Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Rock and Pop Festival for young musicians (status: press release)

    YOUNG Oxfordshire bands are set to blow the roof off Oxfordshire County Council’s Centre for Music during the annual Rock and Pop Festival tomorrow, Friday, April 3, 2009.

    Several groups were selected by a county council Music Service panel during heats in January to perform in the gig at the Centre for Music at Bayards Hill School, Waynflete Road, Headington, Oxford.

    The bands playing are:

    Hell’s Gazelles from Lord Williams’ School, Thame

    Picnic Now! from Abingdon’s Larkmead School and John Mason Secondary School

    The Will & Jim Project from Faringdon Community College

    Rotary Attachment from Leckford Place School, Oxford
    Motherhen from Bloxham School

    Montreal from Banbury School

    White Space from Gosford Hill School, Kidlington

    Councillor Jim Couchman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social and Community Services, said: “The continued success of the Rock and Pop Festival is yet another example of Oxfordshire’s Music Service providing opportunities for musicians at all levels of experience, from those who have never had a chance to play in a large venue before to those that play regular gigs around the county.”

    Rock and Pop Leader Nick Wright said: ?The bands who will be performing have been chosen for the quality of their song writing, playing and singing, their originality and to show as many different styles of music as possible. They are all very able bands for their age and experience and will, I hope, provide a very entertaining evening.?

    Tickets are available for the gig, which begins at 7pm, priced

  • County’s primary test results above national average

    OXFORDSHIRE primary schools are celebrating after test results for 11-year-olds placed the county above the national averages.

    Based on annual tests taken by all children in their final year of primary school, the tables show how well schools have performed in English, maths and science. They also include a Contextual Value Added score (known as the CVA measure) which represents the progress pupils have made throughout their time at primary school.

    Attainment of Oxfordshire?s 11-year-olds in English continues to be better than the national average. The number of pupils performing well at the highest level is also better than the national average in English, mathematics and science.

    Pass rates at the highest level (Level 5) were as follows:

    32 per cent of pupils achieved level 5 in English compared with 30 per cent nationally.

    In mathematics, 32 per cent of pupils achieved level 5 compared with 31 per cent nationally.

    In science 45 per cent achieved the higher level compared with 44 per cent nationally.

    Pass rates at Level 4 or above were as follows:

    In the new measure of combined English and mathematics, 73 per cent of pupils in Oxfordshire attained Level 4 or above, matching the national average.

    In English, 82 per cent of pupils attained Level 4 or above. This is the same as last year and one percentage point better than the national average.

    In mathematics, 79 per cent of pupils attained Level 4 or above. This is an increase of two percentage points on last year, and matching the national average.

    In science, 88 per cent of pupils attained Level 4 or above, equalling last year?s results and matching the national average.

    Seven county schools achieved 100 per cent in English, mathematics and science at the standard the government expects of 11-year-olds (Level 4). These schools were Appleton, Combe, Cropredy, Ewelme, Nettlebed, Shenington and Woodstock.

    Some schools have also performed well, but do not appear in the published tables because the size of the classes entering the tests is too small. These are Enstone, Marcham, Shellingford and St Peter’s in Cassington.

    Twelve Oxfordshire schools have CVA measures which put them in the top five per cent of schools nationally. These schools are Combe, Eynsham, Faringdon, Horspath, Kidmore End in Reading, Ladygrove Park in Didcot, Rush Common in Abingdon, St Edburg’s in Bicester, St Leonard’s in Banbury, St Thomas More in Kidlington, Woodstock and Northern House Special School in Oxford.

    In addition St Peter’s in Cassington and Shellingford School who had too few pupils to be included in the tables, also had a CVA measure that would have put them in the top five per cent of all schools nationally.

    Councillor Michael Waine, Oxfordshire County Council?s Cabinet Member for Schools Improvement, said: “I would like to congratulate all our schools for these results. They reflect a lot of hard work on behalf of pupils and teaching staff. I have observed some outstanding teaching and learning in the county?s primary schools and am constantly impressed by the hard work and commitment of pupils and teaching staff.
    “It is great to see the individual successes and that overall Oxfordshire primary schools are performing above the national picture, particularly at the highest level. However, with Oxfordshire?s social background and academic heritage, the county council feels that it should aim even higher. We have a firm commitment to do better and to raise standards even further in the county?s schools.”

  • Heavy-handed energy marketing in Thame?

    Dear Editor

    Just before 6pm one evening last week, there was a ring at the door. Through the glass I could see a man’s shape. I opened the door. Behind him, on the path there stood another man. The man who rang the bell was studying a clipboard. Both were festooned in official regalia, some kind of uniform with orange, high visibility slashes. The effect was intimidating. They weren’t police but there was something of the State about their image. They checked my name. Something incomprehensible followed but the leader of the two was making some kind of enquiry about power supplies to my house. I’ve had the same suppliers for years. I’m quite happy with them. I said as much. The caller began to develop his comments. He was very close to the front door. Not threatening but too close for my comfort. I recalled a similar visit from another individual some years ago – something about gas that time, I think. I told that caller too that I was happy with my energy supplier. Tonight I cut the exchanges short, politely I hope, but if I had been even older than I am and if I had been on my own, the sight of two near paramilitary figures on my doorstep, questioning me, conveying an undefined impression that there might be something wrong – for that was the impression – would have frightened me a lot. I always have some sympathy for cold callers, however they come, for they are only trying to earn a living. But whoever prescribed this particular procedure should think seriously of the effect on the person visited. I won’t name the firm. It does exist, I discovered. I don’t want to get into any arguments with it. But they will know who they are.

    Yours sincerely

    Norman Brand

  • Latest Thame Planning appications before Thame Town Council

    Planning Applications Considered by Thame Town Council?s Planning Committee on Tuesday 31 March.

    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

  • Thame man sent for trial following fight

    A THAME man is to be tried following a fight in Thame High Street, back in December, last year.

    Robert Newitt, 22, of Van Diemans Road, Thame, pleaded Not Guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, at Oxford Crown Court on March 23.

    He was bailed to attend court on July 20, for trial.

    During the fight, outside Thame Tandoori, a 31 year-old received a serious arm injury.

  • Thame ends Chinnor’s winning streak – Match report

    LEAGUE GAME – 31/03/09 – Thame United 2, Chinnor 0

    THAME United ended Chinnor’s run of seven unbeaten games, and extended their own run to five successive wins on Tuesday evening.

    This brings the results and goals scored between the two teams this season to level pegging. They drew 1-1 in November?s league fixture, and Chinnor beat Thame 2-0 when they met in an Oxfordshire Cup game in December.

    Thame United?s descent through the football pyramid in recent seasons has caused the two teams to be more evenly matched, and the rivalry between them has grown making their encounters a real local derby. As Thame Chairman Jake Collinge pointed out in the match programme, a significant proportion of players will have played for both clubs at some point in their career. It was not surprising therefore that Tuesday?s game attracted Thame?s highest attendance of the season and spectators were treated to a fast, entertaining game, played in an electric atmosphere.

    The opening exchanges were fairly even but as the game progressed, Thame started to gain the upper hand. In the 22nd minute Thame winger Ben Connelly, who was in sparking form, hit a low cross from the right, and following a goalmouth scramble, the ball ended up in the Chinnor net. Referee Evans initially awarded a goal but then saw his linesman?s flag raised and went over to consult with him. As a result, Chinnor were awarded a goal kick, as the ball had gone out of play during the build up.

    There was a moment of real quality about 10 minutes later. Following a Thame corner, the ball fell to Stuart Barr who hit a blistering, first time shot, from the edge of the penalty area only to see Chinnor?s goalkeeper Lee Orkney make an outstanding save.

    The home side took the lead in the 40th minute. Thame broke on the left and Mark Jones hit a pass to Connelly who was about 20 yards from goal. Chinnor defender and former Thame player, Mark Avery, intercepted the pass but the tenacious Connelly took the ball from Avery and calmly beat the advancing Orkney. The teams went in for the break with Thame deservedly in the lead by one goal.

    At the restart, Chinnor?s Gary Marshall came on for the injured Alex Stuart. The visitors were stronger in the second half with Thame keeper Paul Searl, who had been untroubled for the first 45 minutes, much busier. Both teams were playing well and the crowd were treated to some enthralling end-to-end football. With about 20 minutes to play, it looked as if Chinnor had equalised when both Marshall and Searl went for a long free kick and the ball ended in the back of the net. The ?goal? however was disallowed for a foul on Searl.

    With about 10 minutes left, Chinnor took off central defender Richard Carr and threw everyone forward in search if the equaliser. Thame?s second goal came in injury time when Connelly hit a long clearance from his penalty area to substitute Tom Hoskin, who picked it up near the halfway line. The speedy Hoskin ran at goal, pursued by Richard Avery, who challenged him just after he had cut into the penalty area. Referee Evans, perhaps harshly, immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Adam Rhodes buried the spot kick, and it was effectively ?game over?.

    Thame United: Searl, Cowan, Way, Thompson, Hocking, El-Kassir, Connelly, Rhodes, Rogers (Hoskin), Jones, Barr (Ricketts).

    Thame have a busy schedule next week, visiting visit Newbury on Saturday 4th, Henley on Tuesday 7th, and Prestwood on Thursday 9th. Their next home game is on Easter Saturday 11th when they entertain league leaders, Ascot United.

  • Beijing medalist meets Thame swimmers

    A Team GB Olympic Swimmer has become Patron of Thame’s new Swimming Club (TSC).

    Simon Burnett, who grew up locally and went to Lord Williams’s school in Thame, visited Thame Swimming Club to meet the swimmers, coaching staff and committee members.

    As the club’s new Patron, when he is in the UK, and training schedule permitting, Simon will visit TSC to assist the club in developing the children to their full potential.

    Simon said: “I am very keen to be involved in the club; its great that there is a new local focus for swimmers in Thame.”

    Simon’s presence caused great excitement as he signed autographs and had photos taken with the young members. He was also present when the new Club Captains, George Finch and Olivia Hawkes and Vice Captains, Jamie Goetz and Georgia Carhill, were voted in by the club swimmers.

    As well as giving his time, Simon donated some Team GB kit from the Beijing Olympics which will be auctioned at the TSC launch party on April 18.

    Simon is returning to the USA to train and prepare for the forthcoming World Championships later in 2009 and the swimmers, coaches and committee wished him every success and spoke of looking forward to meeting him again at TSC.

    For more information on Thame Swimming Club, contact:

    Mobile 07722 219361
    email: communications@thameswimmingclub.co.uk
    Web: www.thameswimmingclub.co.uk

    Photo: Simon Burnett with club captains and vice captains

  • Reassurance over bus passes for Free Park and Ride

    OXFORDSHIRE RESIDENTS with bus passes are being reassured that their free local travel will continue as normal.

    Recent media coverage has suggested bus pass holders will no longer be able to travel on park and ride services free of charge. This is not the case in South Oxfordshire, where bus pass holders can still travel free on local journeys, including Thornhill park and ride.

    The media coverage came in the light of an announcement from the Department of Transport, changing some of the rules covering which journeys would be eligible for free travel. This mainly covered park and ride schemes. However, although there may be changes in other areas of the country, South Oxfordshire is not affected.

    Council leader, Ann Ducker, said: “Although nationally many areas are looking at introducing restrictions on the routes people can travel as part of the bus pass scheme, I am glad to be able to reassure our residents that will not be the case in South Oxfordshire, and in particular, they can still take advantage of free park and ride from Thornhill.

    “We appreciate that the bus pass scheme offers many people a vital lifeline and are committed to supporting these bus users by providing free travel for the over 60s and disabled.”

  • Sales & Marketing Masterclass for Thame businesses

    SWITCHED on business owners in the Thame area know that, despite ‘doom and gloom’ in the media, there are still ways to keep their businesses growing.

    Nearly 60 of them met at the Barns Centre on Wednesday, March 25, to take part in a Sales and Marketing Masterclass presented by two of the area?s leading business trainers.

    Cat Young of STW, a Thame-based web agency, and Trese Rowe of Amplia, a leading sales consultancy operating out of Streatley, shared their ideas to a packed room. Cat Young revealed her method for optimising websites to gain more leads and Trese Rowe explained how ?what customers are buying? is more important than what you?re selling.

    The popularity of the event indicated that switched-on business owners are keen to keep their businesses growing in the face of the current financial climate and that there is life in the economy yet, especially for enterprising organisations.

    For smaller businesses their means of survival will be to find quicker and cheaper ways to gain more business, and so they are turning to online marketing. As Cat explained, promoting your business online is flexible, quick, affordable and measurable and as more and more of us use the Internet to shop, businesses need to have a strong online presence to share in that growing market.

    Improving your marketing is just the first step. As Trese explained, businesses must recognise that customers buy the outcome not the product or service. The end result could be increased profit, less wasted effort, a more relaxed lifestyle or less down time.

    “We don?t buy products and services for their own sake,” explained Trese. “We buy what they can do for us. Good sales techniques help us identify what the potential customer really wants and then we can shape our offering to help them achieve this.”

    Nicky Angell, who attended the event on behalf of Business Link, one of the sponsors, said: “I thought the seminar went really well today. There was a huge queue of people at the end waiting to sign up for more help!”

    As the event was free to attend, STW asked for donations for their chosen charity, The Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Not only did the local charity provide information to display, the event was honoured with a visit from Rio and her trainer Hannah.

    It would be unfair to Cat Young and Trese Rowe to say that Rio was the star of the show, but she certainly was a crowd puller!

  • First scouts invested into new Thame troop

    A newly formed Thame scout troop held its first Investiture ceremony yesterday.

    Seventeen scouts were invested into Rowallan Scout Troop, which has been reopened after ten years. A blessing was given by Reverend Alan Garratt to the new troop.

    The event was supported by parents and scouters of the group, both past and present, who joined in with games and a BBQ which followed.

    Thame Scout Group is always looking for Helpers and Leaders to provide a fun and varied educational programme to the Youth of Thame. For more information contact: shelaghhutson@aol.com