Category: entertainment and leisure news

NEXT week sees the start of a new series of guided Midsomer walking tours of Thame, one of the most frequently used filming locations for the popular ITV series Midsomer Murders. The hour-long tours will be held weekly, led by specially trained, volunteer Midsomer guides, and taking in many of the filming locations in the town centre that have been used in episodes of Midsomer Murders.

Thame regularly features, either as Causton, or as any one of the many villages in the fictional ‘Midsomer County’. Midsomer Murders is still going strong after 20 years with regular screenings, not only in the UK, but all over the world. Sarah Osborne of Tourism Angles, specialists in Midsomer tourism, says: “6.5 million people watch Midsomer Murders in the UK and millions more in over 100 countries worldwide. The series is one of the UK’s biggest TV exports – rating in Denmark’s top three and Australia’s top 20. People see it on TV and want to come and visit the beautiful towns and villages of Midsomer.”

Many Thame landmarks have been featured in different episodes over time, including Thame Town Hall, the Market House, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, the historic Swan Hotel, the Black Horse, the Spread Eagle hotel. Thame’s cricket ground and the Prebendal in Priest End, home of the late Robin Gibb, were recently featured in filming for future episodes.

Tony Long, coordinator for the new tour guides, said: “The tours have been in development for several months, and follow on from the original tour which was created by David Dodds of Thame Museum. The tours are being held under the auspices of 21st Century Thame, an organisation that brings together local businesses, community groups and councils to help keep Thame vibrant and viable as a market town. They were taken up after a successful 21st Century Thame Midsomer Workshop held in Thame last year, which recommended a number of promotional ideas to develop Midsomer tourism in the town, including regular Midsomer tours.”

Tony continued: “The tours take place weekly between May and October, alternating between Saturdays at 2.30pm and Wednesdays at 11am, and start from inside Thame Museum at 79 High Street, Thame, OX9 3AE, one of the filming locations, taking in many locations in the town centre. We hope these tours will add a new facet to tourism in the town, attracting more visitors from the UK and overseas to the historic town of Thame.”

Tickets cost £7.50 each and may be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thamemidsomer. Alternatively, you can simply turn up on the day and pay the guide.

Part of the proceeds from Midsomer tours goes to Thame Museum and other charitable causes.

UNDER mostly sunny skies and at times, a cool wind, thousands of people of all ages came together to take part in Thame’s ‘Big Day Out’, Music In The Park 2017, on Sunday (April 30).

Many of them came along with families and friends loaded up with picnic blankets, camping chairs and picnics, to watch, listen and join in with a lineup that had something for every taste; from the pulsating, ‘post hardcore’ band, Mercia, to the vocal harmonies and unconventional twanging tones of the very entertaining, Haddenham Ukelele Band. The vibe continued towards ignitition – headliners, Skasouls UK –  with the appearance of Thame favourite, Nikki Loy and her band, the evergreen, 2AM Blue, and, fronted by the rocking headmaster himself – The Memphis Rattlesnakes. Great covers band, Working Dog had earlier got some in the crowd dancing, and Thame boys, The 2 Strokes, with their ska, blues and rock fusion were very much appreciated.

There were gentler vibes for those who enjoy the more intimate atmosphere of the enclosed acoustic stage including home-grown, chanteuse and guitarist, Andrea Yates; 14 year-old, ex Lord Williams’s Singer of the year, Mia Wilson and at the other end of the age spectrum, popular local boys, Paul and Martin. Proud family members – and a proud Headteacher too, watched as the pupils of John Hampden School’s choir performed with great gusto and precision, accompanied by drummer, Phil Heard (who later appeared with his band, As If) and Ester Stanway Williams on key boards. She later appeared in a her band, Transit, later in the afternoon.

There were stand-out performances too from other Thame-based young people’s groups including Oscar and Georgie, representing Thame Music Academy, Thame Children’s Choir (TCC2), Thame Youth Theatre, and stunning dancing and singing from Stage Coach, Thame, demonstrating just why their previous gigs have included professional theatre in both Oxford and the West End.

The organising committee, including Michele Pether, were rightly delighted with the event, and posted on the MITP Facebook page: “Wow! exhausted, aching and tired, but what an amazing day Music in the Park 2017 turned out to be! Great atmosphere, awesome bands, amazing artists and acts, fantastic team of volunteers who all worked over and above.

“There are too many to name here, and I would worry about missing out anyone, but you all know who you are. And it didn’t rain, and the crowds came in. You brought your picnics, your chairs and your rain covers, your dancing shoes and your good humour. A big ‘thank you’ to Thame for helping us put on such a great event.”

Obviously, it was impossible to get round the three stages and see the full lineup so for a full list of all the performers at this year’s MITP, visit the website: HERE and add a comment about YOUR favourites from the day on this page.

Lots more pictures HERE and HERE TOO! Please remember that these images are Copyright of Sonja Francis and may NOT be downloaded or copied in anyway without prior permission. Just email editor@thame.net if you would like a copy of any of these pictures, explaining what you intend to use them for. Thank you for your co-operation.

** All proceeds from this event are invested in improvements to Elms Park itself and grants to local groups and organisations to provide other activities in the town ‘in the interest of art, music or recreation, or other leisure activities in the Thame area. See: http://www.musicinthepark.org.uk/mitpgrants.html

TOWERSEY Festival has announced that Thames Valley Air Ambulance is set to be its charity partner, for the second consecutive year.

One of the UK’s longest running music festivals, the annual Oxfordshire event takes place from Friday, August 25 to Monday, August 28, 2017, and visitors this year will be able to see appearances from KT Tunstall, Newton Faulkner, Show Of Hands, Eliza Carthy and Lindisfarne, and many others!

Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA) is the dedicated air ambulance service for the region, and will be the sole charity partner for the four-day event.

TVAA’s helicopter attends on average three incidents a day, where the elite team on board can perform Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine, including inducing patients into a coma; open heart surgery and treating for major trauma.

The service is now additionally enhanced by an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), crewed in the same way and carrying on board high level equipment such as an automatic chest compressor; blood and plasma and an automated external defibrillator.

Towersey Festival Director Joe Heap, who visited a TVAA crew at RAF Benson, said: “We’re pleased to be able to continue to support Thames Valley Air Ambulance with their life-saving work across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

“We’d like to thank all the Towersey-goers who gave generously last year, and encourage all attending the festival over the August Bank Holiday this year to find out about TVAA’s invaluable work.”

Ruth Dunkin, Senior Fundraising Manager for TVAA, said: “We are delighted to be supported by Towersey Festival in 2017, and have some exciting plans which will be revealed nearer the time.”

Towersey Festival is held at the Thame Showground, and this year over 100 acts will be appearing across a dozen stages. There’ll also e street theatre, workshops for all ages, real ale and cider, gourmet street food, films, spoken word, comedy and dedicated events for children, young people and families.

For more information about this year’s Towersey Festival and to book tickets, visit: www.towerseyfestival.com

For more information about Thames Valley Air Ambulance and how you can lend your support, please visit: www.tvairambulance.org.uk

THE next edition of Thame’s First Thursday Music Club will feature three of the coolest Indie/Americana/Garage/Folk bands around at this time!

Topping the bill will be The Epstein, recently back from touring heavily around Europe. The roots/Americana, five-piece outfit are rockin’ houses throughout the country. Backing them up – and maybe even sitting in with each other – will be the magnificent August List featuring Kerraleigh and Martin and their backwards country/porch folk with a startling rock ‘n’ roll attitude.

If that isn’t enough for you, Great Western Tears will also feature with their brand talent for heartfelt, acoustic Roots music inspired by the great pantheon of American Country, Folk and Blues.

Earlier in the evening Clare Nicola, Guy Horner and Andy and Jez are lined up to play, as well as a whole host of other artists that will turn up on the night.

The First Thursday Music Club still offers the opportunity for artists to play live in front of a warm and appreciative audience. The club maintains 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 7.30. 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 entrance, as always, is FREE to all!

** First Thursday Music Club – At The Stables, James Figg Pub – Thame – Thursday 4th May 2017
8pm (players sign up between 7.30 and 7.45pm)

THE force will be strong this May 4th, as The Crown Inn, Sydenham, celebrates International Star Wars Day.

Recently re-opened, the pub will be hosting a Star Wars-themed evening with a special three-course menu in support of the Star Wars linked ASSERT charity.

Whether part of the Rebels, supporters of the Empire, or simply from a galaxy far far away, Star Wars fans of every ilk will be welcomed to The Crown Inn, Sydenham on Thursday, May 4, as the pub celebrates international Star Wars day.

Droids, Wookies and Stormtroopers alike will be treated to a diverse feast, from ‘Skywalker’s Dagobah Rations’ with ‘Jakku Bread’, Yoda’s favourite ‘Rootleaf Stew’, or ‘Coruscant Beef – Two Ways’ (the ‘Light Side’, and the ‘Dark Side’), accompanied by flasks of ‘Bantha Blue Milkshake’ and ‘Jawa Juice’.

Dessert will be a choice of ‘Leia’s (Cinnamon) Buns’, or the much anticipated re-appearance of The Crown Inn signature chocolate ‘Star Wars Battle Scene’, as featured on BBC South in December 2016.

New management couple & avid Star Wars fans, Will & Pippa, were inspired to host the unique event, not only in celebration of the popular Disney movie franchise, but also in support of the ASSERT charity, which works with families affected by Angelman’s Syndrome.

The chromosomal condition, which affects Star Wars ‘Rogue One’ Director Gareth Edwards’ niece Ella, also affects Will & Pippa’s niece Holly. ASSERT is The Crown Inn’s charitable partner, and proceeds from the Star Wars evening, as with all the pub’s events, will be donated to the charity.

Landlady Pippa, explained: “Apart from being huge fans of the movies, there was such a great response from the original chocolate ‘Star Wars Battle Scene’ dessert, we were excited to expand the idea. We have as much fun creating memorable dining experiences for our visitors, as they do eating them, and being able to support & promote ASSERT even more is a fantastic feeling and result for us, and our niece Holly.”

The popular community pub in Sydenham, located betweenThame & Chinnor, has been revived since the new team took over in October 2016, having been limited to a drinking establishment for the previous few of years.

OUR beautiful Chilterns bluebell woods are already becoming covered with carpets of blue, as bluebells arrive early this year.

The average peak flowering time for bluebells is late April into early May, but recent years have seen earlier showings in many local woods.

“As woodland floors turn into a carpet of blue, get out there and make the most of them but do stick to footpaths!” asks the Chiltern Society.

Half of the world’s bluebell woods are found in the UK so this is a spectacle that is very special to this country.

Some of the best bluebell woods in the Chilterns are:

• Wendover Woods, near Wendover
• Adams Wood, near Lane End
• Bradenham Woods, near High Wycombe
• Angling Spring Wood, near Great Missenden
• Ashridge Estate, near Berkhamsted
• Cowleaze Woods, near Watlington
• Ipsden Heath, near Henley-on-Thames

Spring is a wonderful time of year to get out and enjoy our local countryside and enjoy the signs of Spring. You can find lots of information on the best places to see bluebells in the Chilterns, plus details of walks and bike rides, at www.chilternsaonb.org

THE Bucks Symphonic Wind Ensemble, a leading 48-piece wind band, will be performing a mixture of easy listening and classical in St Mary’s church on the night of 22 April. Conducted by Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs, Principal Director of Music for the Royal Air Force, the band is made up from a combination of professional musicians, semi-professional and amateur musicians, the band has built up a reputation for high quality, fun concerts with the occasional surprise.

It is rare that people get the chance to hear a band of this quality and the event is sure to inspire those learning musical instruments both young and old. The concert is in support of Friends of St Mary’s, who were established in 1992 to help ensure that The Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, should continue to play a key role in the community, central to the lives of some and to many more a backdrop to daily life and a familiar landmark when returning home.

The St Mary’s church building is a key landmark in Thame and continues to be the focus of many of life’s significant events.

Come along on April, 22, for a great night’s music and support the local community. Tickets can be bought in advance from St Mary’s Church (Tel: 01844 213491) or on the night if still available.

THAME Players are to stage a new production of Absent Friends, one of the most revealing comedies written by Sir Alan Ayckbourn, inspired by an episode in his own life.

First performed in 1974, the idea for the play came to the award-winning playwright when he attended a tea party for a woman whose husband had died during their honeymoon. Absent Friends has been described as a work of ‘ruthless simplicity’, driven entirely by the actions of six people in a living room.

The play takes place in the home of Diana and Paul, old friends of the recently bereaved Colin. Diana decides to hold a tea party, gathering together with old friends John and Evelyn, Gordon and Marge, to cheer Colin up. But there are deep problems, involving suspected extra-marital relationships, of which Colin, the ‘absent friend’, is mostly unaware. Just as matters threaten to erupt between these friends, Colin arrives and everyone awkwardly tries to be nice to him, while attempting to get on with each other. Despite his loss, Colin is blissfully happy in the memory of the time he spent with his fiancée. As he leafs through the photograph albums he has brought with him and rhapsodises over his dead fiancée, the fault lines in his friends’ lives open up like chasms. His apparent satisfaction with his own life highlights the depths to which his friends have sunk, and his attempts to sort out their problems merely creates further rifts in the others’ relationships.

The action moves from clever humour to excruciating embarrassment in an instant and, as the critic Harold Hobson noted, ‘If it is the saddest and most moving thing Ayckbourn has written, it is also the most clear-sighted and the funniest’.

Brian Holt, directing for Thame Players, said: “We’re delighted to be performing one of the best plays by the most prolific dramatist of our times. Absent Friends superbly demonstrates Ayckbourn’s craftsmanship and acute social observation, with laughter and tears in equal measure.”

Absent Friends – Thame Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame OX9 2DP – Tuesday May 9, to Saturday, May 13, at 7.45pm

SOURCE: Contributed

NB Parts of this review are copyright: Simon Murgatroyd, reproduced with permission from www.alanayckbourn.net

GET your picnic hampers and dancing shoes ready! Music in the Park returns to Thame’s Elms Park on Sunday, April 30. Featuring more than 30 performers across three stages, Music in the Park offers music and dance acts across a wide range of genres.

Topping the bill on the main stage are the popular Skasouls UK, who will get you partying along to all those brilliant Madness, Specials, Bad Manners and Selecter songs. Also appearing will be A Little Bit Country, 2am Blue, Billy Watman, The 2 Strokes and the Memphis Rattlesnakes.

Tickets are now available from Vintage & Modern Guitars, The Shambles, Thame, Wally’s Toy Shop, Thame Town Hall, Fore Golf, The Falcon pub, Florence Nightingale Shop and the Cross Keys pub. Prices remain unchanged from last year: Advance tickets cost: Adults – £9; concessions (students, under 18s, senior citizens) – £5; family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 concessions) – £23. On-the-door prices are £12, £6 and £28 respectively. Under 5s go free.

With a wide variety of music and dance on offer, there’s sure to be something for everyone. The event will feature two stages with live music and dance, and a dedicated acoustic stage. Have fun dancing the day away or chill out with a leisurely picnic. Of course, there will also be all the usual goodies you’d expect at a festival, including tasty real ales, a wide variety of delicious foods, fun activities for children and adults, and a range of trade stalls.

To get a look at the full line-up, visit the website www.musicinthepark.org.uk or Facebook page www.facebook.com/MusicInTheParkThame.

SOURCE: Contributed