Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 24/02/11….Former Thame football ground attracts homebuyers

    LAST night, Tuesday, saw well over 180 keen prospective purchasers turn up to the sales launch of Windmill Place, Thame, the former site of Thame United.

    Paul Moran, Sales Director for David Wilson Homes Southern, said: ?The response to the launch of Windmill Place was quite phenomenal. We had queues forming up the stairs and into the town hall as soon as we opened the doors and were rushed off our feet all night. As well as families looking for bigger homes, we had a large number of older purchasers who are looking to downsize from an older property, attracted by the convenience of a new build home.?

    The site developer, David Wilson Homes, is offering 59 homes and released the first properties for sale last night. Paul Stachura, Branch Manager at Connells, Thame, who are marketing the new homes, said: “Windmill Place has certainly created a bit of a buzz around Thame. A development of this nature, so close to the town centre is such a rarity and we were inundated with interest even before the launch. As well as securing sales on the new homes, we are also working with some local purchasers who are looking to sell their existing property now in order to secure one of the 59 homes available.?

    Windmill Place will be made up of a range of two, three and four bedroom homes with prices starting from

  • 24/02/11…….Was your garden waste bin emptied in Thame this week?

    Dear Editor, I live in Skippon Way in Thame and mine and my neighbour?s garden rubbish bins were not emptied on Monday (21/02). I called Verdant on Monday, early afternoon, to report this and they assured me there would be a collection that day.

    They have still not been emptied, so I phoned Verdant this morning to let them know and they told me that the lorry came around but my bin was not out! I told them that my bin WAS out and had been out since the Sunday night.

    I have just spoken to Linda at South Oxfordshire District Council, and after looking at the reports, she said that the lorry came around at about 12 noon on Monday, but said that the report showed that my bin and my neighbours bin were not out. She then said that there was no log of my call on Monday. She then said that the bins would not be emptied now until the next recycling collection date!

    I would appreciate if anyone else in Thame whose garden waste bin was not emptied on Monday, February 21, to let me know through you.

    Many thanks,
    Clare Dawson
    Skippon Way
    THAME

    Email: editor@thamenews.net

  • 23/02/11…..Draw for Thame against Wootton Bassett

    LEAGUE MATCH 22/02/11 At Home: Thame United 2, Wootton Bassett Town 2 – MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

    IN an entertaining game at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday evening, visitors Wootton Bassett Town came back from behind twice to force a 2-2 draw. Given that the visitors were four league places below Thame, manager Mark West will view this result as two points lost, rather than a point gained.

    United started brightly and had the better of first half possession and territory with Thame Keeper Milan Barisic mainly a spectator. The visiting keeper was on good form however and made some fine saves. Ben Connelly was a constant threat on the right wing before the visitors countered his pacey, tricky runs by allocating two men to mark him. United took the lead in injury time at the end of the first half. The ball came in from the right and Barr, with his back to the goal, tried a spectacular ?Rooney like? scissors kick, which was deflected out for a corner. Barr took the in swinging corner which eluded goalkeeper, defenders and forwards, alike before crossing the goal line. Perhaps a lucky fluke, but no more than Thame deserved.

    The visitors came out fired up for the second half and in the 50th minute were awarded a free kick on their left. The ball came in high and Barisic went to collect it but the greasy ball slipped from his hands to fall at the feet of a visiting forward. Barisic then tried to reclaim it but was judged to have fouled the forward and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Sam Collier buried the resultant spot kick, giving Barisic no chance. The home side regained the lead in the 59th minute when Connelly found Stewart on the right of the area. The in-form Stewart coolly turned and hit a well placed, acutely angled, 20-yard shot pass the visiting Keeper. The visitors came back, and Barisic was forced to make an outstanding save, tipping a strong shot over the bar.

    Wootton were now determined to equalise and mounted attack after attack with United forced to defend. With a minute to play, just when it looked that Thame would hold out, a long ball from the left found substitute Alex Green in space and he beat Barisic with an 8-yard shot. The scores were level when the final whistle blew; probably a fair reflection on the overall game.

    Sadly, central defender Martin Brown and Ben Connelly picked up injuries and are doubtful for next Saturday?s game.

    Thame United: Barisic, Newell, N. Rhodes, Saulsbury, Brown (Hunt), Cowan, Connelly (Rantle), Hayes (Jewell), Stewart, Rogers, Barr.

  • 23/02/11…….Unusual art as Artsweeks spring into action

    AN artist?s studio made from hay bales and a lion from an asthma inhaler in a Junk Jungle are just two of the unusual things to see during Oxfordshire Artweeks later this spring. Other surprises include a life-size rhino being decorated at Oxford Castle (though thankfully not a real one) and a garden of mystery and suspense in Wallingford.

    Oxfordshire Artweeks will run from 7th-30th May, and this year sees more events than ever for both art aficionados and everyday enthusiasts with a series of art films in the city; a festival of illustration with acclaimed children?s illustrators Tony Ross and David McKee; and performances of Ballet in Small Spaces to complement an exhibition Drawing the Dance, Dancing the Image at The North Wall, Oxford. There?ll also be more of Artweeks ever-popular trails in the city, in the Cotswolds and elsewhere in the county.

    More than a thousand artists from professional painters and serious sculptors to enthusiastic photographers and classes of school children will open up around 500 venues for free, and exhibit everything from classical paintings and sculpture to jazzy jewellery and funky furniture so there?ll be plenty of surprises for adults and children alike. Visitors will have the chance to see the art produced in their own communities, to ask local artists about their inspirations, techniques and materials, and even have a go themselves.

    You can pick up an Artweeks guide from libraries and local information points from April or visit: www.artweeks.org

    Artweeks is celebrated across Oxfordshire in partnership with local arts centres, museums, and other Oxfordshire organisations, with support from Designers Guild.

    Artweeks is Oxfordshire?s largest visual arts festival, a three-week celebration in May each year of the county?s artistic and creative talent, and the UK?s oldest and biggest Open Studios event.

    Almost 1000 artists open the doors to their homes and studios and welcome the public to see their creations and watch them work. In 2010 over 107,000 people visited nearly 500 venues across the county.

    All exhibitions are free.

    Oxfordshire Artweeks 2011 is organised into three geographical areas:

    South Oxfordshire Exhibitions: Saturday 7th – Sunday 15th May

    North Oxfordshire Exhibitions: Saturday 14th ? Sunday 22rd May

    City Exhibitions: Saturday 21st – Monday 30st May

    Special events take place throughout April, May and June.

    The Oxfordshire Visual Arts Festival (Artweeks) is a non profit-making company, limited by guarantee and owned by its members. Everyone is welcome to take part and there is no selection process for artists wishing to participate.

    Artweeks vouchers: new for 2010
    A convenient way to buy fabulous art and crafts for family and friends. Vouchers can be purchased from the Artweeks office in

  • 22/02/11…….Half-term Balls & Squash camp

    RACQUETS Balls & Squash Camp – February 22 and 23. For all juniors 7-15 yrs-old; ALL WELCOME.

    Time: 10am to 3pm – Call 01844 261754, or visit Racquets’ website: Link

  • 22/02/11…Police widen search for missing woman

    A WOMAN who has been missing since last Tuesday (15/02), when she was seen getting off a bus in Loudwater, near High Wycombe, has contacts in Oxford.

    Police are renewing their appeal for help in tracing 41 year-old Petra Sinclair, who was dropped off near the High Wycombe bus station by her partner at around 11.25am on Tuesday and later seen getting off a bus in Loudwater.

    Ch Insp Colin Seaton, Deputy Area Commander, said: ?I would like to make a direct appeal to Petra and urge anyone who might see her to contact us immediately.

    ?It is possible that Miss Sinclair could still be in the Thames Valley area as she has friends in both Oxford and Reading. She also has a friend in Telford and she might be travelling to go and see her.

    ?She also has connections to Lockerbie in Scotland and the Newton Abbott, Paignton and Torquay areas in Devon as she previously lived there in her married name of Petra Collins between 2005 and 2007.

    ?It is out of character for Petra not to return home and the police are her family are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.?

    Petra is white, 5ft 8ins, slim, with long, straight dark hair and was wearing a grey and blue jacket, black jumper, black leggings and knee high boots when she was last seen.

    Anyone with any information or who has seen anyone matching Miss Sinclair?s description is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555

  • 22/02/11….Thame hospital re-opens for business

    THAME Community Hospital?s inpatient area has reopened ahead of schedule, following refurbishments to improve and upgrade facilities for patients.

    In a statement today, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust said: “Improvement works started in January to ensure the environment of the hospital meets modern infection control requirements, allowing us to care for patients in clean and safe facilities. The works included refurbishing the inpatient area with new sinks, ceilings and lighting.”

    The statement continued: “Following the successful integration between acute and community healthcare services last year, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has been working hard to improve and develop services in the community, providing high quality care closer to patient?s homes wherever possible. The refurbishment works at Thame Community Hospital put the hospital in a better position to support services as we look to develop them further in the future.”

    Rachael Corser, lead nurse for the community hospital, said: ?We?re really pleased with the improvements and that we?ve been able to reopen the inpatient area ahead of schedule. The hospital has a more welcoming feel and we can continue to deliver care to our patients whilst preventing infection in the newly improved inpatient ward. Thank you to all the hospital staff for their continued support throughout the works and for ensuring we continued to maintain excellent care for our patients.”

  • 22/02/11………Billy Bragg in Towersey line up 2011

    TOWERSEY Festival has topped its biggest line up to date with legendary songwriter, Billy Bragg, one of the best known and best loved artists of his generation.

    With a career spanning 20 years, his music is a fine blend of poetry and political comment, with a dash of romance. Without preaching, he delivers ?Socialism of the Heart?, he?s an everyman, a modern day Woody Guthrie. He has collaborated with some of the music scenes finest from Johnny Marr of The Smiths and protest folk singer Leon Rosselson, to REM, Kirsty MacColl and more recently, Kate Nash.

    A big Bragg fan once said: ?His concerts inspire me to be better at life!? And that is just what his shows deliver; Inspiration!

    ?I don’t choose what to write about; I don’t choose my subjects; they kind of choose me.? Billy Bragg

    And Bragg is just the start. Towersey also plays host to monster folk rockers Oysterband, the newly reformed and legendary Home Service, the beautiful voice of Cara Dillon and the multi award winning Lau.

    But more than just a mighty line up of artists, Towersey is where you can truly escape the stresses and strains of modern life. It?s where partying, dancing, singing and playing are balanced in equal measure with relaxing, sitting back and letting the music come to you. It?s where young and old, families, singles, friends and neighbours gather together and share a unique experience and a bank holiday weekend that they never forget.

    Line up so far:

    Billy Bragg, Oysterband, Home Service, Cara Dillon, The Spooky Men?s Chorale, The Burns Unit, Spiers and Boden, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick, Lau, 17 Hippies, Karine Polwart, The Demon Barbers, Saltfishforty, Coope, Boyes and Simpson, Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts, The Old Dance School, Brian Peters, Tickled Pink, Toothless Mary Bryony Griffith & Will Hampson, Geckoes, Random, Pat Ryan, James Findlay and many more!

    PLUS Street Theatre, Huge Real Ale Bar, Array of Festival Food, Poetry, Storytelling, Workshops, Craft and Music Fairs, Visual Art & Sculpture and surprises round every corner.

    SOURCE: Press release

  • 22/02/11…BEWARE Security alarm & Olympic tickets scams

    OXFORDSHIRE Trading Standards have issued warning about two scams currently affecting the county’s residents, one to do with high pressure security alarm salesmen and the other warns against scam Olympics ticket sales.

    Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning residents to be vigilant when opening their doors to companies offering burglar alarms for as little as 99p.

    Many people have complained to Trading Standards, with victims reporting a cold call by a salesperson who insists on visiting to discuss the installation of a free or cheap alarm. Companies may also use high-pressure tactics to scaremonger residents.

    Based on previous complaints, Trading Standards found that the companies failed to mention hidden fees for the monitoring, upkeep and rapid response facilities. Some residents have found themselves tied into a long contract agreement costing thousands of pounds.

    Richard Webb, Acting Head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards, said: “Some companies are claiming to be directly linked to the police, which is simply not true.

    “Our advice is not to buy anything based on a cold call. If you intend to make a major purchase always research the market and get at least three quotes from reputable companies.

    “If you do not wish to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls, you can register for free via the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707 or www.tpsonline.org.uk. Alternatively if you need any advice, you can contact Trading Standards on 08450 510845.”

    People conned by Olympic ticket scam

    Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning people not to buy tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games from bogus websites.

    Nearly nine million tickets will be going on sale for the Olympic Games and another two million for the Paralympic Games. But a number of organisations are beginning to operate, selling fake tickets to con people out of their money.

    Genuine tickets can only be applied for through the official London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games website: http://www.tickets.london2012.com

    Oxfordshire’s Trading Standards has set up a webpage with questions and answers to help people wanting to apply for tickets and stop them from becoming a victim of a scam.

    Richard Webb, Acting Head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards, said: “Bogus websites often look very professional, but it is only when the event draws near and the tickets haven’t arrived by the promised date that it becomes clear that the website never had the tickets to sell. Anybody who thinks they have used or come across a bogus website should contact Trading Standards on 08450 510845.”

    How to apply for tickets

    People can apply for genuine tickets on the official London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games website: www.tickets.london2012.com Customers can register their interest now to receive all the latest news and information before tickets go on sale.

    There are 26 sports to choose from and everyone has an equal chance to buy a ticket. It is not first come, first served. Once people have applied for tickers, London 2012 will use an automated and random selection process to ensure the fairest possible allocation of tickets for those sessions.

    The application phase for tickets opens on Tuesday, March 15 and closes on Tuesday, April 26 2011. Successful customers will be notified by the end of June via email or letter. Applications for tickets for the Paralympic Games tickets will begin on Friday, September 9th 2011. Tickets for the London 2012 Festival, part of the Cultural Olympiad, will go on sale in October.

    Visa debit, credit or pre-pard card will be the only payment card accepted when applying for tickets on the official website. Cheque or postal order will be accepted through the paper application form contained in the official ticketing guide, and available in Lloyds TSB branches. Tickets start from

  • 22/02/11……Appeal to help replace ‘unusable’ cricket nets

    OVER a hundred budding young Thame cricketers have had no where to practice their skills safely since the training nets at Thame Town Cricket Club’s ground have become unusuable through wear and tear.

    The club has been fund-raising for two years and has managed to raise