Thame.net

Author: Sonja Francis

  • Sydenham Village Fayre returns for 2019

    WHEN? Saturday, June 1 – 12.30pm to 4pm – WHAT? A fun family day out including live entertainment, children’s games, dog show, vintage cars, BBQ, tea room and stalls.

    WHERE? Sydenham village – The annual event, co-ordinated and run entirely by villagers, raises funds for local groups and causes, supporting schools, community organisations and facilities in the surrounding area. Last year it raised over £5,000 for local causes.

    The Fayre centres around the picturesque village green and this year’s programme is packed with exciting shows and activities: Live entertainment will be taking place all day, including performances from ‘The Ted Roper Band’, Morris Men and local school children. Stokenchurch Judo Club has also agreed to put on a demonstration for spectators.

    There will be plenty for kids to do, including the Fayre’s own ‘Kids’ Corner’ featuring hourly shows from the magical Mr Marvel and a variety of games for all ages. Stalls will be selling toys and kids will also be able to enjoy the inflatable assault course.

    There will be food and drink galore, including the delicious BBQ hosted by Sydenham’s own Cricket Team, ice creams and popcorn, as well as the ‘Pimm’s Tent’ and a ‘Gin Tent’. The much-loved Tea Room, next to the church, will be serving sumptuous cakes and pastries, along with a selection of hot drinks throughout the day.

    The Crown Inn will be hosting a pop-up bar on the village green with a fine selection of local beers, cider and prosecco. For the first time during the Fayre, it will be introducing an “Aunt Sally Challenge”, giving experts players and novices the chance to have a go at this quintessential Oxfordshire pub game.

    The ‘Sydenham Car Show’ will be adding some new gems to its collection of vintage and envy-inducing automobiles.

    Back by popular demand is the much-anticipated Sydenham Dog Show with a variety of classes to suit most canine competitors. Be sure to bring along your pampered pooches to compete for the coveted titles of ‘Best Fancy Dress’ and ‘Sydenham Supreme’. Dog Show classes commence from 1pm – registration starts at 12.30pm.

    The roads will be lined with stalls selling quality gifts and goodies from local producers, plus there’ll be the ever-popular Bottle Tombola, Coconut Shy, Plate Smash, Plant Sale, Bric-A-Brac and Second Hand Book Stall.

    Traditionally the event is rounded off by the hotly contested Tug-Of-War competition with teams from The Crown pub and The Inn at Emmington battling it out for the historic trophy at 3.30pm. The raffle will also be drawn, with a first prize of £100 for the winning ticket and the chance to win a dinner for two at either of the village’s excellent pubs.

    Whilst the road through the village will be closed for the day, extensive free parking is available on the edge of the village, which can be accessed from the B4445 (coming from Chinnor, turn left at The Inn at Emmington). Disabled parking will be available.

    As a community event, the success of the day relies so much on the enthusiasm of visitors from the neighbouring town and villages…so bring the family and help make Sydenham Fayre a highlight in the village’s calendar…we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone along for a fabulous day!

  • Latest Thame Town CC Match Reports – including history is made!

    FOR the first time ever, Thame Town recorded four wins out of four in their league fixtures last Saturday, May 19 . The last time they recorded a clean-sweep was in August 2017, but the club then had only three teams! Leading the way, the 1st XI battled to a first win of the season against Cookham Dean.


    Thomas Bamford

    Bowling first, Thame lost Andy Russell to injury in the 9th over, leaving them to field with 10 men for over 40 overs. Despite this, Thame kept things tight, with particularly miserly spells from Faisal Ali (1-21) and the new overseas pro Jo Van Dyk (2-37), limiting Cookham to 231-5. Thame got off to a fast start in their reply and a fine partnership between Mike Beard (58) and Thomas Bamford (84*) steered them to within sight of victory. A lower-order wobble led to a nervous finish, but Thame eventually won with 2 wickets to spare. They host Wokingham this Saturday, May 25, at Church Meadow.

    Seconds defeat Banbury thirds

    TH second XI welcomed Banbury thirds to Church Meadow. Thame got off to a strong start thanks to the bowling of Sam Lachlan (2-33) and Matt Ridgway (2-46). More tight bowling from Dan Patey (1-15) and Ben Warwick (2-18) then pinned Banbury back to a below-par score of 161. In response, James Nielson (44) and Christian Warwick (45) guided Thame smoothly towards the target. The middle order then reached Banbury’s target, helping Thame seconds to secure their second win, by 5 wickets; they travel to Great Brickhill seconds this Saturday.

    Third XI win against Brackley seconds

    THE thirds hosted Brackley seconds at Lord Bills’s and Brackley were pegged back instantly with some fine bowling from Luke Hayes (2-12) and Ollie Chaplin. As pressure built up, Tim Hester (4-23) and Nick Humphries (3-17) took wickets regularly and Brackley were eventually all out for 153. In reply, Thame also lost an early wicket, before Rob Johnson and Paddy Harris steadied the ship. The spine of the Thame innings was an 86-run partnership between Guy Holmes (68) and Luke Hayes (21) taking Thame to 141 for 4. A mini-collapse and a nerve-racking finish ensued and it was left to Ollie Chaplin to hit the winning runs; they next play Stokenchurch seconds away this Saturday.

    Nail-biting win for the fourths against Cropredy thirds

    AT Cropredy, Thame thirds were soon under the cosh at 10-4. Tim Dabbs (21) and Neil Smith (15) steadied the ship before another collapse to 67-9, whereupon Rob Kenny (23) took the total up to 109. With the ball, Thame started well through Trevor Spindler (4-13) and Chris Penny (1-13). A strong 5th-wicket partnership looked to have Cropredy in command, but regular wickets and good bowling from young Martin Wiles (1-10), Mark Fellowes (2-1) and Spindler wore the hosts down. Eventually, with Thame needing 1 wicket and Cropredy 4 runs off the last over to win, Thame claimed a dramatic win by 3 runs. They face Kingston Bagpuize seconds at home this Saturday.

    Thame Women host Reading University on Sunday

    IN a new fixture, Thame’s women took on a team from Reading University in an 8-aside, T20 format. In spite of a strong bowling attack and tight fielding, Thame’s only wicket was from Mel White, and Reading reached 140 for 2. In the second innings, Reading unleashed their secret weapon, a former junior Welsh international bowler and Thame did well to reach 73 for 5, with top runs from Mel White, Bridget Cooper, Sally Brentnall and Sarah Stewart.

    It was an enjoyable match but on this occasion, Thame’s older team could claim neither age nor experience as an advantage! They play a third Super 8s tournament at Deddington on Monday.

  • Thame campaigners in People’s Vote National Day of Action

    CAMPAIGNERS in Thame took part in a National Day of Action on Saturday, May 18, in support of a People’s Vote.

    Supporters of a People’s Vote on Brexit were out in force on the streets of Thame on Saturday as part of a national campaign day. They held street stalls, delivered leaflets door-to-door and chatted to voters, to encourage them to back parties which want a People’s Vote, in the European Parliamentary elections on May 23.

    Theresa May has tried and failed three times to get her Brexit plans passed by MPs. An extension to the Brexit deadline – granted by the European Union – until the end of October, means the UK is now taking part in the Euro elections, as a member of the EU.

    As well as campaigning in Thame, events took place all over the country, with thousands of activists and supporters involved.

    Roy Motteram, who is a spokesperson for the People’s Vote Campaign Thame, said: “Three years on from the EU Referendum, opinion polls show a majority of voters in most constituencies across Britain now want their say on any Brexit deal agreed by Parliament, and the UK would now vote to stay in the EU. LINK HERE

    “That includes some people who voted leave in 2016, as well as those who voted remain, because they now see that the promises made in the last referendum cannot be delivered, that any Brexit deal will hit our economy, trade and influence, and that the UK’s negotiations over its future relationship with the EU would go on for years.

    “As part of the government’s Brexit deal, the UK has agreed to pay a £50 billion divorce bill, but we will get nothing in return. Instead British people will lose the right to live, work or study visa-free around Europe. And following what would be the biggest single biggest loss of sovereignty and control in British history, we would continue to follow EU rules, but have no say over how they are made.”

    Roy Motteram continued: “The People’s Vote Campaign is not a political party and it would be wrong for us to tell people which specific party to vote for. But we are supportive of those parties which have a manifesto commitment in these elections to the public having a final say on Brexit.

    “Nigel Farage wants you to stay at home and not vote so he can win. There is a clear choice. If you believe in a modern, outward looking and inclusive country then get out and vote for a Pro-PV Party. Or don’t vote and let Farage and his isolationist, backwards vision for Britain win.

    “A People’s Vote is not an option in this Brexit crisis, it is the solution to the crisis. Giving the public the final say is ultimately the only way to deliver a stable settlement that can command the confidence of both Parliament and the country.”he party supports the UK leaving the European Union without a formal withdrawal agreement and then trading with it on World Trade Organization terms until new trade deals can be agreed.

    The Brexit view

    The Brexit Party, which is currently the most popular anti-EU party, and is leading in the polls of voting intentions, supports the UK leaving the European Union without a formal withdrawal agreement and then trading with it on World Trade Organization terms until new trade deals can be agreed.

    The Brexit party wants any MEPs it gets elected to take part in Brexit negotiations, and says it will not pay the £39bn financial settlement that the government has agreed to pay to the EU to settle existing debts and future obligations. It has stated that it will not publish a manifesto until after the EU Elections.

  • Kids’ market treasure hunt to celebrate local markets

    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!

  • Celebrating our Twin Towns in our Thame Welcome

    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

  • Double celebration for Thame Boys Under 13s

    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.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Changes afoot as new Leader, Cabinet and Chairman of SODC appointed

    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

    Chairman: Cllr Anne-Marie Simpson
    Vice-chairman: Cllr Leigh Rawlins

    Community Grants Panel

    Chairman: Cllr Sarah Gray

    Appointments for the following committees will be made at their respective meetings:

    Community Governance and Electoral Issues Committee
    Joint Staff Committee
    Appeals Panel

  • Martin will still be playing squash at 80!

    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.

  • Match reports from Thame Town Cricket Club’s first League weekend

    First XI fall to Burnham on opening Saturday

    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.

  • Journalist found dead in Thame died of hypothermia

    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.”