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  • The Drawing Circus is coming to Towersey!

    THE Drawing Circus is coming to the village of Towersey, for what’s set to be the art event of the year.

    On the July 28 and 29th, the Phoenix Studio in Towersey is hosting a professional troupe of life models and performers who will be putting on a life drawing class with a difference. At least nine models will be bringing the excitement, awe and passion of the Circus to the rural art studio.

    Artists of all abilities are invited to wander around the studio and its grounds to capture whichever part of the performance inspires them on paper or canvas.

    “We want to make the session accessible to everyone, whether you’re a complete novice or a pro, young or old(er),” said James Ort, manager of the Phoenix Studio. “The studio is such an inspirational place and the Drawing Circus is well known across the country for putting on spectacular events. It really is going to be something to behold!”

    The leader of the Circus, Jake Spicer, is one of the country’s top life drawing tutors. He’ll be giving crash courses and masterclasses in life drawing so that even the complete novice will feel armed with some essential skills to have a go and put pen to paper. There’s so much enjoyment and fulfilment to be had from drawing,” said Jake Spicer. “All too often people think they can’t do art. This is simply not true; it just takes an open mind and bit of confidence. Adding creativity to your daily life can make all the difference and we hope this event will inspire everyone who comes.”

    The day will be accompanied by music from the wonderful Drawchestra. Basic art materials and refreshments are included for artists and you can bring a picnic for the communal lunch. There is even a family friendly (clothed) session on the Sunday morning.

    More details can be found on the Phoenix Studio’s website – phoenixstudio.co.uk

  • Fitness MOT and Information Fair for the over 60s

    A Physiotherapist, Fitness Instructor or Postural Stability Instructor will take participants through seven tests of their exercise performance, when a ‘Functional Fitness M.O.T.’ event is held in Thame for a second year. (See LINK to last year’s event)

     

    The Functional Fitness M.O.T. was developed by a partnership between Glasgow Caledonian University, the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Later Life Training. Each test comes with a set of ‘normal values’ for people between 60 and 90 years-old and will give participants an idea of how they are doing compared to their peers, or whether they could benefit from being more active.

    Participants have the opportunity to book an appointment, or can just turn up at Thame Town Hall on Friday, September 28, 2018.

    There will be a list available of local activity opportunities to join in with, and some websites with more information and guidance.

    Thame’s Functional Fitness team is also aiming to have stalls from the following organisations to give information and advice:

    AGE UK Oxford including the Community Information Network
    Thame Leisure Centre including GO ACTIVE
    The British Heart Foundation
    Diabetes UK
    Dementia Oxfordshire
    Occupational Therapy

    For an appointment to take your very own Functional Fitness MOT, call Anita Clayton on: 01844 217646

  • Grass fire closes road

    FIRE Crews from Oxford, Kidlington and Thame have been dealing with a field fire just off the A329 near Great Milton which is now under control. Four crews were called to the incident which began just after 14:15 approx this afternoon, and were able to work with the farmers who swiftly cut a fire break to prevent it spreading further.

    Image courtesy of Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service

    Thames Valley Police assisted with traffic management. The A329 road to Milton was still closed at around 8pm this evening, but it was possible to reach Thame via Great Haseley.

  • Emotions run high at Racquets’ One Day Tournament

    ON Saturday, July 14, Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame, hosted another of its popular One Day Squash Tournaments, welcoming children of all standards and ages to come along and participate in some competitive match play.

    Malakai Davison, aged just 7, and already a winner!

    Seventeen children competed across three mini tournaments, with the players ranging from 7 to 16 years-old. This was most definitely the closest competition held to date with very few matches being won in straight sets. For many of the kids this was their first tournament, and a great way for them to put all their training into practice, and for their parents to see them play a ‘proper’ match!

    Having a variation of age and standard within the same tournament gave our more experienced juniors the opportunity to mentor the younger players and support them throughout the day. Squash coach, Chloe Marshall, emphasised: “These events provide invaluable lessons to all of our junior players, particularly our youngest competitors who are constantly learning and developing – physically, socially, mentally and emotionally!” This tournament demonstrated just how important it is for children to experience situations where they are feeling under pressure, and figuring out how to deal with their emotions when things are out of their control and not going their way.

    “These are common challenges of not only sports competitions, but many other areas of children’s everyday lives such as friendships and school tests. Racquets Fitness Centre proudly nurtures their junior squash players, focusing on developing their players using a holistic approach. ”

    A big ‘well done’ to everyone that took part in the tournament at the weekend, particularly 7 year-old Malakai Davison who won his group, even though this was his first competitive competition in squash! Malakai didn’t have a straight forward journey to the gold medal but with a positive attitude, and his eyes on the prize, he managed to keep a cool head and secure the win.

    The eventual final saw Malakai beat 16 year-old newbie, Jasmine, 2-1.

    Group winners

    Pink Group – Malakai Davison

    Orange Group – Thomas Taylor

    Green Group – Ollie Cartwright and Molly Woods

    SOURCE: Contributed

  • Cricket: TTCC first team suffer defeat at Henley

    THAME Town Cricket Club’s first XI travelled to third-placed Henley on Saturday, July 14, in need of a win to kick off the quest for survival. Henley won the toss and put Thame into bat. In another poor batting display, Thame were all out for 73 after 25.4 overs, with skipper Mike Beard (37) providing some resistance. Henley then coasted their way to victory, reaching 74-0 from just 10.1 overs. Thame play an out-of-form High Wycombe side this Saturday, July 21, at Church Meadow, in a match sponsored by J Bennett & Son.

    Second XI falls to Brackley firsts

    THAME second XI welcomed Brackley to Church Meadow. Batting first, Thame regularly lost wickets with skipper Matt Furness (55) the only one to put up much resistance to Brackley’s bowling attack. This left Thame on an under-par total of 127. Despite some early wickets, a half-century from Brackley batsman Luke Stone meant the visitors chased down Thame’s total quite comfortably with five wickets remaining. Thame second XI face Long Marston away this Saturday, hoping to secure their spot in the promotion places.

    Rob Tomlin, who starred in the TTCC thirds’ win at Kingston Bagpuize

    Third XI win their third on the bounce

    THE thirds travelled to Kingston Bagpuize on Saturday and, choosing to field in the hot sun, made a perfect start, with Rob Tomlin (3-29) and James Olliver (2-13) reducing the hosts to 19 for 5. Kingston Bagpuize seconds dug themselves out of the hole through Murray (35) and Temple (39), against tight bowling. It was left to spin twins, Ian McStay (2-31) and Tim Hester (2-20), combined with a good run out (Olliver-Harris) to eventually prise out the remaining batsmen, with the final KB total at 136 from 40.1 overs. After tea, Thame started quickly on the fast outfield, but were pegged back to 41-4, with only Andy Jinman (27) getting runs. Ian Chappell (42*) and Ian McStay (28) compiled the match-winning partnership and Paddy Harris (17*) finished well after 28 overs. Thame thirds welcome Bledlow Ridge seconds to the LWS ground this Saturday.

    Fourths impress in a winning draw

    THAME fourths hosted Abingdon Vale, having beaten them two weeks before. Thame were put into bat and started well with Tim Dabbs (17) and Shay Reading (17). Tim Airstone then scored a masterful 75, supported by Josh Edworthy (22), to post a total of 190-9. On a variable wicket, Danny Thompson returned figures of 3-43, with support from Neil Smith (2-31) and Shay Reading (2-26). Despite a late flurry of wickets Abingdon survived for a draw on 174-8. Thame next play away to Westbury thirds.

  • Johnnie Littler: ‘Who has more fun than we do?’

    SUNSHINE, music and great merriment throughout the town, the perfect conditions on tap, for the Thame Town Music Convention and Festival, last Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14.

    Steve Walwyn, lead guitarist with Dr Feelgood, who headlined TTMF18

    Thousands of people of all ages thronged from all corners of the town and beyond to join in and enjoy the music-making for what the organisers called ‘A Party with a Purpose’.

    Festival Founder, Johnnie Littler, the main driving force behind what was the second Thame Town Music Festival – and the first Music Convention, said:  “On behalf of the organisers and the volunteer army that worked so long hard to plan and deliver TTMF 18, I have to say that we are absolutely thrilled, delighted and a little bit proud of what was achieved. The people of Thame turned up to the party and enjoyed a spectacular day where live music was at the centre of events.

    “We had over 60 different bands and artists performing throughout the town on Saturday, to packed houses, as well as huge crowds in front of the Main Stage in front of the Town Hall. The Classical Concert on Friday evening was a sell out, the Songwriters competition at the Barns Centre was brilliant and the afternoon’s Convention was very interesting. Even though Tom Robinson was delayed because of huge traffic problems, we gave him a platform on the Main Stage to air his opinions on the music industry – and he didn’t hold back!

    Some of the TTMF18 volunteer crew enjoying a well-earned break

    “We should all be hugely grateful to all the performers, many of whom traveled long distances to play at the Festival. The partnership between the performers giving of their talent, the organisers providing the infrastructure and planning, our sponsors supporting us with the means to provide that infrastructure and the crowds that turned up to experience the day meant, I believe, that we delivered on our Mission Statements … A Party With A Purpose ….. Supporting Musicians ….. Not for Profit …. For The Love Of Music”

    Simon Markland, who runs The Thame Music Academy, added: “Local music events don’t get much better than TTMF! We visited various venues throughout the day, saw some incredible live music and enjoyed the buzz and atmosphere all over the town. Dr Feelgood really put the icing on the cake, looking forward to next year already!”

    Here, here to all that! We can’t wait for next year. MORE PICTURES HERE 

  • Key achievements in caring for the Chilterns and supporting local communities

    THE Chilterns Conservation Board, based in Chinnor, has published its annual review for 2016/17 highlighting the key achievements in caring for the Chilterns and supporting local communities to make the most of the many benefits the beautiful area offers.

    Beacon Hill, Image credit: Richard Gillin

    Some of the key achievements, which are only possible because of the support it receives from central and local government as well as public donations and volunteers, include:

    Beacons of the Past – a four-year project to explore and conserve Chilterns Hillforts, commenced this year, with a focus on increasing and enhancing public engagement and education

    The Chilterns Walking Festival, in its second year, which has gone from strength to strength, promoting healthy recreation and encouraging new and existing walkers of all abilities to explore the precious landscape

    The development of the biggest conservation and engagement project in the Central Chilterns to date has been The Chalk, Cherries and Chairs: Central Chilterns Landscape Partnership Scheme. This is a partnership of over 30 organisations which will deliver 18 community, wildlife and heritage projects. If successful with the Heritage Lottery Fund and with raising the match-funding, the Scheme will bring a total investment of around £2.8 million to the Chilterns.

    Spokesperson for the Chilterns Board, Vicki Pearce, said: “This year the Board will build on these successes to achieve even more for the Chilterns and its communities. We are currently working on a Food, Drink and Crafts bid which builds on the successful ‘Taste the Chilterns’ initiative. We are also working hard to get the best possible mitigation on new developments in the landscape and providing expert planning advice which helps secure long-term protection for the AONB. (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).”

    The full report can be downloaded HERE    https://www.chilternsaonb.org/

    Volunteers wanted!

    The Board relies heavily on public assistance and engagement and is actively seeking the support, no matter how small, of volunteers across all projects. If you would like to get involved in helping to care for the Chilterns or to find out more information about the opportunities available please contact Vicki Pearce, Communications Officer at vpearce@chilternsaonb.org or call 01844 355 500.

  • Bell-ringing fair tradition to return for Thame fair 2018

    FOLLOWING the furore on local social media last year over the cancellation of Thame’s September Fair, and some very nasty accusations against Thame Town Council being banded about, it was evidently with great relief that the Council announced this week that it’s full steam ahead – well diesel mostly these days – for the fair to come to Thame this coming September 2018.

    An agreement has been signed between the town council and the Showmen’s Guild for three years, and ‘water under the bridge’ seems to be the view of most councillors. At the request of the Showmen’s Guild, the old tradition of the town Mayor ringing a ceremonial bell to mark the opening of the fair, will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

  • WW1 inspired play will commemorate ‘Ten Tommies from Thame’

    THAME Remembers, the project which has spent the last four years researching the names on the town’s War Memorial and visiting their last resting places across four continents, will be marking the end of the project, and commemorating those who died, in a very special production at Thame Players Theatre in November.

    At the end of August 1914, the local paper at the time carried a report of ten men from Thame who had taken themselves off to Cowley Barracks to sign on for active service. Inspired by research from the Thame Remembers project and written by Thame Town Councillor and author, Catherine Jones, ‘Ten Tommies from Thame’ will be performed by members of the Thame community.

    The production will mark the centenary of the WW1 Armistice, by telling their story of Ten Tommies from Thame, following them from their civilian occupations in our quiet market town, on to their training with the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, and through their WW1 exploits on the Western Front, ending with an emotional homecoming – for those who made it back to Thame.

    ‘Ten Tommies from Thame’ is a re-telling of a part of our local history and promises to be a unique evening’s entertainment. With two performances on November 9, and 10, tickets, priced at just £6, are now available through www.thameplayers.co.uk or from Spear Travels, Greyhound Walk, Thame (01844 217228).

  • Police appeal following Thame burglary

    Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Thame, sometime between 09.07.18 (23:00) and 10.07.18 (07:00) at a property in Marston Road.

     

    Entry was gained via a rear door and a car stolen. 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, please call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online @ crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.