Category: Features

WHAT does a girl from an Oxfordshire market town do when she gets an invitation to take tea at the Ritz?
Find a classy hairdresser and a beauty specialist to give her a complete make-over, polish up her vowels and go for it!
First call on the Monday morning of my trip, a visit to Louise Dockery at Eclipse, a new salon nestling in a tucked away corner of the Cornmarket, Thame, to get the unruly, red ?barnet? tamed and looking respectable.
Walking through the door, I?m surprised to find myself in a deceptively spacious hair salon, obviously designed with customers in mind. The relaxing, vibrating shiatsu wash massage chairs have apparently have already sent several clients to asleep. Chatting to Lousie, I discover that the extensive choice of refreshments includes healthy herbal teas and de-caffeinated coffee but there is wine, or beer for the men or the less health conscious – I opted for a strong, black coffee.
The characterful beams and charm of the old building somehow combine with a light and airy feel to give a totally contemporary and inviting ambience to the place; what an amazing start to a busy working week after a weekend of spiritual and bodily neglect!

Louise has a wealth of experience in the industry but Eclipse Hair Design is her first very own salon. She prides herself on customer service and knows clients expect more than just a great haircut. She says: ?Having frequented many salons over the years, it can be intimidating at the best of times, so we at Eclipse like customers to feel relaxed when they come in, to enjoy the experience and looking forward to their next visit?.

After a thorough hair wash and conditioning with the salon?s Redken products, while the shiatsu wash chair gently eased away the tension in my back and legs, Louise set to and lightened some of the heavier layers in my locks before setting it in a flattering and manageable style, helpfully explaining all the while how I could achieve similar results myself at home.

Next, I was off to Karen Case?s beauty clinic, Monera, in North Street, Thame, for their challenge of the day ? to transform this ruddy-faced country girl into a glamorous girl-about-town in one hour.
Using products from the ID range, Beautician, Laura Morris applied a granula foundation that toned down my rosy tones, softening some of the wear-and-tear that age and cycling have inflicted. Then she applied a clever combination of colours to my somewhat hooded eyelids that amazingly made my eyes seem larger and brighter. Wow – I was beginning to like this new me. The first manicure my chipped and gardening-damaged nails had ever had in their life (well, apparently nails are actually dead as my pedantic biologist friend tells me, but you know what I mean) completed the treatment.
Had I more time to spare, I would have gone the whole hog and tried more of Monera?s specialities, which include facials, waxing (for men too!), pedicures and particularly, Stone massage. Go along to their Open Day on November 7, and experience some for yourself ? I can highly recommend the wonderful pampering and feel-good result on one?s confidence and ego that the whole beauty salon thing gives.
All I had to do was to go home and change into my brown linen trousers and brown and cream lacy top, (which I had brought the week before from a charity shop), and the transformation was complete.

After a relaxing bus ride to Marble Arch via the Oxford Tube from Lewknor, I strolled in the sunshine up Park Lane to my world-famous destination, with the words and melody of the old 1940?s number, Putting On The Ritz, buzzing around in my brain. (A friendly, cockney ?doing the knowledge? before qualifying as a London cabbie, had pointed me in the right direction).
Then, just past Green Park Station, there it was ? the hotel of the rich and famous, opitimising style, sophistication and elegance, looking like a French chateau.

Going in past the doorman with his gold-braided shoulders and top hat, I negotiated the large, wooden revolving door like a Ritz regular and, trying not to look too much like an awe-struck ?towny?, confidently strolled along the long, vaulted gallery hung with sumptuous chandeliers that runs the whole length of the building.
Suddenly, the jacket that I was carrying over my shoulder bag, began to slip to the floor; my cover was blown; but almost before it had reached the ground, one of the uniformed attendants standing attentively at the ready, deftly stepped to my side and picked it up before handing it to me with a respectful: ?Madame?? and a slight bow.
Having restored my composure, I found the Marie Antoinette suite, one of the elegant public rooms that lead off the gallery on either side, where I had been invited to a Press Launch of an intriguing new beauty treatment called Chromo-Science, currently all the rage in up-market beauty salons and spas throughout the UK.
Collin UK claims to offer ?a one hour and 30 minute retreat from the hustle and bustle of your life and stresses, offering a complete rebalancing of your energy centres (Chakras)”. The treatment incorporates colour therapy, relaxation and meditation along with brand new active ingredients, promising a “re-programming session for your skin?s cells, to stimulate them to function in the way that they did in your younger years.??..hmmmm thought the sceptic in me.
And yet, I pride myself on being open minded and so, with a wonderful plate of elegantly cut, crustless sandwiches in front of me, a silver pot of Green tea and a shiny three-tiered cake stand of little fancy cakes, I watched as the lights were lowered and a slim, toned and attractive 40 something (well, she might have been a 50 something that had received the Chromo-Science for herself for all I knew) began the demonstration. Gently she massaged seven different coloured serums to match each Chakra into the skin of a brave volunteer, each for a specific need of the skin, i.e. energy, oxygenation, protection or hydration, all of them smelling absolutely gorgeous. All the while a soothing voice-over CD drew us and the brave guinea pig from our ranks, into a world of Mediterranean villages of golden sunshine, blue waters and friendly church bells, culminating in the Fountain of Harmony serum.

Interestingly, my favourite smell of all the samples brought round for the gathered journalists to sniff, was the green, Fountain of Tone for protection, green being my favourite colour.
We were all given a goody bag containing the 28 day ?cell re-programming cure? and a voucher to have the 90 minute massage treatment at our nearest participating salon, which I shall certainly be using in the near future. (The nearest salons to us in Thame are The Orchid Rooms, in Olney, or The Beauty Studio at Appletrees, Chesham, both in Bucks).

After meeting my eldest son, whose response at seeing his new-look mum was: ?You look sort of ???.different,? for a quick drink in the Portebello Road, only four tube stops away from the Ritz, I practically floated home on the Oxford Tube.

Back in Thame, I went into the News Agents to top up my mobile phone, and thinking that I could get used to this ?Putting On Ritz? lark, I bought a lottery ticket.
Oh well, a country girl can dream can?t she?

FACT FILE:
Eclipe Hair Design, 1a Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 3DX ? 01844 260062
Monera, 62-63 North Street, Thame, OX9 3BH ?
01844 260454
Collin (UK), Beeston Grange, Sandy, SG19 1PG ?
01767 682288 ? www.collin.ltd.uk

RECENTLY, I had a most interesting day. For the last couple of months it has been increasingly difficult to find, in Oxford, my favourite brand of tea.
I contacted the supplier, who said they would love to help, but their factory had just burnt down the day before! I thought that the fates were against me. But luck was in hand for they suggested that the nearest store likely to have this brand of tea was in the Chiltern town of Thame, home to the Midsommer Murders detective series.

So – I rang the Waitrose Store in Thame, and they managed to find the last few packets of my favourite brand. I told them to hold it for me for collection. Such was my desperate need for my addiction; I went off to Thame at once. At Thame I made my way past fine old Georgian buildings to the Waitrose Store. Their friendly Waitrose staff produced rather crumpled packets of the last of my favourite tea left in Oxfordshire. I was so cheered up to see the tea I had been for so long missing; I began to think how I could enjoy a decent cup of tea, as soon as possible. As luck would have it in this town, famed for being the location of ?Midsommer Murders?, some of my friends lived only a few streets away.

On my mobile I rang them and said since it was midday, could I join them for lunch and celebrate my finding of my favourite beverage with them. They agreed, but asked would I mind buying some sandwiches for us all. I was rather taken aback, that I was the one providing the picnic lunch. I purchased some freshly made delicious beef and venison sandwiches at a nearby store.

Arriving at their Georgian Manor House, I found them in the garden awaiting the provisions, but they did provide some fine wine. During lunch, I noticed what I took to be vultures, flying high above; in fact they were Kites waiting to scavenge for our delicious sandwiches.

Over tea, made from one of the packets I purchased that day, we discussed what else was in the heart of Midsommer Murders country, apart from our favourite detectives. We all agreed that the tea was excellent. My detective work had paid off. Mission accomplished ?Case solved!

Read more from Nicholas by visiting the Oxford Prospects website

POTENTIALLY one of the most crucial ways in which you may become involved with the court system is as a witness.
If you see or hear a crime happening then you could be called upon to give evidence in court about it.
Many people feel frightened by the thought of this. Often people find the courtroom a bewildering and intimidating place, and feel terrified at the thought of taking the stand and facing cross-examination.

However the Witness Service exists to smooth the process and make it less of an ordeal. Trained volunteers will provide information about the procedure of the court, offer emotional support to the witness and even accompany them into the courtroom. All these services are free. We do not, however, discuss the evidence or give legal advice.

The Witness Service is there not just to help and reassure witnesses of crime, but also to offer support to victims of crime and their friends and family who are attending court. The Witness Service supports all prosecution and defense witnesses, but not defendants in their particular case.

Witness Service and is currently looking for more volunteers to develop and strengthen the service in Oxfordshire Magistrates Courts. Volunteers can be young or old and from all backgrounds. You don?t need any prior experience of the criminal justice system as this will be covered in the comprehensive training that all volunteers must undertake. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please ring Lucy Humpris on 01993 708 147 or email witness-service.oxford@uk.uumail.com

Could you be a friend to a lonely, older person?
Age Concern Oxfordshire is looking for volunteers for our Personal Home Visit service for lonely, housebound and isolated people, aged 60 and over, living in and around Thame. All it takes is an hour or two a week to pop in and have a chat, play board games or just have a cup of tea. So little of your time can make a real difference to their lives.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with its Hospital Aftercare Support scheme operating in South Oxfordshire. When a patient is discharged from hospital, we provide a volunteer to meet that patient at their home for a friendly chat and to help with shopping, banking, collection prescriptions etc, for a period of five days. We urgently need volunteers for this crucial service. Would you like to help give older people the confidence to make it on their own?

Age Concern Oxfordshire needs your help. A little bit of effort can go a very long way. To find out what you can do to help with one or both of the services, please contact Alex Ivey on 01235 849 400 or 07906 352 113.

AS part of the VE Day 60th Anniversary celebrations weekend, May 6-8, Fothergills Brasserie at Thame’s Spread Eagle Hotel, has come up with a special menu celebrating war-time recipes.
General Manager, Mark Baxter and Assistant Manager, Graham Cockell, have compiled a menu using references to The Stork War Time Cookery Book, The Ration Book Diet, various internet sites “The much valued memories of Fothergills’ Regular Clientele.”
One regular, Jessie Elks, has loaned her own original Ration Book, her Identity Card and a letter from the King that all school children received at the time. The menus will be on offer for lunch and dinner on May 6,7 and 8; reservations are essential.
The dishes on offer include Steamed Bacon Clangor with Oxford sauce, Lord Wolton’s Pie, Spam fritters, Rice pudding and Spiced apple dumplings.
Authentic music from the period will fill the air and all Fothergill’s staff have been issued with their own ID card!

GWEN Bambrook, the founder of Bambrooks’ Taxis, and the widow of John Bambrook who later started the family motor repair business in Chinnor Road, Thame, died last Thursday, April 21, at Stone House Nursing Home.
Gwen was born at Potrobello near Watlington on August 11, 1914 and Christened Gwendoline May Lloyd. She left school at 14 and started work in the dairy at Lower Dean Farm were she lived and worked as the dairy maid making butter and cream.
Gwen’s eldest son, Roy, explained how she would get up early to collect the milk from the cows to cool it and then to separate it and use the cream. The butter and cream would then be sent up to Watlington Park to be used in the big house.
One night in 1932 she was persuaded to go to Henley Regatta Fair where she met up with a very nice young man called John Bambrook. Their friendship grew and after six years of courtship they were married on November 5, 1938 and went to live in Chinnor for a short time.
They later moved to Park Street, Thame, in November, 1939 where there first son, Roy was born. In February, 1942, Gwen’s second son, Kenneth, was born.
Gwen and John and the two boys went to live in Towersey for four years. In 1952 the moved back to Thame to Chinnor Road where she started a Taxi Business and the rest is history, as they say, as was recently reported when the family business was sold recently.
(See ‘End Of An Era For Thame Family Business’, Main News section, April 05.)
Gwen’s funeral will be held on Friday,April 29, at St Catherine’s Church, Thame, at 2.30pm

HALF a century of caring for the cars of local people came to an end on Friday for a Thame family business.
Bambrooks Garage, which began when Mrs Gwen Bambrook started the family taxi business in 1952, was officially closed and handed over to the new owner, Karl White, proprietor of the Thame Service Station on the opposite side of Chinnor Road.
Roy Bambrook, who with his brother Ken ran the garage and taxi business after the death of their father, Jack (John) Bambrook in 1992, related the history of the family firm to ThameNews.Net:
?Early in 1952, mum and dad bought the property from a Mrs Hanse. They moved in and mum started her taxi business while dad worked at the Service Garage (where HSBC bank is now), run by Arthur Blanchard. Mother started to get very busy with the taxi work, what with weddings almost every Saturday and driving the likes of Vivien Leigh who lived at Knottley Abbey, and Larry Grayson among her clientele. Dad came to help mum out but, because he was such a good engineer, a lot of his customers followed him here. So dad built a workshop and got really busy mending cars.
?Dad was at that time also a member of Thame Fire Brigade but because he was so busy with the garage, in 1957, after 20 years of service, decided he would have to finish. I was 18 years-old by then and was working at the Service Garage myself. Because dad had left, there was a vacancy at the fire station and they persuaded me to join to replace him and shortly afterwards, the Service Garage was sold on and it was decided that I would come and work for dad ? that was in June 1958. Although the siren at the fire station used to go off to summon the brigade, as was common practice then, a bell was put in the workshop. We got so busy that by 1965, we needed to build bigger premises. Around that time, my brother Ken, who had been working at Haynes? Garage (where Barclays bank is now), joined the family business. Dad continued to work until his health failed and he died 1992, since when, Ken and I continued until the present day.?
Roy retired from the fire service himself on News Year?s Eve, 1994, after 37 years.
Gwen Bambrook, though frail, is still alive and being cared for in a nursing home in Stone, near Thame.
It is an emotional time for most people coming to the end of their working life, but Roy said that although he felt sad at what is after all, the end of an era, he was looking forward to working on his retirement projects.
?It?s exciting in a sort of frightening way,? he admitted.
Roy is a keen Radio Ham and photographer and enjoys computing.
But it is Roy?s enthusiasm for his work that was always apparent to his customers, many of whom became his firm friends and will now have the difficult task of finding a reliable and resourceful engineer like Roy or indeed Ken, to look after their vehicles. But, as Roy admitted himself, he will still be tinkering around with cars one way or another for as long as he can hold a spanner.

But what of the future of the site on which Bambrooks? has stood for so long?
Karl White, the new owner explained:
?For many years we have sold cars, carried out MOTs and services, as well as valeting and repairing cars. The business is growing and we are running out of space. By acquiring Bambrooks?, we will be able to carry on doing all of that in a way that will be much more convenient for our customers.?

Photo: Roy Bambrook hands over the keys of Bambrook’s garage to new owner, Karl White. Also pictured, Ken Bambrook and the two Mrs Bambrooks.

A 27 year-old New Zealander who has lived and worked in Thame for over five years, has asked MP Boris Johnson to help him fight for permanent residency in England.
Vaughan Humphries, who is a popular figure behind the bar of the Bird Cage in Thame, and works during the day for a local Design company, recently had an application for ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ in the country turned down by the Home Office. He has set up an on-line petition to which he hopes all his friends and those who know him in Thame, will add their names to support his claim.
Vaughan told ThameNews: “I have been in Thame for over five years now, and recently applied for Indefinite Leave to Remain – i.e. Permanent Residency. I have been doing absolutely everything legitimately along the way when it has come to seeking citizenship. Red tape seems to have blocked every avenue I have tied. The Home Office rejected my application on the grounds that there was no evidence to support my claim that I have been here in the UK for the duration I stated, even though I have a whole town who can vouch for me being here, I have a National Health Number and have been paying tax. Before I could even think about appealing, I read on and discovered to cover themselves, the Home Office refuse to appeal any cases.
“I was livid when I read that, so contacted Boris Johnson’s Office, who have said they will champion my cause. I do not have to leave the UK, as I am on a five year work permit that expires in October 2007. However, because of this I am effectively a second-class citizen, unable to further my career or be in the position to buy a house.
“Coming in at airports and travelling through Europe is a nightmare. Returning home to Thame after a long flight is depressing, as I face the ‘Spanish Inquisition’ each time I approach the immigration desk, whilst I watch three plane loads of EU nationals waltz through.”
Vaughan, who has several Degrees and plays the saxaphone in the Thame Town Band, concluded: “Thame has become my home and all I want to do is to settle here as a permanent citizen and not be chained to a work permit.”
To sign Vaughan’s petition, visit click here

THERE are many fields of work that require a great deal of courage. Some are more recognised than others such as the police and firemen, but have you ever stopped and thought what being a bomb disposal expert entails?

Here in Thame we have among us a bomb disposal expert, Ian Jones. After being an army apprentice for three years Ian became a corporal in the ammunitions branch of the army, disarming a variety of explosives. He was involved in Northern Ireland where he said: “Under car booby trap bombs were the worst kind of device. Once the driver had set off, the bomb was activated and exploded killing the occupants.”
He now works for the Metropolitan Police, dealing with incidents involving explosives in London; which you would think of as being a demanding lifestyle but according to our interviewee, thankfully there are not many bombs in London at the moment.

His fascination with weapons and ammunition dated back to when he was a young lad, making bombs and setting them off for fun. One day things didn’t go according to plan though: “When I was 14 a bomb I had made exploded in my pocket, I had to go to Stoke Mandeville Hospital and have skin graft on my leg.”
His dad suggested that he should join the army after that incident, and he has never looked back.

For a hobby Ian travels around the world investigating battlefields from both world wars and was involved in the aftermath of the Kosovo conflict. He told Thame News that the most difficult thing he had to do was helping to uncover mass graves and meet the families who had been affected by the devastation of that war. He says of the experience: “It was difficult and moving.”

It was suggested that he must have experienced some close shaves due to the danger he is exposed to, Ian disagreed and said: “There are so many rules and procedures to protect us which as long as we follow them they keep us safe. The police are in more danger because they are the first on the scene to investigate a bomb threat.”

When asked of the risks of the job Ian immediately talked about the destruction and injured people rather than risks towards himself and others in his profession. He said that he doesn’t see what he does as risky, he has done it all his life and he and his colleagues are supplied with protective flak jackets, helmets and robotic devices to deactivate threatening objects. He said the biggest risks are devices made by amateurs, and post blast scenes where there is the danger from buildings collapsing, gas leakage’s and exposed electricity cables.

When asked how he coped with the difficulties of the job he admitted that the team would sometimes drink and have a laugh in the evenings as a way of relieving the stress and tension. Training wise they endure a series of courses where they are assessed on how they deal with practice bombs. Ian spoke of a couple of personal tragedies within the job such as losing a friend whilst in France examining a World War One mine: “He was buried alive, I tried to dig him out,” Ian recalled.

Regarding the future, Ian said that he is quite happy doing what he is doing right now and felt he was very lucky to be able to look forward to going to work and to do a job that he loves. He has recently published a book called ‘Malice Aforethought’ about the history of booby traps and is currently writing another book: “I like writing, I discovered it later on in life,” He concluded.

Photo: Typical robotic vehicle used for disabling devices.