sought after cyclist knocked unconscious in Thame

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Thame.

    Between 12.30am and 1am on Saturday 21 July, a 24-year-old man was wheeling his bicycle along the area of Rooks Lane and Southern Road, when he was assaulted.

    The victim was knocked unconscious in the assault, and sustained other injuries including cuts to his head and face, broken teeth, and cuts to his elbows, knees and chest.

    He received treatment at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital and has since been discharged.

    Three people, two 16-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail until 26 August.

    PC Ali Foster, investigating the incident, said: ?As the man was knocked unconscious we only have a sketchy account of what happened.

    ?I would like to speak to anyone who saw the assault, or the victim, who was wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt.?

    Anyone with any information should contact PC Foster via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

    If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

    SOURCE: Thames Valley Police Press release

  • 30/07/12…Olympics football – Changes to Chiltern Rail services tomorrow

    Due to 2012 Games football at Wembley Stadium, Chiltern Rail will be altering the lengths of some services between 1650 and 1930 on 31 July and 9 August in order to manage demand effectively between London Marylebone and Wembley Stadium.

    These changes will affect the following services

    1653 London Marylebone to Aylesbury via Amersham will be formed of two carriages instead of three
    1727 London Marylebone to Aylesbury via Amersham will be formed of three carriages instead of four
    1740 London Marylebone to Bicester North will be formed of five carriages instead of six
    1759 London Marylebone to Aylesbury via Amersham will be formed of four carriages instead of five
    1816 London Marylebone to Aylesbury via High Wycombe will be formed of four carriages instead of six
    1833 London Marylebone to Aylesbury via Amersham will be formed of four carriages instead of five
    1927 London Marylebone to Aylesbury via Amersham will be formed of four carriages instead of five

    Other changes include:

    1713 Marylebone to Aylesbury via High Wycombe will terminate at Princes Risborough for connecting services to Aylesbury.

    1829 Marylebone to West Ruislip will terminate at Wembley Stadium station. Passengers travelling to Northolt Park or the Sudburys are advised to check our website for alternative Chiltern Railways services.

    Chiltern Rail has apologised for the inconvenience this will cause.

  • 30/07/12…..Speed dating – with books

    EVER thought about getting into reading, but never thought you had the time? An Oxford library has come up with a unique and fun way to get people like you reading.

    The staff at the Oxford Central Library have come up with a free Speed Dating With Books event this Saturday (August 4).

    All you need to do is arrive at 2pm and the library team will present you with a quick-fire selection of titles for you to sample.

    You will get just a few moments in which to decide whether it?s for you before you jot down your views and move on to the next one.

    It may be read at first sight or you may get to the end of the event and choose only after going back over your notes. And if you find yourself struggling then a member of staff could end up playing matchmaker.

    County Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Cabinet member for safer and stronger Communities, said: ?Just as meeting new people can be daunting, finding a book you’d like to spend time with can be difficult.

    ?You have just enough time with each book to decide whether or not you would like to spend more time with them. It?s a really fun way to find the right one for you.?

    The event is open to anyone. If you are not a member then staff can help you join on the day ? or you can join online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

    PHOTO: Oxford Central Library – Courtesy of Opening the Book

  • 30/07/12…Thame Olympic swimmer exits with honour

    EX Lord Williams’s boy, Simon Burnett, announced his retirement from competitive swimming today, after a disappointing result for him and the rest of GB’s Olympic 4x100m freestyle relay on Sunday.

    The team came 12th in the heats, failing to make the final in what was Simon’s third Olympic games.

    Simon, 29. who is the Patron of Thame Swimming Club, leaves with his head held high though, as a double Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and still the holder of the British record for both the 100m and the 200m freestyle.

    Simon intends to return to live in the United States, where he has studied and trained since he was a teenager.

    PHOTO: Flash back: Simon Burnett with members of Thame Swimming Club when he first became their patron

  • 30/07/12….Thame rang out as ‘All the Bells’ launched Olympics

    AS people all over Thame rang in the Olympics, including the bell ringers of St Mary’s Church, Thame, these two were quite happy to interrupt breakfast to join in the fun on Friday.

    This UK wide project, to get as many bells of all and any kind ringing at the same time – 08:12 to be precise – was the brain child of Turner Prize-winning artist and musician, Martin Creed, and a London 2012 Festival commission called Work No. 1197: All the bells in the country to be rung as quickly and as loudly as possible for three minutes.

    PHOTO: William (9 months) and Samuel (2 years) Schleising