SOUTHERN Soul singer, Everis Pellius, will be performing at a very special ball and ‘Bubbles Reception’ to be held at the Oxford Belfy in September.
Everis is an ambassador for a charity that supports a little known, auto-immune desease, NMO Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), and he will play at the Green and Gold Ball 2018, which aims to raise funds in support of NMOSD Services at the John Radcliffe Centre, in Oxford, and is open to everyone to attend.
NMSOD is an incurable, life threatening autoimmune illness that affects the Spinal cord and optic nerve leading to blindness and paralysis of the lower limbs. The charity is wholly run by family members of sufferers and sufferers themselves to ensure that the maximum possible goes to the NHS research staff in the fight against NMOSD.
Southern Soul singer, Everis Pellius
To find out more about NMOSD, the lives of those affected, the Green and Gold Ball, and how to purchase tickets, visit the website: www.nmouk.org (There’s a new section, The Art Of NMO, which is worth a look as it shows that people affected by rare illnesses have ‘This ability’ not ‘Disability’.
TURN End’s listed garden in Haddenham, is opening as a Quiet Garden on Saturday, June 23, giving visitors the opportunity to ‘switch off and get away from it all’. Opening from 2-5pm, visitors will be able to spend an afternoon of peace and tranquillity in the recently listed garden taking in the sights, smells and sounds of nature.
Turn End th Anniversary
Late June sees Turn End’s magical garden in full bloom, with cascades of scented climbing roses and a rich tapestry of colour in the borders. Visitors will be able to explore the secret gardens within including the dry garden with its grasses and pots of succulents, the cool shady spring garden under old apples trees, grassy glades under mature trees, and courtyards with colourful bedding and a pool and fountain.
Simply bring a picnic blanket or find a secluded bench and take a moment to relax, read, sketch or just enjoy the surroundings.
THE POST – showing this Friday – USA 2017, 113 minutes, 12A certificate – Directed by Steven Spielberg, Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sarah Paulson, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford,
THAME Cinema 4 All will conclude its season with this superb, old-fashioned Hollywood drama about the Press speaking truth to power – and the individual bravery that this demands.
Based on real events of 1971, it is very much a prequel to the events portrayed in All the President’s Men, and shares much of the earlier masterpiece’s style and substance. Streep is Katherine Graham, the proprietor-publisher at the helm of a financially vulnerable Washington Post. She has succeeded her late husband, who had been given the job by Graham’s father, Eugene Meyer. That the old man did not appear to trust his daughter with the paper is a fact that undermines Katherine’s confidence in her own judgement. It is also a fact that the men around her take as evidence of her lack of capacity for the task at hand.
And what a task it becomes. Long suppressed secret documents have been leaked from the Pentagon revealing that the government had prosecuted the prolonged war in Vietnam knowing that it was a lost cause. The New York Times has already run a piece on the ‘Pentagon Papers’, incurring the wrath of the White House, and the Post must decide whether or not to do the same. Publication will risk harsh injunctions and imprisonment. It will put the very existence of the paper at risk. The situation is complicated by Graham’s familial history at the very heart of the Washington establishment – they have entertained presidents and senators, holidayed with the Kennedys, and must now choose whether or not to sabotage the careers of people close to her.
It is ultimately Graham’s decision. She is torn between the position of her editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), who argues that they have no choice but to publish the truth, and others on the board who counsel in favour of saving the newspaper from ruin.
Over the course of a few days, Graham manages to find her own voice and her own authority. With Streep and Hanks on screen together for the first time, Spielberg at the helm, and an exceptional supporting cast, you really can’t go wrong. At a point in history when the current White House is doing its best to undermine the fourth estate, it is also a timely celebration of principles, ideals and bravery.
FLORENCE Nightingale Hospice Charity will be holding its fourth Colour Rush at Green Park, Aston Clinton on Sunday, October 7, and the Charity is urging Colour Rushers (new and old) to sign up quickly to start fund-raising as this will be the last year for local people to get covered in colour for their Hospice.
“Each year that we’ve done the Colour Rush around 600 people have had a hilarious time running through clouds of incredible colour at this hugely fun event,” explained the Charity’s Head of Fundraising, Jo Turner. “Sign up very soon to help us make this event the most colourful ever!”
As last year, the money raised will support Florrie’s Children’s Team, providing respite care for children with life-limiting conditions in their own homes. Colour Rush has created fantastic memories for families who have done it, and children love it.
“It’s the perfect thing to do with all the family, and you’re allowed to bring your parents,” said Hannah, aged 10. “When you come out at the end, you have colours all over you.”
“You should do Colour Rush for the charity of Florence Nightingale because it’s great to help and you can get covered in paint,” says Aidan, aged 13. “My favourite bit about Colour Rush was paint being chucked at me!”
“Don’t miss out on the fun,” said Jo Turner. “If you participated before and want to do Colour Rush again, or have been meaning to do Colour Rush and haven’t got around to it yet, get registered this year, or miss out!”
To keep their events programme fresh the Charity will be introducing a new family fun event in 2019 as one of the ways of celebrating the Hospice’s 30th birthday.
Colour Rush 2018 is a 5k romp through five colour stations and around Green Park in Aston Clinton, at 11am and at 2pm on Sunday, October 7, 2018. See website for more details at www.fnhospice.org.uk/colourrush
EXCITEMENT is building for Saturday’s Thame Carnival, June 9, and the fete that will follow at the Sounthern Road Recreation Ground, which this year will include a Flypast by a World War Two aircraft.
Thame Swimming Club process in the Thame Carnival 2017 – Image Thame.net
The parade of both walking and motorised floats, will pass through the town centre, starting from Elms Park at 12pm when the Mayor, Anne Midwinter, blows her whistle for ‘the off’, finishing at the Rec. at around 1pm. The fete and Dog Show will continue until 4.30pm. Activities and attractions include a massive bouncey castle, egg throwing, duck fishing, learn an instrument, go karts, bottle tombola, Lionel the ride-on train, Retro games, Life-saver demonstrations, Aunt Sally, Mini rugby, Meet the Fire service, Stiltwalkers and a variety of other childrens’ stalls. Thame Concert Band will be playing throughout the afternoon.
Floats this year will include, for the first time, Thame and District Twinning Association, who are planning a stunning, walking exhibition of French countryside activities, reflecting the group’s links with Thame’s twin town of Montesson, near Paris, and the Carnival’s theme for 2018, Countryside. Thame Town Council will once again be entering the Carnival too, as will several local clubs and groups including Racquets Fitness Centre.
Attractions in the Arena and on the stage will be over-seen by MC Dan Blasor, and will include a Fire service obstacle course, Dancing and a Student music showcase.
There will be plenty of refreshments on offer including a Licensed Bar, Pimms Tent, Ice cream, Burgers, Gin stall, Pizza, Frozen Yoghurt, Pork baps, Chilli Dogs, Grill, Hot donuts, North Indian and Caribbean hot food, Cakes, Tea and Coffee.
This year, funds raised by the Carnival will go to supporting the PTFAs of St Joseph’s Primary School, John Hampden Primary School, Barley Hill Primary School and Lord Williams’s School.
View photos taken by Thame TV, Thame.net and others in and around Thame over the past few years. LINK HERE
PLEASE NOTE: Images taken by Thame.Net may not be reproduced without permission. Contact editor@thame.net to request copies or larger files.
THAME Town Music Festival will this year include a very special evening of Classical Music on the Friday, July 13 in St Mary’s Church, Thame as part of the musical celebrations.
This real treat of a musical programme will journey from Bach to Broadway via Chopin, Rachmaninov, Mozart, Puccini to Gershwin, Cole Porter and more.
Johnnie Littler, Director of the Thame Town Music Festival said: “We are delighted to have secured the internationally renowned soprano Anne Mackay and world class pianist Jack Gibbons, who is flying in from the US to play. This is the highest level of classical musical talent and a brilliant way to start this year’s Music Festival.”
Ann Mackay trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and with Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She has appeared with the Royal Philharmonic, London Symphony, BBC Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony, Bournemouth Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, City of London Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Academy of St Martin’s in the Field, and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
As for Jack, here’s what Humphrey Burton, former Head of Music and Arts, at the BBC said: “Jack Gibbons is a unique phenomenon in the musical world of today. Thanks to his virtuosic skills Gibbons can hold an audience in thrall. His concert-giving style is equally attractive: before his performances he talks unassumingly but with great authority from the platform, drawing the listeners into a special relationship.”
The Classical Concert is a new addition to the very successful Thame Town Music Festival which this year features Dr Feelgood. The 2018 Festival also introduces a prestigious Song Writing Competition and a unique Music Convention in the Barns Centre hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music’s Tom Robinson and sponsored by Christopher Ward watches.
The festival is free entry and tickets for the concert, convention and song-writers’ competition final are available at the Town Hall, Thame Barns Centre, Vintage and Modern Guitars and The Book House or on line at http://www.wegottickets.com
Thame Town Music Festival CIC is a Community Interest Company run not for profit by unpaid volunteers.
THAME’S much loved Duck Race returns this Sunday, June 10, once again run by the volunteers of Thame & District Round Table.
It’s a floating lottery, with around 2,000 individually numbered rubber ducks literally dumped into the river from the bridge on the Old Long Crendon Road, assisted by the Thame crew of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and their high pressure hoses when possible!
If your numbered ticket matches one of the first three ducks over the line, you win a prize paid in John Lewis vouchers, with all other proceeds donated to local causes.
Captain Ducky will lead the armada of almost floatable vessels that oversee the ducks safe journey. This year we will also be joined by Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue (OXSAR) with their impressive wagon, as they oversee the safety of those overseeing the safety of the ducks…
The race starts on the old town bridge, accessed via Priest End, behind St Mary’s church. Gates open at 10.30am and the race will start at around 11am. There will be ice creams and music, so get down early, make sure you have your tickets, and share another fantastic morning.
Tickets are on sale for £2, from local groups and Thame Town Hall. There will also be a stall at Thame Carnival the day before. There may be a limited amount of tickets on sale at the start line on the morning of the race- in previous years the event has sold out so it’s best to buy your tickets in advance if you can.
SOMETHING a little different will be featured at the next edition of Thame’s First Thursday Music Club on June 7, at The Stables behind the James Figg pub. The Boodlum Band, as seen most recently at Music In the Park in Thame, with their quirky style of musical chaos will be appearing.
Describing themselves as the ‘oldest boy band in the business’ gives you the idea of their zany humour. But be assured these highly talented musicians provide top quality music generously laced with laughter all the way. The Boodlum Band will be on stage around 9.30pm.
As always, FTMC promises an eclectic night of music and, in addition to the Boodlums, other acts including Mikes group Therapy, Eliie Ruddock, Bluejay, Steve Liddell and Mojo are already booked to appear.
The First Thursday Music Club still offers the opportunity for artists to play live in front of a warm and appreciative audience, maintaining the ‘Open Mic’ section of the evening where slots will always be available in the first hour on a ‘first come-first served’ basis with player sign-up by 7.30pm. The club has a full house PA system with keyboard, bass amp, guitar amp and jazz drum kit (bring breakables!) all set up on stage and ready to go.
Another eclectic evening is guaranteed and, don’t forget, it’s FREE entry!
THIS Oscar-winning film is Directed by Martin McDonagh, and stars Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. It has a 15 certification and lasts 115 minutes. – Synopsis:
SMALL town Ebbing Missouri is, like lots of similar places, a place where people live with misogyny, racism and violence both public and private. But Frances McDormand ‘s Mildred Hayes has had enough. Months after the savage rape and murder of her daughter, no one has been arrested. In an attempt to shame the local police force into action, Mildred rents the titular three billboards and emblazons across them a frank challenge to local chief of police, Harrelson’s Bill Willoughby, calling him out to account for the ineptitude and complacency of officialdom.
Some have described this as a comedy in the same vein as McDonagh’s earlier film, In Bruges. But this is not really played for laughs – there is plenty of black humour but it is a much sadder, more rueful and somehow much more tender film; a contemplation of the terrible consequences of guilt and bitterness and anger and the loneliness of one person’s appalling loss that no one else can share.
Mildred is an unforgettable character, fierce and brilliant, intimidating and fearless but also broken and vulnerable, and McDormand is simply magnificent. So too is Rockwell who also bagged an Oscar for his portrayal of a deeply flawed man struggling to deal with the consequences of his own hatred and rage. One that will stay with you. View trailer HERE
This Saturday, June 2, 8pm – Thame Players theatre, Thame. Tickets are available on the door or online- Click HERE
ONLY seven weeks before Thame Town Music Festival and Convention 2018 transforms the town centre into a buzzing, vibrant gathering of musicians and music fans, and venues open their doors on the day when some of the best local performers (and some from further afield), ever to be found in the OX9 post code area at the same time arrive!
TTMF18 is a free town centre music festival and so there are no tickets, except for the convention events which require advance registration.
Tickets
Advance discounted tickets are now for sale from Thame Town Hall, Thame Barns Centre, Vintage & Modern Guitars (in The Shambles, beside The Bird Cage Pub) and The Bookhouse in the High Street, for the following new additions to this year’s Thame Town Music Festival:
Classical Concert at St Mary’s Church – Friday 13 July, 7pm (£10)
Songwriters’ Competition at Thame Barns Centre – Friday 13 July, 7:30pm-10:30pm (£10)
Convention at Thame Barns Centre – Saturday 14 July, 12:30pm – 9pm (£20)
The above prices are for tickets purchased before Friday, June 1. Tickets can also be purchased from www.wegottickets.com, where a booking fee applies. The main Thame Town Music Festival activities on Saturday, July 14, will be free, as per last year. More information is available at www.thametownmusicfestival.org.
The Classical Concert
Jack Gibbons
The classical concert is to be in St. Mary’s Church with a programme that will range from Bach to Broadway via Chopin, Rachmaninov, Mozart, Puccini to Gershwin, Cole Porter and more. The highlights of the evening will undoubtedly be internationally renowned soprano, Ann MacKay, and world class piano phenomenon, Jack Gibbons. More information about them on the TTMF18 website HERE
The Convention
The convention is aimed at Career musicians, amateur/semi-professional, unsigned musicians, music businesses and those with an interest in and passion for greater insight and knowledge of the music business, and will be hosted by Tom Robinson, singer and BBC Radio 6 Music broadcaster and leading advocate of new music. More information about the Convention HERE
Attention Song-writers!
As part of the TTMF mission to help unsigned musicians and performers bring their music to a wider audience and to showcase and support new talent, this year they have included the TTMF songwriters’ competition sponsored by Christopher Ward (London) Limited. Songwriters are being invited via the TTMF website, social media and general marketing to submit original compositions as YouTube videos of a live performance of the song to the TTMF website.
The top 10 selected song submissions will be performed by the original artist in front of a live audience and panel of judges comprising music industry experts and the winner will be able to perform the song on the Festival main stage on July 14, and will receive corporate and financial support from the sponsor Christopher Ward Limited. More details about the song-writing competition HERE
The Line-up
The line-up for Saturday’s free festival – A ‘ Party with a Purpose‘- in Thame town centre will include a range of genres, including Bluegrass, Rock n Roll, Country, Folk and Americana and, topping the bill, will be Dr Feelgood! – Full line-up HERE
In 2017, Thame Town Music Festival saw nine venues host 58 acts with over 200 musicians attract over 8,000 visitors (Look back HERE). TTMF18 will again involve closing the roads in the town centre and will provide 10 venues including the outdoor main stage in the High Street car park, to showcase a greater number of musical performers.
We can’t wait! Click HERE to see Thame.net’s photos from Thame Town Music Festival last year.
