Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • TV programme ‘The Speaker’ inspires local Interest (Contributed)

    THAME’S very own Speakers Club is watching BBC Television?s new reality series, The Speaker, with great interest.

    “The programme is clearly highlighting the important role that conquering the fear of speaking in public can play in helping people build confidence and enhance achievement,” says Club President Jean Gamester. “As a club devoted to helping ?ordinary? people acquire strong speaking skills, we are ourselves learning from the programme.”

    Filmed during the summer and autumn of 2008, The Speaker follows the fortunes and misfortunes of a group of teenagers from across the UK as they set out to demonstrate that ?ordinary? people of whatever age can achieve extraordinary things. With the right coaching, encouragement and mentoring, the teenagers at the centre of The Speaker are competing to be recognised as the best speaker in their peer group, developing remarkably as individuals as the experience unfolded.

    Thame Speakers Club meets at 7:45pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month in Thame Snooker Club, St Andrews Court, Wellington Street, Thame, OX9 3WT. If you enjoy The Speaker you will also enjoy the finals of the Toastmasters South of England Division speech contest at Thame Snooker Club on the April 19, 2009, at 10:30am.

    The show ? perhaps best described as an Xfactor or Pop Idol for public speaking ? makes fascinating viewing, and is sparking off a wave of interest throughout the British Isles in the underlying subject: public speaking. Some people regard Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit international organisation, as a de facto University of Public Speaking for adults (18 and over). It is active in your area, and open to all, regardless of sex, creed or colour.

    Sean Kennedy, a committed member of Toastmasters International, acted as programme consultant on The Speaker, and was involved with it from conception through production to broadcast.
    He is even firmer than ever in his belief that one of the keys to success and happiness lies in having the confidence to speak in public, and in Toastmasters International as a first-class way to acquire that confidence. “I have had some wonderful experiences over the past 8 years since I sold my business, but over that time the most significant and life changing decision I ever made was to walk into a Toastmaster club. I have seen, read about and experienced dozens of personal development concepts – hand on heart, the Toastmaster programme is the single most effective and value-for-money personal development tool out there.
    “The biggest lesson I have learnt from TM is that anyone can become a competent speaker, IF they are willing to put in the time. I have seen hundreds of people including myself, grow from nervous to natural and from self-conscious to self-confident.”

    Member of Thame Toastmasters, Richard Moore, said: “I only wish I had known about Toastmasters International in general and Thame Speakers in particular several years earlier.
    “It is no exaggeration to say that in many respects in has changed my life, much for the better. I know I am not alone in that. Companies ? and governments- would pay thousands of pounds of pounds for this training, which takes place in a positive, constructive, supportive environment. We offer it for pounds a month!

    “I agree wholeheartedly,? added Mary Walters. “As I worked my way through the basic project manual and took on different responsibilities at our regular club meetings, I was acquiring not just speaking skills that I could never have dreamed of but also a confidence that I never believed I could have. As a by-product, I have also acquired new organisational and leadership skills. Oh, and a fantastic social life. And not just in Britain/Ireland. There are Toastmasters clubs all over the world; visiting one when travelling on business can be a much better to spend downtime than sitting in a hotel room watching television.

    “We have regular social gatherings and I have made so many new friends,” says John Feore. “I would recommend it to anyone as a way of boosting the enjoyment of everyday life.”

    “Toastmasters is not just an incredible personal development tool; it is also a great social experience,” continued Sean Kennedy. “As the son of an Irish publican I never thought I would say this but forget about the pub, join a Toastmasters club!”

    If you would like to know more about Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit global group founded to help ?ordinary? people acquire essential speaking and leadership skills, contact Richard Moore directly on 007789902388, or email him at richardmoore@thamesperakers.co.uk.

    Further information is available from www.thamespeakers.co.uk. The group actively welcomes new members looking to acquire or improve public speaking capabilities and leadership skills awareness.

    NB Thame Speakers is the local branch of Toastmasters International. Meetings are held at the Thame Snooker Club, St Andrews Court, Wellington Street, Thame, OX9 3WT on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. There is parking if you enter the club from Wellington Street, or you can walk through the short lane beside Delphine Art at 27 Upper High Street.

    Photo: (Courtesy of The BBC) The three judges, Jeremy Stockwell, Jo Brand and John Amaechi who must now whittle down from the final eight, the young winner of The Speaker.

  • Get a text reminder to take your own shopping bags!

    THE 21st Century Thame Partnership has been awarded funding for a new reminder service to make sure shoppers do not leave home without their own shopping bags.

    Oxfordshire County Council has awarded 21st Century Thame

  • Elderley lady robbed of antiques

    BURGLARS have stolen antiques and other sentimantal valuable from an 80 year-old woman, who lives at Litte Milton, near Thame.

    The Police are appealing for witnesses following the burglary at the woman’s home in Haseley Road, Little Milton, sometime overnight on Friday (10/04/09) into Saturday (11/4). The Burglars entered the house via the rear patio doors and stole two boxes of silver spoons, an antique barometer, an oak mantle pendulum clock and a silver christening mug amongst other items stolen.

    If anyone sees any of these items for sale, or has any information regarding this incident, please call 0845 8 505 505, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number.

    If you don?t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Draw for Thame at Kilburn

    MATCH REPORT – Away game Monday, April 13, 2009 – South Kilburn 1, Thame United 1.

    UNITED made their first ever trip to South Kilburn on Monday afternoon for their fifth game in ten days, whilst Kilburn had benefited from a 10-day rest since their previous game.

    Despite the prospect that fatigue may set in after such a busy schedule, with the score 1-1 at half time, there was only ever one team that was going to win the game in the second period as United again demonstrated their high fitness levels. Alas, a winning goal was not forthcoming and United had to settle for a point, making it 21 points from their last 10 fixtures.

    United started the brighter of the two teams and it was not long before they took the lead. A corner from the right caused problems for the Kilburn defence and Tom Hoskin was on hand to finish from close range, taking his tally to 13 for the season. Despite having opportunities to extend the lead and with Searl in the Thame goal rarely threatened, it was a surprise when Kilburn equalized 10 minutes before the break. United were perhaps guilty of standing off the Kilburn forward 25 yards from goal, but with back to goal no one could have expected the sharp turn and left foot shot that saw the ball sail over Searl and in to the top corner of the goal.

    With the scores level at half time, United pressed forward in the second half looking for a winner. Although they had the majority of possession and the game was almost entirely played in the Kilburn half, United created few goal scoring opportunities and, when they did, they were unable to trouble the Kilburn keeper. With frustration setting-in winger Stuart Barr was sent off for two bookable offences, whilst manager Mark West was forced in to making an appearance in an attempt to secure the three points. Despite some good touches and vision, the manager?s introduction failed to change United?s fortunes in front of goal and the final whistle came with United still pressing for a winner despite being down to 10 men.

    United face a trip to Rayners Lane on Saturday, (18/04/09)before facing Penn & Tylers Green away on Tuesday evening (21/04). United will be looking for two wins in an attempt to secure a top half finish that offers the prospect of FA Cup football next season.

    Thame United ? Searl, Meredith, Way (El-Kassir), Hocking, Thompson, Cowan, A.Rhodes, Barr Ricketts, Jones (West) Hoskin.

  • Seven years for Wheatley man who fled fatal M40 crash

    TODAY (15/4/09), Bernie McDonagh, aged 23, from Middle Ground in Wheatley has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for causing death while driving without due care and attention, failing to provide a specimen, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, driving whilst disqualified, driving with no insurance, arson and possession of a class C drug.

    Mr McDonagh was driving a stolen Ford Transit van that was involved in a fatal collision on the M40 on July 12, 2008, between Milton Common and Lewknor.

    A passenger in the other vehicle involved, a blue Ford Fista, died shortly after he and two friends were trapped in the overturned Fiesta following the collision. He was 29 year-old Ross Shears, from Crowborough, East Sussex.

    A police spokesperson said after the sentencing: “This tragedy has robbed a young man of his life and a family of their loved one and Mr McDonagh must now face the consequences of his actions.
    “On behalf of Thames Valley Police, I would like to offer our sincere condolences and sympathies to Ross Shears? family and friends. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

    Ross Shears’ family issued the following statement: “Ross was a big man with a big heart and a personality to match. He was a loving husband, a wonderful son and a brilliant brother, No matter what sentence was handed down today it would never have been long enough for we have a life sentence of grieving for Ross. He was taken from us far too early because of the actions of a careless driver on the M40 on 12 July 2008.

    We would like to thanks the Thames Valley Air Ambulance for all their efforts in trying to save Ross?s life at the crash scene. They do a superb job and have to rely on public donations to operate.

    We would also like to thank Thames Valley Police who did a brilliant job in bringing together all the information on what happened that day and the Crown Prosecution Service for putting the case together.”

  • Planning Applications to be considered by Thame Town Council?s

    8611
    P09/E0264/LB 82 HIGH STREET
    Alterations and extension to existing barn building to form residential accommodation ancillary to the main building.

    8612
    P09/E0263 82 HIGH STREET
    Alterations and extension to existing barn building to form residential accommodation ancillary to the main dwelling.

    8613
    P09/E0236 ST ANDREW?S COURT, WELLINGTON STREET
    To install three illuminated bollards lighting to the car park area of St Andrew?s Court.

  • Town council says ‘no’ to new homes at Priest End, Thame

    Thame Town Council – Planning recommendations – March 31, 2009.

    8369
    P07/E1324/LB 13 PRIEST END
    Demolition of outbuilding. Conversion of existing buildings, including single storey extensions to annex building and ground floor apartment, to provide a total of 5 residential units. Alterations to garden wall. Amendment No.1
    Correspondence was received from Striblehills, 15 Priest End and Martin Markcrow Architects. Also, a petition signed by 18 residents.
    RECOMMEND REFUSAL
    1. Out of character in a Conservation Area
    2. Contrary to Planning Policy
    The Committee particularly remarked upon statements within the architect?s
    original design statement, when the importance of a red brick garden wall
    was highlighted many times. A brick wall would ?enhance the setting
    further?, it would ?complement the symmetry of the college??.
    His current proposals were a complete reversal.

    8370
    P07/E1323 13 PRIEST END
    Demolition of outbuilding. Conversion of existing buildings, including single storey
    extensions to annex building and ground floor apartment, to provide a total of 5
    residential units. Alterations to garden wall.
    Amendment No. 1
    Correspondence was received from Striblehills, 15 Priest End and Martin Markcrow Architects. Also, a petition signed by 18 residents.
    RECOMMEND REFUSAL
    1. Out of character in a Conservation Area
    2. Contrary to Planning Policy

    The Committee particularly remarked upon statements within the architect?s original design statement, when the importance of a red brick garden wall was highlighted many times. A brick wall would ?enhance the setting further?, it would ?complement the symmetry of the college?.
    His current proposals were a complete reversal.

    8608
    P09/E0253 28 & 30 YOUENS DRIVE
    Rear single storey extension to nos. 28 & 30 Youens Drive and part conversion of garage and extension to 28 Youens Drive.
    RECOMMEND APPROVAL

    8609
    P09/E0260 19 GLENHAM ROAD
    Single storey extension to garage to form new living room.
    RECOMMEND APPROVAL

    8610
    P09/E0114 110 WELLINGTON STREET
    Part single, part two storey rear extension.
    RECOMMEND APPROVAL

  • Make money from climate change roadshow

    LOCAL businesses are being offered the opportunity to use the challenge of climate change to generate new commerical opportunities.

    ? Hear from business owners who have already used the
    green agenda to drive their businesses forward.
    ? Question and answer session with a panel of
    industry experts including Envirowise, Business
    Link, Click-on Logistrics and BC Strategies.
    ? Hear why large company, Amey, are seeking
    environmentally friendly lower carbon suppliers
    from the local area.

    FREE event & refreshments

    Roadshow Dates and Venues
    12th May – Didcot – Cornerstone Arts Centre
    26th May – Witney – Corn Exchange
    2nd JUNE ** – THAME ? SPREADEAGLE HOTEL – THAME
    24th June ? Chipping Norton ? Crown and Cushion
    21st July – Abingdon ? Council Chamber, Guildhall
    18th August – Faringdon ? Faringdon Business Centre
    15th Sept ? Oxford City ?Town Hall
    30th Sept ? Henley – Thames Room, Henley River &
    Rowing Museum
    8th October ? Wantage ? Lains Barn
    27th October – Wallingford ? South Oxfordshire
    District Council offices

    To book:
    Call Business Link: 0845 600 9 006 quoting your preferred date, quoting ?Make Money from Climate Change?.
    Or email info@businesslinksolutions.co.uk
    More information ? email sue.priest@ems2.com

    Programme:
    Introductions
    Business Link and the Federation of Small Businesses
    Scene setting
    Climate change overview ? Sue Priest of Ems2
    Pressures for low carbon procurement: Patricia Wainwright, Keith Sexton or John Culley of Amey
    Case Studies
    A set of three case studies presented by local business owners showing how they have changed their companies to offer new products or services to help with climate change.
    Question and Answer Panel
    Our speakers will be joined on the expert panel by:
    Envirowise, Business Link, Click-on Logistics and BC Strategies of Operation Ostrich.

    Sponsored by the Oxfordshire Economic Partnership, FSB and Business Link with support from the Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network, the District and City Councils, our speakers and Envirowise.

    Photo: Courtesy of conservationvalue.blogspot.com

  • Local Flavours Festival to promote food and drink in Oxfordshire

    THOUSANDS of people, including some from Thame, are expected to join in the Local Flavours Festival, an exciting new project taking place across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire during September.

    Run by BBO Food Group CIC, the Festival will promote foody events organised by farmers, food and drink producers, restaurants, pubs, farmers? markets and visitor attractions. 21st Century Thame is already planning its second Thame Food Festival to take place around the same time. Watch this space for more details and contact: ai@21stcenturythame.gov.uk if your business would like to be involved.

    BBO Food Group CIC Director, Tamara Schiopu, explained: : “September is a great time to be celebrating nature?s bounty. This is the first time that all the food and drink producers, plus all the food and drink outlets including restaurants, pubs and hotels, farm shops, farmers? markets and delis, will be celebrating the exceptional produce from these three counties.”

    The Local Flavours Festival was launched at a special Supper held at Exeter Hall, Kidlington last week where producers provided a cornucopia of delicious food and drink ? a great appetiser for events to come in September.

    During the Supper Anthony Lloyd from Fallowfields Country House Hotel in Kingston Bagpuize spoke of his plans: ? With orchards, a kitchen garden and pastures where native and rare breed pigs and cattle are reared and chickens run free-range, we?re going to run hands-on events for people to learn about baking bread using local flour, how to make sausages and bacon, have a go at pressing fruit juices, and see the journey your Sunday roast takes from pasture to plate.?

    A wide range of events and activities where people can find out more about where food comes from and how they can cook it to perfection will be held across Oxfordshire during the Local Flavours Festival. Restaurants and pubs will have Local Flavours themed menus featuring ingredients produced locally. Visitor attractions will host local food events, and there will be tours around farms, orchards, breweries and vineyards. Full details on www.local-flavours.net

    More businesses and organisations across the three counties are invited to host an event during the Local Flavours Festival. ? We know from similar festivals, such as the Hampshire Food Festival, that these events encourage visitors to spend more time and money at attractions,? says Tamara.

    ?With our partners Archant Life we will launch the first Local Flavours Food and Drink Awards to enable people to nominate their favourite producers, farms shops, farmers? markets and places to eat and drink local produce,? says Tamara.

    Partner and sponsor organisations already preparing their activities include Archant Life, Ascot Racecourse, Business Link in Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Thames Valley Farmers? Markets Co-operative Ltd, The National Trust, and Tourism South East.

    To get involved with the Local Flavours Festival, visit www.local-flavours.net or contact Tamara Schiopu on 01865 484116.

    ends

    Images of the Launch Supper available from

    Tamara Schiopu, BBO Food Group CIC. 07795 334474 or info@local-food.net

    Notes to Editors:

    Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire (BBO) Food Group CIC works to

  • Local people benefit from Towersey Festival grants

    THE Friends of Towersey Festival, who strongly believe that Arts in the community are vital to the local economy, are once again inviting local musicians to apply for funding.

    They believe that live music, theatre and the general performance and visual arts brings people together, they exchange views, ideas, they form new friendships and links, they bring together projects and presentations, provide full time and part time jobs, a purpose for those seeking voluntary work and most of all a community spirit, most needed in times of a credit crunch.

    Strong links with Towersey Village Festival are very evident in the list of recipients of grants from the Friends of Towersey Festival. Both young and old return to the Festival year after year to perform and share their experience as a way of saying thanks for the help. Funds are raised and distributed on grant application to both national and local artists. The Trustees are now welcoming applications.

    Local musicians or Arts related groups are invited to apply to the Friends of Towersey Festival for funding towards new instruments, lessons, bursaries, education trips and equipment. Some of the people who have benefited are:

    Sarah Stuart – Coursework & Instrument
    Lucy Ward – Guitar Pick-up and Equipment
    Wilber – One-to-one lessons
    Ethno England – Annual Gethering
    Ellie Skinner – Source Material
    Brewery Arts Centre(Youth Folk)Kendal- Youth project
    Jonathan Fairey – Drums
    Brin Sawdon – Sibelius
    Ryburn 3 Step – Clogs
    Becky Redwood – Oxfordshire City Youth Orchestra Annual Tour

    Thame Youth – Young Directors Project
    Booker Ranger Guides – Gangshow & Pantomime
    Amy Darcy – Career Development
    Footloose Festival – Workshop Leaders
    Dominique Dean – Melodeon
    The Very Official
    Theatre Co. – Career Development

    If you think you would like to join this list, then you should apply to The Trustees, The Friends of Towersey Festival, c/o PO Box 296, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3XU. The charity is for:

    The education of people in music, dance, song, theatre, arts and crafts
    To encourage the young to encompass performing and visual arts at an early stage
    To support the careers of people, developing their skills and even taking them on to a fully professional level
    To support people in later life who decide perhaps they missed out and now turn to the arts in their leisure time or new careers.
    Registered Charity No: 299636

    If you would like to support The Friends of Towersey Festival, then you could become an individual supporter for