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Category: Thame news

  • Thame Rotary teams up with local businesses to support good causes

    LAST year Thame and District Rotary met with some local business leaders to discuss how they might work together to support the local community. A suggestion from Andrew King, Director of Richardsons Accountants, resulted in the concept of the Rotary’s Business in the Community Programme.

    Thame business supports Rotary volunteering project at Blue Cross

     

    The scheme involves volunteers from local businesses joining employees from other businesses, during company time, to undertake community projects. Rotary identifies projects through its links with local authorities, local charities and other similar organisations, projects which are generally of a practical nature requiring a different skill set to those used during the volunteer’s normal work.

    Andrew King said: “We are thrilled that so many other businesses in Thame have chosen to support our initiative. It was created as a result of us being founder members of Reciprocate, which is a group of businesses that are working together to improve the lives of people in Oxfordshire. The formation of the group grew from an idea from Tony Stratton, during his term as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 2014/15, with the official launch of Reciprocate on March 15, 2016 at the Ashmolean in Oxford. It is a great idea from Reciprocate, but none of it would have happened without the enormous support of John Singer, Thame Rotary’s President, who has worked relentlessly with the businesses and community in Thame to make this such a success.”

    John Singer himself said: “I was overwhelmed by the response from businesses I visited, as almost all of them immediately confirmed their support. In fact, I soon stopped as there was a danger we would have too many!”

    The companies who are supporting the scheme this year are Kubota Ltd, Lightfoots Solicitors, Lucy Electric Ltd, Oxfordshire Golf Hotel & Spa, Richardsons Chartered Accountants and Waitrose and from their employees volunteering to do the work.

    The first project undertaken was at Lewknor’s Blue Cross where two very enthusiastic groups of volunteers from Lucy Electric Ltd and from The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel and Spa, Lightfoots Solicitors and Richardsons Chartered Accountants redecorated the staff room and vets’ offices on April 19 and 20. During the first day the rooms were prepared including removing wall fixings, repairing walls and sandpapering. During the second day the walls were repainted with emulsion and radiators glossed.

    Clare Cruttenden, Centre Manager of Lewknor Blue Cross, said: “We’re really proud of the facilities that we have for our pets, but the areas used by the team for breaks and to work in were looking tired. Having these rooms painted makes a huge difference to the dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work hard to care for homeless pets, giving them more pleasant places to work and take well-earned breaks. We’re very grateful to Thame and District Rotary and the volunteers from local companies for making this possible.”

    The monetary value of this first project is estimated at around £2,000 to Blue Cross however, the benefits have not been solely financial. The community has benefited by their being an additional voluntary resource, businesses have been able to contribute to their own community, volunteers have networked with colleagues and employees from other local companies and some have even learned new skills.

    “We pride ourselves in being proactively involved in the local community, commented John Griffith, CEO at Lucy Electric and are delighted to be able to support the Thame and District Rotary Club by providing a team of volunteers to support this worthwhile initiative.”

    Jack Armstrong and Bill Heritage of Richardsons Chartered Accountants working on Blue Cross said: “It was great to get involved with this fantastic cause. You don’t always appreciate how volunteering can make a difference, especially when the staff are so dedicated to providing such excellent care to the animals. It’s evident what great work Blue Cross are doing, as a couple visited all the way from Southampton to adopt a dog that had been cared for by the team. We were more than happy to help. “

    John Singer added: “The programme has exceeded all his expectations. It seems to have been of great value to the community, and attractive to local businesses and their employees. Thame and District Rotary, with its established links in the community, was ideally positioned to facilitate the programme. This is a perfect example of how Rotary and Businesses, working together, can make things happen and we intend this will be a regular event. This programme is unique in as much that the teams of volunteers are formed from employees from different companies.”

    John concluded:” We are looking forward to undertaking our next two projects at Chilworth SEN School and Thomley. In the future we plan to promote the scheme to attract additional companies and would invite charities and similar organisations who have suitable projects to contact Rotary on www.thame.rotary1090.org or connect with us via www.facebook.com/thamerotary .“

  • Green Living Event with Giant Swap Shop

    SATURDAY’s Friends if the Earth Green Living Event presents a great opportunity to swap goods, sell or buy a second-hand bike, swap seeds or plants and enjoy a variety of information and presentations on Green Living.

     

     

    Organiser, Maureen Dyroff, of Thame and Chinnor FOE explained: “A Swap Shop is a unique way of recycling and reusing unwanted goods, things that you don’t use anymore but you don’t want to see ending up in the landfill site. Most of us will have items that we don’t want or use, but they are just too good to throw away. Here is your chance to see them being used by someone else, which is much more satisfying than throwing them out.”

    ONLY GOOD CONDITION ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Just take along your unwanted items – good condition only – on the day, and take away anything you see that you want. You can just bring or you can just take. You don’t have to bring to take or vice versa. Everything is free. Everything is donated. Suitable items could include good condition toys, books, CDs, bric-a-brac, linen, clothes, baby equipment, kitchenware, small electrical items, unwanted gifts. It is requested that no items are taken along after 1pm. Small electrical goods with CE mark only accepted.

    Goods left over will be taken to charity shops or clothes banks or recycled if unsuitable for reuse.

    BIKE EXCHANGE and Bike Repair unit

    There will also be a Bike Exchange on the day. If you want to sell a bike or want to buy a second-hand bike, then go along in the morning to see what is on offer. Bikes to sell can be brought along from 9.30am, clearly labelled with your name, contact details and the asking price. Friends of the Earth charge £5 for every bike sold.

    PLANT AND SEED /SEEDLINGS SWAP
    Bring a plant or seedlings or seeds or sundries to swap or make a small donation if you have nothing to swap.
    GREEN LIVING displays and information will be on show, as well as free craft activities for children.

    You can also deposit any of the following items for recycling on the day:
    Household batteries, CDs, used postage stamps, foreign coins, mobile phones, printer cartridges and old reading glasses.

    Refreshments available throughout the day, including cakes and drinks and a selection of home-made soups.
    ENTRANCE FREE
    Organised by Chinnor and Thame Friends of the earth. Saturday 12th May, Mill Lane School … 10am – 2pm

  • Updated: Outgoing Mayor’s charities presented with cheques

    UPDATE – 10pm – The outgoing Mayor of Thame has sent a message to the people of Thame relevant to this report. Cllr Tom Wyse, through Thame.Net, said:  “I would like to thank all the lovely people of Thame who helped me during my year as Mayor.”

    “Due to your generosity we managed to collect a total of £11,748 which will be shared equally by Thame and District Day Centre and The Red Kite Family Centre.

    “Thank you again; it has been a privilege to be the Mayor of the town I was born in!”

    THE chosen charities of the out-going Mayor of Thame, Tom Wyse, has benefited from his fund-raising events to the value of in excess of £11,000.

    At the Annual Meeting of Thame Town Council on Tuesday, May 8, Cllr Tom Wyse presented Amy Spicer and John Hulett from the Red Kite Family Centre, and Alison Champken-Woods from Thame & District Day Centre with a cheque of £5,874 each, making his fundraising total an impressive £11,748.

    Throughout his year in office, the Mayor held many fundraising events in aid of his charities, including a cinema evening, music concert, golf day, bowls match, and a snooker tournement.

  • New Mayor confident that Thame will ‘overcome all challenges’

    ON Tuesday, May 8, Thame Town Council elected Cllr Ann Midwinter to be the Mayor of Thame for the coming year, and Cllr Linda Emery, for the second year running, as Deputy Mayor.

    The new Mayor of Thame, Cllr Ann Midwinter (Right) and her Deputy, Cllr Linda Emery

    The new Mayor has chosen Sharing Life Trust and Thame Youth Projects as her charities for the year. “It is a great honour to represent Thame as Mayor,” said Ann after receiving the chain of office from the out-going Mayor, Tom Wyse. “I will do my best to do justice to that position. I am sure with a team of hard-working officers and Councillors, we will overcome all challenges that we might face in the coming year”.

    Cllr Ann Midwinter thanked the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress for their hard work over the last year. She will be choosing a Girl Guide Ranger as her cadet, in memory of Mrs Julia Hussey who was involved with the Girl Guide Movement in Thame all her life.

  • Thame’s ‘Local Heroes’ celebrate ten years

    MANY of the 54 previous winners of the Thame Town Awards over the past ten years, gathered at the Thame Barns Centre recently to celebrate a decade of awarding local people for their services to the town, and to recognise this year’s winners.

    Pat Ruxton and Alex Bond but the Thame Town Awards birthday cake together

    Also present were Pat Ruxton, Chair of the Awards panel 2009-2014, and former panel members, Jeni Pilkington, Jake Collinge and Dee Bixley, whose original idea it was to hold an annual Town Awards event. Alex Bond, the current Chair of the panel, was also there to share the anniversary and later cut a special birthday cake made by Nell King, with Pat Ruxton.

    Guests were welcomed with live musical accompaniment from pianist Ian English, a previous Town Award winner.

    And this year’s deserving winners – with extracts from their nominations, are:

    First Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Thame Freight Services – presented by Alison Biddle – to Gill Read – “Nominated in recognition of the vast range of organisations with which she volunteers, including; Thame Good Neighbour Scheme, Thame Museum, Thame Arts & Literature Festival and Thame citizens Advice. She has been a dedicated volunteer & supervisor at Thame CAB for over 20 years, during which time she has helped hundreds of local people who have been facing great problems in their lives.”

    L to R – Vicky Wheeldon, John Hussey, Mayor of Thame Tom Wyse flanked by Gill Read and Janet Shannon, Johnie Littler

    Second Volunteer of the Year Award (Quote: “The entries where so good for both Gill and Janice that the panel couldn’t award one without the other as they were incredible in what they do for the Town.”) sponsored by Thame Freight Services – presented by Iain Biddle – to Janet Shannon – “This individual has been a Beaver Leader for over 20 years. She quietly gives her time, including evenings and weekends, to support Beavers Club, including going camping, planning meetings and attending jamborees….a truly exceptional role model..”

    Sporting Achievement Award, sponsored by Thame Leisure Centre – presented by Dominee Sewell – to Vicky Wheeldon – “This individual is the first lifetime member at Thame Hockey Club, which is also celebrating ten years in 2018. She has been instrumental in developing the junior section which now has 230 members, through coaching, managing membership and administration, and communicating with parents. Her ‘infectious enthusiasm’ and passion for hockey is one of the reasons the club has been so successful…..Described by the Hockey Club as ‘an inspiration’ and their prized asset..

    Service with a Smile Award, sponsored by the Atalay family from Atalay Kebab Van – awarded to Dominic Mutero – “This individual’s work ethic is described as ‘admirable’. He is unfailingly reliable, polite and always has a smile; delivering newspapers for The Chocolate Box in Thame for several years…come rain or shine (and snow!). Described as “a fine example of today’s youth and a great asset to The Chocolate Box… Unfortunately, Dominic was unable to be present at the Awards evening and will be presented with his award at a later date by Resul Ataly.

    Creative Arts Achievment Award, sponsored by Towersey Festival – presented by Joe Heap and Simon Diegan – awarded to Johnnie Littler – “This individual is a musician, founder of Thame’s monthly open mic night (First Thursday Music Club), promoter and encourager of all things music…He is loved by everyone who meets him – he encourages, listens and physically helps anyone who is interested or involved in music…The new Thame Town Music Festival, launched in July last year was a fantastic success and a credit to the town…due entirely to his enthusiasm and vision.”

    Past and current award winners, with the Mayor of Thame, Tom Wyse

    Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Town Awards Panel – presented by Panel Chair, Alex Bond – awarded posthumously to Julia Hussey, received by her husband John, and daughters. “This individual’s life in Thame spanned 84 years, during which she was a Magistrate at Thame Magistrates Court for 25 years; involved in setting up Thame Museum; Chair of Governors at Barley Hill School for 17 years; Poppy Seller in Thame for the British Legion for 40 years; decorated the war memorial in St Mary’s church every Remembrance Sunday; gave her time to Thame Conservation Trust; the Barns Centre; St Mary’s Guild; Thame Housing Association; Thame Welfare Trust; Lord Williams’s Association; the Thame Hospital Appeal Fund; Thame Girl Guides for 50 years….The ultimate ‘people person’ with a unique ability to remember who was related to whom, where they lived, what they did – she was in her daughter’s words – ‘a bridge and connection to our shared past’.

    Following the presentations, the Mayor’s cadet, Jake Newbrook, was thanked for his year’s service by the Mayor, Tom Wyse, and presented with a framed citation.

    A buffet, birthday cake and drinks concluded this inspiring annual event celebrating the community of Thame and those special people who contribute to the life of the town.

  • Record crowds for Thame’s Music in the Park!

    RECORD temperatures, record number of visitors and an even wider choice of music this year proved to be a winning formula for what has become Thame’s biggest day out, Music In The Park.

    Guitar-playing phenomenon, 17 year-old Billy Watman – Image copyright Sonja Francis

    The Mayor of Thame, Tom Wyse, in what was his last official duty before he hands on the mayoral baton, officially opened MITP 2018 at 12pm on Bank Holiday Sunday, and from then on it was non-stop music to suit every taste and age, from the delightful youngsters from the John Hampden School choir; from Thame Pop Choir, to the zany lyrics and wacky renditions (and corruptions) of well-known pop and rock songs from the Boodlum Band. We were treated to rock ‘n roll from the Rattlensnakes (fronted by John Hampden School’s very own rocking headmaster), Folk from Celtic Heartbeat, Country music from A Little Bit Country, right through to the evening with two of the best tribute bands on the circuit, Prof Floyd and the Headline act, the Bootleg Bee Gees.

    Local talent abounded between the two main stages, including First Thursday Music Club regulars, Band With No Name, as well as Indie Rock band, Sinfiction – a band which truly brings to any live event, its very own brand of energy,  great melodies and a just-about tamed rawness (you can probably tell they were my favourite set of the whole day!).

    For a small, market town, there is no doubt that Thame punches above its weight when it comes to the nurturing of musical talent, and the young people of our town did not fall short in doing the town proud; Lord Williams’s Singers of the year showed why they deserved the title and all the young people who performed either alone or together, whether playing an instrument, singing, dancing or both, were refreshing, confident and competent and many bound for greater things. (See Billy Watman’s evocative and memorable While my Guitar Gently Weeps looped, on Ukulele, HERE

    Having to compete with the sounds coming from the two main stages, those performers in the ASM Stage, nevertheless held their own in the more intimate space, an oasis of comparative calm and welcome shade from the heat and sunshine of the main field. From the mid-day Youth Hour – a new concept for MITP this year – to 7pm, some familiar faces to Thame such as Tay O’Lay, 2am Blue and Paul Martin, alternated with some new faces and younger artists, and one particular act that I was sorry to miss but heard all about, Wildwood Didgeridoo!

    I’m sorry for not mentioning everyone who performed at MITP 2018 – there was so much choice that it was impossible to personally ‘cover all bas(s)es’ (musical pun there !) but I know from talking to friends and aquintances there that Thame’s Music in the Park never fails to search out talent o’plenty to keep entertaining, amazing and inspiring its towns folk in an atmosphere of jollity, pleasure, relaxation from our work-a-day lives and above all, a sense of community.

    And long may it continue. Music In The Park deserves all our support, and on that note, let’s not forget to be thankful to the hard-working organising team and the local businesses who, through sponsorship and help in-kind, make it happen. Rock ‘n Roll on to 2019.

    MORE pictures on Thame News’s facebook page HERE

    Please feel free to share your thoughts and impressions from the day in the COMMENTS section below.

    For full details of the line-up, sponsors etc, visit the Music In The Park website HERE

  • New timetable for Chiltern Railways

    CHILTERN RAILWAYS’ new timetable begins on Sunday, May 20th, which will include an extra carriage at evening peak times.

    Chiltern Railways’ train at Haddenham & Thame parkway

    More information and downloadable the new timetable HERE 

  • Elderly residents targeted by fraudsters & other news from the Thame Community Policing team

    WITNESS APPEAL – On Thursday, the April 26, two males offered to complete some roof works at an address in Cotmore Gardens, Thame. The males deliberately caused damage to the roof of an elderly resident’s home and then demanded £250 to fix it. The males made several attempts to get the elderly resident out of her home. One of the males managed to access the house through an insecure window but was quickly told to leave. It is believed the males left in a white Ford Transit type vehicle with ladders on the roof. If these males knocked on your door offering to complete works on the day or you witnessed anything suspicious or saw the vehicle please call 101 with details quoting reference number 683 of the 26th of April 2018.

    VIGILANT BANK STAFF – On April 20, police officers from Thame were called to a bank in Thame from where staff had called raising concerns about an elderly customer who they suspected may be being defrauded of over £12,000 during a 48 hour period. The officers and bank staff worked together to mitigate the fraud, with bank staff managing to reverse over £8,000 of the funds.

    “Another good example of the excellent team work taking place in our local Community,” said a TVP spokesperson in the latest Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter If you are concerned that you are being targeted for fraud or you believe you know someone who is, contact TVP immediately.

    DRUNK DRIVER BANNED AND FINED – On April 10, a female driver was witnessed struggling to park a vehicle in Chinnor Road in Thame. The woman had consumed alcohol and subsequently failed a roadside breath test. She was banned from driving for 18 months and fined over £550.

    EMERGENCY SERVICES FUN DAY – The Thame neighbourhood team are currently organising an emergency services fun day which will be taking place on the Southern Road recreation ground on Sunday, the July 29. This event took place last year and was a big success with many residents coming along and having fun with Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service, South Oxon Fire and rescue service and the RAF. This is a fun family day out where you can engage with different teams from various different strands of the emergency services. Further details of the event will be advertised on social media very soon.

    On Tuesday, May 15, PCSO Diane Jackson will be holding a ‘Have your say’ meeting in the Co-Op in Thame High Street, between 2pm and 3pm.

    You can read the complete monthly, Thame Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter HERE

  • Planned road works – Chinnor Road, Thame

    PLANNED Maintenance work by Thames Water with potential traffic disruption – Chinnor Road, Thame. Reference number: 31067497 – Essential repairs in this area to fix a leak found on the water supply. Start Date May 9, 2018 – End Date May 11, 2018

    Thames Water says: “We’ll minimise any disruption and keep everyone updated as we complete our repairs. Sometimes, we need more time, for example, to get the right permit or permission from the Local Council, however we’ll be sure to finish our works as soon as possible.

    “If we need to provide a temporary supply of water until our we’ve finished our repair work, we’ll find the best options available and let you know what we’re doing.”

    Details and contact – https://inyourarea.thameswater.co.uk/issue?id=D525

  • Amended: ‘Safe Places’ in Thame are revealed

    A Safe Places scheme, aimed at offering places of refuge for vulnerable or threatened people while out and about in Thame and Wheatley, will be launched on May 15, at 10-30 am in the Market Place in Thame.

     

     

    South Oxfordshire District Council’s Community Safety team is working with Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Oxfordshire Family Support Network and local communities to launch the nationally recognised ‘Safe Places’ scheme across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

    What is a Safe Place?

    The Safe Places Scheme aims to help vulnerable people feel confident and safe whilst out and about. If someone is feeling lost, anxious, confused, bullied, abused or harassed they can go to a Safe Place. Safe Places offer support to elderly people, people with dementia, those who may have a physical or learning disability, people with mental health needs or someone who feels unwell.

    How does it work?

    Safe Places are identified by a nationally recognised logo that will be visible on a sticker in the window of participating shops, community centres and cafes. Cards can be carried by the individual with contact numbers on for family members, adult social care and the police. A ‘Safe Place’ card can be picked up from a Safe Place location or by emailing: communitysafety@southandvale.gov.uk.

    What help can be provided?

    If you have a Safe Places card, a member of staff can phone your nominated person, whether it be a carer or family member. But, whether you have a Safe Places card or not, you can go into a participating location and ask for assistance and a trained member of staff will be able to help you.

    Safe Places in South Oxfordshire

    Current local locations signed up in Thame are;  Waitrose, Boots, Thame Town Hall, Esso Garage, BP Garage, AutoParts, Sainsburys, Co-op, Costa, Library. In Wheatley the Safe Places are; Asda, Post Office Wheatley and Moorland Rd Surgery Wheatley.

    To find out where the other Safe Places are in South Oxfordshire please see the interactive map on the national Safe Places website HERE

    If you are interested in becoming a Safe Place, please email communitysafety@southandvale.gov.uk. Premises will receive a resource pack and free training on how to help vulnerable people.