IF you’re looking for something fun and local to do on Tuesday of half term, look no further than Thame’S Tuesday Charter Market for a fun market treasure hunt to help raise funds for the Red Kite Family Centre, as part of Love Your Local Market.
Love your Local Market is a campaign that encourages markets and their customers to celebrate the heart of their local communities through events, promotions, new business initiatives and local participation. The treasure hunt will encourage children to search for different items that match the description on their entry sheets (costing £1), and then hand them in for a small prize, part of which has been kindly donated by Chris Hurdman who runs the weekly sweet stall at the market.
All profits raised will go to The Red Kite Family Centre, which provides both parents and their children with resources and activities to enhance physical, mental and social development.
So get on down to the market, pick up your entry form from the Red Kite Family Centre Stall on the day and get hunting!
Cllr Helena Fickling, the Mayor Ann Midwinter & Cllr David Bretherton
VISITORS to Thame will receive a colourful welcome to Thame following the installation of updated signs at each of town newly located Gateways. The previous signs were reaching the end of their life span, and other factors have motivated the town council to make this change.
Celebrating our Twin Towns
Town Cllr David Bretherton was keen to ensure that Sinaia, Thame’s Twin town in Romania, was represented on our Gateway signs alongside the already featured Montesson. The new sign design, with a separate panel for Twin Towns, will ensure that any future twinning can easily be added.
Including all Thame’s new housing developments
Thame has seen a lot of new homes built over the past few years. The new developments on Thame Park Road demanded a relocation of current signs to ensure that the estate entrances fell within these boundary locations. The relocation of signs along Aylesbury road, also means that visitors to Lea Park coming from this direction pass a Thame sign prior to entering the estate. A new sign will be installed on the Phoenix Trail to ensure that walkers and cyclists visiting the town receive the same, warm welcome – something previously overlooked.
Linking to our Town Flag and new branding
In 2017, Thame Town Council ran a competition for the creation of a new town flag, and the new Gateway signs reflect the colours contained in this new town lag – the colours also used for Thame Town Council’s branding. During the process of re-branding, the Town Council also modernized the historic town crest in its logo and this has also been included in the new signs. For more information about the flag and crest, and the symbols they contain visit LINK HERE
Putting Thame on the map
Because of where the previous signs were, commuters travelling past Thame from Aylesbury to Oxford could have no idea about the beautiful, historic market town that lies behind a fairly uninspiring ring-road. However the new location of the Gateway signs means that everyone travelling past will know they have arrived at Thame, and that it is a Historic Market Town. The hope is that it will encourage them to come in and visit the town, bringing more footfall to the town and support the local economy.
The existing boundary signs have colourful planters located under them (although some have been removed for various reasons over the years). These planters are also used as locations to advertise local events. Not all of the new Gateway signs are able to accommodate a planter which means that a separate project will be needed to establish the need for alternative planters and potential new locations.
So, it’s out with the old and in with the new, but don’t worry – if you miss our old signs, one will be making its way to Thame Museum as a memory of a Thame gone by. A visit will allow you to the opportunity, not only to see the old signs, but also to have a look at some of the other old memorabilia that celebrates Thame through the time. LINK HERE
NOT content with winning the Wycombe and South Bucks League Cup on Sunday, May 5, Thame boys Under 13’s have won the first division title with one game to spare.
Their journey to first place has been an incredible one, winning all of their matches save one, coupled with winning the League Cup the boys and their coaches, Jimmy Key and Andrew Rawlings are feeling very proud of themselves.
Their rise to the dizzy heights of the first division has not been an easy one; they have spent the last few seasons bouncing between the bottom of the first division and the middle of the second. They started this season in the second division before being promoted to the first in January.
You would think they are looking forward to a well-earned break, not this team! There is one title they want above all; Thame Tournament and given their performance so far this season this just might be their year.
COUNCILLOR Sue Cooper is the new Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council. She returned to the council last year after winning a by-election, having served on the council previously for many years. A Liberal Democrat, she represents her home ward of Benson and Crowmarsh and was elected as the Leader of the Council at the Annual Council Meeting on Thursday, May 16.
Cllr David Turner, also a Liberal Democrat, is Deputy Leader and Head of Finance. The new Chairman of South Oxfordshire District Council is Cllr David Bretherton, also a Liberal Democrat, who was voted in at the same meeting. His Vice-Chairman is Conservative, Cllr Elizabeth Gillespie.
Leader’s report
In her Leader’s Report to the Annual Council Meeting, Cllr Cooper said: “South Oxfordshire is a wonderful place for our residents to live, and likewise for people who come here for work or to visit, but we have some significant challenges ahead.
“I will be working with the cabinet to tackle the big issues affecting South Oxfordshire residents in new ways. This includes making sure housing and employment developments are more sustainable, as well as seeking out new ways to deliver truly affordable housing and helping to provide a boost to our market towns and villages so they’re a successful heart of their communities.”
She went on: “We are very pleased to be working closely in partnership with the Green party. And I am also grateful for the help of my seconds in command, David Turner from the Liberal Democrats and Sue Roberts from the Green Party.”
Response to the Climate Emergency
“During the last Council we declared a climate emergency, so we will need to find ways to make sure this is taken seriously during every decision we make. So we have created a new Cabinet position of Climate and Ecological Crisis Response, and it is this position that Sue Roberts, as well as supporting me, will take up. Unlike other Cabinet roles, CECR will look at all areas of the Council’s work and will, I hope, seek to engage with our residents more.”
District Local Plan review
“Many of us believe that we are here at least partially because of the District’s Local Plan. I have already been bombarded with people wanting to know what we are going to do about it. But I believe very strongly we need to take decisions based on facts. With so many new councillors we need to learn more about the background and data behind the Local Plan and the costs and implications of any alterations which are called for.” FULL REPORT HERE
Here is the list of councillors in the cabinet and the areas they’re covering:
Cllr Sue Cooper: Leader, Legal and Democratic, and Didcot Garden Town
Cllr David Turner: Deputy Leader and Finance
Cllr Sue Roberts: Climate and ecological crisis response, and support for the Leader
Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker: Partnership and Insight
Cllr Robin Bennett: Economic Development and Regeneration
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers: Community Services
Cllr Andrea Powell: Corporate Services
Cllr Leigh Rawlins: Planning
Cllr David Rouane: Housing and Environment
Here are the appointments to Chair the council’s committees.
Planning committee
Chairman: Cllr Ian Snowdon
Vice-chairman: Cllr Peter Dragonetti
Scrutiny committee
Chairman: Cllr Ian White
Vice-chairman: Cllr Mocky Khan
Joint Scrutiny Committee
Co-Chairman: Cllr Ian White
Joint Audit and Governance Committee
Co-Chairman: Cllr Mocky Khan
General Licensing Committee and Licensing Acts Committee
MARTIN Wright was born in 1940 and is looking forward to his 80th birthday next year. For some this might mean putting your feet up and having help around the house. But for Martin this is far from reality.
Martin Wright
Martin plays squash or racketball three times a week. His opponents range from 55 year olds upwards. He started playing tennis at school and with his father, who was an enthusiastic tennis player. Throughout his life he has played racket sports, starting with badminton at the Railway Institute in York and the Gas Works in Birmingham.
On moving nearer to Thame, he has played tennis in Horsenden, and badminton in his local village club, and had often found himself still completing badminton league matches in single court venues until the early hours of the morning.
While on contract at Brampton RAF station, Martin was keen to continue with his racket sports but there weren’t any badminton or tennis courts around. This is when Martin discovered squash. He started playing regularly with one of his colleagues and has never looked back. Since then Martin has played regularly in clubs at Winnersh and Basingstoke and just before he retired he discovered Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame. For the past 20 years Martin has been playing regularly with a very nice bunch of ‘lads’ each keeping fit and conditioned by being very active several times a week.
The most unusual place that Martin has played squash was the Sheraton Hotel in Botswana where he played with the now foreign minister, who was then the third top player in Botswana.
Martin believes that the only way to keep playing into ‘the silver years’ is to keep playing regularly. “Never have a break of more than a short holiday. You can get into all sorts of difficulty if you take longer breaks,” he says. At 79 years-old, Martin fully expects to be playing wellinto his 80s!
If you want to start back on your journey to being more active, then maybe you could start with Racquets Fitness Centre’s Healthy Hearts circuits for the older generation on Mondays and Fridays at 11am. Light mobility exercises for 45 minutes and then a cup of tea.
If you’re active but would like to work your heart and lungs just a little bit more, then our Silver Servers racketball group on Tuesdays at 10am might be for you.
There are lots of opportunities at Racquets to become and keep active, and more mobile so why not go along and find out what Racquets can offer to do for you.
Call 01844 261754 to find out more.
THAME firsts started their Home Counties Premier 2 campaign with a six-wicket defeat, at home to Burnham on Saturday, May 11.
Christia Warwick who scored 87 runs for Thame TCC’s second 1X
After losing the toss and being inserted on a difficult wicket, Thame lost early wickets. Tom Bamford (37) and James Adams (39) got the innings back on course, but with a score in excess of 200 seemingly within reach, the lower order folded to an under-par 180 all out.
In reply, new opening bowlers Faisal Ali and Devane Warner started well and picked up a couple of early wickets. However, a near-chanceless innings from Burnham’s Raza Ali Dar (76*) saw his side home with 4 overs to spare. Thame travel to Cookham Dean next weekend
Second XI start in Division Three with a big win
THE 2nd XI were promoted at the end of last season and had a comfortable debut in Division 3.
Asking Horley firsts to bat, they reduced them to 175 all out in 46 overs, with Ali Thomas (4-26) and Dan Patey (4-30) doing the main damage. In reply, Thame reached their target for just 2 wickets in 31 overs, with Christian Warwick (pictured) on 87* and Matt Furness making 49.
This Saturday they entertain Banbury 3rds at Church Meadow.
Third XI make a positive start
THE newly-promoted thirds started their Division 8 campaign with a trip to Challow & Childrey and, losing the toss, were put into bat.
Thame started comfortably before a spell of 6-18 from Betts brought a collapse to 74-8. Neil Smith (31*) and Ian McStay (31) led Thame through the crisis to a competitive 153-9. Luke Hayes (1-17) and Pete Tervet (1-20) started well and in the new win-lose format, put Thame in command. Nick Humphries (3-32), Neil Smith (2-23) and a direct-hit run out by Hayes took out the middle order, putting C&C in a similar predicament as Thame.
Another good 9th wicket partnership caused concern, before McStay took the final 2 wickets – C&C all out for 123. The thirds host Brackley seconds next week.
Fourth XI’s tough baptism in Division 9
THE fourth XI are also newly-promoted, to Division 9, and started against league-favourites Cumnor thirds. The visitors were restricted by tight bowling from Kenny (9 off 6 overs) and Spindler (3-17), supported by Thomson (2-17) and Vines (2-27), but they fought their way to 144.
Thame found the batting chase a tough task, with only Charlie Anderson showing real resistance against a quality seam-attack, and knocking up an excellent 34 runs – not bad for his first game in 33 years! Thame ended on 77 all out, but bagging a respectable 8 points to get them off the mark. Next week they travel to Cropredy thirds.
WOMEN – Super 8 games at Oxford – Sunday 12 May
IN the first match of their Super 8s at Oxford, on Sunday, Thame’s Women did well to reach 230, Sarah Sanderson top scoring with 12. Despite solid bowling from Bridget Cooper, Mel White, Claire Morris and Sarah Sanderson, as well as great fielding by Mags Lightbody, Charlbury went on to score 270.
In the second match, Thame held Oxford to 295 and then, against an excellent bowling side, reached a solid 245, with Mags leading the way with 13 runs.
Two tough opponents for Thame but some great performances nevertheless.
SUNDAY XI friendly vs Oxford Hospitals CC
FINALLY, in Sunday’s friendly, Oxford Hospitals CC batted first, amassing 327 off their 40 overs. Notable tight bowling from P.McDermott 1-28 off 7 overs and Beth John 1-39 off 6. The response was led by Thame’s Guy Holmes with 105 runs.
Good support came from Tim East (23) and Taylor Vines (25) but Thame eventually all out for a very respectable 191.
port came from Tim East (23) and Taylor Vines (25) but Thame eventually all out for a very respectable 191.
A young woman whose body was found in a field near Thame, died of hypothermia whilst meditating outside, the Oxford Coroner has said.
An inquest at Oxford Coroner’s Court heard how Daily Telegraph writer and artist, Florence Waters, 33, had recently become interested in a form of meditation called Vision Quest which involves a spiritual journey of going out into the wilderness to meditate.
Florence was last seen at her home in East Street, Oxford, shortly after 9am on Monday, November 19, 2018.
Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter, recording a narrative conclusion, said: “Florence Waters had a history of anxiety and depression but not suicidal ideation.
” There had been recent deterioration in her mental state and a change in behaviour. This includes an expressed desire to lay down and meditate outside.
“On November 19, she travelled to Thame town centre and on November 20, she was observed walking in fields near Weavers Branch, Thame.”
He continued: “On November 22, about 7:20pm, she was discovered in a ditch that bordered the field at Weavers Branch, the same field she was seen walking through on November 21.
“The medical cause of death is hypothermia, there was no evidence of third party or suspicious circumstances.
“It is likely that she laid down in the ditch to meditate or sleep but died due to hypothermia.”
Mr Salter offered the family his condolences.
A family statement read: “We are still in complete shock at what happened; heartbroken to lose our precious daughter and sister. So loved and so missed. She will always be with us.
“Finally we would like to thank everyone who helped with the search and attended to her subsequently.”
THAME Carnival organisers have announced today that X-Factor contestants, United Vibe will be taking part in the Carnival Parade and performing live on stage afterwards at the Southern Road Fete, on Saturday, June 15, 2019!
One of the band’s members is Towersey raised, Eliott Horne. The band came to the pubic’s attention when they took part in the popular TV talent programme, X-Factor, coming under the wing of Simon Cowell.
Just back from a very successful tour of the Philippines, United Vibe have built a faithful following in this country too and visitors to Thame Carnival will no doubt take the boys to their hearts.
Visit the Thame Carnival Website for full details of timings and information about what’s on offer for all the family on June 15, where the theme will be ‘Save The Planet’.
ON June 12, around 100 elite women cyclists will be making their way through our region in what will be one of the most important women’s cycle races of the season.
Starting at 10.30am in Henley, the race will go through the following location, so road users should be aware that there will be rolling road closures prior to the cyclists going through at these approximate times and locations:
10.30am at Henley 10.54am at Watlington 11.40am at Goring 11.55am at Crowmarsh 11.57am at Wallingford 12.10pm at Didcot
Thousands of cycling fans are expected to visit our area to watch the race, generating lots of unique opportunities for local businesses to get involved and also to become a race sponsors. Local restaurants, bars, hotels, B&Bs and shops along the route can all benefit. Visit the weblink for lots of information about how independent businesses can increase visiting customers, sponsorship deals etc.
AT just 15 years-old, Oxfordshire-born squash player, Chloe Marshall, gained her first England cap representing her country at the 2005 European Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel, and 14 years later, Chloe is still involved with the event, but this time in the role of the coach.
The 2019 European Championships have just completed in Eindhoven, in The Netherlands, at the Squashtime club, where Chloe acted as an assistant National coach to the England Junior teams, who were number One seeds for both the U15 and U17 age groups.
In the days leading up to the championships, Chloe was excited to work with the young elite players, commenting: “I was involved in this event last year and it was a fantastic experience getting to work alongside England’s young squash stars; I’m really excited for this year’s competition in Eindhoven – giving back to the younger players feels very rewarding”. Chloe accompanied 10 of England’s top ranked juniors to The Netherlands, where they were aiming to win their 13th consecutive title.
Chloe and the England Juniors went on to win gold in Eindhoven for both the U15 and U17 categories, making them 2019 European Champions! Next year the event will be hosted by England in Nottingham, which Chloe hopes to be involved with too. Aside from her role within the National Coaching team, Chloe bases herself out of Racquets Fitness Centre, in Thame, where she leads a Junior Squash Academy which sees over 70 children a week playing squash.
Group sessions range from beginners, all the way through to elite, for children aged seven years and above. The coaching team currently work with Thame’s schools, offering their skills to primary-aged children, who they can then develop within the Academy. Racquets Club Owner, Simon Martin, shares his enthusiasm and passion for squash, particularly the work that’s taking place with the juniors. “It’s great to see how the sport is evolving and modernising – it’s exciting to see all these kids coming through!” he said.
There are lots of opportunities for children to learn basic racket and ball skills at Racquets, as well as being offered experienced coaching from Chloe and her team. More information on how to get your child involved can be found on the Racquets website or by calling 01844 261754.
