Category: Missed a ThameNews story?

CHINNOR-based author, Ian Wagstaff has won the Mercedes-Benz award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy for the second time. At the Guild of Motoring Writers? Annual Dinner in the RAC, Pall Mall, last night, Ian was presented with this prestigious prize for his biography of former Grand Prix mechanic, Tony Robinson.

Tony was one of the foremost racing mechanics of the 1950s and 1960s. He worked for Stirling Moss ? who described him as ?an important contribution to my racing successes? – and eventually designed cars for Formula One and the Indianapolis 500.

Ian, who first won the Montagu Trophy in 2006 for his book, ?The British at Le Mans?, is now working on a series of books for Haynes Publishing ? best known for its owner?s workshop manuals ? about famous racing cars. The first of these, on the iconic Lotus 72 of the early 1970s, was published earlier this year and he is now writing one on the McLaren M23. This was the car that took James Hunt to the World Championship in 1976, a season that will be the subject of the eagerly awaited feature film, Rush!, scheduled for launch next season.

The Montagu Trophy is awarded to the member of the Guild of Motoring Writers who has made the ?greatest contribution to recording, in the English language, the history of motoring? during the year. Ian?s 2012 winning book, Tony Robinson ? the biography of a race mechanic, is published by Veloce.

Photo caption: Ian Wagstaff (centre) receives the 2012 Montagu Trophy from Doug Hill (right) chief engineer at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Mercedes-Benz PR manager Angus Fitton (left) was also on hand for the presentation.

SOURCE: Contributed

Interview with a local soldier just returned from his first tour of duty in Afghanistan – By Susannah Smith:

AFTER seven months in war torn Afghanistan, ‘James’ as we will call him (who, for security reasons does not want to be identified), a young British soldier, can hardly describe what it?s like to be back home in Thame. ?It?s different,? he says, which is somewhat of an understatement. Afghanistan sits in the heart of the Middle East and is landlocked with both mountains and deserts. ?It?s a stunning country,? describes James. ?Really beautiful ? it?s just that there?s a war on.? It is also one of the poorest countries in the world, with 53% of its people living below the poverty line and 3.5 million citizens who are refugees abroad. Afghanistan is a world away from prosperous, rural Thame, where we are sitting, in the ThameNews.net offices talking to James about his military experiences.

James himself, looking a relaxed and confident in one of the office chairs, is in a T-shirt and jeans, and is very much like any of the other young guys I know in Thame. It soon becomes obvious that now, for him there is a wide contrast between Britain and Afghanistan, the contrast between civilian and army life. For that?s what took him to Afghanistan: the war. ?When you?re out there, it?s 24/7 for seven months, ? James explains. For soldiers on tour, there?s no going out or popping down the pub; you are confined to a check point (or ?CP? as James says) simply because outside is not safe. ?You do get ?down time? but even then you have your periodic watches,? he says, laughing as he recounts his squadron?s attempts to beat the boredom by building make-shift ping-pong tables and volley ball nets.

When I asked him what he missed the most, James took his time to answer and then opted for ?Mum?s cooking… especially roasts.? With James walking me through the monotony of the necessary routine, I started to realise how tough it is for the soldiers out there, not just because of the combat, but even day-to-day living is a test of character. And if that?s not enough, he grumbles ?there?s no alcohol and the showers are cold!?

As the conservation moves on, it becomes clear that the difference between civilian and army life isn?t the only contrast. Being in Afghanistan, he explained, was a more relaxed military experience than the training in Britain. ?Over there, you?re almost left to your own devices. Whereas back here in England, you?re made to clean your gun every day. Then it?ll be inspected. But out there you?re just expected to do it. You?ve got to make sure your gun fires. It?s your responsibility.? So maybe ?relaxed? isn?t quiet the right word; it?s more of a collective acknowledgement of the serious situation the young soldiers are in, and a collective responsibility because of this. This bond between the soldiers is a running theme during our conversation.

?The adrenaline rush?

Coming from a family rooted in the military (Both James’ parents were in the army and as a child he moved around with them to different postings), it is no wonder that he went into the force himself. ?Its what I?ve always wanted to do,? he simply states, recounting a scene of imaginary woodland battles, chasing round with a stick as a child.

After school and an unsuccessful first application to the army, he ended up working at a local shop. After some time there, he finally got the phone call from the Army Recruitment Office: ?And in four days I was at basic training!? Since then, he seems to have thrived in the military lifestyle and although he admits other people may have other reasons for joining, James ?just wanted to go out there and fight the enemy.? He grins and says: ?I just love it, the adrenalin.?

Adrenalin is a word that crops up frequently when talking to James about combat. ?Sure, it?s terrifying when it happens but the training kicks in and everyone knows where they?re supposed to do,? he explains. Close to when his squadron was due to be returning home, James experienced his first serious combat. Animated now, he tells me of bullets flying over his head: ?I admit I was scared, but once it was all over and we were out of danger, I was like, I want to do it again!? This confident yet resilient attitude seems a feature of his character and helps explain his love of the army. ?Not all the lads are like me,? he acknowledged. I had to remind myself that this was his first Tour of Duty ? he is likely to be back in Afghanistan in the not too distant future though the plan is for all British troops to be out of there by the end of 2014.

?A real bond?

Through the combination of some serious combat and a somewhat tedious lifestyle, James makes it clear that his friends and fellow soldiers make the experience more than bearable. ?You honestly make really good mates out there,? he tells me, ?and after spending seven months continuously with your squadron you know them inside out.? He goes on to tell me about the sometimes claustrophobic conditions in which the soldiers share everything they have with the rest of the lads because, as he explained, ?….you know they?ll do the same for you.? Nevertheless, he acknowledged that it?s not always plain sailing and that disagreements do occur, which he accepted was probably inevitable within such a confined environment. ?You just tend not to get too involved with people you don?t get on with – just may be politely say: ?Alright mate?? when you pass them but not really take things much beyond that.?

James told me about the importance of teamwork, so vital for survival; the mutual reliance with everyone watching each other?s backs. However, he made a clear distinction between attitudes outside, in the rugged and hostile Afghan deserts, compared to inside, in the safety of the guarded Check Points. ?There?s a real bond but also lots of banter,? he said. He laughs and tells of an incident where one of his team suffered a bout of heat sickness when still a long distance from the Check Point. ?It was all about encouraging him, saying: ? Look, there?s the CP now. Just keep going for a little longer!? in order to keep his morale up. But, almost as soon as we entered the safety of the base, the ?banter? started. ?It could have been any of us,? he says. ?But we ?ripped it out of him? anyway, with things like: ?Aw….! Dear, dear. Poor you!? And stuff like that.?

?Almost like Thame…?

When I asked him about his experience of interacting with the civilians of Afghanistan, James explained that it was mainly the Corporals who were in contact with the people. Though he was aware, he said, that some of the civilians were supportive, remembering how one of the locals had indicated where some explosives had been buried. ?We could?ve stepped on that and been blown up!?

Despite the length of the troubles in Afghanistan, James describes to me some signs of progress in the region. He talked of ?populated little market towns, where it?s almost like Thame, where the local people obviously feel quite safe.? But though he could see some positive signs for the country, he emphasised the need for caution. ?We still have to be vigilant in these crowded towns with thousands of people. Anyone in that crowd could be Taliban.? It was apparent that when outside the protection of the army base, the soldiers always had to be on their guard. ?Well, it?s our job and we?ve got to do it to the best of our ability, which means being alert every minute we?re on duty,? he emphasised.

?I can?t wait to go back?

When asked to summarise army life, ?It?s a lot of boredom and you have to work really hard,? said James. Yet it was obvious that he was itching to go back. Military life isn?t for everyone but for James he describes a place where he has found his niche, and looks forward with relish to the career and future ahead of him. A Private at the moment, he expressed a wish to move on to Lance Corporal and then Corporal. But what about after the army? ?The army will help you out. It?s brilliant! You can get GCSEs or A Levels or a trade such a plumbing or mechanics. I think I?d like to learn all about armoury,? he muses.

The prospect of future Tours of Duty in Afghanistan didn?t seem to faze James at all. ?I can?t wait to go back?, he said. The lure of the battle has always been a draw for young people it seems ? particularly young men, and although modern, more technical warfare may have put a new spin on this, people haven?t changed. Talking to James has made me realise that, despite my personal discomfort at sending young people into military conflicts, an army career can have a positive influence on an individual. For James it is clear, the army has been the best choice he ever made.

Image: Courtesy of http://www.army.mod.uk

THE work of a business from the Thame area is to feature in Sarah Beeny?s new Channel 4’s property show, ?Double your House for Half the Money?. The episode of the series, to be screened tomorrow, September 18, features the story of how a local family set about creating their perfect family home in the village of Easington, near Long Crendon in Buckinghamshire.

Their late 19th century farm worker’s cottage was in a fantastic location, but was much smaller than required for the Croft-Baker?s growing family. Local company, Porter Consulting and Management Services Limited (PCMS), stepped in to project-manage the build which includes a rear extension, side extension and substantial internal alterations.

The number of bedrooms was doubled to four, a family bathroom and large new en-suite was installed and a large and flexible kitchen/dining/living space was created by extending to the side of the house.

The camera crew, production company and, of course, Sarah Beeny herself paid regular visits to the site to keep up with progress, keeping a lasting record of the project at every stage. Being filmed has given an extra impetus to everyone involved to finish on time.

Director of PCMS Alex Bond said: ?It was a very rewarding and fascinating experience to be involved with this project. Everyone, including our own staff, the construction firm, and particularly the family themselves pulled together to meet all the deadlines and the Croft-Bakers now have a beautiful family home finished to a very high standard.?

The focus of the new Channel 4 series is about families maximising the use of all potential space in their existing homes, extending every which way and combining this with internal reconfiguration to deliver larger and more flexible living areas. The challenge is to increase space by up to 100% for much less money than it would have cost to move into a larger home.

IS your child starting a new school? Help is on-hand from Thame Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

Citizens Advice?s Adding Up campaign was set up to encourage schools to help families by following these simple recession-busting tips:

1. If you feel your child?s school isn?t doing enough to keep costs down, raise the issue with the school management team. Draw their attention to the Schools Admissions Code, and keep copies of all correspondence.

2. If you?re not happy with the response, approach the school?s governing body. They should have a complaints procedure in place which will deal with issues such as complaints about uniform policies.

3. You can also raise the issue with the Schools Admissions Forum in your area. Your local authority should be able to give you details.

4. If your school has an exclusive contract with a uniform supplier which prevents you from buying ?off the peg? items at a cheaper rate, ask them to review this.

5. If they refuse to change this policy then they may be subject to enforcement action by the Office of Fair Trading: www.oft.gov.uk

6. If you are concerned that excessive school costs are affecting your decision to send your child to a particular school then you can object to the Schools Adjudicator: www.schoolsadjudicator.gov.uk

7. Suggestions you can make to your child?s school for how to keep costs fair and low could include:
? Making sure uniform is available from a range of outlets
? Providing sew-on or iron-on badges that can be put on plain clothing
? Encourage second hand uniform sales or swap schemes
? Providing budgets for the year in September so parents can plan ahead
? Being transparent about which contributions are voluntary

8. If you are really struggling with buying school uniform or PE kit for your child(ren), apply to your local authority for a School Uniform Grant.

9. If you have difficulties with any of the above steps your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help. Many bureaux are already trying to influence the work of local Schools Admissions Forums as part of our Adding Up campaign.

10. For more information visit: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/addingupcampaign
CAB adviceline 08 444 111 444 or 0300 3300 650(mobile)
For general advice visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
Your local CAB is in Market Square, Thame

SOURCE; Contributed by Thame CAB

THAMENEWS.NET’S’s summer intern, Suzannah Smith, describes her meeting with local Rector, and war-time evacuee, Tom Farrell, who’s first book about his experiences during the second World War has recently been published:

AROUND three million people were uprooted from their homes and transported to alien environments. I remember my grandparents’ stories of being evacuated, but so much of the detail has been lost. I was therefore fascinated when I heard that Tom Farrell of Long Crendon had decided to record his experiences in his new book: Tim Oliver: Evacuee.

The story is about young Tim Oliver from Liverpool who is sent to live in rural Shropshire and it?s no secret that this is really an account of the author’s own adventures: ?Although a lot of the book is fictionalised, said Tom, “most of the action actually happened.? He talked about how he wanted his grandchildren to know what had happened to him, and how he would like all children to know about the experiences of war-time evacuees.

?I wanted to do the War justice,? explained Tom, ?but it is also for children. It?s from a boy?s perspective so children can relate to it.? And in general the story is very positive, but so many evacuees had unpleasant experiences. Was it like this for Tom I wondered?

?I have no bad memories of being evacuated,” Tom confessed. “I left out some bits; for example some of the village lads never took to me and I got up to a lot more mischief!? Yet overall being sent to the country was, for Tom, like being sent to a giant playground.

Although he confesses that he doesn?t remember everything from his evacuation, Tom said: ?I tried to give as true an account of people and places as I could.? Furthermore, the process of writing the book brought back memories and allowed Tom to revisit his childhood. ?There were a lot of tears,? he said sincerely, ?particularly about my late mother and sister, Shirley whose stories I tell in the book.?

Having worked as a rector for many years, Tom is used to writing into the night. ?I think I?ve got the Liverpool sense of humour. That helped me keep going,? Tom said with a chuckle.

As well as this new career as an author, Tom has worked as a school teacher, a Rector and is a former British Olympian. He competed in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games as a hurdler. When I asked him how he thought the Games had changed, Tom said: ?The ethos is the same now as it?s always been, there?s just more hype.? He told me that the opening for the Melbourne Olympics was simply the Royal Marines performing a march around the stadium. When you compare this to the estimated

ANYONE looking for a good read, either to take on holiday or as a bedtime book, would do well to pick up a copy of a first novel by local resident, Elizabeth Bridges. Here, ThameNews.Net’s intern, Susannah Smith, reviews the book after reading it for herself and meeting Elisabeth.

?The Falcon and The Dove? is a new novel by local author, Elizabeth Bridges. This is her first published work even though she is retired and has great-grandchildren. The novel is a love story, spanning the lifetime of Tom Holt, a true gentleman of the 1930?s.

It is the perfect bedtime read, easy to pick up and put down at any point. ?I had a pen and paper by my bed,? Elizabeth says of her writing method. ?I would just wake up in the night with an idea and have to jot it down.? She even carries a notepad with her when gardening. Writing in an almost epic style, with bright theatrical characters, Elizabeth has a very straightforward narrative voice.

Originally a short story of an old man remembering his first love, Elizabeth took five years expanding ?The Falcon and The Dove? into a full novel. I was curious to know what drives someone to break into such a difficult career, so late in their life? ?I guess it?s about sharing knowledge, putting my ideas down. I like the fact I?m passing on something,? she admitted.

Elizabeth’s parents were missionaries in Taiwan, and she seems to have the same drive to impart her own personal experiences. Although she only spent a few years in Taiwan when very young, Elizabeth’s connection with the country has always been strong. ?When I first went there in later life, it was like coming home. Everyone was so welcoming. Although I didn?t grow up there, I grew up with my parents? love of the country.?

Now living in Thame in order to be closer to her family, having formerly worked as a gardener, Elizabeth has since revisited Taiwan numerous times, working as a volunteer.

?Everyone says: ?write what you know? and that?s true,? Elizabeth stated simply. ?I wrote about country life and country events, because that?s what I grew up with. Having lived most of my life in rural Buckhamshire, I can relate to this, and find the old countryside way of life fascinating.”

In her book, Elizabeth describes every event, from the harvest festival to the dances and celebrations, with familiarity and affection. The same can be said of her characters, none of which you can dislike. The novel is broken into four ?books?, which are defined by the time they span in Tom Holt?s life. Initially these were named after Tom?s love interests. Although these titles have been removed, the sense of romantic engagement remains. It almost seems that the novel is a series of love stories, interwoven throughout Tom?s life.

Elizabeth creates in Tom a complex character that epitomises the caring modern day male but is set in a less understanding era. This makes him very appealing to women faced with the harsh gender politics of the 1940?s. Tom?s father is a great influence; traumatized by World War One, he is determined that Tom should avoid the brutality of social conflict. Tom?s character is shaped by love and loss as the reader travels through his three determining, passionate relationships.

Most of ?The Falcon and The Dove? was written when Elizabeth was still working, and so had to be fitted around her busy life. ?Sometimes it?s hard to keep going,? she acknowledges. ?You have momentum at the beginning, and then you have to have the strength not to give up.? Yet determination seems to fortify Elizabeth, allowing her to accept advice without losing her own unique style. This appears to be her life motto and is a theme that runs through the book.

Having ?The Falcon and The Dove? published is a great success for Elizabeth and smiling she told me: ?it?s great to think ?I did that!? it gives you more confidence.? Yet she doesn?t pretend it was an easy experience. ?I sent ?The Falcon and The Dove? off to so many publishers.? She talked of the disappointment of unsuccessful attempts but never seemed to give up. ?You can?t get disheartened. That?s my biggest piece of advice.?

Still buzzing from the triumph of her novel, Elizabeth expressed copiously her thanks to her family for their support and help.

When asked whether she planned to write another book, she simply said ?We?ll see how this one goes.?

IF the company who sold you payment protection knew it was wrong for you, or didn’t check on your circumstances properly before selling it to you, (for example, the policy doesn’t cover self-employed people and you’re self-employed), you may be able to make a claim for mis-selling.

This means that the company has sold you a policy when they shouldn’t have done, and you may be able to cancel the policy and get a refund. If you think you’ve been mis-sold PPI for any reason, you can make a complaint to the company that sold you the policy.

You may want to get help from an experienced adviser to do this. You may also want to use our sample PPI complaints letter to help you complain about mis-selling. Go to the Citizens Advice website: www.adviceguide.org.uk for a downloadable copy.

If you don’t get anywhere with the company which sold you the policy, you may need to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You should use the complaint form on their website at: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

The major banks have written to customers they believe may have been mis-sold PPI. If you have received a letter, it will explain the steps you need to take next.

Finally, beware of companies offering to help you with a claim ? many such offers are a front for a scam designed to get you to hand over bank card details or shell out money you will never see again. Others do offer a service but this can be very expensive and can eat up all the compensation you get, or even leave you in debt. Some cold call or send text messages out of the blue ? these are best ignored and deleted.

Adviceline 08444 111 444 – 03 00 33 00 650 (Mobile)
Your nearest CAB is in the Market Square, Thame

IF the company who sold you payment protection knew it was wrong for you, or didn’t check on your circumstances properly before selling it to you, (for example, the policy doesn’t cover self-employed people and you’re self-employed), you may be able to make a claim for mis-selling.

This means that the company has sold you a policy when they shouldn’t have done, and you may be able to cancel the policy and get a refund. If you think you’ve been mis-sold PPI for any reason, you can make a complaint to the company that sold you the policy.

You may want to get help from an experienced adviser to do this. You may also want to use our sample PPI complaints letter to help you complain about mis-selling. Go to the Citizens Advice website: www.adviceguide.org.uk for a downloadable copy.

If you don’t get anywhere with the company which sold you the policy, you may need to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You should use the complaint form on their website at: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

The major banks have written to customers they believe may have been mis-sold PPI. If you have received a letter, it will explain the steps you need to take next.

Finally, beware of companies offering to help you with a claim ? many such offers are a front for a scam designed to get you to hand over bank card details or shell out money you will never see again. Others do offer a service but this can be very expensive and can eat up all the compensation you get, or even leave you in debt. Some cold call or send text messages out of the blue ? these are best ignored and deleted.

Adviceline 08444 111 444 – 03 00 33 00 650 (Mobile)
Your nearest CAB is in the Market Square, Thame

I got a parking fine after parking in a shopping centre car park. I had bought a ticket and displayed it on the windscreen but it must have fallen on the floor when I closed the car door as it was in the foot well when I got back. I can?t afford to pay the

WHEN I came across Lashlake Nurseries in Towersey I was faced with a dilemma – part of me wanted to keep it to myself, but then another side of me wanted to tell everyone.

The weather was so lovely last weekend that we decided to go for a walk along the Phoenix trail. At the Towersey turn off we noticed a sign for Lashlake Nurseries so as we came of the trail we turned right, instead of the usual left to the pub, and I?m delighted we did.

Lashlake Nurseries is nothing like your usual corporate garden centre. It has a homely and really personal feel to it which made us feel instantly welcome. We tied our dog to a post in the dog section and walked around the small farm area where there were two pigs dozing happily, lots of ducks and a few rabbits. Our little girl loved it!

There was a small gift shop lit up with fairy lights that was full off cards, jewellery and other girly things ? I was in my element. In addition to all the gardening type stuff (I?m not a gardener) they also had a little caf