Category: Business News

AS November 11, Remembrance Day draws closer, and many people will be buying their red poppy to help the British Legion Appeal, a Thame shop is offering an alternative.
Sapphire Moon in the High Street, is this year selling white, peace poppies in support of the Peace Pledge Union.

THE PROPRIETOR of Sapphire Moon explained: “We pay for the white poppies. It is our donation to the PPU as a shop. Any money that people give for them goes into the red poppy box on the counter, unless they request to give it to the PPU, in which case we send it on for them.
“We find that this way, everyone is happy, as in previous years, the biggest problem people have with the white ones is the fact that it would take money away from the poppy fund.
“This country has fought two ‘wars to end all wars’, but we are still fighting wars.
“I wear red for rememberance, and white for peace.”

See the Peace Pledge website
for more information.

NB This is a news report and no particular opinion about red or white poppies on the part of the Editor is intended. However, let us know your views.

THE theft of tools is on the increase in South Oxfordshire and the police are warning van owners and builders to take extra security measures to safeguard their property.

Recently vans have been targeted by thieves during the day on weekdays and large quantities of power tools have been stolen.

Crime reduction advisor, Julia Wheeler, said: ?The thieves have either found the van doors insecure and helped themselves to the tools or have forced the doors open.

?Workman?s sheds and houses being renovated are also being targeted by the tool thieves and I would like to urge builders and van owners take extra security measures to help prevent their tools from being stolen.

?Unfortunately the majority of these tools are not easily traceable as they are not security marked with the owner?s postcode and business name. We strongly advise that tools are visibly and permanently marked with these details by engraving or etching. Property marking also acts as a deterrent to thieves who have to cause permanent damage to remove the marking, making it difficult to sell these items on.

?In addition to ensuring that tools are locked away whenever they are not being used, we also advise that alarms are fitted to vans and outbuildings containing tools and that the alarm is set whenever they are not occupied.

?I would also like to take this opportunity to warn anyone who is offered cheap tools for sale not to buy them as they may be stolen and that handling stolen goods is not only a criminal offence, but it also fuels the demand and increases crime.?

Anyone who has any information that could help the police with their inquiries is asked to call 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers if they wish to remain anonymous on 0800 555 111.

BETWEEN 26th & 28th October, there have been a number of thefts of power tools from vans in the South Oxfordshire area.
Incidents have occurred during the day in Wheatley, Thame, Rotherfield Greys, Henley and Berrick Salome Wallingford, where offender(s) have targeted
insecure vans.

Please be extra vigilant and tell anyone who may be working in your area about these thefts. Ask workmen to lock their vans when unattended, especially if they contain anything of value.

If you have any information relating to this message, please call the police on 08458 505 505 and state you are responding to a Ringmaster message.

STEVE Algar, proprietor of Thame AV, THE television and hi-fi shop in Swan Walk, Thame, featured in today’s Financial Times, in which he told the FT that he was: “disgusted” with his bank, which, he said, had doubled the interest on his

THE Spread Eagle Hotel, in the heart of Thame, has overlooked the town centre for generations. This local, landmark property has recently been taken into new management by the Bespoke Hotels group.
Says ‘Bespoke’:
“With new management comes new vision! We are delighted to reveal the forthcoming refurbishment of the entire property including all bedrooms and our spacious banqueting suite in addition to our recently renamed, Eden Restaurant. As the refurbishment schedule is confirmed we will keep all residents updated on progress via the hotel website at www.spreadeaglethame.co.uk and also on daily news from ThameNews.net.

“Since arriving at the hotel, we have introduced a new concept and renamed the former Fothergill?s Restaurant which is now known as Eden. Eden focuses on classic home-cooked English cuisine with a modern take on old favourites. Our informal setting overlooking the high street is the perfect location for a breakfast meeting, casual lunch or a delicious evening meal. Of course we also have a comprehensive Christmas and New Year programme with 2 course festive lunches throughout December for only

FOLLOWING the success of Thame FM, in June as part of the Thame Festival, the radio station will run again as part of the ?Try Thame First? advent promotion. Thame Fm 87.9 intends to broadcast a local radio service for a four week period from Saturday, November 15, to Friday, December 12, with news and information on advent events and promotions in the town, along with details and awareness of local community groups in the Thame, Long Crendon, Haddenham, Chinnor and Princes Risborough area.

The station will be music led and play a cross section of popular Classic Hits of the 60?s, 70?s and 80?s along with selected 90?s and quality current hits.

Local businesses are invited to take the opportunity to advertise on Thame Fm 87.9 at highly competitive rates. The station will reach up to 28,000 people who live within the transmission area.

Advertising Rates

8 x 30 second spots per day, full four week transmission =

RE-OPENED just last week, The Lambert Arms, in Aston Rowant, near Thame, has undergone a spectacular yet sympathetic refurbishment under its new owners, Merchant Inns Ltd.
This mid Victorian Inn has been completely transformed inside but, though now a modern-day country inn, it retains many of the original, historical features and offers Michelin star quality food, impressive conference and events facilities and superbly appointed bedrooms.

The Lambert Arms has had a chequered history, including episodes as a Training Centre and a film set, but an ancient coat of arms displayfed over its doors suggests that it once belonged to a family who received a baronetcy in 1711. But its new owners now intend that the Lambert Arms will once again become a thriving, integral part of the local community, aiming to offer “sensational food, stylish bedrooms and sensible prices”

General Manager, Neal Tripp, says: “I have a great team around me, and together we will ensure that The Lambert Arms becomes renowned for its dining experience, warm welcome and excellent facilities”.

MEETING ROOMS
A conference and banqueting centre features floor to ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding countryside, and is ideal for up to 140 people. In warm weather, the open courtyard is perfect for outdoor dining and relaxed receptions. Smaller rooms and cosy areas are available for informal meetings. The landscaped gardens, combined with the excellent space and the superb cuisine, make The Lambert Arms the first choice for any event, from business meetings to weddings.

FOOD AND DRINK

By embracing the traditional country inn experience where you can go for ?a pint and a chat?, a cup of coffee or for a full meal, The Lambert Arms aims to “bring together the essence of a good, local bar with a restaurant serving simply sensational food.”

The kitchen team, under the supervision of Michelin-star executive chef, Rob Clayton, previously at the Bath Priory Hotel, sets out to serve Michelin-quality food in an informal pub environment. From bar snacks to pub lunches and a-la-carte menus, everything is freshly prepared and of the highest standards. The Lambert Arms? resident head chef, Adam Boutwell, 24, shows his skilled cooking, based on Modern British cuisine, producing dishes of character and distinction. Adam too, has had a career in Michelin star restaurants before joining The Lambert Arms.

With ?British Food Fortnight? starting on 20 September, The Lambert Arms? opening menu toasts the best of British with dishes such as Pan seared Cirencester Park wood pigeon breast, spiced pear tart & local cider vinaigrette, Slow cooked shoulder of Cornish lamb and Lambert Arms home grown pear and blackberry crumble. During the fortnight (which ends on Saturday – only four days to go!), two-courses from the special menu are

THAME Speakers Club now meets at the Thame Snooker Club, St Andrews Courtt, Wellington Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3WT.
See www.thame.net
Clubs section for more information about this and other clubs and groups in the Thame area.

THE Late Breakfast Thame, will launch on Thursday, October 16.
Between 9am ? 10.30 am at the Spread Eagle Hotel
Thame.
?Our friendly, welcoming approach attracts businesses who understand that by building relationships, they
will naturally generate business and create a support network,? said Christine Rayner, Founder of The Late
Breakfast.
Events are a mix of networking and presentations on a variety of subjects.

Philip Wootton, Partnership Manager from Business Link will be the guest speaker for the launch.

For further information contact Peter: thelatebreakfast@tangram.ltd.uk, to book your place.

AT the end of May this year, Roger and Mariko Pratap, residents of the village of Dinton, near Thame, stepped in to rescue the Dinton Hermit Inn from the receivers.
The Dinton Hermit, in the small hamlet of Ford and just a few miles between Aylesbury and Thame, is an historical inn dating back to the 17th Century. It is named after the legendary ?Dinton Hermit,? a Parliamentarian sympathiser during the Civil War, who was reputed to have been one of the executioners of King Charles I.
Roger Pratap commented: ?Mariko and I have lived in Dinton with our young family for a number of years and we are really looking forward to putting our skills and resources towards making The Dinton Hermit a true credit to the village.
?We are currently working with a team of hospitality industry experts to make sure that the property is brought up to the standard that is required and deserved by an Inn of such historical significance.”

Initial plans for improving the Inn have already been shown to local residents, with a very positive response. The plans include complete refurbishment of 11 bedrooms, changing the internal layout of the bar to provide better use of the buildings and an extension to the restaurant to offer more space for dining.

Roger commented: ?It is our aim to create a really great place for locals to come and enjoy great food, comfortable accommodation and a relaxing place to come for a drink ? inside or outside.?

The Dinton Hermit is now open all day, every day. To book a table for lunch or dinner you can contact The Dinton Hermit on 01296 747473.