STAFF from Haddenham-based project management and architectural design firm,PCMS Design, recently took part in the London Memory Walk and have raised a total of £735 in sponsorship so far towards funding new research and providing support to dementia suffers and their carers.
The PCMS team, left to right: Kathleen Pratt, Maria Wilkinson, Debbie Mellor, Julia Bond
Memory Walks are held around the country, and each one raises vital funds for the Alzheimer’s Society whilst publicising the cause. The 7.5km London walk was held on Saturday, October 13 – which happened to be a beautifully warm and sunny day. The route began in the City, skirted round St Paul’s Cathedral, over the Thames, past the Globe Theatre and Tate Modern and back over the Thames again. Over 4,000 people took part and the thousands of blue T-Shirts created quite a scene along the route!
Unfortunately, Project Manager Alex Bond broke a bone in his foot the week before the walk. Alex said: “Although disappointed that I couldn’t walk the route on the day, I came along to support the team and they all worked hard to fundraise amongst our clients, friends and family. Thank you to everyone who supported us.”
The people taking part from left to right in the photo were: Kathleen Pratt, Maria Wilkinson, Debbie Mellor, Julia Bond
THAME based Lynn Palmer Architects have been shortlisted for the 2018 Build It Awards for their build in Long Crendon. The house, previously seen on Channel 4’s Best Laid Plans, sits in one of the most picturesque high streets in the country.
Extension for Janice & Neil Tuckley at 43 High Street, Long Crendon, designed by Lynn Palmer Architects, Thame
A listed building situated on a sloping site with limited access to the 200ft garden presented the team at Lynn Palmer Architects quite a challenge. The solution was a two story glass extension with bedrooms on the ground floor and a large kitchen dining room on the first floor with access to the stunning gardens.
Lynn saw off stiff competition to be shortlisted by the judges and is now up for a public vote. The closing date for voting is October 18, and anyone can vote HERE
A Thame singing group, that has been performing quality choral concerts in Thame and Haddenham for over 50 years, is looking for local business sponsors to help with the rising costs of hiring an orchestra, professional soloists, library music scores and other costs associated with staging such performances by composers such as Mozart, Brahms, and Handel.
Anyone who runs a local business and would be interested in finding out more about the advantages of supporting an important aspect of Thame’s cultural life, is invited to contact Thame Choral Society viaThame Choral Society’s facebook page: LINK HERE
AWARD winning new homes builder, Dandara, is putting the finishing touches to their new homes launch event at The Grove, Stanbridge Road, Haddenham, Bucks, taking place this weekend October 6 & 7, 2018, featuring four beautifully prepared show homes.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous new home built to the very highest standards and benefitting from excellent travel connections, set within an exquisite, much sought-after village with all the life enhancing qualities that the hills, open fields and clear skies offer, only 46 minutes by train from London – then you’ll find it at The Grove, Haddenham.
There are many reasons for choosing to live at The Grove with ample amenities to cater for all tastes, including; countryside walks, local community social activities and sports clubs. For those with families there is a wide range of state, grammar, and independent schools to choose from, including one highly rated primary and two junior schools situated within a 10-minute walk of the development.
Each of the new home designs and layouts has been carefully considered to appeal to a range of discerning home buyers: from first time purchasers, to young and growing families, downsizers and those that seek easy living bungalow style homes with spacious gardens.
Individuality was a key consideration in the planning of the development with every opportunity taken to create attractive street scenes by blending a wide range of home styles together with subtle details and exterior finishes, ensuring that new homebuyers are spoilt for choice.
The homes have been sensitively planned around the meandering natural landscape, featuring open spaces, hedgerows, small copses and a play area to make the best of the local environment with the Chiltern Hills taking centre stage.
Save the date, come and see us – we’ll have four beautiful homes open for you to visit, and our team on hand to answer questions and take reservations. Find out how ‘Help to Buy’ can enable you to move to the beautifully new home of your dreams…
We’ll also have coffee and snacks available, with games to keep the kids quiet too!
For further information and to register your interest about any of the new homes at The Grove, visit the beautifully furnished show homes and sales and marketing suite, open seven days a week 10am – 5.00pm or call 0800 5875 171.
FOLLOWING the launch of this autumn’s Midsomer Tours of Thame (see previous report HERE), a planning application has been submitted for six commemorative plaques, on historic, Listed buildings in Thame, that have featured in various episodes of the TV drama, Midsomer Murders.
Artwork for the proposed Midsomer Plaques
The idea is to attract visitors’ attention to the buildings at other times of the year, when the tours are not operating, thereby contributing to the economy of the town. There is respected research which showed that in 2014, Screen Tourism contributed between £100 – £400 million to the UK economy!
The six locations proposed are the Spread Eagle Hotel, the Swan Hotel, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, Thame Museum, Thame Town Hall and the Market House.
The planning application is currently out for consultation which will end on September 27, 2018. Anyone can view the plans online and comment: LINK HERE
POLICE ALERT – THERE has been an increase in thefts and attempted thefts from vans in the Watlington and Chinnor areas over the last two days.
Image courtsey of vanvault.co.uk (for illustrative purposes only)
Between 12.30am on 02/08 and 7am on 02/08 the front driver’s side quarter light window of a Citroen Berlingo was smashed. Several power tools were stolen from the vehicle, which was parked on Oak End Way, Chinnor.
Between 11.30pm on 01/08 and 7.30am on 02/08 a Peugeot Bipper van was broken into whilst it was parked in Ash Close, Watlington. Offender(s) made a hole in the lock of the rear doors to gain entry before stealing a bottle of perfume.
Between 6.30pm on 01/08 and 7am on 02/08 the front driver’s side quarter light window of a Renault Trafic van was smashed. No entry was gained to the vehicle, which was parked in Oakley Road, Chinnor.
Between 12.15am on 01/08 and 12.30am on 02/08 the lock on the rear doors of a vehicle were drilled, whilst it was parked on Brookside, Watlington. Nothing was stolen.
Please consider the following when leaving your vehicle:
• Remove everything from your vehicle including removable stereos and sat-navs. Remove tools if you are able to do so. Do not leave anything in the glove
compartment or on display.
• Close all windows and the sunroof, if you have one.
• Lock your vehicle and use your alarms if you have them.
• If you do see any persons or vehicles acting suspicious in the area then call 101 (non-emergency) and 999 in an emergency.
If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message please call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.
Alternatively if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online . No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
SUPER fit Financial Controller of local online training provider Me Learning, at Nether Winchendon near Thame, Alex Wall Morris, excelled herself this weekend by taking on the gruelling Three Peaks challenge.
Raising much needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), Alex and the team from Fitlife raised almost £3,000 thanks to their incredibly adventurous quest.
“For a while I’ve been training at Fitlife – a boutique fitness facility in Haddenham,” explained Alex, who lives in Chearsley. “Its great fun and the team there are so encouraging. When the three Peaks Challenge was suggested I didn’t hesitate, especially in aid of such a great cause. It was exhausting but mind-blowing at the same time! I’m still recovering but fortunately my colleagues at Me Learning have been hugely supportive.”
The three peaks challenge involves climbing the UKs highest peaks in under 24 hours – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and finally Snowdon. Sleeping in a mini bus in between hikes, each climb took 4-5 hours, and some of it at night with headlamps! Whilst the rest of the UK were enjoying balmy sunshine they trekked through snow as they conquered Ben Nevis.
Not only is the Three Peaks Challenge seen as a great test of physical ability but also, a huge mental challenge. Furthermore with a team 34 it was critical that as they travelled up and down the mountains as a group, no-one was left behind. For further information and details visit https://www.threepeakschallenge.uk/national-three-peaks-challenge/
LAST year Thame and District Rotary met with some local business leaders to discuss how they might work together to support the local community. A suggestion from Andrew King, Director of Richardsons Accountants, resulted in the concept of the Rotary’s Business in the Community Programme.
Thame business supports Rotary volunteering project at Blue Cross
The scheme involves volunteers from local businesses joining employees from other businesses, during company time, to undertake community projects. Rotary identifies projects through its links with local authorities, local charities and other similar organisations, projects which are generally of a practical nature requiring a different skill set to those used during the volunteer’s normal work.
Andrew King said: “We are thrilled that so many other businesses in Thame have chosen to support our initiative. It was created as a result of us being founder members of Reciprocate, which is a group of businesses that are working together to improve the lives of people in Oxfordshire. The formation of the group grew from an idea from Tony Stratton, during his term as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 2014/15, with the official launch of Reciprocate on March 15, 2016 at the Ashmolean in Oxford. It is a great idea from Reciprocate, but none of it would have happened without the enormous support of John Singer, Thame Rotary’s President, who has worked relentlessly with the businesses and community in Thame to make this such a success.”
John Singer himself said: “I was overwhelmed by the response from businesses I visited, as almost all of them immediately confirmed their support. In fact, I soon stopped as there was a danger we would have too many!”
The companies who are supporting the scheme this year are Kubota Ltd, Lightfoots Solicitors, Lucy Electric Ltd, Oxfordshire Golf Hotel & Spa, Richardsons Chartered Accountants and Waitrose and from their employees volunteering to do the work.
The first project undertaken was at Lewknor’s Blue Cross where two very enthusiastic groups of volunteers from Lucy Electric Ltd and from The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel and Spa, Lightfoots Solicitors and Richardsons Chartered Accountants redecorated the staff room and vets’ offices on April 19 and 20. During the first day the rooms were prepared including removing wall fixings, repairing walls and sandpapering. During the second day the walls were repainted with emulsion and radiators glossed.
Clare Cruttenden, Centre Manager of Lewknor Blue Cross, said: “We’re really proud of the facilities that we have for our pets, but the areas used by the team for breaks and to work in were looking tired. Having these rooms painted makes a huge difference to the dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work hard to care for homeless pets, giving them more pleasant places to work and take well-earned breaks. We’re very grateful to Thame and District Rotary and the volunteers from local companies for making this possible.”
The monetary value of this first project is estimated at around £2,000 to Blue Cross however, the benefits have not been solely financial. The community has benefited by their being an additional voluntary resource, businesses have been able to contribute to their own community, volunteers have networked with colleagues and employees from other local companies and some have even learned new skills.
“We pride ourselves in being proactively involved in the local community, commented John Griffith, CEO at Lucy Electric and are delighted to be able to support the Thame and District Rotary Club by providing a team of volunteers to support this worthwhile initiative.”
Jack Armstrong and Bill Heritage of Richardsons Chartered Accountants working on Blue Cross said: “It was great to get involved with this fantastic cause. You don’t always appreciate how volunteering can make a difference, especially when the staff are so dedicated to providing such excellent care to the animals. It’s evident what great work Blue Cross are doing, as a couple visited all the way from Southampton to adopt a dog that had been cared for by the team. We were more than happy to help. “
John Singer added: “The programme has exceeded all his expectations. It seems to have been of great value to the community, and attractive to local businesses and their employees. Thame and District Rotary, with its established links in the community, was ideally positioned to facilitate the programme. This is a perfect example of how Rotary and Businesses, working together, can make things happen and we intend this will be a regular event. This programme is unique in as much that the teams of volunteers are formed from employees from different companies.”
John concluded:” We are looking forward to undertaking our next two projects at Chilworth SEN School and Thomley. In the future we plan to promote the scheme to attract additional companies and would invite charities and similar organisations who have suitable projects to contact Rotary on www.thame.rotary1090.org or connect with us via www.facebook.com/thamerotary .“
HAVING recently gone into Administration, the owners of H & C Pearce & Sons Ltd, in Aylesbury Road, Thame, one of the largest agricultural farm supply businesses in central and southern England. has been acquired by the agricultural supplies group, Wynnstay.
H & C Pearce was a family run company which could trace its history back nearly two hundred years when it began as a wool grading business. Wool stapling (or trading) having been part of Thame’s heritage since medieval times.
Powys-based Wynnstay has agreed with the administrators to pay £800,000 in cash for the Countrywide Farmers plc (“Countrywide”) stores, including Thame. At completion, the total number of Wynnstay Country Stores will increase from 52 to 60 outlets.
Ken Greetham, Chief Executive Officer of Wynnstay, commented: “We are very pleased to have acquired eight country stores previously operated by Countrywide Famers. Their addition increases our footprint in both our existing trading heartland, and in the South West of England, in particular giving us an increased profile in Cornwall and Devon.
“Farmers and the rural community are at the heart of Wynnstay’s offering and we look forward to welcoming new customers to the Group, as we introduce our products and services across these new stores.”
THAME’S kebab van has retained its crown as the Best Kebab Van in Britain, as voted for by the public, receiving the trophy at last night’s glittering British Kebabs Awards evening at the Plaza Westminster, in London.
Cllr Anne Midwinter is wearing the blue top, to the left of the Mayor Tom Wyse. The picture includes: Mrs Linda Ataly (2nd left with their two daughters), Resul Atalay- light suit with his two boys, Jason and Josh. Resul’s sister is far right.
Resul Atalay and his twin sons, Jason and Josh, held on to the Best Kebab Van title they won last year, 2018 being only the second year the Best Kebab Van award has been running in the eight years of the British Kebab Awards. Resul is famous for making his own doner from scratch with fresh, English lamb and chicken, and his homemade sauces, his chilli sauce containing no less than 30 ingredients!
The awards ceremony was the culmination of a very busy week for Resul and the boys, who were seen by millions of viewers on the Saturday Kitchen Live, TV show on Saturday morning, March 10, interviewed on BBC Radio Oxford (Listen Again HERE)and cooking for Chris Evans this morning (Tuesday) on his morning radio show on BBC Radio 2. You can listen to Atalay’s mention HERE (scroll along to 2:03.53 – keep listening through the music!)
The Mayor of Thame, Tom Wyse, speaking after the event, said: “A great event at the British Kebab Awards 2018; Five Star Thame winners – another great, successful year for the Atalay Kebab Van; a successful beacon in Thame High Street on a dark night!”
Resul Atalay himself organised a coach to take his family and friends – and this lucky editor – to the Awards nights, laying on food and drink to get the party going before we even arrived! And what a night it was! Music, dancing girls, MPs representing all parties, National Press coverage, a three course meal – including of course kebab meat, free beer from the event sponsors, Cobra and Bira and a real ‘Oscars’ type atmosphere. The two Atalay tables, included Cllr Ann Midwinter, who, with the late Cllr Jane Morbey fought so hard to help Resul get his licence for his kebab van way back in the late 1980s, against some very strong opposition from some in the town. Both tables errupted when the announcement was made that Atalay’s Kebab Van had been voted The Best Kebab Van in Britain again. (Watch the video HERE . Apologies for the poor sound quality)
As Chris Evans said this morning: “Thame, you are so lucky! With their 35 tonne articulated truck, this is more like a roadshow than a kebab van!”
The Mayor of Croydon (left) meets Resul Ataly and Tom Wyse, the Mayor of Thame
Thame’s Mayor, Tom Wyse was also a special guest, and proved a ‘Mayor Magnet’ wearing his splendid chain of office, with Mayors from London and all over the country coming up and introducing themselves to him. Another very special guest was Resul’s sister who is over from his native Turkey for a visit. She proudly took her place with the family and friends on the stage with Resul and his boys, to receive their trophy.
Whilst Resul obviously enjoyed and appreciated all the media coverage his success has brought him – and the thousands of extra facebook followers, and new customers – he did admit that he’s found the experience exhausting and would probably not enter the competition next year. I have a feeling his many fans might have something different to say when it comes to the nomination next year!
