Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • 03/03/10 WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (1940-2010) – Obituary contributed

    ?A true patriot ? generous, hard-working, an inspirational leader? – The President of the United Kingdom National Defence Association (UKNDA), Winston S. Churchill, has died after a two-year battle with cancer.

    Winston Spencer Churchill was the grandson of Sir Winston Churchill and, like his grandfather, had pursued a career in journalism and politics. As a war correspondent he covered conflicts such as Israel?s Six Day War in 1967. He was a Conservative MP for Manchester (Stretford and later Davyhulme) from 1970 to 1997.

    In an echo of his grandfather?s long and sometimes lonely fight against the follies of disarmament and appeasement in the 1930s, he became the founder-President of the UKNDA in 2007. This group was formed to highlight the state of Britain?s chronically under-funded and over-stretched Armed Forces, and to bring pressure to bear on Parliament to increase the resources available for Defence of the Realm.

    The group was launched in November 2007 at the Churchill Museum in London?s Cabinet War Rooms. Alongside Mr Churchill at the launch were the founder-Patrons of the UKNDA: the former Foreign Secretary Lord Owen, and three former Chiefs of the Defence Staff ? Admiral Lord Boyce, General Lord Guthrie and Marshal of the RAF Lord Craig.

    Under Mr Churchill?s leadership, the UKNDA has campaigned vigorously in support of Britain?s hard-pressed Armed Forces and has played a key role in pushing defence and national security higher up the political agenda.

    The UKNDA?s Chief Executive, Commander John Muxworthy, paid tribute to the Association?s President, with whom he had worked closely since the UKNDA was formed. Cdr Muxworthy said: ?The death of Winston Spencer Churchill after a two-year protracted battle against cancer, bravely and doggedly fought, is a grievous loss to the UKNDA. ?WSC?, as he used to sign himself, was our very first President. His untimely early death is a greater tragedy for the country which he served devotedly for many years.
    ?As President of the UKNDA, WSC was generous, hard working, proactive, and an inspirational leader. A true patriot, WSC followed in the steps of his grandfather, Sir Winston, who, in the 1930s campaigned ceaselessly for this country to rearm in the face of the ever-growing threat from Nazi Germany. Eighty years on, ?our? Winston has been fighting the same battle.

    ?WSC never faltered in his devotion and commitment to this country and its national and international interests. Our sympathies go out especially to his family who have supported him in his valiant struggle throughout, and especially in the final months when they were at his bedside at all times.
    ?Farewell, Winston. If there is a Valhalla, you are surely there.?

    UKNDA Vice-President Colonel Bob Stewart added: ?Winston was a thoroughly decent man and a great friend to me. I first got to know him 17 years ago and twice during that time I have asked for his help on behalf of other people who really needed assistance ? and twice he gave it without reservation. By so doing he changed those people?s lives forever. He did that quietly and without a fuss. I shall miss him terribly. God bless Winston.?

    Shortly before his final illness, Winston Churchill wrote a powerful ?Appeal to the Nation? highlighting the parallels between the UKNDA?s mission today and his grandfather?s crusade for rearmament in the 1930s.

  • Opposition to Coffee chain coming to Thame

    Dear Editor, I do not know if you are aware of the planning notice that has been displayed on the shop front (formerly Bump and Beyond) to change this into another coffee shop and if you view the planning application online you will see that it is for Costa!

    I feel strongly and I think lots of other residents and visitors, not to speak of other coffee shop and pub businesses in Thame, that I would rather support a small independent shop rather than a large chain.

    Possibly your readers are not aware of this planning application and you could make them aware of it through your website?

    Planning notice P10/E0184 (9 High Street, Thame) on www.southoxon.gov.uk has reference.

    Many thanks

    L Milligan
    03/03/10

  • Designing Chilterns buildings for the future (Status: Press release)

    NEW buildings must be designed to withstand extreme weather events, says a guide to building in the Chilterns published recently. The predicted effects of climate change include the likelihood of more severe storms which means houses will need bigger gutters and drainpipes to cope with heavy rain.

    Putting up buildings with a low carbon footprint is another key area of advice in the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide. Using local materials like wood and flint and incorporating heating systems that use renewable fuels such as woodchips from local woods all help to reduce a building?s impact on the environment.

    ?We strongly believe it is possible to build new houses which blend in with the typical character of Chilterns? villages and which are also energy-efficient and designed to cope with a changing climate,? says Colin White, Planning Officer at the Chilterns Conservation Board.

    ?This new edition of the Design Guide contains a lot more information on building sustainably and is full of detailed advice for property owners, architects, builders and planners,? he added.

    The Chilterns Buildings Design Guide was first published by the Chilterns Conservation Board in 1999 and has been widely adopted by local councils as Supplementary Planning Guidance. Its aim is to promote the beauty of traditional cottages, houses and farm buildings in the Chilterns and offers advice on how new buildings in the area can respect the traditions of the past and fit in with their surroundings. This new edition has been updated to take account of current environmental concerns and contains many new images.

    The Design Guide was launched on February 23, 2010, at the Royal British Legion Hall in Princes Risborough.

    Printed copies of the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide can be purchased for

  • Thame go Top with hard fought win (Contributed)

    THAME United delivered a professional performance on Saturday against a rejuvenated Chalfont Wasps side, to go two points clear at the top of Div 1 East. The Thame management committee had to work flat out to get the game started.

    Jake Collinge, Thame’s Chairman, said, “When I arrived at the ground at 1pm with Frank Thompson, we walked the pitch and were pleasantly surprised as to how good the surface condition was. Ten minutes later, following a torrential downpour, the pitch was covered in water and needed to be forked extensively by Collinge, Secretary Tony Collingwood and Thompson to satisfy the referee.

    The efforts proved successful as the game started and no further rainfall during the match ensured a finish to the game. Both sides were a credit considering the difficult conditions and put on an entertaining match with the help of the three officials who were very good. Thompson commented after the game: “Every game for us is now crucial and we are very pleased to come away from that with the three points. Chalfont have made quite a few changes recently and have been on a good run. They are a decent side so the win was a great boost for us and it was nice to go clear at the top of the league.

    “Our next two games against Holyport and Henley will have a big impact on standings in the league and we feel that if we can come out of these two without losing then we will have done a good job.”

  • Tackling climate change – meeting in Thame

    IN December, 2009, leaders from around the world met to make progress on tackling climate change through agreements to reduce carbon emissions. As everyone is aware the conference failed to arrive at any effective measures. This meeting is to explore the results of Copenhagen.

    The questions that have come up for us (and in a number of other like minded groups) are;
    1) What does it mean that the political agreement
    reached at Copenhagen is so weak?
    2) How does it feel to watch this process unfold?
    3) Does it change anything about what we are doing
    locally?

    This evening you can hear first hand accounts from some of those from Thame and district who were there and have a chance to share your own feelings and thoughts about what happens After Copenhagen.

    8pm Wednesday, 3rd March. Cross Keys, 1 Park St, Thame.

  • Thame go top on heavy pitch

    THAME United 4 Chalfont Wasps 2 – Hellenic League Division 1 East – Saturday, February 27, 2010 – MATCH REPORT

    United returned to the top of the league on Saturday with a hard fought victory at home against Chalfont Wasps. Played on a heavy pitch that passed a late inspection, United fielded experienced midfielder, Jon Gardner, returning to the Club from Banbury United for his first game for Thame in five years. Whilst Gardner showed his experience, it was United?s young striker, Aaron Rogers, who stole the show with an outstanding Man of the Match display.

    There was little goal mouth action in an even opening quarter of an hour as both teams took time to adapt to the conditions. However, it was United who took the lead in the 21st minute when captain Nik Rhodes met a free kick from Mitchell Meredith with a close range header that dropped over the line. The lead was almost doubled five minutes later when Gardner crashed a 20 yard effort against the base of the post. Despite Chalfont rarely threatening the Thame goal, the equaliser arrived five minutes before half time. Chalfont worked the ball well on the Thame left, where a cross to the far post was met by the head of Tripp who gave Orkney no chance in the Thame goal. The lead was restored three minutes later when, following a good passing move that belied the pitch conditions, Adam Rhodes received the ball 12 yards from goal and placed the ball to the left of the Chalfont keeper who, despite getting a touch, could not stop the ball from finding the back of the net.

    With the second half only ten minutes old, Chalfont equalised for a second time. Tom Seddon found himself in space 10 yards from goal and was given time to place the ball low to the left of Orkney, Within a minute United were back in front. Rogers chased the ball to the bye-line, and played a neat inside ball that was met by Ben Connelly who finished confidently from 8 yards. By now, Thame were controlling the midfield and it was no surprise when they extended their lead 15 minutes later. With Chalfont failing to clear their lines, the ball fell to Lawrence El-Kassir on the edge of the box who hit a first time volley that was nestling in the bottom corner of the net before the keeper had time to react. At this stage it was game over with United generally content to take the three points, albeit Rogers continued to pose a threat and a number of half chances were created. In the end, United ran out comfortable winners with the three points putting them back to the top of the league.

    United now face an important few weeks, starting with a home game against promotion rivals Holyport next Saturday (3:00pm kick off at AFC Wallingford), before entertaining Henley on 9th March, 7:45pm kick off

    Thame United: Orkney, Meredith, Way, N.Rhodes, Cowan, A.Rhodes (Jones), El-Kassir, Connelly, Gardner (Baylie), Braun (Stallwood), Rogers

    Photo: Thame captain and goal scorer, Nik Rhodes.

  • Raymond Blanc breaks leg in stairs fall

    TV Chef, Raymond Blanc, is undergoing surgery for a broken leg, after falling down stairs at his Oxford home today. Raymond,60, who is currently fronting a TV series sharing the tricks of his trade, has apparently broken his leg in several places, but is expected to be able to return home after an operation today.

    Raymond’s Russian-born fiancee, Dr Natalia Traxel, was at the house when he fell and it was she who alerted paramedics who took him to hospital.

    Raymond Blanc is well-known in Thame, where The Thatch restaurant was one of his business interests, and was the prize for the first TV series of The Restaurant, during which couples fought for control of their own restaurant.

    His own flagship restaurant is Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, at Milton Common, near Thame.

    PHOTO: Raymond Blanc signing copies of his book in a Thame bookshop.

  • We ate lots of pies!

    PASSERS BY of The James Figg pub, in Thame town centre, were being given an offer they couldn’t refuse today.

    Frazer Sutherland (pictured on the right with pub Manager, Owain Jones) and his staff were outside the pub at lunch time and early this evening, giving away Brother Tom’s pies for them to sample and offer comments.

    Four pies were personally delivered to the office of ThameNews.Net today where the Editor, Sonja Francis, and colleagues Justin Shardlow and Bruce Brayne, sampled a vegetarian pie and a peppered steak version.

    The general concensus was that the pastry was light and delicious, the meat very succulent and both pies had great visual appeal. However, we all felt that the peppered steak pie contained a tad too much sage for our taste, which we felt masked the flavour of the other ingredients. We did, however, all love the vegetarian pie which contained beans and leeks as well as other delicious and very satisfying ingredients.

    The Wychwood Brewery’s, Hobgoblin beer went down extremely well with the pies – a great combination for our Monday lunch time treat.

    Every day this week, which is British Pie Week, The James Figg will be offering samples of a different recipe pie each day.

    We are all looking forward to tomorrow’s recipe, which is pork, Calvedos and fennel!

  • Look out for the Pie Police!

    Dear Editor, As pubs in our town aim for custom through such activities as food promotions (ThameNews 26 February), I trust that landlords and customers will spare a thought for the Bolton (Lancs) landlord, Nick Hogan, jailed for six months last week for failing to pay a fine of

  • Who will be eating all the pies in Thame?

    THE James Figg, Thame?s newest watering-hole, will be doing its bit to help celebrate one of this country?s favourite and most treasured things to eat ? the great British pie!

    The pub will be putting its weight behind British Pie Week, running all next week, March 1, 2010 to Friday, March 7.

    The James Figg, in Cornmarket, Thame, has teamed up with Brother Tom?s pies, the award-winning Thame pie maker who has created a range of fine hand-made savoury pies for the pub to put onto its blackboard, including some one-off special pies for British Pie Week.

    There will be a different delicious pie for the James Figg to serve every day of the week next week. On Monday it?s Steak & Peppercorn on the menu; Tuesday ? a bit of a twist with Pork, Calvados and Fennel; Wednesday ? Chicken, Cranberry & Brie; Thursday ? a classic Chicken, Smoked Bacon & Mushroom; Friday ? a great traditional Steak & Porter pie made with local award-winning Black Beauty Porter from the Vale Brewery, with a hearty Steak & Mature Cheddar Pie to round the week off on Saturday.

    FREE PIE TASTINGS

    Staff from the James Figg will also be out in force on the streets of Thame every day next week offering people the chance to try a delicious mini version of Brother Tom?s pies for free, to get as many people involved with the week as possible and get them enjoying great British pies.

    ?We love pies here at The James Figg and so do all our regulars – you just can?t beat the classic combination of a great pie and a great pint,? says Frazer Sutherland from The James Figg. ?So, we thought it was only right and proper that we should get involved with British Pie Week and get stuck in, in a big way.

    “With Brother Tom?s pie making expertise and our great range of well-kept real ales, we?ll be serving up proper pies and pints and are hoping as many people as possible will come along and enjoy them with us.?

    Nick Soper, Director of Brother Tom?s, added: “Getting involved with the week was also a natural for the company. We?re passionate about pies and every pie we make is lovingly hand-made using the best meat from our great local butcher, Newitts of Thame, and a light and delicious pastry created by champion Kiwi baker, Graham Heaven, six times New Zealand Baker of the Year and multiple winner of the much coveted National Supreme Pie Champion Award.

    “The special pies we?re making for the week will be just as good and we hope as many people as possible will come on down and try them.”

    Look out for the James Figg team in action on Thame?s Cornmarket between 11am and 12 noon and 4pm and 5pm every day next week and make sure you come in for a slice of the action,? says Frazer. ?It?ll be a lot of fun and we look forward to serving you a great pie and a pint at the pub.?