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  • 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.”

  • X Factor band to join Thame Carnival!

    THAME Carnival organisers have announced today that X-Factor contestants, United Vibe will be taking part in the Carnival Parade and performing live on stage afterwards at the Southern Road Fete, on Saturday, June 15, 2019!

    One of the band’s members is Towersey raised, Eliott Horne. The band came to the pubic’s attention when they took part in the popular TV talent programme, X-Factor, coming under the wing of Simon Cowell.

    Just back from a very successful tour of the Philippines, United Vibe have built a faithful following in this country too and visitors to Thame Carnival will no doubt take the boys to their hearts.

    Visit the Thame Carnival Website for full details of timings and information about what’s on offer for all the family on June 15, where the theme will be ‘Save The Planet’.

  • OVO Women’s Tour cycle race coming through Oxfordshire

    ON June 12, around 100 elite women cyclists will be making their way through our region in what will be one of the most important women’s cycle races of the season.

    Starting at 10.30am in Henley, the race will go through the following location, so road users should be aware that there will be rolling road closures prior to the cyclists going through at these approximate times and locations:

    10.30am at Henley
    10.54am at Watlington
    11.40am at Goring
    11.55am at Crowmarsh
    11.57am at Wallingford
    12.10pm at Didcot

    For the full route and more details see the OVO Energy Women’s Tour website. https://www.womenstour.co.uk/

    Thousands of cycling fans are expected to visit our area to watch the race, generating lots of unique opportunities for local businesses to get involved and also to become a race sponsors. Local restaurants, bars, hotels, B&Bs and shops along the route can all benefit. Visit the weblink for lots of information about how independent businesses can increase visiting customers, sponsorship deals etc.

  • Thame squash coach takes youngsters to the top in Euro-championships

    AT just 15 years-old, Oxfordshire-born squash player, Chloe Marshall, gained her first England cap representing her country at the 2005 European Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel, and 14 years later, Chloe is still involved with the event, but this time in the role of the coach.

    The 2019 European Championships have just completed in Eindhoven, in The Netherlands, at the Squashtime club, where Chloe acted as an assistant National coach to the England Junior teams, who were number One seeds for both the U15 and U17 age groups.

    In the days leading up to the championships, Chloe was excited to work with the young elite players, commenting: “I was involved in this event last year and it was a fantastic experience getting to work alongside England’s young squash stars; I’m really excited for this year’s competition in Eindhoven – giving back to the younger players feels very rewarding”. Chloe accompanied 10 of England’s top ranked juniors to The Netherlands, where they were aiming to win their 13th consecutive title.

    Chloe and the England Juniors went on to win gold in Eindhoven for both the U15 and U17 categories, making them 2019 European Champions! Next year the event will be hosted by England in Nottingham, which Chloe hopes to be involved with too. Aside from her role within the National Coaching team, Chloe bases herself out of Racquets Fitness Centre, in Thame, where she leads a Junior Squash Academy which sees over 70 children a week playing squash.

    Group sessions range from beginners, all the way through to elite, for children aged seven years and above. The coaching team currently work with Thame’s schools, offering their skills to primary-aged children, who they can then develop within the Academy. Racquets Club Owner, Simon Martin, shares his enthusiasm and passion for squash, particularly the work that’s taking place with the juniors. “It’s great to see how the sport is evolving and modernising – it’s exciting to see all these kids coming through!” he said.

    There are lots of opportunities for children to learn basic racket and ball skills at Racquets, as well as being offered experienced coaching from Chloe and her team. More information on how to get your child involved can be found on the Racquets website or by calling 01844 261754.

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Young Thame Fencer in action on the National stage

    THAME Duellists Fencing Club’s regional champion fencer, Rebekah Seed, was in action at fencing’s British Youth Championships in Sheffield last weekend, May 4-6, 2019.

    The Championships, staged over three days at the English Institute of Sport, attracted over eleven hundred competitors across 24 separate events, with boys and girls competing in three different weapon disciplines across four different age groups.

    For Rebekah, competing in the under 12 girls’ foil event, it was a demanding competition. A difficult group stage in which she was only able to pick up one win meant she entered the knockout phase of the competition with a tough draw and was eliminated in the round of 64, ending the day in 40th place overall.

    Club coach James Kingston said: “Although the result wasn’t what she wanted, Rebekah gained valuable experience with this event and will go into her next competition better prepared. She should take pride in having qualified as regional champion.”

    The Southern region, in which Thame competes, finished the championships sixth overall in the regional race out of 18 regional fencing organisations across the UK.

    The British Youth Championships for fencing 2019 took place at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield. Full individual results available at http://www.engarde-service.com/files/britishfencing/byc19/ with the results of the regional race HERE

    For more information about Thame Duellists fencing club, contact club coach James Kingston on 07947 049511

  • Amended: Popular Thame Mayor re-elected by unanimous vote

    (Amendments in bold) THAME Town Councillor Ann Midwinter has been re-elected as Thame Mayor following a unanimous vote, and her new deputy is Cllr Paul Cowell.

    Before making her Mayoral announcements to the newly elected Town Council, Cllr Midwinter announced her sadness at the departure of PSCO Diane Jackson who, after 15 years, was moving on to a new career, and of the death of resident Jean Mander who had received an award from the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and the Town Council’s Thame Lifetime Achievement Award back in March this year.

    Representatives of Thame Youth Projects accept a cheque from Mayor Ann Midwinter

    Summing up her Mayoral year, Cllr Midwinter highlighted the work of the Thame Remembers group, the Thame Town Music Festival, the honour she felt at opening the new pavillion for Thame Town Cricket Club – also the new home of the Thame and District Day Centre, and made special reference to the Love Thame facebook group for their positive sharing of Thame life and in particular its production of a Thame Calendar, the sale of which raised money for her chosen charities.

    Phil Stratton and colleague receive a cheque from Mayor Ann Midwinter on behalf of Shariing Lie Trust

    After her election, Ann was given a present by the Town Clerk Graham Hunt, on behalf of the Councillors and Officers, and she in turn presented a cheque for £5,388 each to her two chosen charities for her last Mayoral year, Sharing Life Trust and Thame Youth Projects Group.

    The Mayor’s chosen charity for this year is Thame Young Carers.

  • New SODC administration to review Local Plan

    CROSS-PARTY discussions were held at a meeting in Benson on Saturday with regard to forming a new administration at South Oxfordshire District Council, whose annual meeting is to be held on Thursday, May 16.

    It was agreed that a formal all-party Working Group would be formed to review the Local Plan 2034 and the practical, legal and financial implications of any possible alterations to it.

    Liberal Democrat councillor for Benson, Sue Cooper, who voted against the plan in December 2018, said: “after these dramatic local election results, it’s only right that new councillors from all parties get the chance to look in detail at what is proposed in the Local Plan, so they can make a reasoned decision as to whether changes are necessary and what the consequences might be.”

    Her fellow Benson councillor, the Green Party’s Andrea Powell, who ran a joint campaign with Cllr Cooper, said: “it was clear during the election campaign that over-development in our district is a major issue, but we must also take care to protect our area from the speculative development that happened under the previous council. This is the responsible way to proceed.”

  • The Favourite – at Thame Cinema this Saturday

    THE year is 1708, and Anne, the last of the Stuart monarchs, sits reluctantly on the throne, plagued with gout, depressed and listless, manipulated and infantilised by the power brokers that surround her.

    The country is prosecuting a contentious war with France, and Anne is under pressure from opposing sides: those that favour raising land taxes to pursue the conflict; and those arguing for a peace treaty. The former view is in the ascendant. Anne’s close confidant and lover, Lady Sarah Churchill, is married to the Duke of Marlborough who is doing very nicely thanks to the war – to acknowledge his successes at Blenheim, the Queen has offered to build them a nice little palace near Oxford.

    Sarah undermines Anne’s trust in her own judgement, ensuring that the decree of the monarch favours Marlborough’s own political objectives. Meanwhile, Sarah’s impoverished cousin Abigail lands at court in search of gainful employment. Initially installed in the scullery, bullied and forced to sleep among a pile of women in a cell, Abigail observes Sarah’s power play – and discovers the erotic hold that Sarah has over the Queen. Abigail decides to use her own knowledge of herbal medicines to sooth Anne’s gout ridden legs, gradually gaining Anne’s trust and affection.

    Lanthimos’s acclaimed film has been described as an comedic romp, and there is certainly much farce, hilarity and plenty of downright zany vignettes of bizarre behind the scenes life at court. But The Favourite is perhaps better described as a tragi-comic depiction of the ruthless tooth-and-nail pursuit of power and what it costs: the wider context of early 18th century English politics; and the three-way struggle between two women and Queen herself. And Colman’s performance is transcendent. Anne is needy and vulnerable, pitiable and petulant, but also tragic, with the occasional glimpse of something more steely, a residual awareness of her own potency. Believe the hype about this one – there is so much to relish. View trailer HERE.

    The Favourite – This coming Saturday, May 18, 8pm – UK 2018, 119 minutes, 15 certificate – Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Starring Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone

  • Racquets members raise £15,566.62 by running London Marathon

    RACQUETS Fitness Centre members Lauren Addis, Claire Finch, Rachael Parrey, Trish Clempson and Gillian Brannan, who all took part in the London Marathon recently, are still buzzing and counting the funds they have received between in sponsorship for their chosen charities.

    Sue Martin Downhill, a Director at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame, explained: “They had all been training hard since before Christmas last year in order to be fit for the challenge. Everyone at the club has been following their training in awe of the amount of time they have had to put in and all had highs and lows throughout their preparation. For all of the girls getting to the start line was a huge team effort – each with their own supporting squad.

    “They each have their own stories to tell,” wrote Sue. “Our class instructor Claire Finch, running for AGE UK, was beset by injury throughout the training and has needed chiropractor work and massage throughout the time. Claire did a lot of runs with Rachael Parrey as preparation alongside another competitor is always good motivation. Finishing in 5 hours and 15 minutes Claire was very happy to reach the finish line where many of her family were waiting for her. She has so far raised £3,304.28 which is an amazing amount.

    “Rachael, running for Bowel & Cancer Research, also finished in a good time of 5 hours and 33 minutes and has raised an incredible £4,145. Lauren Addis, running for Royal Osteoporosis Society has raised £2,567.86. She has flourished throughout the training and finished in a fantastic 4 hours and 10 minutes. Lauren has already applied for next year’s London Marathon and has entered the Brighton event for 2020 too.

    “Gillian Brannan, running for the Calvert Trust, has raised £1501.96. Gill couldn’t run for even a minute when she first started training with her Personal Trainer Nig Pattison. Eighteen months later and 2 stone lighter ,Gill has entered for 2020. While running her first marathon Gill stopped to help a lady 30 years her junior who was crying and trying to complete the marathon in memory of her mum. Gill ran the rest of the way with the lady encouraging her all the way. Gill says that the London Marathon 2019 was the best thing she has ever achieved. (Read Gillian’s story HERE)

    “Trish Clempson, running for the Down’s Syndrome Association, has raised £4,047.52. This year, 2019, is a special year for Trish and what a way to celebrate turning 50 ! As soon as the other girls found out that Trish was running they all banded together to get each other through. Running the iconic London Marathon has been a dream made reality for Trish and she will never forget that incredible feeling of crossing that finish line!

    “All the ladies agreed how hard the challenge of the marathon is on the body but also agreed how much they enjoyed the experience – especially reaching the end!” concluded Sue.

    Here are their finishing times :
    Lauren Addis – 4 hours 10 minutes – £2,567.86 Royal Osteoporosis Society
    Trish Clempson – 5 hours 6 minutes – £4,047.52 the Down’s Syndrome Association
    Claire Finch – 5 hours 15 minutes – £3,304.28 AGE UK
    Rachael Parrey – 5 hours 33 minutes – £4,145 Bowel & Cancer Research
    Gillian Brannan – 6 hours 8 minutes – £1501.96 the Calvert Trust

    All the girls would like to send their heartfelt thanks to all who supported them in raising funds for a charity very close to each of their hearts. They have all been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and family with their time and donations.

  • Take the Thame Art Crawl

    THAME Art Crawl is an event that aims to ‘celebrate the local art scene in our little corner of Oxfordshire’, showcasing the wealth of talent the area holds.

    The Art Crawl will host pop-up art exhibitions in town centre locations and this year there are two main events to inspire, Stuart Feurtado, Patricia Lenko, Diana Noel and Diana Noel at Stoneworld Kitchens, 43A Upper High Street, and Thame Town Hall, in the High Street where eight artists introduce individual works: printmaking, painting, artists books, textiles & mixed media.

    Barbara Shaw is exhibiting at Fisher German, 17 High Street, Thame. fitch & fellows, Brenda Hurley, Graham Lester and Kate Wilkinson will be exhibiting at fitch & fellows in Buttermarket, Thame. Janine Philips will be exhibiting at 24 Queens Road, Thame

    Oxfordshire Art Weeks right now is happening in the town and you can see all the artists and venues taking part in and near Thame HERE. Oxford Art Weeks draw over 100,000 people each year, and allows visitors the chance to meet artists, and in some cases visit their studios.

    A Thame Art Crawl is also part of Thame Arts and Literature Festival, first launched in 2017. The following year’s Art Crawl was even better with more artists and more venues getting on board for the pop-up art exhibition. And now, 2019 is going to be even bigger and without a doubt offer an exciting and vibrant display of local talent in partnership with Thame Arts & Literature Festival which is celebrating its 10th year.

    Keep checking back to find out more, as the Thame Art Crawl website develops over the next month.