Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Professional actor returns to Thame Players Theatre

    THAME Players will be welcoming the return of professional actor, Richard Worland, for their next presentation, A Month of Sundays, by the writer of TV sit-com, The Good Life, Bob Larbey.

    Richard Worland (on the left in the picture) trod the boards for the very first time in his mid forties in the early 1990s in an open air Shakespeare production. Following redundancy in 2001, Richard devoted more time to his hobby, so by the time he made his Thame Players debut in 2006 he had appeared in a considerable number of productions and had had a few walk on film roles.

    In 2006, he undertook the intensive full time one year program at Drama Studio, London, and launched a new career as a professional actor. Unusually, though, for a professional actor, Richard’s love of the stage leads him to keep an eye out for good roles with quality amateur companies and thus he joins Thame Players to play the role of Aylott in Bob Larbey’s touching play, A Month of Sundays, being performed at the Players Theatre in Nelson Street, Thame at 7.45pm from Tuesday, 8th to Saturday, 12th September.

    A Month of Sundays is a lovely comedy and it would not be an exaggeration to call Bob Larbey a legend, a prolific creator and writer of many TV comedies, starting with Please Sir, then going on to create one of the most successful BBC comedies ever – The Good Life – before writing Ever Decreasing Circles, Brush Strokes and As Time Goes By.

    A Month of Sundays won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Comedy in 1987.

    Cooper (played by Brian Holt on the right in the picture) and Aylott are two elderly gentlemen who are spending their declining years in a rest home in the south of England. Together they face the challenges posed by the ageing process – the forgetfulness and the physical deterioration. Cooper also has to endure monthly visits from his daughter, Julia, and her henpecked husband, Peter. A touching and witty play, it treats the subject of growing old not only with sensitivity, but also with a great deal of gentle humour.

    Tickets cost

  • An audience with Michael Mansfield QC

    THAME Players, in association with Clive Conway Celebrity Productions, is presenting an audience with one of the most celebrated barristers of our times.

    Cast your mind back over the last 30 years and try to think of the most sensational trials and hearings over that time – those trials that held the front pages of the newspapers for days on end, trials such as Lockerbie (right back in the news today), Jill Dando?s murder, Stephen Lawrence, Bloody Sunday, the Omagh bombing, the Marchioness disaster, Jean Charles de Menezes inquiry and Princess Diana?s crash readily spring to mind.

    We all remember them clearly, but what do they have in common? The answer is Michael Mansfield, the most celebrated barrister of the last 30 years. Now recently retired, he has written a book of his experiences and is embarking on a nationwide tour of “audiences with ?” shows, and one of the first will be at the Players Theatre in Thame at 7.45pm on Sunday, September 20, 2009. This is a unique opportunity to get the inside story on these and other famous trials and, furthermore, get the chance to cross examine him yourself. This anecdotal and inspirational evening will keep you spellbound and Michael will be signing copies of his book after the show.

    Tickets, as for other celebrity productions brought to us by Clive Conway Celebrity Productions, cost

  • Thame through to next FA Cup round – just about (Contributed)

    FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round – 15/08/09 – Thame United 1, Bedford 0; MATCH REPORT

    Thame United just about did enough to progress to the next round of the FA Cup at Wallingford on Saturday. This was Thame?s first FA cup win since their 2004 cup run, when they were eventually defeated by Forest Green Rovers. It was however a close game with United spending much of the second half defending their lead.

    Thame had the better of the opening exchanges and took the lead after nine minutes. Following a Thame attack, the Bedford keeper hit a long kick which was intercepted by Nik Rhodes who played a delightful long ball ?over the top? to Mark Jones about 10 yards outside the Bedford penalty area. Jones ran at goal and confidently beat the keeper from 15-yards. When the ball was played Ben Connelly was in an offside position, but he coolly ignored the ball, and ran back on side, therefore not interfering with play.

    As the half progressed the visitors gained more possession and the game went through a scrappy phase as Thame seemed to loose their ability to play flowing passes to feet. About 5 minutes before half time visiting striker Ian Thorn seemed to be unfairly challenged in the box and Bedford players appealed for a penalty. The linesman also flagged for a foul. To the relief of Thame supporters however referee A. Hyne, who was close to play, booked Thorn for diving. Paul Searl in the Thame goal pulled of a superb diving save just before the break.

    The second half went a similar way to the first with Thame starting well but the visitors gradually gaining the upper hand. The home side however had several chances with both Jones and substitute Arron Rogers going close. On 70 minutes, Thame had their best chance to increase their lead when Luke Ricketts took the ball of a defender on the left and ran at goal before squaring to Tom Hoskin, whose shot beat the goalkeeper, but was blocked on the line by a defender. The final few minutes were nail biting with the Thame goal under siege. Fortunately, Searl was in stunning form, pulling off two great saves one with his feet and, seconds later, tipping a goal-bound shot over the bar. The last minute saw all eleven Thame players in their own penalty area defending a corner which was just cleared as the final whistle blew.

    Thame are at home next Saturday 22nd, when the entertain league newcomers Woodley Town. They then play South Kilburn on Tuesday 25th before another home FA Cup tie on Saturday 29th August (opponents to be confirmed).

    Thame United: Searl, Cowan, Newell, N Rhodes, Hocking, el-Kassir, Connelly (Rogers), A. Rhodes, Hoskin (West), Jones, Ricketts

    Photo: Two mascots from Thame Boys and Girls FC, William Dack on the left and Max Abreu on the right

  • Suspected drug dealer arrested in Thame

    An 18 year-old man was arrested in Thame on Saturday night (15/08/09), after police found several wraps of what they believed to be a class B drug.

    The man was arrested in Priest End, Thame on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply at 11.10pm on Saturday night.

    The man has been released on police bail until September, 23, 2009.

    Sector Inspector, Martin Ford said: “Drugs are a huge priority for us and we will continue to crack down on those supplying and trading in them in the area, to make Thame a safer place to be.”

    Anyone who has any information about this incident or about drug dealing in South Oxfordshire, should contact Insp Ford on 0845 8 505 505 or, if you don?t want to talk to police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111

  • Tai Chi classes in Thame

    TAI Chi exercises are characterised by slow, continuous and flowing movements with unhurried breathing. Tai Chi strengthens bones, joints and muscle whilst building balance, flexibility and co-ordination.

    Tai Chi is practiced with calm concentration and is sometimes referred to as meditation in movement. Classes begin on September 22, 2009 at Lord Williams?s Lower School, Towersey Road, Thame.

    Tuesdays 12.45pm ? 2.45pm.

  • Quiz night at Racquet

    THURSDAY, the August 29, 2009 – Quiz starts at 7pm – Four members per team –

  • The greatest day out this summer (Contributed)

    SO boasts the Towersey Village Festival Showground as Showtime comes to Oxfordshire. From Friday to Monday of the Bank Holiday weekend, 28-31 August 2009, Towersey Showground promises a magical day out and an unashamed celebration of street art in a unique Festival atmosphere.

    The Festival Showground has undergone a major change for 2009, now boasting three stages with a packed programme of comedy, music, magic and dance from the likes of Pete White?s Suitcase Circus, the Grand Theatre of Lemmings, the powerful African dance of the Mighty Zulu Nation, lunacy and laughter from the Invisible Men, Caribbean steel pan sounds from the Sunshine Panners, the mystery of the Oxford Giants and wandering the showground the enchanting, interactive puppetry of the Flying Buttresses and Jelly Rollers musical dragon.

    The Showground has over 100 stalls in markets, music stalls and craft fairs, offering everything from garden herbs and handmade soaps to stunning jewellery and a unique world of clothing. Exotic food and a Real Ale Bar site alongside your opportunity to make a recording in the Streamline mobile Rockhopper Studio and tackle the Climbing Wall challenge. Circus Skills for children of all ages, fantastic face painting and the unique musical, colourful, sunshine atmosphere of Towersey Festival make this a very special day out. All that and a FREE car park.

    Towersey Showground is THE magical day out this summer. Set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside village of Towersey, with its Civil War history, Norman church, country walks and the Phoenix Trail to bring you on your bike from Thame and the surrounding area. A safe, friendly and yet exciting atmosphere, a ?must do? for this Bank Holiday weekend.

    “To have such a fantastic local Showground Festival as Towersey is marvellous; it?s the highlight of the summer.” Hannah, Thame.

    Only

  • Witness appeal after Elms Park assault

    A 14 year-old girl had to be taken to hospital after being assaulted in Elms Park, Thame.

    Thame Valley Police have reported that two girls were in the play area of the park at around 3pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2009, when a group of around six teenagers, all boys, came up to one of the girls, aged 14, and assaulted her.

    The girl suffered bruising and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment.

    Investigating Officer PC Wayne Griffin said: “There were lots of people around at the time in the park and I would like anyone who may have seen this incident to get in touch.”

    Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Griffin at Thame police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don?t want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

  • Beau the alpaca will return!

    THE delightful young alpaca that charmed the crowds at Tuesday’s Thame Farmers Market birthday celebrations, enjoyed himself so much, that he will be returning to Thame later in the year.

    Beau’s owners from Common Leys Farm near Worminghall, will be bringing him along to the second Thame Food Festival planned for Saturday, September 26.

    The festival will be a celebration of local food and drink in the beautiful historic market town of Thame and its unique independent retail offering, with market stalls, al fresco dining, demonstrations and workshops for children.

    The event, being organised by 21st Century Thame, will take place in and around Thame town hall, and will include cookery demonstrations, childrens’ cookery workshops with Beverley Glock, a cookery competition, music and street entertainment, and stalls offering samples and information about local food producers, growers and suppliers.

    Stands so far booked include:

    Spread Eagle Thame Food tastings
    Co-op Tasting of local produce
    Cornfield bakery Bakery products
    What?s Cooking Quiches and salad
    Rowan Tree Goat Farm Cheeses and hot food
    Blueberry House Sauces chicken wraps
    Barley Hill School PTA Recipe book
    Oxford Cheese Company Cheese
    Umbertos Italian food
    The Well Tea and coffee
    Clays Pig roast
    Rising Sun Thai food
    Mortimer Chocolate Chocolate powders
    The Thatch Restaurant Cookery demonstration
    Thame Barns Centre To be notified
    Transition Towns Apple Press
    Oxfordshire Waste P’ship Info and cooking demo – How
    to use up left-overs
    EllyBelly Caterer
    Cross Keys Beer tent
    Sandy Lane Farm Organic produce

    Enguiries about taking a stand can be sent to Alison Isherwood, Project Officer for 21st Century Thame, via: ai@21stcenturythame.org.uk

    The aim is to support local food producers, outlets, pubs and restaurants to provide a different platform to promote their business. The event is being held in conjunction with The Local Flavours Festival from 1 ? 30 September, A Celebration of Food and Drink in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire: see www.local-flavours.net

  • High pressure mobility aids sales warning – Ringmaster message

    THIS is a Ringmaster message from Thames Valley Police: High Pressure Sales calls by a Mobility Aids company.
    Trading Standards has received a number of complaints from residents in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse about the sales tactics of a mobility products company that makes initial contact with vulnerable, elderly and disabled people by telephone. During the call the impression is given that the caller is from “social services” and is calling to arrange an assessment of needs visit.

    When the visit is agreed to, a high pressure sales visit will take place at the resident’s home. This visit will often last a number of hours, The end result is that resident’s often sign agreements for the supply of expensive mobility equipment.

    Oxfordshire Social Services Access team has confirmed that it does not approach clients by telephone in the way this company behaves

    If anyone receives such a telephone call the advice of Trading Standards is not to accept a visit. If a visit is accepted, a resident is at liberty, at any time to insist that the salesman leaves. Failure to do so, upon request, could cause the salesman to commit a criminal offence. If a salesman will not leave upon request, residents can call Trading Standards between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0845 051 0845 (option 1) or the police outside those hours on 08458 505 505 or 999 for an immediate response.

    If an agreement is signed the customer will still have 7 days to cancel the agreement and get their money back. Trading Standards can advise on this process.

    Message Ends.