Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 30/07/12 Midsomer Murders creates tourism opportunities

    SOUTH Oxfordshire?s growing popularity with Midsomer Murders fans means more chances to explore town and village locations used by the production company.

    Four companies now offer a range of guided tours of the area and enquiries come from individuals and travel agents as far afield as the USA and Australia, while in Europe German and Swedish viewers keep the programme at the top of TV ratings.

    The popular TV series shows in 220 countries worldwide, resulting in an international fan base keen to experience rural English life, including traditional pubs and cricket played on the village green.

    South Oxfordshire District Council recognised the potential of Midsomer Murders as a tourist draw and created the website www.visitmidsomer.com to help fans find local locations. As well as details about the tour companies, there are two self-guide trails, books about the locations and free leaflets.

    SOURCE: Press release

  • 30/07/12…..Planning Applications to be considered by Thame Town Council

    PLANNING Applications to be considered by Thame Town Council?s Planning Committee on Tuesday, July 31, 2012.

    9076
    P12/S1330/HH
    1 MONTROSE WAY
    Two storey side extension and single storey porch.
    9077
    P12/S1363/HH

    2 LASHLAKE ROAD
    Loft conversion, including side extension.
    9078
    P12/S1342/HH

    27 ASTLEY ROAD
    Erection of timber building for use as a hobby shed and construction of flat roof to serve as a walkway from above into existing garage.
    9079
    P12/S1390/O

    46 SOUTHERN ROAD
    Demolition of the existing dwellings and commercial buildings and the erection of 7 two-storey residential units (comprising a terrace of four two-bedroom units and a terrace of 3 two-bedroom units) together with
    access and parking.
    9080
    P12/S1362/HH

    ACORN LODGE, MORETON
    Rear single storey extension and conservatory.
    9052
    P12/S0586

    9064
    P12/S1111/HH
    16 CHESTNUT AVENUE
    Single and double storey front and rear extensions (As amended by drawing number 9437/F/02 Rev B accompanying email from Agent dated 23 July 2012)
    Amendment No. 1 The two storey element has been reduced to a single storey, with reduced depth.

  • 28/07/12….UPDATE: Police treating railway fire as arson

    28/07/12 – PHOTO: Taken at the scene by 13 year-old Aaron Sabin. Aaron told Thamenews.Net: “I live in the new Taylor wimpy housing developments. The fire was near my house. I heard a helicopter outside my house with the flash light shining and a warning message saying: ‘Hands on your head’ or something like that. I did hear the police helicopter say something but I don’t think the helicopter could see anyone. The helicopter then went away once one police car arrived, and then one fire engine arrived and they had to break the fence to get into the building site to reach the fire. Then loads off backup arrived just in case it exploded I suppose!”

    27/07/12 – THAMES Valley Police is treating the destruction of a historic railway carriage earlier this morning as arson and is asking for witnesses to come forward to help them with their enquiries.

    The coach, which was destroyed by the fire, was built in the 1930s and is known as a London Midland and Scottish Railway Observation Coach.

    A statement issued earlier this evening says:

    At about 2am today (26/7), the Thames Valley Police helicopter observed a fire near a private railway station belonging to the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway Association, which is a registered charity.

    Police officers and the fire service attended and dealt with the incident. The fire destroyed an historic carriage which was on railway sidings some distance away from the station.

    An investigation has been launched and officers are working closely with the charity to keep them fully informed.

    Investigating officer PC Martin Davis, of Thame police station, is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

    He said: ?This railway is run entirely by volunteers so this incident has caused a great deal of upset.

    ?We are currently treating the incident as arson and would like to appeal to anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area of the railway station in the early hours of this morning, to come forward. I would also like to speak to anyone who has any further information which could assist our inquiry.?

    If you can help, please call PC Davis via the 24-hour Thames Valley 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.

    PHOTO: Taken at the scene by Aaron Sabin

  • 26/07/12….Serious fire at local steam railway centre

    FIRE CREWS from eight stations, including Thame, were called to a serious fire at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway in the early hours of this morning.

    At just after 2am this morning, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service supported by Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue, were called to reports of a train carriage on fire. On arrival crews from Thame Fire Station were faced with a fully developed fire in a train carriage.

    Crews wearing breathing apparatus rapidly knocked down the fire using high and low pressure water jets and prevented the spread of the fire that was threating a nearby carriage and rolling stock.

    A total 45 firefighters attended the incident from eight fire stations.

    Incident commander, Station Manager Marcus Reay, said: “The teamwork and communication between Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire fire crews meant that the fire was prevented from spreading and causing further fires. Fire Investigators are working with Thames Valley Police to establish the cause of the fire, which is currently unknown.”

    Anyone with any information about this incident 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.

  • 27/07/12…..Thame Ladies reach Bowls final – again!

    FOR the third year running, Thame Ladies have reached the final of the Top Club competition. On Sunday, July 22, they travelled to Banbury Borough to face the combined teams of Banbury Borough and Bloxham (amusingly nicknamed “banblo”).

    In the singles, Caroline Walker started nervously and soon found herself trailing 9 shots to 1 against her similarly named Banbury opponent Carol Walker. At 11 – 3 down she looked beaten, but gradually Caroline got back into the game with some excellent bowling and soon drew level and with a four on end 15 surged 15 – 11 ahead. The Banbury bowler was stuck on 11 shots and Caroline turned the screw to go 19 – 11 up. A slight wobble from Caroline saw Carol Walker get back into the game with a 4 herself, and at 19 – 15 the tension was mounting. However, cool and calm Caroline held on and drew 2 shots on the final end to win 23 – 16.

    In the pairs, Jill Brooks and Doreen Penn were rarely in trouble against their Banbury opponents. They completely out-bowled them end after end, and finally won by 9 clear shots at 29 to 20.

    The triples of Maire Duncan (who had travelled up from her holiday in Bournemouth especially to play), Marthie du Preez and skip Val Birchley had a much tougher game on their hands. There was never more than 2 shots between the two sides and it went right to the wire. On the final end with Thame just one shot ahead, Maire drew a shot right onto the jack, and this was soon followed by a wood from Marthie which stopped just 2 inches short. They hung on to these two shots to win 20 to 17.

    Although the four of Carol Boyland, Margaret Boynton, Ingrid Dale and Maxine Plested battled hard for every shot, they eventually lost by just one shot – a very brave effort.

    So – well done ladies – you are on for the hat-trick of top club successes. The final will be played at Oxford City & County on Saturday, August 25th against either Shiplake (who Thame beat in the previous two finals) or Oxford Sports.

    SOURCE: Club report by Vic Brooks

  • 26/07/12….Thame’s unsung heroes rewarded

    LOCAL people who have contributed to the community of Thame, have been officially recognised by the town council.

    At a recent awards ceremony at The Thame Barns Centre, Thame?s Mayor, Councillor Nigel Champken-Woods, presented trophies to deserving people who had been nominated and voted for by Thame people, including a posthumous award to the late Ben Guest, a local window cleaner and tireless fund-raiser for Help For Heroes and local charities too.

    New categories in this year?s awards included Person of Courage and Best Working/Bravest Dog, and each of the awards was sponsored by local businesses.

    The Young Achiever Award went to Beth Clarke. “Alongside her many sporting achievements this young person is a Whole School Council Representative – a fantastic role model for all students who are younger than her. She is always willing to help staff and students and is a key member of the Year Group,” said the Mayor.

    SERVICE WITH A SMILE

    The Service with a Smile Award, sponsored by DAF went to Autoparts. “This High Street shop impressed with how helpful, cheerful and knowledgeable the young staff are. They have been well trained in customer service and have even been known to install light bulbs in pensioners cars in the rain at no extra charge!” read their commendation.

    VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: Kismet Jewellers)

    The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Melanie Shannon
    who has been a volunteer supporting learning in Barley Hill School for five years. “She comes into school every day to work individually with struggling readers, even though her own children moved on several years ago. She is a genuinely caring and patient person who has a real rapport with children and a determination to help those who find reading difficult. She has become a vital part of the team and all the teachers in the group are indebted to her for her unstinting support.”

    BEST WORKING DOG (Sponsored by: Sprinz & Nash)

    The Best Working Dog award was given posthumously to Guide Dog Faldo, and presented to his owner, Bob Gerhardt, with his new dog Coco. “This award goes to a Guide Dog who worked faithfully with his blind owner, Bob Gerhardt, for 9 years, and is very sadly missed,” remarked the Mayor.

    VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION (Sponsored by: Kismet Jewellers)

    The Voluntary Organisation of the Year award went to The Thame and District Day Centre. Owen Davies and Margaret Robinson received the award on behalf of the Day Care Centre.

    Here are some of the comments from nominees:

    ?The volunteers are excellent. They work so hard to give us a lot of pleasure. I appreciate the fact that they give up their own time to enrich our lives.?

    ?I think this is a wonderful organisation. Everybody is friendly and welcoming; It is lovely to have something to look forward to. This would not be possible without all the volunteers, drivers, trustees and the lovely ladies who wait on us hand and foot!?

    SERVICE TO THE TOWN (Sponsored by: Thame Town Council)

    The Service to the Town Award was given to Alan Tipping
    who cleans Thame?s streets. Alan received many nominations. Here are just a few of the comments from nominees:

    ?This guy is amazing. He works tirelessly to keep our streets clean and works in all weather.?

    ?A true unsung hero, who deserves some form of gratitude from the people of Thame.?

    ?We have never had such clean streets, He is always smiling and courteous.?

    ?He is out in all weather keeping Thame tidy and always has a cheerful word to say.?

    ?He frequently goes the extra mile and he has been known to give of his own time to help tidy up after local events.?

    PERSON OF COURAGE (Sponsored by: Mobalpa Kitchens)

    The Person of Courage award was given posthumously to Ben Guest, whose parents, Terry and Marie collected his award on behalf of their son who sadly passed away earlier this year. Ben’s award was in recognition of his countless efforts to raise money for charity and his kind and generous behaviour.

    LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (Sponsored by: Christopher Pallet)

    This year?s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Mike Kidley, Commanding Officer of 594 (Thame) Squadron of the Air Cadets.

    Mike Kidley has devoted a huge part of his life, time and commitment to what has become one of the best squadrons in the Thames Valley. “Thanks to his leadership, said the Mayor, “the Squadron plays a visible and prominent part in many aspects of Thame life, including the annual Remembrance Service.

    “In addition to teaching young people the values and advantages of discipline coupled with fun, the air cadets helps young people grow to become responsible individuals, to be aware of the needs of those around them, to rise to challenges and to be better all round citizens.

    “As well as what he has been doing locally here in Thame, much of what he has done has drawn national attention to the town and helped promote Thame to a countrywide audience. For example, a Thame cadet was selected for the prestigious role of Lord Lieutenant?s Cadet for Oxfordshire in 2011, a Thame cadet recently took lunch with the Prime Minister, and a Thame cadet has also been nominated for the highest pilot award in the air cadets, the John Cunningham Trophy, named after the world famous fighter and test pilot.

    “Mike Kidley?s many years of service to the young people of Thame and to the town itself, thoroughly deserve public recognition.”

    Photo: The staff of Autoparts receive their award from the Mayor, Nigel Champken Woods, with Trevor Mitchell of DAF (right)

  • 26/07/12…Thame businessman’s appeal for kids’ Jubillee mugs

    AFTER reading that the town council had turned down a request for money towards Jubilee mugs for all Thame primary pupils, a Thame businessman decided to do something about it.

    Alun Rowe, who runs Pentangle Internet Limited, read about Thame Town council’s inability to match fund monies raised from a Jubilee quiz held over the Bank Holiday, to provide every primary school child in Thame with a Jubilee mug, on ThameNews.Net

    “After reading ThameNew.Net’s article, I felt something could be done,” said Alun, who has a five year-old son himself.

    “As Cllr Mary Stiles said,” continued Alun: ‘This is an historic occasion and the people who raised

  • 26/07/12…….Towering acts for Towersey Festival

    ONE of the UK’s most successful independent festivals, Towersey, returns next month with a great line-up of pop chart-toppers and award-winning acts.

    Among those making their way to the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Towersey are The South (aka The Beautiful South), who’ll be launching the five-day festival on Thursday 23 August with a hit-filled set featuring such classics as Song For Whoever, Perfect Ten, You Keep It All In and A Little Time.

    They’re joined by Bellowhead (Friday 24 August), the raucous English folk 11-piece who’ve racked up a hefty 18 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominations since 2005. Taking home seven wins, five were for Best Live Act!

    Other acts heading to Towersey’s fully covered Venue 65 stage include Edward II (Saturday 26 August), who mix English dance tunes with reggae; the internationally respected Scottish octet Peatbog Faeries plus famed broadcaster, comedian, poet and presenter of BBC Radio 3’s The Verb, Ian McMillan (Sunday 26 August); and former Idlewild frontman turned folk troubadour, Roddy Woomble (Monday 27 August).

    Tickets for individual Venue 65 shows begin at just

  • 26/07/12…..Singer tutor wanted

    ENJOY singing? Singing Tutor wanted for a new charity ‘Singing for Fun’ group in Thame for older people.

    If you are interested, please give Milly Macpherson-Bruty a call on 07827235417 or email camillamacpherson-bruty@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk.

  • 26/07/12…..Have your say with local community police officers

    This is a community message from Thames Valley Police.
    HAVE YOUR SAY MEETINGS – The following Have Your Say Meetings are being held in your neighbourhood:

    Wednesday 1 August, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, between 2pm and 4pm.

    Thursday 9 August, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, between 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

    Friday 10 August, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, between 4pm and 6pm.

    Please come along, this is your opportunity to speak with your neighbourhood officers to discuss any local issues of concern you may have. If you are unable to attend but wish to speak with your neighbourhood officers, please call 101.

    Message sent by
    Cathie Wiskin (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Administrator, South Oxon & Vale LPA