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  • Towersey reveals 2019 festival line-up

    HOTHOUSE Flowers, Seth Lakeman, Steve Harley, and The Unthanks are among the acts headlining the 55th Towersey Festival.

    The annual four-day folk and roots festival, from 23-26 August 2019, on Thame showground also boasts appearances from folk rock legends, Oysterband, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Two-Tone heroes, The Selecter, and shanty singers Fisherman’s Friends.

    Former buskers, Hothouse Flowers hit the international stage when Dublin hosted the Eurovision Song Content in 1988. Since performing as an ‘interval act’, they’ve forged a reputation as a blistering live band, combining rock, soul and folk.

    Steve Harley emerged from the London acoustic scene in the early 1970s and set the charts alight. A contemporary of Bowie and T Rex, his hits have included summer anthem, Here Comes The Sun, and the enduring Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me).

    Five years from his last appearance at the festival, Seth Lakeman arrives in the wake of an acclaimed globe-trotting stint as part of Robert Plant’s Sensational Space Shifters. Expect to hear tracks from across the West Country musician’s career, including ninth album, The Well Worn Path.

    Remarkably, The Unthanks first ever live gig was at Towersey in 2004. Fifteen years on, and the Mercury Prize-nominated band have established themselves as one of contemporary music’s most inspiring, surprising and enquiring acts.

    Also returning are Fisherman’s Friends. A huge success with audiences at 2018’s festival, the story of their incredible rise from Port Issac’s quayside to the UK album charts has now been turned into a film starring James Purefoy and Daniel Mays (in cinemas from March 15, 2019).

    Others joining the line-up include Welsh/ African duo, Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita, winners of the Roots Album of the Year 2018, Critics Poll; Show Of Hands’ guitarist Steve Knightly; BBC Scots Trad Music Award 2018’s Best Live Act, Elephant Sessions; and representing an exciting new generation of British singer-songwriters, troubadours Beans On Toast and Will Varley.

    Towersey Festival Director Joe Heap, said: “After an amazing 2018, we’ve really set out to capture what people love so much about the festival.

    “As a result, 2019 is one of our most exciting and eclectic line-ups, with some of the biggest names in folk and roots music, from Seth and The Unthanks to shanty superstars Fisherman’s Friends, alongside major musicians from across the British Isles, Africa, and North America. There’s also the usual collection of names, such as Beans On Toast, who may be new to Towersey audiences, but who we know they’ll love.

    “There’ll be loads of other surprises too,” enthused Joe, adding that further announcements are to follow shortly, including details of Saturday night’s headliner and more information about the festival’s celebration of the life and work of musician, tutor, activist and Towersey Patron, Roy Bailey, who sadly passed away in November.

    Established in 1965, Towersey is one of the UK’s longest running independent music festivals. Boasting nine venues, alongside an extensive music programme the festival also features over 30 hours of ceilidh, daily workshops, well-stocked bars, street food, spoken word, film screenings, roaming performers, an acclaimed programme of activities for children and younger festival-goers, and more.

    Tickets for Towersey Festival, which runs from Friday, August 23, to Monday, August 26, 2019, are available now (Tier 2) from £129 (adult), £120 (conc), £90 (youth), £65 (child). For further information, and to book, see: www.towerseyfestival.com  

  • School swimmers through to county finals!

    JOHN Hampden Primary School in Thame, is celebrating today, after a team of swimmers from the school’s Year six, came second overall in the Oxford City Inter-schools swimming competition.

    “They practiced so hard,” said a school spokesperson, “and it paid off!”

    The team is now through to the County finals which will be held on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019

  • Defeat for Thame Utd but no change in league position

    FOLLOWING defeats during the previous week for both sides, this was one of the big games of the weekend in the division which saw Thame United (fifth) travel 70 miles up the motorway to play Bromsgrove Sporting (second). Bromsgrove were undefeated at home going into this game, and have two of the best forwards in the division in Cowley and Gregory.

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    *** STARTING LINE-UPS ***
    Bromsgrove Sporting FC – Brown, Spink, McGrath, Hayward, Taylor, Morris, Dowd, Quaynor, Cowley, Gregory and Westwood
    Subs Used – Hall and Mayuba

    Thame United FC – Hill (GK), Mepham, Lynn, Essex, Jewell, Tutton, Martin, Sturgess (C), Goss, West and Peake-Pijnen
    Subs used – Tack, Murray and Ashworth

    *** FIRST HALF ***
    HT Score – BROMSGROVE 3 – 0 THAME

    THERE was a real sense of atmosphere before kick off and there was surge of large numbers of fans coming through the turnstiles. Literally straight from kick off Bromsgrove were awarded the first corner, which found Taylor unmarked who narrowly headed the ball wide. It did not take long for the first goal whereby Jewell misjudged jumping for a header which lead to a shot on goal which was brilliantly by Hill saved but rebounded to Gregory for a tap in. There was a continuation of relentless pressure and attacking runs by Bromsgrove. This had Thame trying to contain play and drop players back in their own half. On 7 minutes Bromsgrove had another corner which somehow managed to drop to Cowley’s feet inside the six yard box for a simple pass into the net.

    Bromsgrove were spreading the ball wide namely to both Dowd and Westwood who looked threatening every time they had the ball, often needing Mepham and Lynn to block crosses or to make a tackle. Thame’s Goss was working extremely hard trying to get his side into the match pressing all over the field and when possibly trying to attack the right wing with runs of his own. Then from a goal kick by Brown the ball found it’s way to Cowley who dummied Hill and shot the ball to his left to make it 3-0 on 22 minutes.

    One of Thame’s best moments was when Lynn stepped out of 2 tackles at left back and dribbled the ball forward and was able to make a pass behind the defence which lead to a Thame corner. At the end of the half possession became more even with the pace of play slowing down. Bromsgrove managed dominate in the air and 50-50s for most of the first half. Due to excellent defending by the two centre backs of Taylor and Morris it was a difficult task for Thame’s West to create many chances of his own.

    *** SECOND HALF ***
    FT Score – BROMSGROVE 5 – 0 THAME

    FOLLOWING the break Thame started the brighter with Thame’s captain Ben Sturgess leading by example and winning countless tackles in order to get the ball forward. The first chance in the half again fell to Bromsgrove’s Gregory, when a long ball in his direction was volleyed at Hill. There was more disappointing news for Thame when injury forced Mepham to be substituted by Tack.

    Thame’s Goss produced multiple excellent set pieces in the second half. One of which was a corner which found Jewell’s feet at the back post and narrowly missed the post. The combination of Sturgess and Tutton was proving crucial to Thame’s battle in midfield. Due to the pressure of Thame playing at a higher tempo Bromsgrove were losing possession and misplacing passes all over the field. It was a surprise that Thame’s first shot on goal was actually from a goal kick by Hill which had to be tipped over the bar by Brown on 60 minutes.

    Thame followed this up by a cross from the left by Lynn which somehow bounced over the fullback’s head and Goss fired a half volley onto the top of the net which had Brown unmoved.

    In Thame’s search of a goal this lead to a break down the left which was crossed along the ground towards the running Gregory who passed the pass the ball into the net to make it 4-0 to Bromsgrove. Thame still continued to attack with multiple runs by Goss which needed sometimes multiple players to tackle or block him off the ball. Thame produced a further attack on goal when West shielded a ball for Goss to shoot towards goal which had to be saved by a diving Brown. The final goal of the game came in the 90th minute when Cowley dribbled right of Hill and then came back towards the left and fired the shot onto the crossbar and in.

    Following the result Bromsgrove end the week in 2nd position and Richard Gregory leads the chase for the golden boot on 21 league goals. Despite the biggest defeat of the season for Thame they remain in 5th position and 3 points clear of Berkhamstead due to other teams not securing victories this Saturday.

    *** MAN OF THE MATCH ***
    As awarded by Bromsgrove – #3 McGrath
    He produced a solid display at full back both defensively and going forward.

    *** KEY STATS ***
    Shots on target – Bromsgrove 12 – 2 Thame
    Corners – Bromsgrove 2 – 6 Thame
    Yellow Cards – Bromsgrove 0 – 0 Thame
    Red Cards – Bromsgrove 0 – 0 Thame
    Penalties – Bromsgrove 0 – 0 Thame

    *** NEXT GAME ***
    HOME @ The ASM STADIUM
    Saturday 2/2/2019
    Kick Off 15:00 – Thame United V Peterborough Sports

    *** FOLLOW THAME UNITED FC ***
    Website – www.thamefootball.co.uk
    Facebook – @THAME UNITED FC
    Sports Shots – @sports_shots
    www.sportsshots.org.uk/?cat=213

    *** Admission Prices @ The ASM Stadium ***
    Adult £8
    Concession £5
    Child £1
    There is ample free parking at the ASM Stadium. The Club also has a fully
    licensed bar on site.

    SOURCE: Contributed by Carl Catling

  • Dung Beatles rolling into town for Music in the Park 2019

    GET your dancing shoes ready! Music in the Park returns to Elms Park on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Featuring more than 30 performers across three stages, Music in the Park offers music and dance acts across a wide range of genres.

    Topping the bill on the main stage will be the popular Dung Beatles. If you love Beatles music played the way ‘the Fab Four’ intended, then The Dung Beatles are for you. According to Terry Bloxham of The British Beatles Fan Club: “The Dung Beatles are pure unadulterated fun – definitely not your average Beatles tribute band”.

    In 2014 they performed at Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club and more recently performed to a full house at The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, along with pop legends John Otway, Howard Jones and Marillion, in support of the Friars Club tribute to David Bowie and the unveiling of his statue in Market Square, Aylesbury.

    Early-bird tickets !

    Early-bird tickets are available now on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/music-in-the-park-thame-tickets-50692649078. Until the end of February, you can save up to £8 on your ticket. With a wide variety of music and dance on offer, there’s sure to be something for everyone. The event will feature two main stages with live music and dance, and an acoustic stage.

    Have fun dancing the day away or chill out with a leisurely picnic. Of course, there will also be all the usual goodies you’d expect at a festival, including tasty real ales, a wide variety of delicious foods, fun activities for children and adults, and a range of trade stalls.

  • Council commits extra funds for youth work

    THAME Town Counci has agreed to contribute £30,000 extra to £15,000 already committed, to enable the Thame Youth Project Group to recruit a Youth Worker, and to help it to set up out-reach work towards particularly, vulnerable young people.

    Members of the Thame Youth Cafe making pancakes

    A recent report on Thame Youth Services said: “Currently there remains a significant percentage of the youth that do not fall under the sporting or
    uniformed group umbrella and also may require support and positive influences to reduce antisocial behaviour. This gap has recently been recognised by the local Neighbourhood Policing team.

    “Today a large part of Thame youth are under served, leaving potentially vulnerable young people open to negative influences. As an upper middle class town we often focus on the “nice” aspects of our society. It is clear that behind many doors life for our young people is not so good and as a community we should be reaching out to help. By TTC and TYPG coming together we can make a difference in a positive way to the young people of Thame.”

    Thame Youth Project Group is a voluntary team dedicated to providing an environment where the young people of Thame can engage and speak freely and obtain advice from positive role models. Currently the TYPG provides two Youth Cafés in loaned church premises, one for school years 7-9 and another for years 10 -11. These are both free to attend. Also, the TYPG will be working with Thame Town Council to try to find a more permanent venue.

  • Appeal for witnesses after fatal crash in Thame

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a double fatal collision in Thame, in which a man from Thame died.

    Shortly before 9.20am yesterday (26/1) a collision occurred between a black Mini and a white Volkswagen Golf on the B4445 Chinnor Road, Thame.

    Sadly the driver of the Mini, a man in his twenties from Thame, died at the scene of the collision.

    A woman in her fifties from Malvern, who was a passenger in the white Golf, also sadly died at the scene.

    Their next of kin have been informed and their families are being supported by specially trained officers.

    A woman and a man have also been taken to hospital in a serious condition. A boy also suffered minor injuries. They were all occupants of the Golf.

    Inspector Simon Hills of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit based at Bicester, said: “This was a collision that has sadly resulted in the deaths of two people and serious injuries to two others. Our thoughts are with their families at this very difficult time.

    “Our officers continue to support them.

    “We are carrying out an investigation and are asking any members of the public who witnessed this collision to please come forward to assist us in our enquiries.”

    “Anyone with dash-cam footage or anyone who may have seen either of the vehicles prior to the collision are also asked to contact us.

    Anyone with information should call 101 or go to our website and quote reference 371 26/1/19.

  • Crash victim’s journey from death bed to desert marathon

    IT will be 10 years to the day this April 7, 2019, since a terrible drink-driving car crash left a young Thame man’s life hanging on a thread, and another passenger in the car dead.

    Joe Robinson in a medically induced coma back in 2009

    Since the crash (REPORT HERE), Joe Robinson, with the support of his family and skilled medical staff, has achieved a most remarkable and unexpected rehabilitation. To mark the anniversary, Joe and his sister Grace will be running the extremely arduous Marathon des Sables, to raise funds and awareness for Spinal Injury. LINK

    In the following, Joe talks about the enormous undertaking he and Grace have set themselves, considering the damage done to his body in the crash, but how they have chosen to do it in recognition of the ‘selfless professionalism and dedication’ of everyone involved in his recovery and all those affected by spinal injuries.

    The Robinson family want Joe’s extraordinary story told, not just to raise awareness but as a final chapter to such and long journey of recovery.

    Joe Robinson – from Death Bed to Desert Runner

    April 7th, 2009 : I was given a 3% chance of making it through the first night I was in hospital. My parents had to say goodbye to me not once, but twice.
    I was in an induced coma in an intensive care unit for a month with a broken back in three different places, a broken neck in two places, a fractured skull across half the diameter of my head, my lungs had collapsed and on top of these injuries, I needed two emergency brain operations. Whilst in the coma, I contracted MRSA, pneumonia and meningitis.

    …… Fast forward exactly 10 years…….

    April 7th, 2019 – I will be on the second day of running across the Sahara, taking part in “The Toughest Race on Earth” – the gruelling Marathon des Sables (https://marathondessables.co.uk). This is a 250+km footrace across the toughest terrain on earth. Completely self-sufficient, I shalll have six days to complete this huge challenge accompanied by my younger sister Grace. Temperatures will exceed 40 degrees, water is rationed, and I shall have to take and carry all my clothes, food, cooking equipment and essential medical kit.

    ……Back to my story and the long, 10 year recovery……

    My parents were told I was going to die twice. Four weeks later, they were told I was going to be blind and never walk again. The family were told my traumatic brain injury would leave me with life changing neurological problems. I was informed, I was going to need treatment for the rest of my life and so my Mum began preparing to be my carer for life.

    With the help of the heroes at The John Radcliffe Hospital, my incredible friends and family, I never gave up hope. I was unwilling to accept what had not been proven and with hope and determination, I set about embarking upon a recovery that has taken up every minute of these past 10 years.

    My life changed for so many reasons in those early hours of 7th April 2009. There have been so many dark moments, but so many moments of hope and inspiration. I followed the amazing progress of Richard Hammond and James Cracknell (both of whom have suffered traumatic brain injuries) and this
    inspired me to keep going, to keep challenging myself and to keep challenging the hospital experts, and, most of all, to never give up. I really hope others, and I truly believe they will, can follow my story and be inspired to keep going, to have belief in ones’ self and your friends, but most of all to never ever give up.

    My recovery

    After two long months in hospital, my road to recovery really has been everyday over the last 10 years. My recovery will continue long after the Marathon des Sables. I have had treatment from neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, orthopaedic surgeons, the list goes on. From being so poorly and so dependent on so many people, to taking on what James Cracknell has called “The Toughest Race on Earth” (exactly10 years later), I hope this endeavour in the Sahara can be a truly remarkable moment for me to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has helped me on this tough and challenging road of recovery.

    Joe Robiinson after his cycle ride from Paris to Oxford, with brain surgeon, Richard Kerr, who saved his life

    In the last 10 years, my most memorable moments have included:

    • Learning to walk again 4 months after the car accident having been told I
    would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.
    • Cycling from Paris to The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford less than a year
    after the car accident and raising £38,000 for the hospital.
    • Going to Exeter University, just 18 months after the car accident,
    obtaining a 2.1 degree in Geography.
    • Receiving the Deans Commendation for “outstanding performance under
    exceptional circumstances” at the end of my second year at university
    • Receiving the Deans Commendation for “outstanding performance under
    exceptional circumstances” in my third and final year – becoming the
    only student ever to have won the award twice.
    • Successfully completing a Master’s degree at Oxford Brookes University.
    • Running in the Olympic Torch Relay with the Olympic Torch in 2012.
    • Setting up a small fundraising organisation called JR4JR – raising the
    awareness of brain injuries and raising money for the John Radcliffe
    Hospital, Oxford.

    Grace and Joe Robinson in training for the challenge ahead of them

    Personally, my heartfelt wish is for everyone that has supported me over these years to be proud of me and I sincerely hope this can be a symbol for how grateful I will always be to everyone who has helped me over the last 10 years …each and every moment over these past 3,650 days.

    To donate throughto Joe and Grace’s Justgiving page link HERE

  • Run, have fun and help victims of Stroke

    WHAT’S your new year’s resolution? Looking to shed a few pounds, aiming to be a bit healthier or just looking for something fun to do with friends?

    RESOLUTION RUN London 2019, to raise funds for the Stroke Association, will be taking place at Clapham Common, London, on March 10, 2019 – just the very thing to get you motivated !

    The money raised will go to support stroke survivors. The Stroke Association works to prevent stroke, support everyone touched by stroke, fund research and campaign for the rights of stroke survivors of all ages.

    Details

    The start time is 11am and runners can choose between a 5k, 10k or 15k route. There are another 32 runs taking place all across the UK offering 5k, 10k and, in most cases, 15k runs and all for a great cause; more details can be found on the event website resolutionrun.org.uk

  • Your Carnival needs you!

    THE organisers of the Thame Carnival, 21st Century, are beginning to plan for this year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2019, and the theme will be Save Our Planet –all about recycling, reusing etc.

    Thame Town Council’s ‘Save the bees’ entry in last year’s Thame Carnival

    The first meeting of the organisers will be on Wednesday, January 30, at 7.30pm at Racquets Fitness Centre, and as ever, for this great community event on Thame’s calendar, the carnival needs a team of about 12 to run smoothly and then around 100 helpers on the day.

    So, if you’ve got a bit of time spare and you want to influence how great the Carnival will be this year, then you would be welcomed to go along to the first meeting, on January 30, to find out how you could be of help.

    Lots of jobs with all different skills will need to be done – so the Carnival particularly needs people with any one of the following experience :

    1. Admin
    2. Creative
    3. Eloquent
    4. Manual labour
    5. Random skills !!! (What can you offer?)

    Anyone who would like to find out more, or to let the team know you would like to go along to the meeting, email: thamecarnival@gmail.com

    Book a stall or float

    If you would like to have a stall or a float or to advertise in the programme or with banners around the ground, then please do go to thamecarnival.co.uk and make your bookings.

    There have already been two stalls booked !

    If you have any particular grand ideas for this year’s carnival please do come along to the first organising team meeting 7.30pm on 30th January at Racquets Fitness Centre.

    Any questions please contact thamecarnival@gmail.com.

  • Car fire closes Motorway

    THE driver of a car had a lucky escape yesterday, Tuesday (January 22), when the car caught fire between junctions six and seven on the M40.

    David Bray, of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Upon arrival, crews were faced with a car fire on the hard shoulder. The incident was brought under control quickly and safely by fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus, using high pressure hosereels. The northbound carriageway was closed for approximately 20 minutes due to the smoke and steam from the vehicle obscuring the carriageway.

    “The driver of the vehicle told the crews that strange noises were heard coming from the engine, followed by smoke coming out from under the bonnet. Fortunately the driver managed to get the car to the relative safety of the hard shoulder and got out before the fire started spreading to the passenger compartment.

    “Thames Valley Police and Highways England were also on scene and helped the Fire and Rescue Service by assisting with the road closure and then, once the carriageway could be re-opened, controlled the flow of traffic ensuring the scene was kept safe for fire crews to operate.”

    Watch Manager, Nick Windsor from Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service, who was the incident Commander, said: “The driver of vehicle was very quick to react to the situation, bring the vehicle to the safety of the hard shoulder and thankfully, no one sustained any injuries. These incidents are rare but have the potential to be of a serious nature. Drivers should ensure that they get their vehicles serviced regularly. Drivers passing this type of incident should also ensure that, where possible, they try to keep their distance from the scene.”