TO celebrate ‘Love your Local Market’, a national initiative to promote markets, the traders at Thame’s Tuesday Market, Thame Town Council, and Thame Farmers Market which joins the main market on the second Tuesday of each month, have a host of fun activities for Thame shoppers to get involved.
These are:
May 1: Live music from Simon Markland at 11am, and the chance to win a free family ticket to Music in the Park
May 8: Free tasters throughout both the weekly Charter and Farmers’ markets.
May 15: Warming you up for the Royal Wedding – come and take a selfie with Prince Harry, and look out for the sweet treats being handed out.
May 22: An exhibition featuring photos from the market as it used to be circa 1900
May 29: Family fun for children hosted by Creation Station
THIS year, Thame’s annual Music inthe Park on May 6, in Elms Park, will feature an hour dedicated to young performers aged 16 and under. The youngsters, who have been assembled by local music tutor and performer, John Reid-Hansen, will begin their dedicated hour at midday.
Maria Karteris who won LWS Lower School Singer of the Year in 2017 – Photos courtesy Elliott McRae
Visitors will be able to enjoy solo guitar performances from Bradley Baker, Jomani Naani, George Boydon, Steven Young, Katie Pollard, Joseph Endicott and Anna Pain. In addition, guitar ensembles from the Crown House School and Griffin House School will perform. Youth hour will conclude with a special performance from vocalist Abigail Feek. Abi is a very keen singer and performer and has been a singer of the year finalist for the last three years at Lord Williams’s School. She has recently joined a signing group at Thame Youth Theatre and is a popular singer at local pubs.
Music in the Park Chair, Chris Fram, said: “Music in the Park has always been committed to providing a platform for talented local performers, especially young artists. This year, we’re delighted to be able to incorporate a special ‘Youth Hour’ into the programme. This is in addition of course to the many local artists performing in bands, choirs and dance groups in the rest of the day’s programme across three stages.”
You can now buy tickets for Music in the Park from the following local outlets in Thame: Thame Town Hall, Wally’s Toy Shop, Vintage and Modern Guitars and the Falcon pub.
To keep up-to-date with news of next year’s Music in the Park event, visit the Facebook page LINK HERE or THE website LINK HERE. Follow Music in the Park on Twitter: @MusicInThePark
PHOTO: Maria Karteris will be performing in the Thame Music Academy slot on the ASM Acoustic Stage
IT’S a busy time in Thame – so much to report to day, so here goes with one of Thame.net’s ‘News in Brief’ digests to bring you up to date with what’s been happening:
NEW Mayor Elect – Cllr Ann Midwinter was elected unanimously this evening by fellow town councillors. Ann was the Mayor of Thame both in 1990 and in 1991. Her Deputy will be Cllr Linda Emery, who was Mayor in 2016 -2017. She will take office from the current Mayor, Cllr Tom Wyse, on May 8, 2018.
Cllr Ann Midwinter – Photo courtesy of Thame Town Council
POLICE report of illegal scrap metal collections from homes in our area. They have received reports of a white transit van. TVP ask that residents remain vigilant and report any suspicious looking people or vehicles, taking down detailed descriptions of the people, the vehicle and registration plates. Call 101 and quote reference 43180116539 with any information or 999 if a crime is occurring at that time.
THAME IS TO GET NEW CCTV CAMERAS but some town councillors are unhappy that that they will not be the very latest, state-of-the-art cameras available, that they feel will serve Thame better than those proposed by South Oxfordshire District Council. The Town Clerk, Graham Hunt, is to write to SODC at the request of town councillors, expressing their concerns and asking if it’s a matter of budget constraints. It was also suggested that a leasing arrangement might be better so that cameras could be updated more frequently.
The statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square
AS THE STATUE OF Millicent Fawcett was unveiled today, TAL Festival has announced that it will be celebrating the centenary of Suffragism with two great speakers, Jane Robinson author of Hearts and Minds, and viv Newman, who has written Suffragism and the Great War. The TAL Festival takes place October 18th-21, 2018.
SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE Charitable Lottery will be drawn for the first time on Saturday, April 28, online via the SO Charitable Lottery website. The community lottery was launched last month by South Oxfordshire District Council to raise funds for local charities and voluntary groups. So far, 53 good causes have successfully applied to become beneficiaries of the lottery. From each £1 ticket bought, 60p goes to good causes and the local community. The rest of the money goes to the prize fund and running costs – the council does not receive any of the proceeds. MORE INFORMATION – HERE
WANT SOME FREE TICKETS TO TOWERSEY FESTIVAL? The festival organisers have a pair of Adult Weekend tickets with camping up for grabs in their latest competition. Enter before the end of April, and you could be in with a chance of seeing The Shires, The Proclaimers, Richard Thompson and loads more for free! ENTER HERE
WANT TO CLIMB TO THE BELL TOWER OF THAME CHURCH? The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Thame, are holding an open evening on June 15, 2018. As well as trips up to the Bell Tower and interesting and informative talks, Bell-ringing demonstrations and organ demonstrations, there’ll be a treasure hunt through the church, highlighting various aspects of the history of St Mary’s Church. The evening is free, refreshments shall be available with a retiring collection for the upkeep of this 13th Century building.
Catherine Jones with her latest novel, outside The Book House in Thame
THE SECRETS OF A SMALL TOWN are the subjects of the latest book by prolific, local author, Catherine Jones. And although LITTLE WOODFORD, the town which is the subject of her latest book, isn’t Thame, it does have a sleepy high street, a weekly market, a weathered old stone church and lovingly tended allotments. “A peaceful, unexciting place, the very heart of middle England.” Catherine was at The Book House, Thame, on Saturday (21/04) signing copies of her book. Catherine happens to be an independent town councillor when she’s not writing books but anyone thinking that local, Thame characters may have crept there way into the book, will probably be disappointed. But this cracking read (yes, I’ve read it, and yes, there is a local journalist in it) is available in hardback from The Book House in Thame, or as an ebook from Amazon.
Pat Shepherd, Chairman, Thame Players, and Simon Vickers, CEO of Rectory Homes
THAME THEATRE’S SPONSORSHIP by Rectory Homes, has been renewed for a further year, with a review in 2019. This follows Rectory’s previous three-year sponsorship of Thame Players which ended in March. Rectory Homes’ sponsorship of Thame Players has two strands. One relates to creative development, enhancing productions through the addition of special effects such as musical accompaniment and lighting, as well as the hire of authentic costumes and props. The other strand relates to improvements to the theatre, such as the installation of a new internal acoustic door (co-funded by South Oxfordshire District Council), a redesign of the theatre frontage (with additional sponsorship from other sources), and improvements to the side access. On the creative side, Rectory’s contribution will help Thame Players host celebrity appearances, often requiring sizeable fees, and build in special effects for forthcoming productions such as Oh, What a Lovely War! (September).
ONE WEEK left to apply for a Town Council grant. If you are a community or non-for-profit group working for the benefit of the people of Thame you can apply for a grant up to £2,400 from Thame Town Council. If your project addresses the needs, aspirations and issues of the people in our community, then you are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. You can download an application form from www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/grant-aid
DIANE Louise Smith of Rooks Lane, Thame, admitted before Oxford Magistrates this week to drink-drinking in North Street, Thame on March 8.
Magistrates heard that she had 68mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, exceeding the limit of 35mcg. She was fined £250, ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £85 court costs, and was disqualified for 18 months.
Banbury Magistrates fined Jamie Eadle of Fleetwood Way, Thame, £267 after he admitted driving without third party insurance on September 5, in Thame. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30, court costs of £85 and was disqualified from driving for six months.
WITH less than two weeks to go before the Lord Williams’s School (LWS) 5k run and obstacle challenge, organisers are hoping for a last-minute dash to sign up for the event which takes place on Saturday, April 28, from 1pm, at the Upper School in Oxford Road in Thame.
Last year’s Fun Run
“Dig those trainers out and get yourself registered now – there’s still time,” explained PTA Chair,Karen Shardlow. “This year’s event is going to be even better than last year, with not just running, jogging or walking involved, but also an obstacle course and brand-new colour station, so prepare to finish looking like a rainbow!”
She added: “As a member of the LWS PTA we’re aiming to raise funds which will buy some of our school ‘wish-list’ items this year, including new whiteboards for classrooms, football kits, iPads and more, so you can see your support will really help to enhance the experience of pupils attending Lord Williams’s School.”
The 5K route offers a mixed terrain – perfect for runners and joggers looking for a challenge or families and supporters looking to soak up some springtime ‘fun in the sun’. With music on the day as well as a raffle and refreshments, it promises to be a fun-packed afternoon for all.
Local business supporters are also lending a hand including Lucy Electric, who are sponsoring all the runner numbers, and Stuart Barr Furniture, which is entering a team to take part on the day!
Karen conclued: “If you’ve got what it takes for a business v business team challenge, then get signed up alongside Stuart Barr Furniture now!”
Entry is £10 per person and you can register online at www.lws5k.eventbrite.co.uk. Sponsorship forms can be downloaded via http://www.lordwilliams.oxon.sch.uk/ or can be picked up via the LWS Upper School reception.
THE Rotary Club of Thame is asking local people to check their sheds and lofts for old or unwanted tools to help people in Africa get a ‘leg-up’ to self-employment.
Reconditioned sewing machines helped thousands of African workers like Susan to become more self reliant. Photo: courtesy of TFSR
The tools can be taken to the main car park in Thame, near Montesson Square, near the Market House, on Saturday, May 12, from 9am to 1pm.
Every year the Rotary Club of Thame runs a collection point for unwanted tools. These are then taken to ‘Tools for Self Reliance’ (TFSR) collection centre in Southampton. Here they will be refurbished by the charity and sent to NGO’s in Africa. The NGOs then distribute them FREE to men and women to help them to obtain work.
All the tools sent to Africa are used to provide training and to equip trainees with their own start-up kits to set up their own businesses after completing training, not only in their chosen trade, but in business management, financial, and life skills.
One such trainee is Susan Anena who is 32, and lives a few miles outside Kitgum Town, Uganda. She started her primary education, but this was disrupted by the civil war and Susan was forced to go into a camp. In 2007 she was abducted on her way to school by rebels and kept captive for six years. She was subjected to abuse, which resulted in her becoming pregnant and having a child. Thankfully she managed to escape, but returned home to find that her father had been shot during the war and was paralysed on one side. Just a couple of years after her return, Susan’s mother died from malaria.
In 2017, she joined a Tools for Self Reliance project run in partnership with a local organisation, Green Ribbon Foundation of Uganda. Throughout the training Susan learned how to make women’s and men’s clothing, alongside receiving business and life skills training. The counselling sessions she had helped her to cope with the trauma she experienced during her abduction. She has now graduated and has learnt a practical skill that will help her become self reliant and support her child and her family. Susan plans to set up her own tailoring business, using the tools she was equipped with when she graduated.
Susan said: “I want to be the best tailor in this sub county. After I fully acquire this skill, it will be mine forever. I want to give the community my very best.”
Items that would be very welcome at the Thame collection point include sewing machines, tools for plumbing, carpentry, metalworking, building, bicycle repairs, shoe repairs and car repairs. Unfortunately, no garden tools will be be accepted.
Rotary International was funded in 1905 in Chicago and is now one of the largest international service organisation with 1.2 million professional men and women as members. There are 33,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary Clubs are open to men and women who want to use their experience for the benefit of others. Rotary initiates local and global projects to promote world understanding and peace and improve conditions for people of all ages and cultures. For more information, visit www.thame.rotary1090.org
THIS month sees the start of a new season of ‘Midsomer’ guided walking tours of Thame, following their highly successful début last year.
Thame’s Midsomer tour guides
Six trained volunteer tour guides took 200 people on Midsomer tours last year, visiting filming locations in the town centre, used in episodes of the popular ITV series Midsomer Murders. Thame is one of the most frequently used filming locations, with 21 locations in the town centre.
Midsomer Murders is still going strong after 20 years, with new filming taking place in Thame just last year. Becky Reid, Market Town Coordinator at Thame Town Council, commented: “Six and a half million people watch Midsomer Murders in the UK and millions more worldwide. It’s one of the UK’s biggest TV exports, and when people see it on TV, they want to come and visit the beautiful towns and villages of Midsomer, such as Thame.
“While they’re here, they spend money in our restaurants, pubs, hotels, and shops – which is good for the town and its economy.”
The Oxfam Bookshop in Cornmarket, Thame, becomes ‘Cover to Cover’ in filming for ‘Vixen’s Run, August 2005 Image courtesy of http://www.midsomermurders.org/
Amongst the Thame landmarks featured in the series are Thame Museum, Market House, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, the Spread Eagle and Swan Hotels, the Coffee House, and the Black Horse brasserie. Thame Town Hall itself has been portrayed as Causton Town Hall. Visitors can pretend they really are outside Causton Town Hall by asking at the Information Centre for a specially produced Causton sign to be hung over the Town Hall sign; perfect for pictures to show your friends and family back home!
Tony Long, coordinator for the tour guides, who are all members of Thame Players, said: “This year the tours are being held on Wednesdays, as this proved to be the most popular day last year, with people from the UK and from overseas, including visitors from Germany, Denmark, Australia, and Canada. We are hoping to beat the number of tour participants this year.”
Tony continued: “The more people we have coming on the tours, the more funds we can donate to worthy causes at the end of the season. Last year we donated over £360 to the Mayor’s Charities and a similar sum to Thame Museum. The guides themselves don’t take any income from the tours, and any funds left go towards admin and next year’s promotion.”
Becky concluded: “These tours are certainly adding a new dimension to tourism in the town, attracting more visitors from the UK and overseas to the historic town of Thame.”
The Midsomer tours were developed from an original tour created by David Dodds, a trustee of Thame Museum. The tours are held under the auspices of 21st Century Thame, an organisation that brings together local businesses, community groups and councils to help keep Thame vibrant and viable as a market town. They began after a successful 21st Century Thame Midsomer Workshop held in Thame two years ago, which recommended a number of promotional ideas to develop Midsomer tourism in the town.
The tours take place weekly until the end of October, on Wednesdays at 11am starting from inside Thame Museum (79 High Street, Thame, OX9 3AE), one of the filming locations. Tickets cost £7.50 each and may be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thamemidsomer or from Thame Museum (open 10am – 4pm Tue, Wed, Sat, and 12pm – 4pm Sun). Alternatively, simply turn up on the day and pay the guide. If the advertised tour times don’t fit in with your itinerary, tours can be arranged for groups of four or more people on other days. For more information, contact Tony Long at thamemidsomertours@gmail.com.
An updated version of the Visit Midsomer leaflet, covering locations in Thame and in neighbouring villages is available free of charge at the Town Hall Information Centre and Thame Museum, as well as at local hotels, pubs, shops and cafes. An online version can be downloaded from www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk, www.thamemuseum.org or www.visitmidsomer.com.
FOLLOWING a report in The Sun newspaper, about an incident involving drug-taking at Lord Williams’s School, in Thame, the Headteacher, David Wybron, has issued the following response: (SINCE this article was posted, Mr Wybron has confirmed that some pupils were excluded from the school)
“In response to the article in The Sun newspaper last week, it was very disappointing to read such false reporting concerning a prescription drugs incident at the school. The report was inaccurate in many areas:
No student was coughing up blood
No student was taken to hospital
No student passed out.
“The truth is that staff were very professional in how they dealt with the incident, recognising that a small group of students were unwell. Paramedics attended our Oxford Road site and parents were contacted immediately. They were very appreciative of how a team of staff supported their children. On the day of the incident, which was Thursday, March 15, the parents/carers of students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 were contacted by the Headteacher with the following message:
“Dear Parents/Carers
A small group of Year 11 students were taken ill this afternoon having taken prescription medication, supplied by person(s) unknown, at lunchtime in Thame.
The students received medical attention in school and are all now safely at home. We do not know if other students may have taken this substance. Medical advice is that we alert parents/carers of Upper School students to what has happened. Symptoms seen today included severe lethargy, slurred speech and sluggish movement. If you are concerned about your son/daughter, please contact the NHS 111 service for medical advice.
I am grateful to the staff members who dealt with this incident in such a professional way. It is a pity the report in The Sun newspaper was not constructed as professionally. The school sends very clear messages to students about the dangers of drug taking and the sanctions of doing so. What we cannot control is the availability of drugs, including prescription medicine, outside school, and the fact that a very small minority of students are prepared to risk taking something, which can cause harm.
David Wybron.”
The report in the Sun Newspaper on April 8 (updated on April 9), followed a press release from Thames Valley Police, reported on Thame.net on March 29, 2018 – LINK HERE
ON April 7, 2018, Chinnor RFC, in their game against Taunton RFC, secured a play off place for possible entry to the third tier of National Rugby.
Photo by Jane Claton
Chinnor needed only one point for the play off place which they achieved with their fourth try after only 25 minutes (report HERE). They went on to score another four tries and a total of five league points in their 45-56 win against fourth placed Taunton Titans.
Matt Willliams, Chinnor’s Director of Rugby, said: ”I am incredibly proud of the Team and my support staff, having secured this play off place with three games still remaining. Our record this year so far of played 27 won 24, drawn 1 lost 2, is outstanding and in any other year in this league would have earned automatic promotion. Cinderford however to their credit have a slightly better record and whilst it is unlikely we will catch them we look forward to the play-off when we will have the chance to make Club and RFU history again and gain entry to National 1, which is the league just below the Championship. This would be a remarkable achievement for such a young club.”
The play off date is likely to be May 5, and providing Chinnor get six more league points from their remaining three games it will take place at Kingsey Road, Thame.
The President of Chinnor, John Ashfield, commented: “We are thrilled that all of the management and squad’s hard work has secured them this fantastic opportunity. We are a Community based Club and all of our many youngsters, players and members will be very excited to see the senior squad continue their march forward.
“This could not have been achieved without the tremendous support of our sponsors who should be as proud of this achievement as we are. It would be great to see as many local supporters and friends as possible at our remaining home games (on Saturday, 14/04, Chinnor beat Bury St Edmunds 28 – 27) to help us obtain the points necessary for a home play-off.
“What a fantastic day that should be for the town of Thame and the surrounding areas.”
