THE organisers of this year’s Thame Food Festival have teamed up with festival ambassador, Raymond Blanc, to offer an exclusive tea-time treat at an exclusive price to help raise funds to run the food festival.
If you’re looking for a truly indulgent treat for a loved one, the perfect present idea for a foodie friend, or simply fancy spoiling yourself, why not enjoy Champagne afternoon tea in the luxurious surroundings of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s fabulous Oxfordshire country house hotel, near Thame?
This unforgettable experience, which takes place on Monday, June 2, starts with a private tour of the Le Manoir Gardens with the expert gardeners on hand to walk you through the impressive two-acre plot. Take in the tranquil Japanese tea garden created by landscape designer Robert Ketchell; the beautiful English water garden which is fed by natural springs and was founded by the monks who lived in the property in the 16th century and La Vallée de Champignons, the unique mushroom valley. Inspect the immaculate vegetable and herb gardens which supply the two-star Michelin kitchens with over 90 different varieties of freshly grown organic vegetables and 70 types of herbs, and admire the colourful flower and herbaceous beds in the main garden.
Then it will be time for tea in the elegant setting of La Belle Époque private dining room, where a glass of fine Le Manoir Champagne will be waiting for you. Sit back in the glorious surroundings of this intimate room and savour a delectable afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, patisserie du jour and homemade scones, jam and clotted cream, all freshly prepared for you by the chefs, before relaxing and making the most of your afternoon at Le Manoir.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful experience, which has been created especially for this year’s Thame Food Festival by Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Tickets, which cost £90 per person, are only available by going to www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk, where you also find out about the fantastic foodie line-up for this year’s event.
The Thame Food Festival takes place from 9am to 5pm on Saturdayn September 27, in the heart of Thame town centre.
THAME’S ex Police Station, in Greyhound Walk, could soon be demolished and sheltered apartments for the elderly build in its place.
Thame Police Station in Greyhound Lane stands empty
A planning application by Churchill Retirement Living, for a replacement building providing 45 apartments, has been submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council and will be discussed by Thame Town Council at tonight’s full council meeting.
As part of an agreement with Thames Valley Police, who have sold off several of their police stations recently in a money-saving exercise, a police counter service will be maintained at the Greyhound Lane site. Thame police moved from the Greyhound Lane site last year to a new operational base at Thame Business Park in Wenman Road. A counter service still remains at the old site.
At present the site is being advertised as ‘Business Space’ by Lambert Smith Hampton.
THE Rotary Club of Thame is asking the public to check their sheds and lofts and bring their old or unwanted tools to the main car park in the Upper High Street, Thame, near the Market House, Montesson Square, on Saturday morning, May 24, between 10am and 1pm.
Blacksmiths, Kigoma & Kasulu with the donated tools they have benefited from
Every year the Rotary Club of Thame runs a collection point for unwanted tools. These are then taken to Tools for Self Reliance, a charity at Netley Marsh near Southampton, that refurbishes tools and sends them to NGOs in Africa. The NGOs then distribute them free to men and women to work with.
Rotarian Erroll Bateman said: “The Rotary Club of Thame would like to encourage everyone to check their garages and lofts and bring their unwanted items to us to give the craftsmen in Africa a chance to put their skills to good use for the benefit of their community as we believe it is a worthy cause.”
Here are a few examples of useful items welcomed by Tools for Self Reliance:
Good quality Singer round-bobbin hand machines – because spare parts are easily available in the UK and all over Africa for these old but solidly-built machines Electric sewing machines. These need to be in good working order and be capable of zig-zag stitching and embroidery. A foot controller and instruction manual, though preferable, are not essential Plumbing tools – especially heavy duty floor-standing pipe benders Arc welders (240V, stick type) plus accessories Carpentry tools – especially large carpenters vices, metal jack planes, tri-planes and drawknives Building tools, especially builders squares and corner trowels Engineering and metalworking tools – especially HSS twist drills, metric taps & dies and hand-operated bench grinders Bicycle repair tools – especially spoke spanners Shoe repair tools – especially skiving knives Auto-mechanics tools – especially heavy duty foot-pumps, tyre pressure gauges and piston ring compressors Electrical repair tools – especially multi-meters and desoldering equipment Industrial/professional quality power tools – especially heavy duty drills and bench grinders Blacksmiths tools – especially anvils and leg vices Overlockers
Collected items will be taken to the very well equipped TFSR depot at Netley Marsh where they will be refurbished by a group of retired engineers before being packed into containers for shipment to African countries. From the port of arrival they are taken by members of the organisation to villages to help the people become more self-reliant.
If you have got tools available to donate and you are not able to come on the May 24, please send us a message via Rotary’s website: www.thame.rotaryweb.org or ring: 01844 212 623 or 07764 85 49 49
PLANS to replace the aging skatepark on Tythrop Way, Thame, have been approved, which means that fund raising for the £250,000 needed to complete the project, can now begin in earnest.
The final plans gained the support of skate park users and the local community including Thames Valley Police, Lea Park Residents Association and District Councillors. Various fundraising events are planned for the coming year for the new skatepark facility which, says Thame Town Council, “.. will provide a safe, contemporary space for current and future users to exercise, spectate and socialise. ” The town council is contributing funds to the project.
Image courtesy of Aidan North
The skatepark users themselves have already raised over £2,000 towards the project, including a marathon trip on skateboards and BMX bikes from Trafalgar Square in London to Thame, back in October. See LINK
The design, which was inspired by the skaters themselves, will cater for all ages and abilities. Click here to view the application and the future vision of Thame Skatepark.
For more information about the Thame Skatepark Project visit the Facebook page or see what the skaters get up to down at the park by watching one of their videos. VIDEOS LINK HERE
PUPILS of Lord Williams’s Upper School in Thame, have been compelled to act following the plight of Nathanael Armstrong, a fellow student who could die unless he receives the right treatment. The team of teens are carrying out multiple fundraising events to raise money towards his treatment that is costing £1,700 per week.
Chloe Morris in full cake-selling mode, raising funds for her friend, Nat Armstrong
Rachael Bancroft, Jessica Lynch, Daniel Kovac and a group of Nat’s friends organised a ‘wakeover’ (staying awake all night) on April 15, to raise more money to help towards his treatment.
Chloe Morris, a Year 11 pupil at Lord William’s School and friend of Nat’s, raised £132.75 through a cake sale held on Saturday, March 29, in the Cooperative store in Thame. “People have been so generous and supportive,” said Chloe. “It’s also great that the Co-op allowed us to carry out the sale in their store.” The cake sale is just one of many fund raising activities for Nat. Natalie Watson is shaving her hair off, while others dare walking, jumping, swimming and carrying out extreme activities, like Genny Stephenson who will be sky diving to help raise money.
Nat himself has been very moved by the support he is receiving. He said: “I’m finding it difficult to tell people how much it all means to me; it’s not just the money, but caring. That’s what really matters. The money thing worries me, because I don’t want my Nanna and Granddad having to pay for my treatment and that makes me angry.”
Nathanael, or Nat as he is known to his friends, lives in Thame with his grandparents. He has been struggling with a rare allergy for a number of years, which means that he can’t eat most proteins or sugars. By the age of nine, he was one of the most gifted swimmers in his age group in the country and he is also a talented musician. However, by the time he was 14, he was told that he was allergic to a wide range of foods and was placed on an artificial liquid diet.
Recent tests have confirmed that his problems started with his allergies. However his treatments and basic condition have jointly conspired to produce an infection of Candidiasis. This is a yeast-type infection, one of the most common forms being Thrush. However in Nat’s case it is rampant throughout his body, organs and blood. Nat has been told that his whole system is at the point of collapse. He was also told that the treatment was very expensive and needed NHS funding to be affordable. Nat currently lives with his grandparents in Thame who are helping to fund his much needed treatment.
THAME’S Music In The Park is now less than three weeks away from transforming Elms Park into a throbbing, rocking melting pot of people, music, dance, picnicing, beer and fun!
Leading Madness and Two-tone tribute act, The Skasouls UK, will be headlining on Sunday, May 4, and guaranteed to get the crowd dancing along to songs from the likes of Madness and Bad Manners. In total more than 30 acts will be performing, covering all tastes including rock, folk, indie, rap, big band, choir and harp, as well as a spectrum of dance acts.
Skasouls UK
Tickets are on sale from: Vintage & Modern Guitars, Wally’s Toy Shop, Fore Golf, The Cross Keys, The Falcon and Thame Town Hall, or online at www.wegottickets.com/event/265557.
Advance tickets cost: Adults – £7; concessions (students, under 18s, senior citizens) – £4; family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 concessions) – £20. On-the-door prices are £10, £5 and £25 respectively. Under 5s go free.
With a wide variety of music and dance on offer, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Music In The Park features two main stages with live music and dance, and an acoustic stage. So, have fun dancing the day away or chill out with a leisurely picnic.
Of course, there’ll also be all the usual goodies you’d expect at a festival (except hopefully, wellies and brollies), including real ales, a wide variety of delicious foods, fun activities for children and adults, and a range of trade stalls.
Thame Cyclones v Flames Wednesday 2nd April 2014 – ADNL Div 5 -Final match of the season
THE last time Cyclones played bottom-of-the division Flames they won 48-10. But this did not mean that Cyclones could go into the game feeling complacent. In the first quarter, Flames only had six players which Cyclones were able to take full advantage of. With their extra player, Cyclones were able to over-power Flames in the centre half with some fabulous interceptions by Sam (WD), combined with brilliant movement in the circle by Sara (GS) working well with Lynn (GA) to power Cyclones into the lead in the first quarter by 13 goals to 1.
Team Cyclones
The second quarter saw the game become a little scrappy as Flames, back to their full seven players, fought to stay in the game. However, the domination of the centre court continued with Katie (WA) taking full advantage of Sara’s height with a series of strong, long passes straight to her under the post, leaving the defence dumbfounded. This, coupled with the continuous interceptions down the court from both Amy (C) and Penny (GD), allowed Cyclones to increase their lead at the end of the second quarter, with the score at 26-4.
The third quarter saw the substitution of Sara for Vanessa as GS. The shooting ‘dream team’ members, Vanessa (GS) and Lynn (GA) were able to show off their silky skills and intuitive play with each other for the very last time, as it was to be Vanessa’s last match for Thame. It was a masterclass in how a GA and GS should work together and left the Flames’ defence helplessly retrieving balls that glided through the net for the centre pass. Vanessa and Lynn were backed up once more with good play on centre court by Sam (WD) continually finding great space and Amy (C) showing off her ability to defend and then attack swiftly. Penny (GD) kept up the pressure on a very tall and quick Flames GA, giving great support to Emma (GK) in the circle. Cyclones once more increased their lead and at the end of the third quarter were winning 35-9.
The final quarter saw Katie injured, and Sam move to (WA) while Kelly came on as (WD). Cyclones kept it together against some physical defending as Flames tried in vain to close the gap. A number of penalties in Cyclones’ favour were used to full advantage in the centre half, with Kelly (WD) quickly reacting to these decisions and passing the ball out before Flames had time to regroup and successfully mark. The interceptions were flying and the goals kept coming. A fantastic 42-10 win for Cyclones to end their 2013/14 season.
Thame Hurricanes V Kites – April 2, 2014 – ADNL Div4 – Final Match of the season
HURRICANES started the game with only five of their 11 woman squad, having to play two players up from Cyclones. This meant positions were re-arranged and the battle commenced.
Team Hurricanes
The match against Kites is always a close run thing with some sharp defending on both sides. Jesse played centre for only the second time and did a grand job running all over the court. Lynn in WA was as lively as ever and fought hard against the Kites’ defence. Nic, in as Keeper following an ankle injury, was very vocal with her instructions to those playing in front of her, which proved useful against the in-form Kites’ shooter. Lyn, out from Keeper to Goal Defence, was feeling the pace, chasing Kites’ GA and dropping back to cover the GS. Karen in WD, recently back after the birth of her lovely daughter, did a tremendous job and made the match hard for Kites’ WA with lots of strong play and interceptions. Lynn and Sarah, who had already played for Cyclones earlier in the evening, did an awesome job as GS and GA to keep the team in with a fighting chance.
Coach Shelley was struggling to remain calm on the sideline as the game was fairly close in the first half, but due to tiredness and out of position players, more errors were creeping in. Inaccurate passes, dropped balls and slow turn arounds meant Kites were able to pull ahead.
The result had no bearing on the final League position for Thame Hurricanes, who were heading for the play offs at third bottom. Too many close matches lost by one or two goals and not enough wins means one more match ahead and the team is hoping for a speedy recovery for its injured players.
Final Score 20-30 to Kites. Squad. Nic R, Sue F, Lyn H, Jesse K, Lynn P, Helen T, Tor B, Carol S, Lucy S, Jessica R, karen F.
Top of the League Matrix prove too strong for Thame
WITH Thame looking to end their season on a high, things started badly for them, with Matrix making a strong start to the game. Proceedings began in a frantic manner, with both sides giving possession away, therefore creating limited chances. Matrix were on top, but Helen managed to open Thame’s account to give them some belief. Although Matrix were on top throughout the quarter, Thame managed to gain some composure to find themselves only 9-5 down by the end of it.
The second quarter was a much tighter affair with both sides looking to implement their own style of play to gain an advantage. Thame came out much stronger, passing much more fluently and putting pressure on the opposition. Strong interceptions from Kirsty gave Thame a strong base to work from, meaning they could close the gap to 12-8 at half time.
Thame were looking to start the second half on the front foot and made the perfect start with a goal from Heather. However, Matrix were still threatening and began to show their dominance as the quarter progressed, enabling them to take a commanding 21-12 lead into the final quarter.
A massive effort was required from Thame if they were to get back into the game, and things started brightly, with a few goals in quick succession. This gave them the confidence to push on and get within four points at one stage, before Matrix hit back and repelled their effort. Unfortunately Thame had no time to respond and eventually lost 26-20, to round off, what was overall a successful season, from where they were last time around.
Two young and talented ladies from Thame, both artists in their own fields, have formed a collaboration that they hope will help launch their careers to the next level.
Lorna Shepherd is a Makeup Artist and Kayleigh Victoria is a photographer. When they first met in 2011, the two found that they had a lot in common – both are in their twenties and both have two children, Lorna two boys aged eight and four, and Kayleigh has three year-old twins, one a boy and one a girl – and a synergy soon developed between them.
They both describe themselves as having ‘very artistic and creative personalities’ which no doubt is why their decision to collaborate their two newly established businesses recently, works so well. Both grew up in Chinnor and both now live in Thame.
In 2007 Lorna learned that her mother was terminally ill with cancer and then in 2012, was told that her father also has terminal cancer. Although devastated, Lorna was inspired to achieve something that they could be proud of her for. For Kayleigh, there came a point a couple of years ago when she decided to take action and do something worthwhile with her life. Photography always stood out to her, so she started working at it and pushing herself to get noticed, and, as she says herself: “The response has been fantastic.”
Kayleigh enjoys taking pictures of everything, especially her children who, she says, ‘make amazing models’. Her portfolio ranges from family photoshoots to fashion and editorial work.
Lorna has done a varied range of jobs including wedding makeup, magazines and editorials, headshots and portfolio makeup models, including most recently UK top model 2014 finalist, Stacie Anderson from Aylesbury. When they are not busy doing their freelance work they love to collaborate together and work as a great team producing some marvellous images.
Lorna explains: “Our friends and family are really supportive of what we are trying to achieve. We both love and enjoy doing our jobs so we don’t have a preference of location or studio really; we’re happy to be a part of the action wherever the location may be!
“It’s not easy reaching your goal and, even if you are very skilled at makeup artistry you need to have the passion inside you to make it work. That is so important. I can’t wait to further my career in the industry and continue to learn and grow as a creative.”
Two of Lorna’s biggest inspirations are makeup artists Louise Young and Karla Powell. While Kayleigh’s greatest aspiration in the photography world is to be where her dad is now, a successful fashion and editorial photographer.
With a little bit of luck, and their shared ambitions, these two talented ladies are sure to make their mark in the creative worlds in which they have chosen to strive for success and recognition.
THAME Carnival, having escaped being scrapped once this year, was once again threatened recently when it was realised that major road works planned for the Cornmarket in Thame, could have disrupted the event.
But Oxfordshire County Council, having been made aware of the Carnival date, has now, according to Thame Town Council, agreed to postpone the work until after the Carnival on June 14 (The county council’s website however, still shows today that the work will commence on June 9, and end of June 15, so ‘fingers crossed’ this is a website updating delay only).
Plans for the Carnival parade, and the fete afterwards, are however striding ahead, with commitments made already for parade entries by the fire service, the Thame Classic Motor Club, dancing by a variety of dance troops including Stage Coach and the Thame Youth Theatre. A steel band is still being sought and anyone who can help is asked to contact Sue Martin Downhill who is leading the Carnival organisation team, via suedownhill@gmail.com.
A variety of stalls and activity demonstrations is already booked for the fun event at the Southern Road Recreation Ground where the carnival parade will finish up. These include: Indian Cuisine from the House of Spice, German Cuisine from Bratwurst Bratz, various sweet stalls, Real Ale beer tent, two BBQs, Giant inflatables, Chocolate fountain from Chocolate Cascade, Chinnor Rugby club, Racquets Squash club, a Tug-of-war, Waterstock Golf club, Skateboarders, various charities linked to Lord Williams’s School (Gambian children) and even UKIP.
Sue herself is obviously delighted with the response of local organisations so far, and said: “The response from the public especially via the Facebook page, has been really good and I have had so many people stopping me and telling me how great it is that the Carnival is going ahead this year!
“We want to make Thame Carnival 2014 the best ever, so whatever your club or organisation does, here’s your chance to share it with the rest of the community and show just how much fun and enjoyment joining in and being active can be, no matter at what level.”
The theme for this year’s Carnival is The World of Sport & Recreation, and takes place on Saturday, June 14, so ‘Get Active’ and book your team or group in now! CONTACT: clubsofthamecarnival2014@gmail.com
THE work of a Master Craftsman from Thame, was recognised recently when an exhibition at The Real Wood Furniture Company, in historic Woodstock, revealed for the first time, a piece of his work hopefully destined for the nursery of the new, young royal family.
Designer, Chris Baylis (left) with John Francis, the maker of The Windsor George child’s chair
Over 30, traditional, Windsor-style children’s chairs from the personal collection of the company’s founder, Chris Baylis, representing seating through the ages from 1770 to the present day, was on display, alongside several 1/6 ‘miniatures’ that would have been travelling salesmen’s samples.
But the star of the show at this exhibition was without doubt, the very latest Windsor child’s chair, a chair that it’s designer, Chris Baylis, said he knew had to be ‘boyish, robust and throne-like’ – in fact a chair made for a prince of the House of Windsor – The Windsor George. The chair commemorates the birth, eight months ago, of Prince George, and includes his name carved into the top rail.
Chris himself had never designed a child’s Windsor chair before, but said that he was inspired by the ‘general clamour’ surrounding the birth of a son to Prince William and Kate Middleton. “It occurred to me that there could be no better tribute to the birth of a future king in the House of Windsor, than to design and make a chair of ‘Windsor’ style that reflected the best traditions of the Thames Valley chair-making traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries,” he explained.
“From the first sketches through several proto-types, I am endebted to the in-put of Master Chairmaker, John Francis, from Thame, without whose skills and keen eye, the chair would not have achieved fruition. I have collaborated with John on several Windsor chairs we have made and it is indeed a great pleasure to work with someone whose eyes see things very much as I see them. Windsor chairs are an amalgam of angles and a change to the angle of one component can impact massively on the balance of the whole chair.
“If protocol allows, we will present the first ‘George’ as a gift to the young prince.”
Unveiling the Windsor George, Michael Welson, of Auctioneers and Valuers, Bonhams, said: “We are privileged to have someone like Chris and his craftsmen, to maintain such high standards of good construction. “Any maker from the 18th Century, ” he continued, would be able to come here and feel completely at home, and find it completely natural that you are tweaking designs slightly and making your own mark on them.
“The ‘George’ is not only attractive but very practical – George’s cheeks will fit so well into that shaped seat,” he joked. To see something made to the same standards as 150 years-ago is very rare.
“The George has in it the spirit of Woodstock and it is hoped that the Prince’s parents, William and Catherine, will gracefully accept this very first Windsor George. I am sure any doting grandparent too would be so pleased to give it to there grandchild and I am sure it will sell well,” concluded Michael.
If you’re looking for a truly indulgent treat for a loved one, the perfect present idea for a foodie friend, or simply fancy spoiling yourself, why not enjoy Champagne afternoon tea in the luxurious surroundings of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s fabulous Oxfordshire country house hotel, near Thame?
