Category: Missed a ThameNews story?

Free security marking for farm equipment

Image courtesy of http://tvp100daysofaction.blogspot.co.uk/

THE South Oxon and Vale Neighbourhood Policing Teams are offering visits to farms and rural businesses in the area to visibly property mark farm equipment/machinery and tools using a “CRE MARK” pen.

“CRE MARK” is a paint pen which is sealed with lacquer to provide an overt visible deterrent to thieves.

The process is quick and easy and is being offered FREE OF CHARGE.

To book an appointment for your local Police Community Support Officer to visit and mark your equipment, please call the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101 and ask to speak to a member of the Thame Neighbourhood Policing Team, thank you.

For crime prevention and security advice, please visit the Thames Valley Police website by clicking on the following link:

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crime-prevention.htm

30/09/2014
Appeal for witnesses after exposure on M40

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a man exposed himself while driving southbound between Junction 9 and 8a on the M40 motorway.

Thames Valley Police Alert

At 8.20am on September 23, a 24-year-old woman was driving southbound, when a man driving a white van started mouthing words at her.

He then exposed himself and the victim could see him touching himself while he drove in the lane next to her. He then pulled in front of the victim’s car and indicated to exit the motorway at junction 8a, however he did not exit and stayed on the motorway.

The offender is white with a pale complexion, approximately 5ft 10ins, aged between 20 and 25-years-old, with blond spiked hair. He drove a white Iveco Daily panel van registration plate CV55 CFN.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident or if anyone has witnessed similar incidents in the area please contact PC Stuart Talbot from Henley police station via the non emergency 101 enquiry centre.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers (opens new window) anonymously on 0800 555 111 No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

30/09/2014
Chinnor lose to ‘busy’ Worthing

CHINNOR RFC came off second best to Worthing Raiders on Saturday (27/09), going down 21-26.

Most of the first half belonged to Worthing and their busy, all action game. The first try went to Worthing’s Redmayne, bursting free from a rolling maul from 20 metres out. McLean’s conversion gave the visitors a 7-0 lead on 17 minutes. Lively scrum half, Waters, added Worthing’s next, running in unopposed around the end of a line out, again from 20 metres out. McLean converted to put Worthing 14-0 ahead. Just on the stroke of half time Haile, for Chinnor, scored the first of his hat trick. Boughton’s conversion put the half time score at 14-7 to the visitors from Sussex.

Chinnor began the second half well with a delightful try from Haile on 42 minutes. Receiving the ball just in front of his own 22, he charged down the field, chipped the oncoming defence and collected the ball on first bounce to sprint unopposed to the posts. He repeated the dose 10 minutes later in less spectacular style, skinning the outside cover. Boughton’s two conversions put the match at 21-14 to Chinnor on 55 minutes. A few minutes later Piper, for Worthing, escaped down the tramlines at great pace for a well deserved try. McLean’s conversion tied the match at 21-21 with 60 minutes played. Chinnor upped the pressure but Worthing’s Holland, from a line out catch and drive, put Worthing ahead 26-21.

Chinnor then spent the last 10 minutes camped in the Worthing 22 looking for a score. Despite a multitude of penalties awarded, they couldn’t find a way through. With four consecutive penalties at a scrum, five metres out in the last two minutes, including a Worthing yellow card, everyone waited for the inevitable penalty try, except the ref and the match finished at 26-21 to Worthing.

Teams

Chinnor: Ed Keohane, Jack Hayes, Martin Nutt (c), Junior Fatialofa, Reuben Haile, Frank Jones, Reece Boughton, Joe Winpenny, Jamie Townsend, Joe Pickett, Josh Kroman, Dave McKee, Ben Manning, Nick Harrison, Jake Parker.

Interchanges: John Lavin, Ian Stock, Alex Waddingham, Andrew Tibbatts, Robbie Martey

Worthing: Harry Forrest , Finlay Coxon-Smith, Kieran Leeming, Ben Dudley, Alex Nielsen, Jack Metters, Calum Waters, Ryan Storer, Charlie Piper, Dan Sargent, Stan South, Jamie Redmayne, Rob Smith (c), Jon Whittall, Liam Perkins.

Interchanges: Sam Hewick, Louis Bartlett, Chris Sewell. Joe Heaver, Craig Holland

Scorers:

Chinnor

Tries (time): Haile (39, 42, 54)

Conversions (time): Boughton (39, 43, 55)

Penalty Goals (time):

Drop goals (time):

Worthing

Tries (time): Redmayne (16), Waters (29), Piper (58), Holland (69)

Conversions: (time) : McLean (17, 30, 59)

Penalty Goals (time):

Drop goals (time):

Referee: Graham Dickens

Attendance: 169

Half time score: 7-14

Full time score: 21-26

Star man: Reuben Haile

29/09/2014
Don’t let Thame get too big!

DEAR Editor, From what I saw of it the Food Festival was a huge success as a family day out, blessed by the sunny weather and teeming with people of all generations, relaxing, happy. This town looked at its best in the sun. I think the visitors must have come in their thousands – and what fun it was to see the jolly red Routemaster bus used for Park and Ride. No doubt that the disruption to local routine, parking restrictions and road diversions, were worth experiencing for a day.

I do wonder though whether the town planners might take note of the effect on the settled community of occasions like this, when considering future permanent increases in the numbers of residents of Thame. Waitrose car park on Saturday afternoon was under huge pressure when I visited it about 4pm on Saturday (September 27), with a queue to drive in to it waiting for a stream of cars to come out. And no room for anyone stuck in the incoming queue to turn and give up the attempt.

In the car park I saw one example of an apparent complete lack of consideration by one driver who had parked sideways on by the disabled bays, obstructing any exit of three cars in the bays, while a full trolley was unloaded to the boot –perhaps the driver was disabled; I don’t know. Meanwhile other cars inched past it amidst a throng of people on foot moving in all directions. Anyone parked further down from those three vehicles in the disabled bays had virtually no sight of what was trying to pass the obstructing car.

Someone could have been hurt. While all this was going on I heard one or a two tentative beeps on car horns, though they may have come from some other place in the car park. That was all. Patience reigned.

The give-and-take and good manners of people in this town were put to the test. In some other places there would have been a nasty confrontation, maybe several, as people struggled with such conditions.

So, town planners, if you want Thame to keep its character and charm and attraction for visitors, don’t let it get too big.

Norman Brand
Thame

29/09/2014
Delicious day out at Thame Food festival ends with a marriage proposal

THERE was a very special reason to celebrate at one of the huge variety of stalls at Thame Food Festival on Saturday (27/09), when Long Crendon’s Bucksum Veg company proprietor, David Newman, proposed to his partner, Tracy Russell, and she said ‘yes!’

David Newman (Left) hands Tracy Russell the engagement ring, after she said ‘Yes’ to his marriage proposal at Thame Food Festival. Centre is Tom Kerridge chef & owner of 2 Michelin Stars,The Hand & Flowers in Marlow

Fittingly, the couple met at The Thame Food Festival four years ago, with David choosing this year’s festival as the perfect time to pop the question. David said: “It had to be today as it was a very special occasion; we’re food lovers and we love it here in Thame.”

From early morning, the streets of Thame were teeming with a record number of visitors when the town hosted its seventh annual food festival. More than 25,000 foodies traveled from far and wide to enjoy one of Oxfordshire’s finest food sensations, enjoying delicious produce, inspiring cookery demos and a great day out.

Celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc OBE, Adam Simmonds, Sophie Grigson and the winners of BBC Two’s the Great British Bake Off, Edd Kimber and John Whaite, thrilled visitors on the demo stage sponsored by AGA, whilst Tom Kerridge and many others made an appearance on the interview stage with festival patron, TV chef and writer Lotte Duncan and BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce putting them through their paces. Visitors got the latest cookery books signed by the authors at the pop-up book shop run by Thame’s independent book shop, The Book House.

Food fans joined the workshops trying their hands at sausage-making, bread shaping, wine tasting and fresh pasta making and afterwards were able to nurse a pint of local real ale at one of the friendly watering-holes in town including The James Figg pop-up pub, or the Six Bells’ stall in the High Street. Many visitors entered a competition to win a day as a brewer with the Vale Brewery and the Aylesbury Brewhouse Company, and to complete a feed-back form in the programme with a chance to win A ‘Magimax’.

To make way for the festival the entire town centre was closed off for the day and visitors rode to and from Thame on one of four, traditional London Routemaster, double decker buses, returning laden with purchases and smiles on their faces after a tasty and enjoyable day out.

“What an amazing day – Thame Food Festival just gets bigger and better every year!” said festival patron, Lotte Duncan. “Record crowds, wonderful weather and staggering support from everyone who took part meant a fantastic day for Thame and for the fantastic local and artisan produce the event showcases. We have so many great producers on our doorstep who are passionate about what they do, and we were thrilled to see so many of them out in force at the festival. We are also truly blessed with the support we have from celebrity chefs who give their time for free to bring a day celebrating local food into the market town of Thame.

“We couldn’t do it without them, nor without the support of our generous sponsors Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, AGA, Rectory Homes, Wellers, South Oxfordshire District Council, The Thatch and Belazu, and we’d like to say a big thank you to all of them,” she added.

As well as fantastic feedback from visitors from the day, stall holders reported brisk trading with many down to their last bottle, loaf or slice of cake by the end of the festival.

MORE Food Festival pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thamenews/ and a link to the video of the event here: http://scissorpaperstone.dot5hosting.com/ttv/2014/10/thamefoodfest/

29/09/2014
Disaster equipment on display at Thame show

A joint team from the Rotary Clubs of Thame and Thames Valley Rotary District (1090) displayed a ShelterBox tent at the Thame Show on September 18.

Members of the public had the opportunity to find out more about what Rotary International is, and especially how Rotary and ShelterBox work together in disaster relief operations. An Aquafilter – courtesy of the Rotary Club of Banbury – was also on display and there were live demonstrations of this disaster relief tool.

Raffle tickets were sold at the stand and just under £200 were raised towards Thame Rotary charities. The top prize was a hamper of gourmet foods and wines.

Visitors had the opportunity to find out about the main events organised by the Rotary Club of Thame later in 2014, including the Thame Swimathon in October and the Thame Art Show in December.

Marius Ciortan, Thame Rotary Club spokesman, said: “The next four weeks will be very busy for our Rotary Club. We are for Communities! We will participate with a stall at the Thame Food Festival on Saturday, September 27 and the public will be able to find out how to join our fun and fundraising event, the Thame Swimathon, taking place on Sunday, October 12.”

Marius added: “Teams like Thame Councillors, Mad Actors, Thame Babies, Booker Tate, Barley Hill School and many others will participate. We only have a few slots available, so be sure to be quick and submit your team’s entry form.”

He concluded: “At the same time we are looking for women and men willing to dedicate their spare time to supporting our community in Thame and the surrounding villages, and become members of our vibrant club.”

To find out more about the the Rotary Club of Thame, visit www.thame.rotaryweb.org or follow us on www.facebook.com/thamerotary

26/09/2014
Explore ‘The Armed Man’ before the performance

LORD Williams’s Festival Chorus will be holding a Choral Workshop for anyone interested in exploring the internationally acclaimed piece The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins this Saturday, 27th September.

Image courtesy of WOW.247.co.uk

“Starting at 9.30am, the all- day workshop at Long Crendon Baptist Church will be a wonderful opportunity for any singers, regardless of experience, looking to enjoy participating in this extraordinary piece,” said John Gibbons, LWFC’s Musical Director.

“In the past, these workshops have proved hugely popular for our members and for anyone else wanting to learn more on the day.

“Dedicated to victims of conflict, The Armed Man shows the descent into war, the destruction it brings, and ends with a hope for peace. In this, the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WW1, anyone either joining us on Saturday or coming to watch the performance in November, will not fail to be moved and to still feel its pertinence in the 21st Century.”

The workshop takes place ahead of the choir’s main performance of the Armed Man on Saturday, November 8, at The Thame Leisure Centre. Anyone interested can go along, register at 9.30am and join the singers for coffee ahead of the main rehearsal at 10.30am. Cakes will be provided but singers are encouraged to bring along their lunch.

Entry Fee is £10 and Score Hire £2. The session ends at 4pm. For more information please contact Mrs S Claridge, tel: 01844 208629 or claridge31@tiscali.co.uk

26/09/2014
Seven-goal match win for Thame

THREE goals from Dan West and a Marcus Mealing strike were enough for United to edge a seven goal thriller at the ASM Stadium.

Dan West (Right)

The early exchanges saw United open the stronger of the two sides and they were unlucky not to take the lead on five minutes when a Dan Jones corner was headed goal-wards by West only for the ball to be cleared off the line. Two minutes later and Luke Ricketts collected the ball in his own half before going on a powerful run that saw him through on goal, with the keeper saving the initial effort before the ricochet fell to Ricketts again whose shot this time hit the post before being cleared. West then saw an effort from 20 yards go just wide, whilst a Mealing header cleared the bar.

The opening goal eventually arrived on 26 minutes when Dan West forced an error as Shrivenham tried to play the ball out of defence, with Adam Morris calmly sliding the ball through to Mealing who slotted home from 20 yards. However, within five minutes Shrivenham had taken the lead. Firstly, Liam Edmondson found himself in space to fire home, before Steve Robertson scored from close range at the back post following a corner.

At this point United were struggling to re-capture their initial dominance and looked to be heading in to half time with a deficit until, following a corner in the 45th minute, Luke Ricketts floated the ball in to the box for Dan West to get the slightest of touches to steer the ball home.

West then scored his second on 49 minutes chasing a long through ball and running in to the area to calmly finish wide of Moody in the Shrivenham goal. Five minutes later and West had completed his hat-trick, receiving a ball cut back from the bye-line by Luke Ricketts and finishing first time in to the far corner. Ricketts then almost added to the score line, only for the keeper to save his goal bound effort.

Shrivenham then pulled a goal back on 66 minutes when a ball in to the box saw keeper Cockerill come off his line and the ball fell kindly to Josh Fowler who drove home from 20 yards. Any nerves were almost dispelled on 73 minutes when, following good work from Mealing down the Thame right, the ball was pulled back to Ricketts whose effort went over the bar.

The remaining 15 minutes of the game saw Shrivenham dominate possession, but rarely threaten Cockerill in the Thame goal, as United held our for three points and a win that moves them up to seventh.

UHLSPORT HELLENIC LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – Thame United 4 Shrivenham 3

United: Cockerill, Evans, Jones, Hercules, Hall, Lynch, Hazell (Gledhill), Morris, Mealing, West, Ricketts.

26/09/2014
Young Ollie is a squash champ!

YOUNG Ollie Coulcher-Porter stamped his intentions on the squash world last weekend (20/21/09)by winning the E grade in the Racquets Open Graded Squash Tournament.

Ollie Coulcher-Porter with ex British National Squash Champion, Alison Waters

Ollie is just 8 years old but he is already aiming big. The E grade was contested by eight lads from 8 to 15 years-old.

“Some of the games were very closely fought,” said Sue Martin Downhill, squash coach at Raquets, “and Ollie showed a strength of mind to come through as the winner. He started playing squash regularly earlier this year and practices every chance he gets.

“We are all very proud of the way he handled the pressure of the tournament and look forward to him competing in the Oxfordshire Junior Closed this coming weekend at Abingdon Squash Club. As this weekend will be Ollie’s first tournament away from home there are no expectations of winning the tournament but we will be interested to see how he fares against the other under 11s.”

Later the same day the World number #57, Rex Hedrick, played and won against the World number #27, Adrian Waller. A bit of an upset there which the club members all enjoyed watching!

If you’re interested in starting to play squash, you can give Simon Martin or Sue a call at Racquets Fitness Centre on 01844 261754.

“We are particularly keen to encourage ladies and juniors who have never played before,” added Sue, ” as we have new groups who have started learning this year and they are very keen to have more players.”

26/09/2014
UPDATE: Council set to ‘Object’ to The Elms

UPDATE: THE town council has today announced that: “Having considered the contents of the report and further assessed the recommendation to issue a “ holding objection”, at the meeting on September 30, the recommendation will be amended to ‘Objection’ without the word ‘holding’. The council has also pointed out that in this particular case, its Planning Consultant, Jake Collinge, has had nothing to do with the ‘Application Assessment’ referred to below, but was authored by Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design.

TWO planning applications that have attracted considerable objection in the town, are to be considered by Thame Town Council to decide whether or not to recommend ‘holding objections’. One is a plan to build 45 houses on land at The Elms, off Upper High Street, Thame, and the other for alterations to Elms Park itself, next door.

Meadow land at ‘The Elms’ where a development of 45 new homes are proposed

The Town Clerk, Helen Stewart, told Thame.Net: “The Town Council has concerns in relation to the original plans. However, subject to addressing these, the Town Council may be in a position to support it through amended plans.”

The main concerns are summed up in the conclusion of an ‘Application Assessment’ report , which will be discussed at the meeting on Tuesday (30/09). It states that the assessment has:

“.. identified that harm/ loss will be caused to the significance of The Elms as a listed building, in particular through the loss of openness and the loss of a mature parkland tree on the application site. There is also a loss of openness to Elms Park, which will potentially cause harm/ loss of significance to the conservation area.

“The development proposals include a number of potential public benefits for Thame, such as the public open space, new footpath/ cycleway linkages and an open space link between Elms Park and the new public open space for but at present the design of the scheme would not successfully realise these benefits.

“The development proposals also fail to take opportunities to enhance the appreciation of The Elms as a listed building in its setting, in particular in relation to possible views that could be created for users of the new links.

“At present the harm/ loss caused by the development proposals is not outweighed by public benefits.

“The development proposals also fail to comply with policy in a number of other respects, most notably in terms of affordable housing.”

The report on the second application, for changes and additions to Elms Park itself, states: “The application does not currently demonstrate how improvements to Elms Park might potentially mitigate some of the impacts of the proposed development at The Elms. “

The agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, with links to the relevant reports, can be read here: LINK Catch up with all the back stories on this topic here: LINK

26/09/2014