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  • Chinnor ‘confident’ and ‘excited’ at facing Richmond

    MATT Williams, Director of Rugby, has said that his Chinnor side head into this weekend’s mouth-watering clash at home to Richmond full of confidence as they bid to end 2019 on a high.

    The Thame-based side welcome the leaders to Kingsey Road on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run in the third tier. Chinnor’s fine form includes four successive home victories, with last week’s 37-27 triumph over Darlington Mowden Park being one of their stand-out performances of the National League 1 campaign. The Oxfordshire club want to make sure they head into the Christmas break on a good note and close the five-point gap to Richmond, who won the reverse fixture back in September.

    Matt Williams: “We owe them one, but I think the important thing for us is that this is deemed as just the next game in a long season. I don’t want our unbeaten run to become this big thing, but momentum is key – I say it every week. We’re feeling good at the moment and training is going well. It’s another week, but with the added opportunity of leapfrogging Richmond if the result goes our way. The guys are confident, they’re excited!

    “Last Saturday was definitely the best performance of the season as a whole over 80 minutes. and it’s about replicating and improving this week.”

    Jason Worrall has been one of Chinnor’s star performers in the first half of the season and crossed for a tenth time in the victory over Darlington. That score helped him become the league’s joint leading try-scorer and Williams was full of praise for the South African, saying: “Jason is a great character to have around and he is a professional as well. Culturally he’s great within the squad and we’ve got a few boys back now that add that bit of experience and seriousness.

    “It was good to have Will Harries back on the pitch last week and I felt a few boys really stood up. Nick Selway had his best game for us; Chris Elder was great again, and I thought Callum Watson was superb – each week he plays he gets that fraction better. It was a good team performance and there were several strong displays amongst the group.”

    Chinnor will be without lock, Ehize Ehizode (concussion), while they will make a late call on the fitness of captain Carl Kirwan and centre Elder (both ankle).
    SATURDAY’S SQUAD
    Chinnor (v Richmond, home): from Ashby, Dancer, Elder, George, Goss, Harries, Kirwan, Laverick, Manning, May, McNulty, Pieterse, Ramshaw, C Ryan, W Ryan, Selway, Southworth, Thomas, Tyas, Watson, Worrall, Yawayawa.

  • Party time for Thame’s Day Centre!

    ALMOST a hundred members, helpers and volunteers at the Thame and District Day Centre, came together at the Oxford Belfry Hotel today (20/12) to celebrate Christmas together, the first Christmas party since they moved to the new Thame Cricket Club pavilion earlier in the year.

     

     

    Following a warm welcome by the Centre’s Manager, Gill Coleman, a three course meal, wine, mince pies and coffee were enjoyed by all and, following the Chairman’s report from Alison Champken Woods, came the fun, provided by the multi-voiced, multi-talented, one-woman ‘Isabel’s Frantic Theatre’. The show ranged from a singing Dalek, to Three Little Maids from School, who shared one pair of legs between them! Comedy, song and theatre furiously interspersed with each other kept, what on paper should have been ‘a challenging audience’, fully engaged throughout her 45 minute show. Well done Isabel!!

    All the members, their drivers, helpers and guests, eventually went on their way, no doubt with their spirits lifted and a song in their hearts, all thanks to the centre’s tireless Manager (who personally has faced her own year of challenges), the trustees and the army of volunteers who make it possible for the more senior members of Thame’s community to get out of their homes once or twice a week to socialise, to be stimulated and to enjoy Christmas with their peers, to meet old friends and make new ones.

    You can watch Alison Champken Woods, the Chair of the Trustees of Thame and District Day Centre, deliver her Chairman’s report, HERE  Apologies for the abrupt ending of the recording before the end of Alison’s report. Unrecorded, Alison went on to say:

    A long waiting list!

    “We have also managed to recruit further three Trustees who will bring differing skills to the Board of Trustees. We have submitted the paperwork for the ‘sustainability grant’ again, applying for three years’ funding this time based on the pressure we currently find ourselves under with our current waiting list plus those wishing to attend from Holton. The grant application was supported by the updated sustainabilitity plan incorporating achievements and an updated business plan for the coming year.

    ‘Need to be flexible to meet the challenges ahead’

    “It is essential that the Day Centre is innovative in what if offers members and continues to a friendly and welcoming environment for all concered. As previously stated, we need to be flexible to meet the challenges ahead and there is arequirement for a ‘drop in’ service for those elderly who do not want to attend the full Day Centre but pop in for tea/coffee with their friend etc. This is where the Day Centre needs to work closely with other nearby facilities.

    A growing elderly population

    “A significant amount of work will need to be undertaken over the coming years, including significant engagement with both local communities/businesses and national organisations to ensure a crucial service for a growing elderly population continues for both Thame and the surrounding communities.

    “We have engaged the services of a marketing expert, who is with us today, to help us over the next few months in reviewing our brand/website/information leaflets. What we as Trustees must do is to continue to move forward, to look ahead and to plan for the predicted increase of the elderly within our community, especially those over the age of 80/85.

     Thanks to all supporters

    “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Trustees and all volunteers for their support over the last 12 months, but most importantly Gill and Kate for their tireless efforts in the move which was extremely stressful for us all. I would also like to thank thank the Cricket Club for their support and help during the move and helping us to settle into our new environment, particularly Angus, Judith, Christine and John. Thank you too to all the local organisations who continue to support the Day Centre, including staff from White Stuff.

    Gill Coleman (centre) with volunteer, Christine Tacq (right) and one of the Day Centre members

    “I would also like to thank the staff here at The Belfry for looking after us all so well and it just remains for me to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. THANK YOU ALL!”

  • Developer’s ‘misleading’ sign should come down, says council

    THAME Town Council is to write to a land owner where a large advertisement board offering land for Commercial purposes has been erected, asking for it to be taken down.

    The decision to write to the land owner was made by the council following a presentation by a concerned resident of Pickenfields, Thame, opposite the green field site where the sign suddenly appeared two weeks ago. The wording of the sign appears to be aimed at attracting expressions of interest from third parties regarding the availability of employment land.

    Part of the sign reads: “ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT BY STOFORD”

    As the resident pointed out, and confirmed by the town council’s Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer, Graeme Markland, the sign is probably unlawful as it has not been the subject of planning consent, the land where the sign is situated is not included within the Thame Neighbourhood Plan as Employment land, and there is no planning consent in place for that site.

    The resident, Mr Duncan Nickless, told the committee: “Other developers will see it (the sign) and want to erect their signs all around the town. This action undermines the confidence of the public in the Neighbourhood Plan.”  He added that he understood that the developer was carrying out a ‘needs analysis’ for employment land in the town, but was concerned that it would not be ‘credible’ or ‘independent’. When he suggested that there was a need for an independent look at the needs of the town for commercial needs, the Chair of the Thame NPCC, Cllr Catherine Jones, replied that the town council was already in the process of seeking professional help with this aspect of the revised Neighbourhood Plan it is about to undertake.

    Cllr Bob Austin said: “Residents on whose trust the first Neighbourhood Plan was built on are antagonised by this sign.  It is insensitive and misleading and we must express our disapproval.”

    The matter of the offending sign has already been referred to South Oxfordshire Planning Enforcement who were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

  • Don’t be a victim of burglary while you’re away for Christmas

    THE Christmas and New Year period is a time when Thames Valley Police, and other forces around the country, experience an increase in residential burglary, so they have issued advise to residents to avoid becoming victims themselves.

    If you are celebrating at home over Christmas or at New Year, you can help to protect your property by taking a few simple steps:
    • Don’t leave presents on view under the Christmas tree.
    • Cut up packaging for any expensive items so that it will fit inside your refuse bin, never leave boxes next to the bin where they can be seen.
    • Remember to mark your valuables using a UV pen and register them on the national property register at www.immobilise.com.

    If you are going away, you can deter burglars by making your home appear occupied:
    • Double check that you have locked your windows and doors before leaving.
    • Light up your living room using timer switch. A TV simulator can also be used to make give the appearance of a TV screen being used.
    • Invite a neighbour to park on your drive while you are away.

    New Sergeant for Thame

    IN other news, Sergeant Mark Davis has joined the Thame Neighbourhood Policing Team. Mark has years of experience with TVP and Neighbourhood Policing.

  • Four home victories in a row for Chinnor!

    CHINNOR produced one of their most complete performances of the season to secure a 37-27 win over Darlington Mowden Park on Saturday (14/12).

    Tries from Will Harries, Jason Worrall, James Tyas, Dan Southworth and Kieran Goss helped the Oxfordshire side make it four home victories in a row and extend their unbeaten run to seven.

    Hooker Nick Selway looking to break the gain line. Image – David Howlett

    It proved an attritional affair and a vital victory for Chinnor over a side they had started the day level on points with in National League 1.

    Darlington took an early lead when Josh Hodge crossed on five minutes, Warren Seals converting, but the hosts levelled moments later through Harries’s score, Laurence May adding the extras.

    The visitors were the better side in the opening 20 minutes and led 15-7 through Max Davies’s try and a Seals penalty. Chinnor responded well, though, to head into the break 18-15 in front as two May penalties sandwiched a fine try from Worrall.

    The hosts made a dream start to the second period when Tyas drove over, May converting, to make it 25-15. Darlington hit back as tries from Rob Farrar and Oliver Walker hauled them into a two-point lead after 56 minutes, but Chinnor were not to be undone. Southworth drove across, May converting, for the four-try bonus point, before Goss raced over out wide with four minutes to go to put the game beyond Mowden.

    Matt Williams, Director of Rugby, said Chinnor’s performance against Darlington Mowden Park was the ‘most pleasing’ yet as they stretched their record unbeaten run in the third tier to seven games.

    Starting the day level on points with Mowden, fourth-placed Chinnor have now opened up a four-point gap over the teams below them. And it sets up a thrilling end to 2019 as leaders Richmond, who are five points in front of the Oxfordshire side, visit Kingsey Road on Saturday.

    Darlington had headed to Thame on the back of scoring 22 tries in their last five games, but Chinnor proved they were capable of outscoring the County Durham side. Matt Williams added: “That was the most pleasing performance of the season. I thought as an 80-minute game goes, it was the most controlled we’ve been.
    We looked very dangerous with ball in hand, we crossed the gain line literally every time we touched it, and we were composed.

    “We made a few errors defensively that gifted them a couple of tries, but I think overall that’s our strongest performance of the season. It was two very strong teams, both in-form, the boys were looking forward to it and we carried on – it’s seven in a row now. It feels like a big win.

    “It’s about momentum and suddenly Kingsey Road is becoming a tough place to come again. The boys are in a buoyant mood, it feels good, there’s a nice buzz in the group and we are very much looking forward to welcoming Richmond on Saturday.”

  • Witness appeal after car collides with house

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a road traffic collision in Chinnor which caused damage to a house.

    The location of the collision, Lower Road, Chinnor. (Image courtesy of Google Maps)

    At around 1am on Sunday (15/12), the car, a black Lexus left Lower Road in Chinnor and collided with a house, causing significant damage.

    The driver of the vehicle, a 31-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for treatment. She has since been discharged.

    Investigating officer PC Chloe Farnborough, based at Thame police station, said: “No-one was injured inside the property, but the female driver was taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

    “I am appealing to anyone who saw the collision or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage of the incident to contact police.

    “You can do so by calling 101, quoting reference number 43190390771 or by making a report online.”

    There were traffic jams in the area yesterday as the damage was coned off and school buses had to be diverted.

  • Rocketman – Christmas ‘cracker’ at Thame Cinema

    ** UPDATE; Thame Cinema 4 All is putting on an extra, earlier screening of Rocketman as the evening show is now pretty well booked. Doors open 3.30, film begins 4pm **

    FROM the opening sequence, in which Taron Egerton’s Elton John strides into rehab in full stage regalia – demonic horns, wings, orange lycra catsuit, platforms, the works – and declares himself addicted to pretty much everything on the list, you will be hooked.

    Dexter Fletcher’s sensational rock opera tells the story of how Reggie Dwight became Elton John and how Elton John almost came a cropper as he succumbed to sensational success, stratospheric fame, endless temptations and the consequences of excess. Told as a series of key episodes from John’s life, we learn about Reggie’s suburban childhood, his troubled relationships with his mother and his estranged father, his gift for songwriting, his creative partnership with Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and in particular his love affairs and his substance abuse, with the inevitable loneliness, isolation and near death experiences that ensue. Taron Egerton is breathtakingly good, with support from a sterling cast.

    Scored and choreographed with numbers from Elton’s glorious musical catalogue, his songs become narrative devices that perfectly frame the story of his incredible life – it’s as if he wrote them for this very purpose. A riotous, dazzling and moving portrait of a rare talent, a deeply troubled but ultimately transcendent pop star.

    A veritable Christmas Cracker. View the trailer HERE

    UK 2019, 121 minutes, 15 certificate
    Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Starring Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Tate Donovan, Stephen Graham
    Sunday 22nd of December, Thame Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame – Doors open 6.30pm for 7 pm start.

    Audience participation – Spectacular eye wear – or other period wear – is optional but encouraged !!

  • Calling All Gin and Cheese Lovers!

    NOW’S your chance to enjoy a unique British gin and cheese tasting evening at Thame’s Players Theatre in Nelson Street, and learn about local gins and cheeses as well as pick up those last-minute Christmas gifts – all at the same time!

    During the evening you will be tasting a range of local gins, each paired with a superb British cheese, accompanied by chutney and crackers. As we are in Thame – alias Causton, a Midsomer Murders filming location – there’s even a Midsomer gin and a cheese dedicated to Inspector Barnaby of Midsomer fame!

    The presenter will Joe Bastin of The Deli at No. 5, in Buttermarket, Thame, one of Thame’s favourite speciality food and drinks retailers, offering an extensive range of delicious deli items sourced from all over the UK. Joe will be giving a presentation all about the history of gin as part of this amazing gin and cheese-themed event.

    The tasting menu for the evening’s gins and cheeses will be:

    Twisting Spirits Kaffir Lime and Lemongrass Gin paired with Wookey Hole Cheddar Cheese

    Toads Physic Gin paired with Reiver Cheese

    Midsomer Gin paired with Barnaby Blue Cheese

    All of the gins featured in the tasting will be available to buy from the on-stage shop in variously sized bottles, alongside bespoke artisan gin hampers and other gift options.

    There will also be a Gin Bar, stocked with the three gins featured in the tasting as well as three more British artisan gins, all expertly mixed with Fevertree tonic water.

    WHEN?

    The Gin and Cheese Experience is happening at the Players Theatre, Thame OX9 2DP on Saturday, December 21, at 7.45 pm. Tickets are £15, available from Thame Town Hall Information Centre, either in person Monday-Friday (check opening times at https://www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/contact-us/) or on 01844 212833, or from thameplayers.co.uk. For more information about The Deli at No. 5 go to https://www.thedeliatno5.co.uk/

  • Keep fit with squash over the festive season

    KEEP fit this festive season with squash at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame. They are running one-day tournaments and squash
    camp/workshops over the holidays.

     

    Two ‘skills and drills’ workshops are planned this month, one on December 21, and another on the 27th, running from 4pm to 6pm. The workshops will include routines and coaching to improve your game and make sure you do some fitness. All standards welcome.

    On January 4, there will be two, One-Day short tournaments – one for A/B standard at 5pm – 7pm and one for C/D/E standard 3.30pm to 5pm, and round robins of similar standard players.

    So, plenty of opportunities to help you keep fit and healthy and combat some of the excesses of the season.

    Book in advance HERE

  • Public offered free Counter Terrorism training

    AN award-winning counter terrorism training course is being made available to the public for the first time and Thames Valley Police want you to sign up and help protect the UK.

     

    Devised by CT officers and security experts, the ACT Awareness e-Learning package was previously only available to staff working in crowded places like shopping centres and entertainment venues.

    Now Counter Terrorism Policing has decided to open up the training to anyone who wants to become a CT Citizen so they can learn how to spot the signs of suspicious behaviour and understand what to do in the event of a major incident.

    The programme was originally devised in partnership with retail giant Marks and Spencer – and participants needed to be signed up by their employers. Today the online learning is available free of charge to anyone who wants to take part.

    The decision to offer the training to the public was not made in response to the recent attack in London. However, the tragic events which took place just 10 days ago, when two people lost their lives to terrorism, were a stark reminder of the ongoing threat and the need for vigilance.

    “ACT Awareness e-Learning is especially useful for anyone working in or regularly visiting crowded places,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Richard List.

    “We developed each stage alongside industry experts and to date over one and a half million modules have been completed. The course has been so popular, with nine out of 10 users saying they would recommend it, we want to open it up to as many people as possible.

    “The threat level remains at Substantial – meaning an attack is likely – so giving everyone the chance to be extra eyes and ears for police and local security teams help to keep all communities across the Thames Valley safe.

    “The festive period is obviously a very busy one – so this is a good time to join up and become a CT Citizen.”

    ACT Awareness is made up of seven modules that take a few minutes each to complete. You can pause and re-join at any time. In total it takes just 45 minutes – so less than an hour of your time could help to prevent an attack or help save lives if one was to happen.

    The course is hosted by online training specialists Highfield. To register and start learning, click here