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  • Agency celebrates 30 years and £60 million into local economy

    A Thame recruitment business, whose three current recruitment consultants have a combined service of 40 years with the company, is celebrating 30 years in business in the town.

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    In November 1986, Suzanne Young started Downtown Recruitment. She saw a gap in the market in Thame and the surrounding area and was confident she could fill it. This proved to be the case, and Downtown quickly became the leading Thame recruitment agency. Suzanne’s son, Steve Young, joined the business in February 1997 and has been running the company successfully for over 15 years. Steve himself recalled:

    Changes over the years

    “Over the last 30 years, the recruitment industry has seen many changes and has grown rapidly. When Suzanne originally started the business everything was record-card based. This was eventually replaced by a database and then specialist recruitment software to help in all areas of the recruitment process. The original local newspaper advertising has now been taken online through the many online jobs boards. Downtown Recruitment still has a large database of locally sourced candidates that contact the company whenever they are looking for a new job.

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1“Over the years, the company has dealt with numerous local businesses and helped to place over 3000 people into permanent roles and around 5000 people into temporary work placements, helping to put more than £60 million into the local economy.

    “The local employment market has been strong since 2011 (after the last financial crisis) and unemployment levels in the local area are currently around 0.4% compared to the national level of 4.8% in November 2016.

    Development brings stimulus to the local economy

    “Due to Thame’s proximity to London, many people commute to work. However, there is a strong local employment market. This has led to a skills shortage in some sectors. Due to Thame’s ever increasing popularity as a market town, the population has been growing. This is mainly due to the many new homes that have been built in recent years and many more that are currently under construction, bringing in more potential employees to the local area. In addition, there has been a steady stream of new business units being built in Thame, Long Crendon and other parts of the local area, bringing in more local businesses and helping to stimulate the strong, local economy even further.

    “Downtown Recruitment looks forward to continuing to support the local economy through our continued business success and to working with many local companies,” concluded Steve. “We also look forward to finding interesting roles for new job candidates and the returning candidates that we have previously found work for.”

  • Ladies returning to squash find #SquashGirlsCan

    RACQUETS Fitness Centre in Thame has this month (November) launched its #SquashGirlsCan campaign to introduce squash to ladies in and around Thame.

    Sue Martin Downhill (left) with her Monday morning ladies class
    Sue Martin Downhill (left) with her Monday morning ladies class

    This is a national campaign by England Squash to show ladies how great a game squash is for them and their lifestyles. Since its launch at Racquets, 25 new ladies and girls have tried out the game. Nationally, 285 ladies have been enticed on to the court. Racquets now has four adult, ladies only sessions running every week, one adult mixed session and two junior girls sessions.

    Eloise Hepple, who is a self proclaimed squash player now, said: “After some cajoling by my friend, I finally agreed to a trial lesson with Sue Martin Downhill and since then I haven’t looked back. I’d forgotten how much fun and how exhilarating squash can be, and I’m really enjoying learning how to play it correctly, having never had proper lessons before!

    “Sue is a dedicated, patient and thorough teacher who has managed to test our mettle every week! I get a great workout with friends and learn something new every time, even if all the exercises feel counter-intuitive to begin with!

    “When life is taken up with the everyday business of looking after small children and always being the boss, it’s surprisingly rewarding to give up the decision-making for an hour and simply follow instructions on how to boast, lunge, volley or serve, or simply run faster around the court. I couldn’t recommend it more.”

    Debbie Evringham was cajoled by the same friend! She said: “I have recently started playing squash again after a 25 year gap. I’d forgotten just what an exciting game it is and really ticks all the boxes as a fun, but full-on, whole body work out!

    “It’s good to have started this time with some excellent tuition from Sue to help me start to play again and hopefully get me to a reasonable standard so I can start to play games with some confidence.

    “Overall, I am really enjoying the game and really can’t understand how I left it so long!”

    Sue Martin Downhill, herself an ex England player, said: “Squash might seem like a game that is ‘too fast for me’ but you’ll soon find that you are as fast as you need to be for it. We’d love to get more ladies playing – it’s fun, indoors and a great workout !

    “So, come down to Racquets and try it out. Until the end of December 2016, the adult ladies sessions are free to everyone if there is one new lady attending. Bring your friends!”

    Contact info@racquets-fitness-centre.com or 01844 261754 for more information.

  • Tools stolen from van in Thame

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following the theft of tools from a vehicle in Thame this morning (22/11/16)

    police-alert

    Between midnight and 06.42am this morning (22/11) unknown offender(s) broke into a Ford Transit (index Y***UHK) on Churchill Crescent and stole two tool boxes and a compressor.

    If you have seen any suspicious looking people or vehicles in the area or have any information relating to this message please call the Police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101.

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

  • Buttermarket closed for sewer repairs

    BUTTERMARKET, Thame remains open to pedestrians and it’s business as usual for the shops and businesses, while repair works to the sewer system are carried out.

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    Image courtesy of Thame Town Council

     

     

    The work is expected to continue until approximately November 29.

  • Mum’s moving plea to drivers every where

    FAMILIES and friends of those who tragically lost their lives in road collisions in the region, attended a special service, on Sunday (20/11), at St Mary’s church, Thame.

    st_marys_church_thameThe memorial service, organised by Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Joint Roads Policing Unit, was an opportunity for members of the public to join the emergency services in remembering those who have died on the region’s roads, or in road collisions elsewhere.

    Family members from Thame who took take part in an Act of Commemoration, led by The Right Reverend William Kenny, Bishop of the Southern Pastoral Area, Birmingham Archdiocese, included Maggie Stiles, whose son Greg was killed when his car was hit by an on-coming 4×4 on the Kingsey Road, just outside Thame. The driver was later jailed for two years for causing death by dangerous driving.

    Maggie Stiles on a happier occasion,
    when she jumped from an aircraft
    to raise funds for charity

    In a moving statement afterwards, Maggie described the event: ” …always a beautiful yet very sad service… so many people killed on the roads each year due to others’ stupidity and selfishness. Please drive carefully….don’t drink, don’t text or use your phone in any way and slow down….another few minutes won’t make any difference to your journey….don’t leave another family heartbroken like ours and all those others at the service today.”

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1Police officers, fire and rescue workers and ambulance staff also took part in the service and were joined by the Thames Valley Police choir.

    It is believed that Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Joint Roads Policing Unit is unique in marking the United Nations Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims by organising such a service to support bereaved families.

    Chief Constable Francis Habgood said: “The Road Death Memorial Service provides great comfort for those family and friends who have lost loved ones in road traffic collisions and it is a very poignant event for everyone involved.

    “St Mary the Virgin Church provides a welcoming environment for the bereaved to spend some special time reflecting on treasured memories and finding the strength to keep pressing forward. The service brings together the emergency services and many families from across the area and it is our way of remembering those who have sadly lost their lives in collisions.”

    Supt Simon Dodds, head of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Between January and December 2015, 68 people were killed on the roads of the Thames Valley. The circumstances surrounding such instances are always tragic and deeply upsetting for all touched by them. In organising this service we hope to offer support to families and friends, taking the opportunity to remember loved ones who lost their lives on our roads.”

    Force Chaplain, Canon David Wilbraham, said: “Designated by the United Nations, the third Sunday of November is set aside as a special day of remembrance for victims of road death.

    “While clearly a global issue, the death of someone on the roads is intensely personal and impacts greatly on the families and friends of those killed. This service provides a safe, supportive place for those affected to come together to remember and commemorate their individual loss.

  • Witnesses sought after burglary in Thame

    THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Thame, on November 18, 2016. Overnight on that date, between midnight and 11.15am,  a property in Dunbar Drive was burgled.

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    Entry had be gained through the rear door.

    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, you can call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken. Information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • Were you driving on the B4011 on Friday?

    THE police have issued the following alert to drivers: “It was reported to us that on Friday afternoon (18/11) a box of nails had fallen on the carriageway at B4011 Bicester Road between Long Crendon and Thame.

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    The road was cleared soon after the report but we would urge drivers who were on the road on Friday afternoon to check their tyres for nails.

  • Poppies of red wool commemorate war dead

    A unique wreath was laid on the steps of Thame’s War Memorial on Sunday, November 13, as part of a very moving and dignified annual Service of Remembrance.

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    Image ©ThameBelles

    Members of Thame Belles WI, crocheted a wreath of red poppies and two members of the group filed before the War Memorial with dignitaries and representatives of members of the Royal British Legion, the fire, police, ambulance and youth groups among others, as the steps of the monument were slowly covered with wreaths of remembrance.

    The respectful crowd was even larger this year, filling the Upper High Street on this sunny, calm Sunday.

  • Food festival move splits the town

    THE decision to move the popular Thame Food Festival to the Thame Show ground, has divided opinion in the town between those who agree it’s a necessary and a good idea, and those who believe the move will spoil the event or even endanger its future.

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    The organisers have also announced that the show will run over two days, including into the evening of the Saturday, to enable the food festival ‘to thrive, expand and offer an even better visitor experience’.

    Outgrown the town

    Patron and Festival Director, Lotte Duncan, explained the reasoning behind the proposed changes: “The festival has outgrown the town. It simply cannot fit anymore stalls, stages and people in it on the day. And the festival has to expand to survive.

    “We really want Thame town centre and local business’s to continue their involvement with the food festival – it would be great to see them representing their shops up at the show ground – and we have a fabulous idea planned on just how they can do that.”

    The announcement on the festival’s facebook page, started a sustained dialogue throughout most of day between those who welcomed the changes, those who were unhappy about the proposals and the festival organisers.

    Here are just some of the responses on social media to the announcement that the show will be leaving Thame town centre and moving to the show ground on the outskirts of the town:

    “I’ve just moved to Thame and I visited the food festival with my teenage children, one of which has limited mobility due to a chronic hip condition…. we struggled as it was so packed…. we couldn’t comfortably stroll through the stalls and had to leave after an hour as there was no where to sit and eat!
    We would welcome more room to walk around at leisure and the festival could grow in size and popularity as it deserves to.
    It’s a fantastic event … good luck with the planning.”

    “They could extend the stalls further along the high street. This would spread the volume of people and be easier to walk along. This must stay in the Town. Brings people to shops and pubs and creates a great atmosphere amongst shop owners, pubs, restaurants and the stall holders visiting that day! It’s a Town attraction and should stay that way. I own a shop at the end of the high street where there is plenty of space to extend the stalls. Thame high street is what this day is all about!”

    “I wish you all the success and hope that it thrives for you on the show ground”

    “I think it’s fantastic. The last two years have been so jammed we’ve not been able to browse the stalls and nearly ended up getting trampled this year. So I’m very glad it’s moving to a bigger venue.”

    “It’s such a shame to move it out of the town centre. Unfortunately I think the show ground will have a detrimental effect on the food festival, especially if the weather’s not great. Maybe the way it was laid out this year needs looking at. It was all squashed up one end. Very disappointed.”

    Losing ‘the essence’ of the show

    “Oh dear what a shame and how very disappointing. I think you’ll be loosing the essence of what makes this such a great event. And should it rain, then I dread to imagine the state of the site. End of an era I feel. I guess all good things come to an end.”

    “Very sad news and shows it’s about quantity not quality. A unique selling point being in the town centre gave it a homely feel and showed visitors how great out town centre is. Why couldn’t the Southern Road Rec be used to expand? Or down North Street and encompass the Cattle Market?
    I can see this going the way of Thame Show…a sad demise – I certainly won’t enter to then pay premium prices for what I admit is great food.”

    Independent Mortgae Solutions (RGB) - R1“I think it’s a shame it will have left the town. I came for the first time this year and what I liked about it was the way it intermingled with the local shops and pubs. In a show ground it will be the same as any other festival.”

    “Let’s give it a chance folks, I have reservations too, but I really hope it can make the transition and maybe offer locals a cheaper entry to keep our support.”
    Lotte concluded: “We are very excited about next year, have some amazing ideas and are looking forward to keeping Thame Food Festival a sustainable event for the future.”

    The dates for Thame Food Festival are Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1, 2017.

  • The countdown begins for Chinnor’s Neighbourhood Plan

    AFTER months of hard work, Thame’s village neighbour, Chinnor, is almost ready to submit a Draft version of its own Neighbourhood Plan.

    Flashback to one of Chinnor's earlier public workshops
    Flashback to one of Chinnor’s earlier public workshops

    Over the next few weeks, the final pieces of work currently being worked on, will be completed by the Chinnor Neighbourhood Plan (CNP) Steering Group, resulting in a draft Neighbourhood Plan document ready for the series of legal steps before a final version is presented to the whole village at a referendum,  planned for May next year.

    The timetable for the run up to the referendum starts with the updated draft plan being submitted to Chinnor Parish Council at the end of November for its review and ratification.

    After taking on board any comments from the Parish Council, the CNP Steering Group will present an Examination Version of the plan in December to South Oxfordshire District Council who will arrange for the examination by an independent, qualified Planning Inspector to ensure that the document meets all the legal and statutory requirements of a Neighbourhood Plan.

    Peter Brook, secretary of the Steering Group, explaned: “This next version of the Neighbourhood Plan for Chinnor is the result of an immense amount of hard work by teams of volunteers from the village to make sure that we have a document that protects the village as much as it can from badly planned development. We are developing policies on a whole range of matters including the environment, open spaces, infrastructure, community facilities, transport, parking, employment, shopping, education and young people. It is important that all planning decisions are based on a robust vision for Chinnor to help ensure that we take as much control as possible of our future as a community.”

    Following the work of the appointed inspector, the Steering Group will incorporate any of the examiners comments and prepare a final submission version of the Neighbourhood Plan that is submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council who will then be responsible to carrying out the final public consultation with Statutory and Local Bodies and all the people who live, work and carry out business in Chinnor Parish.

    Website: www.chinnorneighbourplan.com
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinnorNeighbourhoodPlan