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Category: entertainment and leisure news

  • All aboard for a Dickensian Christmas!

    THE countdown to Thame’s Dickensian evening on Friday (December 6) begins today, with only four more days to the big Christmas lights switch on by East Enders’ actress and ‘Mrs Brian May’,  Anita Dobson.

    For a truly Victorian perspective on the event, a Victorian Omnibus will transport you back in time along the Upper High Street pulled by two beautiful horses bedecked in Christmas plumes. A miniature steam railway will be running up and down the High Street too!

    This year there’ll be a whole host of stalls selling everything from traditional Christmas ‘puds’ to limited edition prints, plus local artists and makers selling original gifts perfect to fill those Christmas stockings! To keep us warm (the weather forecast is for cold but dry conditions in the evening), there’ll be mulled wine, hot chocolate as well a tasty hog roast baps and more.

    Our friends from Thame’s twin town, Montesson will be selling freshly made French crèpes, wines, cheese, oil, vinegar, olives, fish soups and more!

    Those who like to dress up, which includes the Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, will really be getting into the Dickensian spirit and donning traditional Victorian dress. Don’t forget your dancing shoes though, because, although there’ll be no Polkas, Mazurkas, Galops or Cotilions to dance, the band Ska Souls, who proved such a hit at Music in the Park, will be adding to the party mood.

    Treading the boards on the specially erected stage will be Thame Players previewing their Christmas Panto, Stagecoach Thame’s young students, plus traditional Carols from the local primary schools accompanied by Thame Concert Band and the Thame Chamber Choir.

    “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
    ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

  • Turning Up the Heat at Thame Players!

    NO more will audiences at The Thame Players Theatre have to sit in the auditorium in coats, gloves and scarves, because from yesterday (27/11), their brand new, state of the art heating system will keep them warm and snug throughout the panto season and beyond. 

    The Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, turns on the new heating system at The Players Theatre, Thame

    The Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, officially turned on the heating and cut the celebration cake after the three main donors of funds towards the £46,000 raised to replace the ancient heating system, presented their symbolic cheques.

    TOE2 granted £5000 to Thame Players in November, specifically for the heating system and improved roof insulation. TOE2 provides support and funding for projects that develop the sustainable use of renewable resources and increased energy efficiency in community facilities. TOE2 Director, Fiona Danks, said:  “TOE2 is delighted to support Thame Players with funds provided by Grundon Waste Management, as they strive to make the theatre more comfortable and welcoming, while improving the energy efficiency of the building.”

    The Doris Field Charitable Trust provides grants to charities in Oxfordshire to fund items of equipment. An award of £1000 was made to Thame Players in November to fund components of the new heating system.

    In October Thame Players were awarded a grant of £10,000 by Thame Town Council, specifically towards the installation of the new heating system. This means that the town benefits, because Thame Players will be able to provide shows in greater comfort for more people as the town grows, with over 700 new homes due to be built as part of the Neighbourhood Plan over the next few years.

    In July SODC awarded an overall grant of £100,000 from their Community Investment Fund, following a detailed application by Thame Players earlier in the year. This grant represents just under 50% towards the cost of the four stages of the Building A Better Theatre project. The money can only be released on a match-funded basis, so the help of other funders is still needed. When £23,000 became available through other sources to fund the heating work, £23,000 was also made available from the SODC grant.

    Pat Shepherd, Chairman of Thame Players, commented: ‘‘We are extremely grateful for the support of TOE2, the Doris Field Trust, Thame Town Council and SODC, who have together made the installation of our new heating system and energy-efficient roof insulation possible. These improvements will make a fantastic difference, so that the theatre will always be warm in winter and precious energy is not wasted.”

    She continued: “With the work on the heating system and improved insulation of our building completed, our fundraising team will continue to be busy raising money from potential funders, including charitable trusts, specialist funders and local businesses. We are working hard to achieve our ambitious target of £203,000 so that the rest of the work can be carried out next year, including an extra row of seats, a bigger stage with improved lighting and a reconfiguration of the balcony.”

  • AS If…on the fiddle at First Thursday Music Club

    FOLLOWING a stunning night at the November First Thursday Music Club (FTMC) when 15 acts played to a full house, the December edition of Thame’s biggest monthly music event takes place on Thursday, December 5, at the Stables at the James Figg Pub in Thame.

    The band ‘As If’ will be the featured band at December’s First Thursday Music Club

     

    FTMC is now recognised as the biggest and best Open Mic in the region with acts travelling from London, Reading and Oxford to appear. Each month, one act is invited to appear in the 10 o clock Feature Spot – and this month it is the fabulous As If…

    As If… have been together for 20 years and have played all over the UK and ventured into Norway. They’ve recorded six albums and enjoyed some independent radio airplay in various countries around the world with a fairly eclectic mix of songs, all written by Phil Goss (guitar and vocals) and arranged by the band – Phil Heard (Drums), Steve Rothwell (Bass) and Sam Hearle (Keyboards). The music blends rock, prog, pop and folk and the band have teamed up from time to time with musicians from different genres. This Thursday will see them teaming up with Phil Wright on fiddle. Expect something a little bit different and to be entertained.

    Round up some friends, get along, and have a great night out. Anyone can play just by signing up at the venue from 7.30pm. The music starts at 8pm.

    Check out the club on Facebook “The First Thursday Music Club” or at:
    www.firstthursdaymusicclub.com where you can find more info’ including contact numbers and addresses for the organisers

    Useful links for As If …
    http://www.reverbnation.com/artist_2900880/bio
    http://www.asifmusic.co.uk/

  • Quizzing for the CAB

    THAME Citizens Advice Bureau, which depends entirely on outside funding and voluntary contributions for its survival, is better off this week after a supper quiz organised by The Friends of Thame CAB.

    Winning team, The Happy Tuesdays

    The event was held at chinnor Rugby Club on Friday, November 15, and made a profit of £680, which included a raffle and a £1 a go, ‘Right or wrong – sit down or stand up’ round.

    The winning team was, appropriately ‘The Happy Tuesdays,’ so called because it was formed of Tuesday volunteers at the CAB and their partners – who are a happy crowd!

  • Snow White – Magical family panto

    THIS year’s pantomime performed by Thame Players, will be Snow White. This traditiona,l magical, family pantomime will be performed on December 6, 8, 11 – 15th. Weekdays at 7.45pm and at 2pm and 2.30pm at the weekend.

    Poor Snow White is in trouble with her evil Step Mother. The vain and jealous Queen threatens to end Snow White’s life for being too pretty.

    Will the handsome Prince save Snow White in time?

    Will Snow White’s friends, Dame Goodheart and Chuckles be able to protect her from the Queen’s evil plan?

    Will the silly palace guards know what’s going on at any point during the show?

    Will the seven little friends ever tidy their cottage?

    Will the evil Queen win in the end?

    all will be revealed at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, in December!

    Tickets: £9.00 and £8.00 (concessions £1 off). For block bookings of 10 or more call 01844 290888
    Booking: tickets online from www.thameplayers.co.uk (10% booking fee applies) or Tickets Anywhere, Greyhound Walk, Thame 01844 217228

     

  • Thame Rotary Art Show

    THE Rotary Club of Thame will be holding an Art Exhibition at the Thame Barns Centre, from November 29, to Sunday, December 1, showcasing the work of  local artists, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

    This is an early opportunity to buy unique and personal Christmas presents from a selection of paintings, sculpture and crafts. Christmas cards and small gifts will also be on display. Opening at 8pm by Lotte Duncan. Wine and canapés. Tickets £7.50 including catalogue, wine and canapés. Please support your local artists and your local charities. Tickets from Jeannette – phone 0771 2032338 or send a message via Facebook

    Any profit will be donated to local Thame charities. Full details: HERE

  • A Ceremony of Carols from Thame Choral Society

    THAME Choral Society is holding its Christmas Concert, the first with new Director Helen Swift, on December 7, at St Mary’s Church, in Thame. The main work is Benjamin Britten’s delightful ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ for soprano, chorus and harp, together with carols old and new, interspersed with season readings.

    Benjamin Britton’s, A Ceremony of Carols, will be performed on December 7, 2013

    The soprano soloist will be Jessica Wyse and the harpist, Sarah Goss from Thame. Geoffrey Heath will be providing the organ music and there will be traditiona Christmas  refreshements available.

    The concert will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12, or £10 in advance – available from https://www.thame.net in Jordans Courtyard, 8 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3ER

     

    www.thamechoralsociety.co.uk

     

  • Christmas party invitation for Thame’s over 70s

    SPREAD the word to all Thame’s over 70s! Places are now being reserved for the annual Thame Christmas Tea Party, inviting them to celebrate the festive season with friends, old and new.

    The party is being organised jointly by Thame Rotary, Thame Football Partnership and Thame Town Council. 

    Savouries, cakes and drinks will be served at the Thame Football Club, Meadow View Park on Friday, December 13, from 1.30 pm-4 pm and entertainment will be provided by the Mayor, Cllr Peter Lambert, who will lead a sing-a-long, and pupils from John Hampden School will be singing carols.

    Transport to and from the venue is available should any guests require it and should be booked at the time of booking a place at the party. Seats must be reserved by contacting Rosie Collins at the Information Centre at the town hall, either in person or by phone on 01844 212833, or email rosie.collins@thametowncouncil.gov.uk

  • Bangers & beer promise a great night out in Thame tonight

    FANS of that classic combo of beer and bangers will be as happy as pigs in clover at The James Figg in Thame tonight, when the pub stages not one but two of its most popular events in one night.

    The popular James Figg Pub in Cornmarket, Thame

    Firstly, the friendly free-house will be giving regulars and new faces alike the chance to come along and meet some of the brewers who craft the real ales and award-winning lagers that go down so well in its bar, and try their wares.

    They’ll get to taste some of the great new local brews that will be making an appearance on the pumps this season, including those created by master brewers at The Vale Brewery Company in Brill, The XT Brewing Company in Long Crendon, The Hook Norton Brewery from the Oxfordshire village of the same name, The Purity Brewing Company a little further away in Great Alne, Warwickshire, and Sharp’s Cornish Pilsner, which won the title of World’s Best Lager in 2013.

    On top of supping, they’ll also get the chance to take part in ‘Ale Idol Live’, where they get to vote on which beer is their favourite from all of these great brewers. After doing a tasting of all the beers, they’ll get to cast their vote on which brew they like the best from each brewer, and that beer will go on the pump at The James Figg’s for the rest of November and all of December.

    Then, because all of this will be hungry work, everyone will be able to tuck into some serious tucker laid on by the pub. Landlord Thomas Goldsmith – Goldie – will be handing round some tasty sausages and other meaty snacks, to wash down the refreshing beers.

    Beers at the James Figg pub in Cornmarket, Thame

    “We love a great pint and a great sausage and don’t think you can beat the combination of a great British banger and a beer,” says Goldie. “So we thought we’d do our bit to celebrate this great British tradition and serve up big helpings of both on a special night we’re organising at the pub.

    “We thought we’d make it hands-on and have some fun, so are asking people to come along and vote for their favourite brews from some cracking brewers. If you fancy having a go, and seeing your favourite beer behind the bar for the rest of the year why not join us? Come along and make your vote count while you have a great night out!”

    ‘Ale Idol Live’ starts at 7pm TONIGHT.  No need to book but turn up on time if you want a front row seat. The James Figg is at 21 Cornmarket, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2BL. Tel: 01844 260 166. www.thejamesfiggthame.co.uk

  • Take the Thame Top Hat Trail & win prizes

    TO get us all in the Christmas spirit, Thame Town Council is running a Top Hat Trail around the centre of Thame. From November 15 , there will be 28 Dickensian top hats hidden in the windows of shops throughout the town. The council is encouraging everyone to get their brothers, sisters, mums and dads to see if they can find all 28 before Wednesday, December 4.

    You will need to look high and low along the streets of Buttermarket, Cornmarket, High Street, Swan Walk, Greyhound Walk, North Street and Upper High Street.

    To enter all you need to do is list as many shops as you can find with a top hat in their window on a piece of paper and return it to the Town Hall Information Centre by Wednesday, December 4 . Make sure you include your name, age, address and telephone number so that the council can contact you if you are the lucky winner!

    You could be in with a chance of winning four tickets to any Thame Players production, including the pantomime, plus gift vouchers for Thame’s new toy heaven, Wally’s Toy Shop!

    The winner will be announced on stage at Thame’s Dickensian Christmas on Friday,  December 6, 2013 – don’t miss it!

    Good luck!