Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Lights On Bikes Crackdown

    MORE than 200 cyclists were caught riding in the dark without lights in a month-long crack down across Thames Valley.
    Officers stopped 220 riders who were putting themselves and other road-users at risk by riding on the road with no lights.
    The enforcement campaign ran from 1 to 30 November. During the campaign, riders who were stopped were given a

  • 15/10/06…..Big ‘Merci’ To Thame Servicemen

    GIFTS to Thame ex-servicemen from a grateful French lady in Thame’s twin town, were today presented by the town’s Twinning Association.
    The gifts were given to Thame and District Twinning Association members during their recent visit to Montesson for its Christmas market.
    Madame Andr

  • Stonkingly Good, First Youth Night At The Social

    BY one of ThameNews.Net’s up-and-coming, young music journalists, Rob Lowen.
    SIMPLE Reason, The Youngs Plan, Proliem, The Residue -Review:-

    It’s a Tuesday evening and there’s school tomorrow, but nevertheless the top room of The Social Club in Thame contains a fair few kids. The bands are only just setting up as the first few teenagers enter the room, but soon(ish) everything is ready, and the first band step tentatively onto the corner of the room that is being used as a stage tonight.

    The Residue look about nine years old. And they sound like Greenday had a child with Jet but it was raised by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Not too shabby considering the age of these guys (I believe them to be about 14). The Residue play a catchy, likeable set tonight, and particularly impressive is the voice of singer Rob. On occasion, they lack attitude and emotion, but this may well be down to nerves, and the guitar tone could well do with some work. Of particular note is a stonkingly fun cover of AC/DC’s You Shook Me All Night Long.

    Second to the stage tonight are Proliem, tonight looking absolutely ridiculous. Singer Martin is wearing the campest shirt of all time, and he and guitarist Craig appear to be wearing make-up. I’m afraid so. Never an excusable gesture normally, the pair of them look even sillier standing next to bassist Jim Furnace and drummer Max “definitely not camp” Camp, both of whom have turned out tonight in full grunge gear.

    Proliem open their set with a ridiculously heavy cover of the James Bond theme tune. Not the most original idea in the world ever, but the song draws a chuckle from the few kids at the front anyway. Proliem play interestingly tonight, considering that lead guitarist Ben Holding left the band officially just days before this gig, and sometimes it is all to obvious that Craig hasn’t had time to work out new, more fitting single line guitar parts, because sometimes the guitar sound is far too thin. Proliem also seem to lose heart in the verses, but hitting the choruses with all the energy they have. This band are ambitious, but the clean guitar sound is just a few shades too thin to successfully carry it off. Having said that, on occasion Proliem toss ambition out of the window and favour pure sludge.

    Set closer On The Other Hand is by far the grungiest song Proliem play tonight, and the guitar sound is so sludgy you’d have thought Kurt Cobain fell into a swamp. But in a good way. Proliem reach their peak with this song, which is a shame because had they achieved this earlier in the set they would have been very enjoyable indeed. The middle eight section draws a clap from the assembled kids, which is quickly put to a stop by some fancy math-drumming from Max Camp. That boy is a machine.

    The Youngs Plan are main support tonight, and after a brief kafuffle getting on stage, and guitarist Sam Richardson’s tuning problem, they launch boldly into a new song. It calls to mind the clunk-bonk strand of new Thame-core recently popularized by the likes of Twat Trot Tra La. It’s delicious, and sounds massive. This song recalls OK Computer era Radiohead, spiralling around the head and around the room. Crowd favourite The Antidote sounds like Biffy Clyro taking salvia and jumping between buildings in New York. Left positively roars- there’s so much going on that there’s no space left in the head to think, before dropping out into a gorgeous minimalist verse, a rant about nothing in particular. The next song – yet more new material due to be on the next EP, has no trouble once again proclaiming The Youngs Plan’s love for Biffy Clyro, its violent alternative thrash is truly delightful. Input/Output is sparkly and huge, with a catchy verse groove. The Young’s Plan’s constant stream of refreshing new ideas puts professional bands to shame. This song is like a shot of Aftershock Blue after a bottle of Jack Daniels, and singer Ash Cooke only has to grin apologetically for the audience to forgive him over a fluffed vocal cue.

    The Youngs Plan are too alternative for teenage angst. Instead, their closing number gives off an aura of nostalgia, the simple refrain “Like rocks that we threw in the river” is the perfect anticlimax to the intensity of earlier songs.

    Touchingly – Wycombe’s Simple Reason stand in a circle together with their arms around each other before every gig, and tonight they embrace each other before hitting the stage like a fireball, launching into single Empty Handed – the promo video of which is available on the band’s myspace. Singer Josh Rumble really does have the most fantastic set of lungs.

    I’ve been anticipating seeing Simple Reason again for a long time now. The last time yours truly saw this band, they were exchanging screams with a thousand emo kids at the profile festival in Aylesbury. January 2007 will see the release of their debut album and tour, with a single coming out in February and the possibility of a second album in March.

    Tonight, Simple Reason are tighter than your parents, and yours truly only felt disappointment at my dedication to the notepad- this band make you feel like you could jump into a fight with Mike Tyson and come out breathing. Simple Reason put on a dynamic display, with awesome vocal harmonies provided by guitarist Keith. They don’t necessarily throw in that nudge towards the unexpected that would be great to see, but in terms of showmanship, even in a confined space such as the Social, this band are unbeatable.

    A heavier number sees kids literally hanging from the ceiling. Anger oozes. There is more pressure in the six inch space between the band and the audience than in an industrial brewing vat. Then the song is over and Josh Rumble calmly taunts the crowd: “Calm down now children” before the band launch into another Used-esque epic rock song. Moments of brooding roll into explosions of rage, peaking in a guttural roar worthy of Tarzan, then followed by a violent thrash accompanied by some tasty tapping courtesy of new guitarist Rich Mckee.

    The penultimate song – which I unfortunately missed the title of, contains a massive build-up, which seems to swell from the band to fill the whole room and engulf the audience, before launching into an all-out aural war, obliterating the eardrums of every kid in the room.

    The band finish with As We Go On, a technical masterpiece and a stunning slab of hard-rock that sees pinched harmonics flying everywhere and guitarists Rich and Keith posing together- then running straight into the centre of the room. Which of course sends everybody crazy.

    The passion and intensity that this band put into their music is insane. Keith’s mouth seems to fit around the whole microphone as he belts out each heartfelt harmony. Rumble bends over double and roars, the noise emerging is almost not human. Rich throws his guitar around wildly, whilst still somehow never playing a bum note. Bassist James is an ever constant presence, solid, confident. Josh is a blur of arms and hair behind the drum kit. Then all too quickly, it is over. The band suggest that some of the kids come and chat to them, and it’s great to see a band so humble, especially considering the carnage that has just taken place. Splendid stuff.

    PHOTO: Courtesy of whoever took the picture ‘Social Flyer’. Contact editor@thame.net who will immediately credit your name.

  • Thame CCTV Figures Show Crime Drop

    THE incidence of Crime in Thame has reduced, since the introduction of CCTV cameras in the town centre.
    These findings were revealed at a meeting of the Thame Community Safety Committee, yesterday.
    Comparing the figures for the same period the previous year, PC Russell Hounslow, the Community Beat Officer for Thame, reported that between April 1, and October 30 this year, there has been a 62% reduction in reported shop lifting, a 10% drop in thefts from motor vehicles and a 10% reduction in over-all reported crime.

  • Crack Down On Garage ‘Drive Offs’

    THE Police are working with forecourt garage owners to reduce the number of so-called ?bilkings? in Oxfordshire and reduce the number of crimes that last year were worth

  • Join The County’s Millennium Celebrations

    BLACKBIRDS in pies, a giant pendulum, a mile for the Millennium and a Dance-a-thon: these are just some of the ingredients in 2007, when Oxfordshire celebrates its 1000th birthday ? and the whole county is invited.
    Special events are being planned for Oxfordshire 2007, offering an exciting array of art, dance, theatre and music. Sport, food and science are also included ? and many of Oxfordshire?s 70-plus festivals will also be joining in the party with their own millennium contributions. Many events are free, or subsidised.

    Oxfordshire 2007 is designed to showcase the remarkable array of creative talent – past and present – that exists in every corner of the county and represents a collaboration between hundreds of cultural organisations, individuals and communities to create a special and memorable year. Oxford Inspires, the county?s cultural development agency, is providing coordination and practical help to put on the celebration.

    These are just some of the event to look forward to this coming spring:

    Feb 12?March 11
    Dancin? Oxford: a new dance festival in Oxford which aims to get everybody?s feet tapping.

    March 6?April 14
    The Falling Sky: a specially commissioned play about rural people which is touring the county

    March 10?March 25
    Oxdox Documentary Film Festival: the UK?s largest documentary film festival, features a simultaneous live screening of a specially commissioned film from China in 1000 cinemas across the world, plus Oxfordshire past and present through archive film.

    March 13?March 17
    La Dispute: Marivaux?s play is the culmination of a two-year collaboration with a theatre company in Normandy, produced by The Theatre, Chipping Norton.

    March 15?March 17

    Luminox: aims to set Oxford?s historic centre alight: a magical three days will include fire, music, street theatre, lantern processions and a giant pendulum.

    March 17?March 25

    Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival: takes place at Christ Church College, featuring authors Edna O?Brien, Sandi Toksvig, Alexander McCall Smith and many others.

    Sunday March 25
    Remembering Slavery: Set all free: The cream of the country?s gospel choirs will assembles in Christ Church Cathedral to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

    Saturday May 12
    Street Olympix: sport takes to the pavements of Oxfordshire culminating in a day of races, fun events and a mile street race to commemorate the four-minute mile run by Sir Roger Bannister in Oxford just over fifty years ago.

    Other highlights to look forward to in Oxfordshire?s millennium year are the UK?s first-ever Children?s Food Festival (July 14 -15) with celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson as patrons; a special Alice?s Day, based on Lewis Carroll?s famous character, (July 7) and Faces of Oxfordshire. There will be walks, trails, exhibitions, open doors, street theatre and much more.

    Oxfordshire 2007 aims to turn the county inside out, introducing you to new places and new cultural experiences. To find out more about what?s happening in your area ? and elsewhere in the county ? visit www.oxfordshire2007.com

  • Burglaries Up In Thame

    THE Police are urging Thame residents to be on their guard following several burglaries and attempted burglaries in the area.
    On Friday, December 8, at 2.15am, a resident in Sedgemoor Drive found the front door open but nothing was stolen.
    On Saturday, December 9, at 1.40am, a house was broken into on Horton Avenue. Thieves broke in through a window and cash was stolen.
    At around 6pm on Sunday (10/12), a suspicious caller went to an address on Ludsden Grove but was denied entry by the owner. The male youth concerned is white, 15-18 years-old, 5ft 3ins to 5ft 5ins tall, medium build, with short dark hair, wearing a green pullover and wearing glasses.
    On Monday, December 11, at 2.30am, a house in Kings Road was broken into by smashing glass in the front door. Electrical items, jewellery and cameras together with vehicle keys and two cars standing in the drive were stolen.
    At 2am on the same night (11/12), thieves attempted to steal car keys by reaching through a letter box on Glenham Road but they were unsuccessful.
    Between Saturday (9/12) and Tuesday (12/12) in Ludsden Grove, a door was forced but nothing was stolen.

    Lesley Nesbitt, Crime Reduction Advisor for Thame, said:”There has been a steady increase in the number of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Thame area over the last two months. A number of burglaries have been committed by fishing keys out through letter boxes.
    “Offenders have also opened doors by inserting something through the letter box and pulling down the inside handle.
    “Always remember to double lock your front door especially if it is a UPVC door and don?t keep your keys by the front or back door within reach of your letter box.
    “Christmas time always sees an increase in the number of burglaries so don?t forget to use timer switches on your table lamps and radios and ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your home whilst you are away.”

    If you have information or if see a suspicious incident or person contact the police on 08458 505 505. If you do not wish to speak to police you can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

    For information on house security contact Crime Reduction Advisor Lesley Nesbitt via 08458 505 505.

  • Extraordinary Council Meeting For Bonn Visitors

    STUDENTS from Bonn, in Germany, who are currently on an exchange visit with Lord Williams’s school, took part in an ‘extraordinary’ council meeting today.
    The meeting was chaired by the Mayor, Nigel Champken-Wood, who explained the procecdure and protocol of council meetings to the 24 young visitors and their hosts and teachers.
    Just like in a real council meeting, the visitors stood when the Mayor entered the council chamber, and raised their hand when they wanted to ask a question.
    He explained the origins of Parish and then town councils from the days when parishes were administered by the church, and related the history of the Mayor’s chain and insignia which includes a two-barred cross that was part of the so-called ‘Thame Hoard’ found in 1940 in the river Thame. Cllr Champken Woods explained the motto which is engraved on the medallion and its meaning: “She is old but lives.”
    The visiting students are all from the Friedrich Ebert
    Gymnasium in Bonn, and this is the 25th year of its relationship with Lord Williams’s school.
    Frau Beate Rosendahl, who is leading the German visit, thanked all the people of Thame for welcoming her school over the 25 years and presented the Mayor with a bottle of wine, some special sweets from Bonn and a Calender made by younger students of Friedrich Ebert school.
    One of the English host students told ThameNews.Net: “This is the first time my family has had someone from a different country to stay. At first it was a bit nerve-wracking but things soon became more relaxed. We have been playing on the Playstation and our guest seems to be enjoying English food – anyway, he eats everything we put in front of him.”
    The Bonn students have already visited London, Tower bridge seeming to have made a particular impression. Tomorrow they will visit Oxford and take some time off to do a bit of Christmas shopping.
    Six other German students are currently doing work experience with Thame businesses including an architect and an estate agent, and others are getting a taste of working in a Thame primary school.
    A special party to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the relationship between Friedrich Ebert and Lord Williams’s schools will be held tonight at LWS.

    Photo: Students from Friedrich Ebert Gymnasium take a closer look at the historic Thame Mayor’s chain and that which is worn by the Mayoress or Consort of the Mayor.

  • Spotlight On Local Bus Services

    OXFORDSHIRE County Council has started a review of subsidised bus services in the Thame, Watlington and Wheatley areas including Chinnor, Chalgrove, Tetsworth and Forest Hill.

    OCC say that over

  • Bridgefield Hit Thame

    BRIDGEFIELD, the Princes Risborough-based rock band, which has been busy performing extensively in London throughout 2006, has found a vibrant, buzzing venue to play locally.
    In conjunction with Crash Records, the band headline at the Social, North Street, Thame on the 14th December 2006. Doors at 8pm.
    The band members are looking forward to exposing their brand of ‘light-and-shade’ funky pop/rock to a new audience and old friends a-like in a local, chilled-out setting.

    Bridgefield is fronted by the menacingly powerful vocals of Tola Lamont; a show in itself, and she is supported by band members; John Woods, guitar; Martin Kent; keyboards; Kenny Stone, drums; Rob Goss, bass; and the backing vocals of young Rosie Kent.

    More information on ‘The Zone’: www.thame.net/zone.htm