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  • Key achievements in caring for the Chilterns and supporting local communities

    THE Chilterns Conservation Board, based in Chinnor, has published its annual review for 2016/17 highlighting the key achievements in caring for the Chilterns and supporting local communities to make the most of the many benefits the beautiful area offers.

    Beacon Hill, Image credit: Richard Gillin

    Some of the key achievements, which are only possible because of the support it receives from central and local government as well as public donations and volunteers, include:

    Beacons of the Past – a four-year project to explore and conserve Chilterns Hillforts, commenced this year, with a focus on increasing and enhancing public engagement and education

    The Chilterns Walking Festival, in its second year, which has gone from strength to strength, promoting healthy recreation and encouraging new and existing walkers of all abilities to explore the precious landscape

    The development of the biggest conservation and engagement project in the Central Chilterns to date has been The Chalk, Cherries and Chairs: Central Chilterns Landscape Partnership Scheme. This is a partnership of over 30 organisations which will deliver 18 community, wildlife and heritage projects. If successful with the Heritage Lottery Fund and with raising the match-funding, the Scheme will bring a total investment of around £2.8 million to the Chilterns.

    Spokesperson for the Chilterns Board, Vicki Pearce, said: “This year the Board will build on these successes to achieve even more for the Chilterns and its communities. We are currently working on a Food, Drink and Crafts bid which builds on the successful ‘Taste the Chilterns’ initiative. We are also working hard to get the best possible mitigation on new developments in the landscape and providing expert planning advice which helps secure long-term protection for the AONB. (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).”

    The full report can be downloaded HERE    https://www.chilternsaonb.org/

    Volunteers wanted!

    The Board relies heavily on public assistance and engagement and is actively seeking the support, no matter how small, of volunteers across all projects. If you would like to get involved in helping to care for the Chilterns or to find out more information about the opportunities available please contact Vicki Pearce, Communications Officer at vpearce@chilternsaonb.org or call 01844 355 500.

  • Bell-ringing fair tradition to return for Thame fair 2018

    FOLLOWING the furore on local social media last year over the cancellation of Thame’s September Fair, and some very nasty accusations against Thame Town Council being banded about, it was evidently with great relief that the Council announced this week that it’s full steam ahead – well diesel mostly these days – for the fair to come to Thame this coming September 2018.

    An agreement has been signed between the town council and the Showmen’s Guild for three years, and ‘water under the bridge’ seems to be the view of most councillors. At the request of the Showmen’s Guild, the old tradition of the town Mayor ringing a ceremonial bell to mark the opening of the fair, will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

  • WW1 inspired play will commemorate ‘Ten Tommies from Thame’

    THAME Remembers, the project which has spent the last four years researching the names on the town’s War Memorial and visiting their last resting places across four continents, will be marking the end of the project, and commemorating those who died, in a very special production at Thame Players Theatre in November.

    At the end of August 1914, the local paper at the time carried a report of ten men from Thame who had taken themselves off to Cowley Barracks to sign on for active service. Inspired by research from the Thame Remembers project and written by Thame Town Councillor and author, Catherine Jones, ‘Ten Tommies from Thame’ will be performed by members of the Thame community.

    The production will mark the centenary of the WW1 Armistice, by telling their story of Ten Tommies from Thame, following them from their civilian occupations in our quiet market town, on to their training with the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, and through their WW1 exploits on the Western Front, ending with an emotional homecoming – for those who made it back to Thame.

    ‘Ten Tommies from Thame’ is a re-telling of a part of our local history and promises to be a unique evening’s entertainment. With two performances on November 9, and 10, tickets, priced at just £6, are now available through www.thameplayers.co.uk or from Spear Travels, Greyhound Walk, Thame (01844 217228).

  • Police appeal following Thame burglary

    Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Thame, sometime between 09.07.18 (23:00) and 10.07.18 (07:00) at a property in Marston Road.

     

    Entry was gained via a rear door and a car stolen. Anyone who may have seen any suspicious looking vehicles or people in the area or have any information relating to this message, is asked to call the police via the 24 hour non- emergency telephone number 101.

    Alternatively, if you have any information but wish to remain anonymous, please call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online @ crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • Appeal to dog owners to clean up in nature reserve

    THAME’S Cuttlebrook Nature Reserve is being used as a dog’s toilet, says Thame Town Council, and is appealing for owners to please clean up after their pets.

    The appeal came following an agenda item on Tuesday’s Community Leisure and Recreation Committee to note a report from the Town Council’s Open Spaces Working Group, that measures were being taken to tackle dog fouling.

    Whilst there are no particular hot-spots for dog fouling in the Thame, ‘targeted notices’ are being placed on ordinary litter bins, including those in Cuttlebrook, telling dog owners that they can use them for bagged dog waste.

    “Some people seem to think that they can treat the nature reserve as if they were out in the open countryside,” said the Town Cerk, Graham Hunt.

    “It is difficult to change the irresponsible behaviour of a small number of people,” said Cllr Nigel Champken Woods, “but hopefully these notices will help.”

  • First ever League win for Thame’s lady cricketers

    THAME’S women claimed victory over Cookham Dean in their first-ever match in the Thames Valley Women’s League. Losing the toss, Thame Town Cricket Club’s ladies fielded first and held Cookham Dean to 147-7 in 30 overs, with newcomer Jill Nelson outstanding in the field. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers – Sally Brentnall, Sarah Sanderson , Mel White, Bridget Cooper and Jess Clarke all taking one apiece.

    Victorious women’s cricket team in their first ever league win!

    In reply, Thame looked in command thanks to Beth John (47) and White (30), but a tense finish loomed as Cookham Dean’s bowled tightly. Sanderson’s steady innings, with support from junior Holly Zijderveld, in her first match, saw Thame through to 148 with 2 overs to spare.

    Men’s Firsts fail to follow up last week’s draw

    THAME TCC Firsts fell to a disappointing defeat at home to fellow-strugglers Finchampstead on Saturday. Batting first, Thame found the going tough against strong new ball bowling. With wickets falling at regular intervals, only Beard, Adams and Mushtaq scored over 20 and Thame finished on a well-below-par 149. Mike Higgs struck twice early on but 149 never looked competitive and Finchampstead reached their target for the loss of 5 wickets with overs to spare. Thame travel to Henley this Saturday.

    Seconds slip up at Bletchley

    THAME Town Cricket Club’s second XI travelled to Bletchley last weekend. Batting first, Bletchley started quickly, until youngster Jonathan Jelfs (4-52) made several breakthroughs. However, Bletchley’s batsmen were scoring quickly throughout to propel them to a strong total of 244 from 53 overs. In response, Thame lost wickets regularly, with the only resistance coming from Matt Furness (24), Daniel Patey (23) and Alastair Thomas (28). This left Thame all out for 147, meaning that they slip down to second place. They will look to consolidate their promotion position this Saturday, home to Brackley.

    Convincing win over second-placed Tiddington for ‘the thirds’

    THAME Thirds delivered another strong performance at home by beating second-placed Tiddington by seven wickets and leapfrogging them into second place. Thame made good use of a seaming track and skittled out Tiddington for 56 inside 30 overs. Wickets were shared around by debutant James Olliver (3-7), Luke Hayes (3-8) and James McStay (2-9). In reply, Thame scored the runs quickly as Guy Holmes (16*) guided the team home inside 10 overs. Thame Thirds next play Kingston Bagpuize away this Saturday, July 14 .

    Fourths beaten at Eynsham

    THE Fourths travelled to Eynsham and bowling first, were immediately under pressure. Eynsham’s batsmen declared on an impressive 254-3 off just 32 overs. Wickets were shared by Rob Tomlin, Dan Constant and Sean Hayes. Facing 58 overs chasing, Thame never looked like reaching the total. A Josh Edworthy (34) and Tim Airstone (26) partnership was the one high point for Thame. However, Thame eventually fell short of surviving for a draw – all out for 157 in the 55th over. They next host Abingdon Vale Four.

  • It’s almost here – LET THE MUSIC PLAY!

    THAME Town Music Festival is this weekend – all over Thame.  Starting on Friday evening, July 13, it’s the classical concert in St. Mary’s Church, Thame with Ann Mackay and Jack Gibbons playing a programme that takes us from Bach to Broadway via Chopin, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Gerscwhin and Cole Porter. Also tonight in the Barns centre is the TTMF18 Songwriters Competition Final, where the ten finalists will play their winning entries to a panel of music industry judges to win a fantastic career enhancing prize. This is FREE entry.

    Saturday, July 14, is Festival and Convention day, in venues all over Thame. Check out the poster pictures to see the range of talent playing!.

    Festival Chairman, Simon Davidmann, is very excited about the event and offered the following good advice: “We are very pleased to be able to include some new venues to host music and I encourage you to walk around Thame and visit as many of the venues as you can, especially the places you don’t normally go. You may be surprised at just how much variety and quality this town has.

    “I also urge you to visit at least one of the Convention sessions in the Barns Centre. These are also FREE. We have some of the music industry’s leading speakers giving advice and ‘war stories’ from the perspective of the artists, Managers, Producers, record companies, festival directors and more. It’s not just for musicians; anyone who likes a good story or to hear sound advice will be highly entertained.

    “The music should be incredible. I’m thrilled we have such a strong line-up and are able to showcase so many styles. The Classical concert is a real coup for us, as is being able to attract such a quality list of performers. Personally, starting with Bach and finishing with Dr Feelgood sounds like the perfect weekend to me.”

    It does to us too and we wish this fantastic Free Festival and all its visitors a magical and musical weekend!

    http://www.thametownmusicfestival.org/

  • Are you being watched when putting valuables in your car boot?

    THAME’S Community Policing team have reported a sharp increase in thefts from motor vehicles during the past two months.

    Offender breaking into a parked car (for illustrative purposes only)

     

    They are advising people not to leave valuables on view and to be especially mindful when parking in remote locations or busy areas that there is a possibility that you may be being observed whilst you place all your items of value in the boot of your vehicle.

    • Always ensure that items of value are not left on display.
    • Try and place any valuable items in the boot before reaching your destination or take them with you.
    • Do not leave electronic devices in sleep mode or on standby in your vehicle. They can be detected!
    • Be mindful that you could be being watched.
    • Ensure that your vehicle is actually locked by trying the door handles. Key fob blockers are available online.
    • Be vigilant and report any suspicious people or vehicles by calling 101

    NOTE: You can read more about policing priorities and actions for our neightbourhood, including Anti-social behaviour, and burglaries, HERE 

  • Climb every mountain – especially if it’s for a good cause

    SUPER fit Financial Controller of local online training provider Me Learning, at Nether Winchendon near Thame, Alex Wall Morris, excelled herself this weekend by taking on the gruelling Three Peaks challenge.

    Raising much needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), Alex and the team from Fitlife raised almost £3,000 thanks to their incredibly adventurous quest.

    “For a while I’ve been training at Fitlife – a boutique fitness facility in Haddenham,” explained Alex, who lives in Chearsley. “Its great fun and the team there are so encouraging. When the three Peaks Challenge was suggested I didn’t hesitate, especially in aid of such a great cause. It was exhausting but mind-blowing at the same time! I’m still recovering but fortunately my colleagues at Me Learning have been hugely supportive.”

    The three peaks challenge involves climbing the UKs highest peaks in under 24 hours – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and finally Snowdon. Sleeping in a mini bus in between hikes, each climb took 4-5 hours, and some of it at night with headlamps! Whilst the rest of the UK were enjoying balmy sunshine they trekked through snow as they conquered Ben Nevis.

    Not only is the Three Peaks Challenge seen as a great test of physical ability but also, a huge mental challenge. Furthermore with a team 34 it was critical that as they travelled up and down the mountains as a group, no-one was left behind. For further information and details visit https://www.threepeakschallenge.uk/national-three-peaks-challenge/

  • Much improved tally for Thame’s Cricketers

    THAME Town Cricket Club hosted Oxford last weekend, June 30, in a crunch clash, sponsored by J Bennett & Son. Oxford’s openers both fell just short of 50’s but gave Oxford an excellent platform. Thame fought back well through Andy Russell (4-74) and Hassam Mushtaq, who took 6-54 in a fine spell of legspin bowling. Oxford made 247 on a turning wicket. In reply, Thame were soon 65-4 and staring down the barrel. It took a stoic innings from skipper Mike Beard (44*) to stop the rot but when Mushtaq (66) proceeded to launch a blistering counter attack, the most unlikely of victories looked possible. Eventually Thame finished on 184-7 to secure a draw. They entertain Finchampstead this Saturday.

    Hassam Mushtaq, who put in an outstanding all-round display for the Firsts against Oxford

    Seconds stay Top of the Table

    THAME Seconds travelled to play third-placed Tiddington. Electing to bat, early wickets put Thame on the back foot but Harry Thomas (41*) rebuilt, allowing Jack Aston (34) to accelerate. Thame finished up on 202 for 8 from the 53 overs. In reply Tiddington started slowly against tight bowling from Matt Ridgeway (2-23) and Adam Phippen. With pressure building, the wickets came for spinners Dan Patey (5-47) and Ali Thomas (3-13). Picking up 25 points, bowling Tiddington out for 140 with 1.1 overs to spare, keeps Thame top of the league. This Saturday, July 7, they travel to take on Bletchley Firsts.

    Third XI beat the leaders !

    THAME thirds convincingly beat top-of-the-table Bletchley Town Seconds by 80 runs to keep them third in Division Nine. Thame were put in and Justin Avery (43) and George Patey (30) got Thame off to a flyer. In the middle order, Liam Evans (49) and Sam Nicholls (38) piled on the runs, in the heat, declaring on 236 for 8. After tea, only opener Ifthikar (39) was a real threat for Bletchley, all out for 156. Main wicket-takers were Ben Buckland (2) and Vim Desai (4). Thame next entertain second-placed Tiddington on Saturday.

    Fourths win on the road at Abingdon

    THAME Fourths travelled to play Abingdon Fourths, who batted first. Despite a first-wicket stand of 86, Abingdon were all out 177, thanks to Ed Mather (5-52) and Tony Barnes (3-35). Thame also made a good start of 82, through Nick Fuller (52) and Tim Dabbs (33). Backed up by Max Muncaster (20) and Dan Hart (19), Thame won with nine overs to spare. This Saturday, the fourths travel to promotion- contenders Eynsham.

    Thame women victorious against Maidenhead and Bray

    THE performance of Thame’s Women’s cricket team matched the mercury rising on a scorching Sunday afternoon, July 1, in a home friendly against Maidenhead and Bray, reaching 225 in their highest run-total yet, leaving their opponents melting with 163. Highlights of the Thame innings came from Beth John, smashing 30* in each of 2 innings, Mel White (30) and Bridget Cooper (30). Runs also for Claire Morris, Vicky Shaw, Gill Kelleher and Clare Seed. In the M&BCC innings there were wickets for John, Cooper and Budde-Manning.