Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 25/04/12…Thame business awarded ?Trusted Google Photographer’ status

    A local photography business is celebrating its new prestigious title of ‘Trusted Google Photographer.

    Thame 360, which specialises in panoramic photography, has been chosen to help add businesses to Google places, maps and street view. They will be working with businesses to take 360 images of shop interiors so that the prospective shopper can take a look around before leaving their house and then hopefully, actually visit it!

    Photographer Bob Stapleton told Thamenews.net: ?I set up Thame360 a couple of years ago, which is a similar sort of concept, but obviously Google is taking it one step further.?

    Thame360 has already produced virtual images of various Thame businesses, which are viewable on Google. You can now see the inside of 2 Wheels, the bike shop on the High Street, Gallant Menswear, on Greyhound walk, and Bizzie Lizzie Flower Shop in the Upper High Street. (Click on the little orange man when you find the business on Google maps)

    Searching on Google can now lead you directly inside shops or restaurants, allowing customers to learn more about a business and what it has to offer. As well as being impressive in quality and fascinating to explore, this futuristic technology has many practical applications. As well as being able to browse the layout of a restaurant for instance, the new service has many practical uses, like helping potential customers to check for disabled access.

    Thame is involved in the early stages of this innovative and expanding enterprise and is one of the first non-city sites to take part. ?It?s something that hasn?t really been properly launched yet,? explained Bob. ?There will be a big roll out within the next month or so. Google are keeping the project very low key at the moment but will soon be launching a big marketing exercise.?

    Sonja Francis, Chair of Thame4Business, said: “Its great that Thame is at the forefront of these worldwide, hi-tech developments and the fusion of technology with local businesses will help put Thame on the map!”

    AUTHOR: Suzannah Smith

  • 25/04/12…AMENDED: .Hunt for the lost Thame bunting

    THE contact details for information has changed. SEE BELOW****

    WITH the Diamond Jubilee celebrations rapidly approaching, the hunt is on for miles of missing Thame bunting!

    Thame Town Council says that it is well ahead with preparations for the Jubilee weekend events which will include a Big Jubilee Quiz on the evening of Saturday, June 2, at St Mary’s Church, and the Big Jubilee Picnic in Elms Park on Sunday, June 3, from 1pm – 5pm.

    The Big Picnic will include activities such as a Jubilee themed fancy dress competition, the crowning of a Thame Queen, Jubilee cake competition, tug o war, sprints, crafts and much more. But, one mystery dominates the discussion!

    The Town Mayor, David Bretherton, who is heading the group making preparations for the diamond Jubilee explains: “Whilst we have bunting for the celebrations this year it would be a nice touch to be able to hang the bunting used at earlier royal celebrations. We believe there is bunting in a box somewhere which was taken home by someone after the last event and perhaps then forgotten about. If anyone has information about this bunting or has any other bunting please do get in touch with

    **** St Mary’s Church Office at Thame Barns Centre either by dropping into the office or calling 01844 213491.****

    “We hope the people of Thame can solve the mystery of the missing bunting! On the other hand if anyone has any spare bunting please can we borrow it.”

    The Diamond Jubilee is a once in a lifetime national celebration and with the party centring on creating the biggest street party ever seen in Thame at the Picnic in Elms Park, there is much to look forward too! Come as a family or street, party as a town!

  • 25/04/12..The London Marathon – Thame competitor’s own story

    KEV Schleising, from Thame, talks about what inspired him to enter the London Marathon, how he trained – and the reality on the day.

    I have lived in Thame all my life (32 years) and have had a keen interest in sport and fitness throughout, playing local football for Chinnor Exiles. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was a one year-old but have been lucky enough to be in a position to manage the condition and not allowed it to stop me do anything I’ve set my mind to.

    However my mum, Sheila Schleising, who has had an active role in the community, has been less fortunate and Asthma has had a bigger impact on her life with numerous trips to Doctors and Hospitals which are becoming more frequent as she ages (she’ll love me for saying that!). Because of this I decided to run the Marathon for Asthma UK.

    Training

    I wouldn?t consider myself a runner, but felt the chance to run a marathon, whilst raising money for charity was a challenge I couldn?t turn down. Upon acceptance on the Asthma UK Marathon team I devised a training plan that I would follow to ensure success, running three times a week, building up the distance as time went on. Unfortunately, with a busy work life and a young family (including a new born), time to train was hard to come by. However, I did cover over 400 miles of the 560 I had set out to achieve. During the training I suffered tendinitis in one foot, two strange lumps appearing by my ankle and a couple of blisters but I didn?t let this deter me.

    Race day

    On the day of the Marathon I felt mixed emotions; excitement to compete but nervous that I wouldn?t complete the course. The atmosphere at the start eased my mind, as a lot of people had the same jumbled emotions. I set off at a steady pace and the crowd lined the streets right from the start. I felt strong for the first half and seeing my wife, my son Samuel and friends on Tower Bridge gave me a well required boost. A few miles later, the challenge began and the pain kicked in. There were several moments were I wanted to stop but seeing all the good causes that people were raising money for, and hearing the reasons why, helped me through. I had to take a mile at a time and these small steps made it achievable. On reaching Big Ben I knew the challenge was nearly over. Turning the final bend and seeing the finishing line was a huge relief. The whole experience was overwhelming but humbling at the same time.

    The marathon was one of the hardest things I have ever done but I would recommend anyone to take up the challenge. I have so far raised approaching

  • 23/04/12…Woman trapped by horse box

    A woman is in hospital after a horse box became disconnected from the vehicle towing it, and fell on her as she was walking along the road in Chinnor.

    Police were called at 3.06pm yesterday (Sunday) by the ambulance service reporting a collision outside Hempton Field Care Home on Lower Ickneild Way, Chinnor. A horse box had disconnected from the silver Ford Ranger that was towing it and fallen on a woman in her sixties, who was trapped.

    The woman was freed by the fire service and taken to the JR for treatment for various injuries, including a fractured arm and broken ribs. She is today reported as being in a stable condition.

    The road was closed until about 6pm to allow investigators to examine the scene. Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact PC Gary Froud via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

    Image: The B4009 Icknield Way, near where Sunday’s incident occured. Courtesy of Google maps:
    LINK

  • 23/04/12….Coming soon: Present Laughter at The Players Theatre, Thame

    WHO? Thame Players present: WHAT? PRESENT LAUGHTER by Noel Coward; WHERE? at THE PLAYERS THEATRE, Nelson Street, Thame; WHEN? at 7.45pm from Tuesday 8th May to Saturday 12th May, 2012.

    THAME Players welcome two newcomers to The Players Theatre stage in their latest production of Noel Coward?s masterpiece, Present Laughter. Clare Peecock, who plays Daphne Stillington and Alistair Mackay, who plays Roland Maule, make their Thame debuts on Tuesday, May 8, at 7.45pm. The play is also the debut as a director for The Players of Chris Parker, although he brings with him much experience from elsewhere.

    Present Laughter follows the exploits of popular actor, Garry Essendine (played by Tim Proctor), who revels in being a temperamental prima donna. Now separated from his wife, Liz (played by Abigail Tester), he still remains under her control. Following a fling with Daphne Stillington and when he becomes more deeply involved with his manager?s wife, Joanna (played by Sarah Rosling), it becomes clear that it will be difficult for him to extricate himself. Liz returns and takes him under her control again. Noel Coward wrote the part of Garry for himself and some might say, apart from the change of name, Garry was Noel Coward.

    Performances run from Tuesday 8th May until Saturday 12th May at 7.45pm each day. Tickets cost

  • 23/04/12….The O2 in reach for local talent!

    OXFORD BAND, Lest We Forget, which includes Thame-born drummer, Fergus Taylor, has taken the judging panel of the UK?s biggest original music competition by storm and is now just one good performance away from playing at London?s O2 in the Grand Final of Live and Unsigned which is part of Live Fest; London?s biggest indoor festival.

    They were voted by judges as one of the best in the Regional Final Showcase and now they will be competing against the most talented bands and artists in the country in the South-West England and Wales Final on May 27, at Sub89 in Reading.

    Lest We Forget battled against the best talent in the region, to secure a coveted spot in the Area Finals and now has the opportunity to prove that they are the hottest unsigned act in the UK. Acts taking part in the live Area Final Showcase in front of hundreds of spectators will also get to perform to a professional judging panel, including judges from Radio One, Kerrang and Choice FM.

    Band member, Harry Lingard, told Thamenews.net: “We started about a year ago and have been playing shows all across the county, including the two of the biggest venues, including the Oxford O2 Academy, and we have an EP out on iTunes (Recorded at Black frog studios in Thame.) We play hard rock/metal and are currently winning a competition to play the main stage at Birmingham’s Infernal Festival.”

    More than 10,000 acts entered nationally and the few still left in the competition are in with a chance of making their way to the Grand Final at London?s O2, winning the

  • 23/04/12…Chinnor through to play-offs for promotion

    RUGBY: Nat 3SW: Saturday, April 21: Chinnor v Chippenham – MATCH REPORT – Chinnor?s 40-28 victory at home against Chippenham was no easy matter but gets them through to the play off for promotion to National 2 South.

    Even though Chippenham were down to 14 men with just seven minutes played when lock, Adrian Price was red carded for punching, Chinnor were continually tested by the more than competent side from Wiltshire.

    Chippenham began the scoring on 14 minutes when a catch and drive was driven over for Lyons to touch down. Sam Saunders? conversion gave Chippenham a 7-0 lead. Chinnor responded just three minuteslater when a simple passing movement saw Seymour outpace the defence to score in the corner. Cathcart?s conversion from touch brought the scores level at 7-7.

    Chippenham kept up their pick and drive tactics and, from a position in front of gaol and courtesy of some poor tackles, saw Crockett touch down under the posts. Saunders? conversion gave Chippenham a 14-7 lead. Chinnor were struggling to get possession of the ball and a series of handling errors kept giving the ball back to Chippenham.

    It was not until the 34th minute that Chinnor came back into the match by way of some soccer skills from scrum half Frank Jones. A downfield kick bounced backwards to the on rushing Jones who side footed the ball past the defender, ran past him and picked up the ball and dived over the line. With the conversion drifting off in the strong breeze, the Chippenham lead at half time was 14-12.

    Four minutes into the second half, Pickett scored the third try for Chinnor from a line out catch and drive close to the Chippenham line. Cathcart again converted from the touchline to put Chinnorahead for the first time in the match by 19-14. With Chippenham down to 13 men with Snape?s yellow card, Chinnor elected for a scrum for a not releasing penalty. Gilbert picked up from the base and drove over for Chinnor?s bonus point try. Cathcart?s trusty boot increased Chinnor?s lead to 26-14. Chippenham would not give up and their forwards pounded away and released prop Tom Dunn to score on the foot of the post. Saunders? conversion reduced the deficit to 26-21 in favour of Chinnor.

    In the 67th minute, Chinnor?s pressure on the Chippenham line paid off when Gray jumped athletically to flick an overhead pass to the unmarked Harrison who dotted down by the corner flag. Again Cathcart converted from the touchline to increase Chinnor?s lead to 33-21. From a lineout, quick ball saw Powell, on for the injured Seymour, bemuse the opposing defence to beak the line and hand off to the galloping Waddingham to score under the posts. Cathcart increased the lead to 40-21. Chippenham were not dead. From a quick tap penalty, hooker Turner powered over and Saunders? conversion was the final score of the game leaving Chinnor with a 40-28 victory.

    Chippernham, much changed from the first match of the season, were a competitive outfit and, with 15 men, might havepushed Chinnor even closer. If they play the same next season, they can expect to finish much higher up the league. In Lyons and Crockett, they have two excellent players.

    Chinnor looked out of sorts at times and were guilty of errors of precision. They were rattled by the cohesive work of the Chippenham forwards and appeared a bit nervous. However, there were enough flashes of their abilities at crucial times to fashion scores when needed. Cathcart exercised good control, landed difficult touchline conversions andWaddingham again was colossal. Jackman pilfered good ball on the ground.

    Next week sees Chinnor play Tonbridge Juddians in the play off match for promotion to National 2 South. It?s a home match for Chinnor with a 2.30pm kick off.

    Scorers:
    Chinnor: Seymour T; Jones T; Pickett T; Gilbert T; Harrison T; Waddingham T; Cathcart 5C
    Chippenham: Lyons T; Crockett T; Dunn T; Turner T; Saunders 4C

    Chinnor team:
    Chase, Seymour (Powell 40), Colver, Stoop, Gray, Cathcart, Jones, Winpenny, Tattersall (Whelan 40), Pickett, Jackman, Mowbray, Harrison (Hastings 68), Waddingham, Gilbert
    Replacements: Whelan, Hastings, Powell

    Contributed by Bill O’Donnell

  • 22/04/12…Robin’s doctor confirms ‘disco king’ out of coma

    IT has been reported today that, though he remains under intensive care, Robin Gibb is fully conscious and able to speak.

    The ex Bee Gees’ doctor, Andrew Thillainayagam, has apparently stated: “Robin is “exhausted, extremely weak and malnourished.” The same report, on the website http://www.stltoday.com, says that Robin is breathing with the help of an oxygen mask and needs intravenous feeding and antibiotics.

    “It is testament to Robin’s extraordinary courage, iron will and deep reserves of physical strength,” continues the report, “that he has overcome quite incredible odds to get where he is now.”

    He added: “Robin’s wife, Dwina and son, Robin-John, his son Spencer and daughter Melissa have been at his bedside every day, talking to him and playing his favorite music to him. They have been tireless in their determination never to give up on him.”

    The doctor is reported to have stated that Robin has advanced colorectal cancer and that he had recently caught pneumonia because he was weakened from chemotherapy and two operations.

    The 62-year-old singer fell into a coma last week after contracting the pneumonia. Thillainayagam said that three days ago he had warned Gibb’s family that he may not wake up. Instead, Gibb is now fully conscious and able to speak.

    Read more: website

    PHOTO; Robin and Dwina Gibb (Copyright Sonja Francis)

  • 20/04/12….Have your say with local community police officers

    WHEN? Friday April 20, at the Co-Op Cafe, High Street, Thame, between 3:30pm and 5:30pm.

    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.

  • 20/04/12….Thame children getting ready for Royal visitor

    SCHOOL children from across Thame heard this week that a Royal guest will be visiting the town when RAF Halton is awarded Freedom of Entry to Thame.

    May 2, will see a large number of airmen and women from RAF Halton marching through Thame, to the War Memorial and back to the town hall, to the strains of a military band, whilst bearing arms – a sight never before seen in the town.

    Hundred of local people and visitors, young and old, are expected to join in the celebrations and line the streets of Thame from the town hall and along Upper High Street, to see the spectacle.

    Mum, Jana Hesford, who has two daughters at Barley Hill school, said: “We are all very excited to find out which Royal is lucky enough to visit our lovely little town. I?ll certainly be out there with my girls.

    “They are hoping it will be Her Majesty herself as it is her special year, or if not, of course if it was Kate, that too would be wonderful!”

    Which royal personage it will be on the day, is shrouded in secrecy for security reasons, but for sure, George the goat, or Aircraftman George as he is officially known, will make an appearance as the mascot of the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton.

    Deputy Station Commander at RAF Halton, Wing Commander Borthwick, told town councillors at a recent meeting: “It is a pleasure to have a formal link outside the county (RAF Halton is in Buckinghamshire)although we recruit from all of the UK, and an honour to receive such public recognition of the bond that exists between our two organisations.”

    PHOTO: (Courtesy of Crown Copyright/MOD 2010] shows Aircraftman George, the latest in a long line of mascots at RAF Halton that dates back to World War Two.