THAME’S Cuttlebrook Nature Reserve is being used as a dog’s toilet, says Thame Town Council, and is appealing for owners to please clean up after their pets.
The appeal came following an agenda item on Tuesday’s Community Leisure and Recreation Committee to note a report from the Town Council’s Open Spaces Working Group, that measures were being taken to tackle dog fouling.
Whilst there are no particular hot-spots for dog fouling in the Thame, ‘targeted notices’ are being placed on ordinary litter bins, including those in Cuttlebrook, telling dog owners that they can use them for bagged dog waste.
“Some people seem to think that they can treat the nature reserve as if they were out in the open countryside,” said the Town Cerk, Graham Hunt.
“It is difficult to change the irresponsible behaviour of a small number of people,” said Cllr Nigel Champken Woods, “but hopefully these notices will help.”
THAME’S women claimed victory over Cookham Dean in their first-ever match in the Thames Valley Women’s League. Losing the toss, Thame Town Cricket Club’s ladies fielded first and held Cookham Dean to 147-7 in 30 overs, with newcomer Jill Nelson outstanding in the field. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers – Sally Brentnall, Sarah Sanderson , Mel White, Bridget Cooper and Jess Clarke all taking one apiece.
Victorious women’s cricket team in their first ever league win!
In reply, Thame looked in command thanks to Beth John (47) and White (30), but a tense finish loomed as Cookham Dean’s bowled tightly. Sanderson’s steady innings, with support from junior Holly Zijderveld, in her first match, saw Thame through to 148 with 2 overs to spare.
Men’s Firsts fail to follow up last week’s draw
THAME TCC Firsts fell to a disappointing defeat at home to fellow-strugglers Finchampstead on Saturday. Batting first, Thame found the going tough against strong new ball bowling. With wickets falling at regular intervals, only Beard, Adams and Mushtaq scored over 20 and Thame finished on a well-below-par 149. Mike Higgs struck twice early on but 149 never looked competitive and Finchampstead reached their target for the loss of 5 wickets with overs to spare. Thame travel to Henley this Saturday.
Seconds slip up at Bletchley
THAME Town Cricket Club’s second XI travelled to Bletchley last weekend. Batting first, Bletchley started quickly, until youngster Jonathan Jelfs (4-52) made several breakthroughs. However, Bletchley’s batsmen were scoring quickly throughout to propel them to a strong total of 244 from 53 overs. In response, Thame lost wickets regularly, with the only resistance coming from Matt Furness (24), Daniel Patey (23) and Alastair Thomas (28). This left Thame all out for 147, meaning that they slip down to second place. They will look to consolidate their promotion position this Saturday, home to Brackley.
Convincing win over second-placed Tiddington for ‘the thirds’
THAME Thirds delivered another strong performance at home by beating second-placed Tiddington by seven wickets and leapfrogging them into second place. Thame made good use of a seaming track and skittled out Tiddington for 56 inside 30 overs. Wickets were shared around by debutant James Olliver (3-7), Luke Hayes (3-8) and James McStay (2-9). In reply, Thame scored the runs quickly as Guy Holmes (16*) guided the team home inside 10 overs. Thame Thirds next play Kingston Bagpuize away this Saturday, July 14 .
Fourths beaten at Eynsham
THE Fourths travelled to Eynsham and bowling first, were immediately under pressure. Eynsham’s batsmen declared on an impressive 254-3 off just 32 overs. Wickets were shared by Rob Tomlin, Dan Constant and Sean Hayes. Facing 58 overs chasing, Thame never looked like reaching the total. A Josh Edworthy (34) and Tim Airstone (26) partnership was the one high point for Thame. However, Thame eventually fell short of surviving for a draw – all out for 157 in the 55th over. They next host Abingdon Vale Four.
THAME Town Music Festival is this weekend – all over Thame. Starting on Friday evening, July 13, it’s the classical concert in St. Mary’s Church, Thame with Ann Mackay and Jack Gibbons playing a programme that takes us from Bach to Broadway via Chopin, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Gerscwhin and Cole Porter. Also tonight in the Barns centre is the TTMF18 Songwriters Competition Final, where the ten finalists will play their winning entries to a panel of music industry judges to win a fantastic career enhancing prize. This is FREE entry.
Saturday, July 14, is Festival and Convention day, in venues all over Thame. Check out the poster pictures to see the range of talent playing!.
Festival Chairman, Simon Davidmann, is very excited about the event and offered the following good advice: “We are very pleased to be able to include some new venues to host music and I encourage you to walk around Thame and visit as many of the venues as you can, especially the places you don’t normally go. You may be surprised at just how much variety and quality this town has.
“I also urge you to visit at least one of the Convention sessions in the Barns Centre. These are also FREE. We have some of the music industry’s leading speakers giving advice and ‘war stories’ from the perspective of the artists, Managers, Producers, record companies, festival directors and more. It’s not just for musicians; anyone who likes a good story or to hear sound advice will be highly entertained.
“The music should be incredible. I’m thrilled we have such a strong line-up and are able to showcase so many styles. The Classical concert is a real coup for us, as is being able to attract such a quality list of performers. Personally, starting with Bach and finishing with Dr Feelgood sounds like the perfect weekend to me.”
It does to us too and we wish this fantastic Free Festival and all its visitors a magical and musical weekend!
THAME’S Community Policing team have reported a sharp increase in thefts from motor vehicles during the past two months.
Offender breaking into a parked car (for illustrative purposes only)
They are advising people not to leave valuables on view and to be especially mindful when parking in remote locations or busy areas that there is a possibility that you may be being observed whilst you place all your items of value in the boot of your vehicle.
• Always ensure that items of value are not left on display.
• Try and place any valuable items in the boot before reaching your destination or take them with you.
• Do not leave electronic devices in sleep mode or on standby in your vehicle. They can be detected!
• Be mindful that you could be being watched.
• Ensure that your vehicle is actually locked by trying the door handles. Key fob blockers are available online.
• Be vigilant and report any suspicious people or vehicles by calling 101
NOTE: You can read more about policing priorities and actions for our neightbourhood, including Anti-social behaviour, and burglaries, HERE
SUPER fit Financial Controller of local online training provider Me Learning, at Nether Winchendon near Thame, Alex Wall Morris, excelled herself this weekend by taking on the gruelling Three Peaks challenge.
Raising much needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), Alex and the team from Fitlife raised almost £3,000 thanks to their incredibly adventurous quest.
“For a while I’ve been training at Fitlife – a boutique fitness facility in Haddenham,” explained Alex, who lives in Chearsley. “Its great fun and the team there are so encouraging. When the three Peaks Challenge was suggested I didn’t hesitate, especially in aid of such a great cause. It was exhausting but mind-blowing at the same time! I’m still recovering but fortunately my colleagues at Me Learning have been hugely supportive.”
The three peaks challenge involves climbing the UKs highest peaks in under 24 hours – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and finally Snowdon. Sleeping in a mini bus in between hikes, each climb took 4-5 hours, and some of it at night with headlamps! Whilst the rest of the UK were enjoying balmy sunshine they trekked through snow as they conquered Ben Nevis.
Not only is the Three Peaks Challenge seen as a great test of physical ability but also, a huge mental challenge. Furthermore with a team 34 it was critical that as they travelled up and down the mountains as a group, no-one was left behind. For further information and details visit https://www.threepeakschallenge.uk/national-three-peaks-challenge/
THAME Town Cricket Club hosted Oxford last weekend, June 30, in a crunch clash, sponsored by J Bennett & Son. Oxford’s openers both fell just short of 50’s but gave Oxford an excellent platform. Thame fought back well through Andy Russell (4-74) and Hassam Mushtaq, who took 6-54 in a fine spell of legspin bowling. Oxford made 247 on a turning wicket. In reply, Thame were soon 65-4 and staring down the barrel. It took a stoic innings from skipper Mike Beard (44*) to stop the rot but when Mushtaq (66) proceeded to launch a blistering counter attack, the most unlikely of victories looked possible. Eventually Thame finished on 184-7 to secure a draw. They entertain Finchampstead this Saturday.
Hassam Mushtaq, who put in an outstanding all-round display for the Firsts against Oxford
Seconds stay Top of the Table
THAME Seconds travelled to play third-placed Tiddington. Electing to bat, early wickets put Thame on the back foot but Harry Thomas (41*) rebuilt, allowing Jack Aston (34) to accelerate. Thame finished up on 202 for 8 from the 53 overs. In reply Tiddington started slowly against tight bowling from Matt Ridgeway (2-23) and Adam Phippen. With pressure building, the wickets came for spinners Dan Patey (5-47) and Ali Thomas (3-13). Picking up 25 points, bowling Tiddington out for 140 with 1.1 overs to spare, keeps Thame top of the league. This Saturday, July 7, they travel to take on Bletchley Firsts.
Third XI beat the leaders !
THAME thirds convincingly beat top-of-the-table Bletchley Town Seconds by 80 runs to keep them third in Division Nine. Thame were put in and Justin Avery (43) and George Patey (30) got Thame off to a flyer. In the middle order, Liam Evans (49) and Sam Nicholls (38) piled on the runs, in the heat, declaring on 236 for 8. After tea, only opener Ifthikar (39) was a real threat for Bletchley, all out for 156. Main wicket-takers were Ben Buckland (2) and Vim Desai (4). Thame next entertain second-placed Tiddington on Saturday.
Fourths win on the road at Abingdon
THAME Fourths travelled to play Abingdon Fourths, who batted first. Despite a first-wicket stand of 86, Abingdon were all out 177, thanks to Ed Mather (5-52) and Tony Barnes (3-35). Thame also made a good start of 82, through Nick Fuller (52) and Tim Dabbs (33). Backed up by Max Muncaster (20) and Dan Hart (19), Thame won with nine overs to spare. This Saturday, the fourths travel to promotion- contenders Eynsham.
Thame women victorious against Maidenhead and Bray
THE performance of Thame’s Women’s cricket team matched the mercury rising on a scorching Sunday afternoon, July 1, in a home friendly against Maidenhead and Bray, reaching 225 in their highest run-total yet, leaving their opponents melting with 163. Highlights of the Thame innings came from Beth John, smashing 30* in each of 2 innings, Mel White (30) and Bridget Cooper (30). Runs also for Claire Morris, Vicky Shaw, Gill Kelleher and Clare Seed. In the M&BCC innings there were wickets for John, Cooper and Budde-Manning.
THIS year was the third in a row that Manoj Parmar’s Sports In The Street event had closed Thame town centre to traffic; and once again, this unique event proved to be very popular with the town’s budding young sports people.
Manoj told Thame.Net: “It was of a huge benefit to the town with a total of 15 sports clubs coming together this year! There was a huge turn out from the children of Thame and the surrounding areas. It was great to see so many kids in the high street with a Live Steel Band! The Town Mayor Ann Midwinter, the SODC Chair Lorraine Hillier, the Oxfordshire Chair Gill Sanders, and the Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Mrs Marie-Jane Barnett, all opened up the event and then went round to speak to all the clubs and even join in with a few of the sessions!
“Before the event started we sang the national anthem in respect and in the sportsman’s spirit.”
Manoj continued: “The event was a great success and it wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of the townspeople and the town council. A special thank you to our sponsors Kubota and Lightfoots for sponsoring the certificates for the children. I hope the children will use all the free sports gifts from MP Sport to help them become professional players in the future!”
Every child received a free Sports gift, including tennis rackets, key-chains, badminton rackets, table tennis rackets, tennis balls and much more.
The next event Manoj Parmar plans on organising is a Summer Holiday cricket course for children aged 6-13 years, at his new cricket ground, Mp Sports Field, on Kingsey Road. For more information about this event, visit www.mpsportscricketacademy.co.uk or call 01844 212226.
THE July edition of the First Thursday Music Club, Thame, will feature Steve Winch and the Inception from Milton Keynes, The Dicemen from Tring, Articles of War, Rhys Warriner’s Roguey Roads, Megan Wheatley, Anja and our very own Simon Stafford.
Steve Winch and the Inception
“All kinds of music for our lovely audience (that’s you by the way!) and it is, as ever, all FREE!”
TALENTED athletes – 132 of them – from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse will benefit from a £74,050 Fund – thanks to charitable social enterprise GLL.
The athletes will be supported through the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK, which this year marks its 10th year of supporting today and tomorrow’s athletes.
Kick Boxer, Ian Carter,from Thame, one of the GLL Sport Foundation beneficiaries
The athlete awards cover Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, Special Olympic and Commonwealth sporting disciplines. With a staggering 84% of award recipients receiving no other sport funding and 77% of recipients being aged under 21, the Sport Foundation has highlighted a vital funding gap for young talented athletes currently competing at National and international levels.
The following are all of the athletes from the Thame area benefitting from the award:
Linsey Smith – Cricket
Marcus Birmingham – Swimming
Ian Carter – Kickboxing
Joshua Williams – Swimming
Jane Bell – Triathlon
Elizabeth Ryan, aged 10, the youngest GSF athlete who competes in Modern Pentathlon and swims at Henley Leisure Centre, said, “I look forward to using my funding to buy my first swim wetsuit. It will also help my mum with my travelling costs.”
GSF Patron and former Olympic Champion Sally Gunnell explained the core role the GSF takes in supporting the next generation of athletes and thus ensuring a sporting legacy is in place for future generation: “Sport is such an important element in our lives whether that be as an athlete; a coach or within the wide network of support, sport can and will continue to deliver so much for us. This was seen once again from the euphoria that gripped the Nation during the World Athletics Championships last year.
“It was fantastic to see GLL Sport Foundation supported athletes deliver medal successes and others to break through to the international representative level. It is a core ambition for the Foundation to be successful in supporting both today’s and tomorrow’s athletes.”
Peter Bundey, GSF Chair, paid tribute to the athletes, programme stakeholders and also highlighted the impact the Foundation is making: “The wealth of young sporting talent within our local communities is truly inspiring. We are delighted to play our part in supporting the development of sporting talent across in every region in the where GLL operate sports and leisure facilities. We believe that the vast majority of the athletes that benefit from the GLL Sport Foundation will give something back to sport and society in a positive way; whether as a future champion inspiring the nation, sports coach, volunteer, fund raiser or as an inspirational role model to other young people to get active and involved in sport.”
He added: “I would like to thank all our partners and sponsors for their support for the programme. SportsAid, SportsAid Wales and Mary Peters Trust provide the direct links to Sport Governing Body talent pathways, whilst our many corporate sponsors headlined by GLL and Technogym, numerous local authorities, university and physiotherapy partners directly contribute to support these sporting dreams to become a reality.”
Since its launch in 2007, the GSF has provided over 16,000 athlete awards at a total support value of over £9 million across the UK.
The Gold coast Commonwealth games were historic successes for home nations, and the GSF supported athletes also broke the Foundation’s record medal haul with 18 medals won between the 60 athletes that competed.
Supported athletes receive Award packages that include financial grants of up to £1,250, free training memberships enabling access across 300 GLL and partner operated sporting venues along with access to sports science, medical support and employment opportunities all focussed towards supporting their athlete journey.
IT’S all change at the top as local retired banker from Wheatley who dedicates his spare time to volunteering and fundraising in the local community takes up the reins as president of Thame Rotary club.
New and past Thame Rotary presidents with charities representatives
Graham Colverson was welcomed as the new president of Rotary Club of Thame & District on Wednesday,June 27, during a Charity Evening presentation at Thame’s Spread Eagle Hotel.
The takeover coincides with a name change as Rotary Club of Thame will from now on be known as Rotary Club of Thame & District in order to reflect the diversity of its members. About 40% of Thame & District Rotary live in villages such as Chalgrove, Chinnor, Long Crendon, Great Milton, Longwick, Towersey and Wheatley.
Rotary spokesperson, Marius Ciortan, said: “Graham is taking over as Club President from John Singer who has inspired the local community and his club members to fundraise just under £12,000 for good causes. John, whose main chosen charity was SeeSaw, said: “I’m delighted that this past year the Club has been able to support a wide range of organisations both locally and internationally.”
The most important fundraising event during John’s year was the Thame Swimathon. A record number of teams from Thame Swimming, Barley Hill School and other local groups took part in the fun event and raised funds for their preferred causes. Jo Sackett, trustee of Barley Hill PTFA, said: “It has been an absolute privilege working with the Rotary Club over the past few months. The children at Barley Hill School love the Swimathon event and we have been lucky enough to enter a number of teams over the past two years and we will certainly be doing it again next year.
“The fact that we get to raise money for so many wonderful charities at the same time as having fun is just amazing!! Thank you so much for all that you do for our community and we very much look forward to joining forces on more ventures over the coming years.”
Graham Colverson has been a Rotarian for almost 15 years and his commitment to the club has earned the respect of fellow members who were only too pleased to vote him in as their new president for the forthcoming year.
Graham said: “This October we celebrate 50 years of Rotary in Thame. Our aim during the next year is to consolidate our many achievements during that time and to prepare the club for our next 50 years.”
Graham will be looking for inspired and enthusiastic men and women to join the Thame and District Rotary club. He would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the club and making a real difference to their community.
To find out more about the Rotary Club of Thame & District or to seek becoming a member, visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or follow on www.facebook.com/thamerotary
