The public vote for the Aylesbury Vale Design Awards has opened.

Nine buildings have been nominated with the public invited to choose their favourite project for the People’s Choice award.

Organised by AVDC, the award celebrates the redevelopment of existing sites and the restoration of and/or extensions to buildings across the Vale.

The nine projects which have been shortlisted for the 2018 award are:

> 43 High Street, Long Crendon (extension to Grade II Listed dwelling)

> Beachborough School, Westbury (extension to DT suite at school)

> Bierton Place, Aylesbury (redevelopment of former hospital site for up to 60 dwellings including conversion of the Tindal building)

> Brenda’s Way, Aylesbury (redevelopment of former garage site to form 14 new dwellings and associated parking)

> Chearsley Village Hall (replacement building)

> Dinton Castle, Dinton (restoration of the former castle to form a single dwelling)

> Foxhill Barn, Kingsey (Dutch Barn conversion to single dwelling)

> Varden House, Stewkley (extension and alterations to single dwelling)

> Winterton House, Wendover (restoration of Grade II Listed building to form 5 retirement units)

You can view a photo of all the buildings in the gallery above.

For more information on each of these shortlisted projects, including before photos visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/designawards

Voting for the People’s Choice award will remain open until the end of the month.

Each of the projects will be judged by an expert panel against six criteria:

> Quality of design/construction

> Fitness for purpose

> Sustainability

> Accessibility

> Attractiveness

> Innovation

The winning projects will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday November 29.

Councillor Peter Strachan, district council cabinet member for planning and enforcement said: “We’re delighted to invite our residents to recognise their favourite project from our shortlist, which each demonstrate excellence.

“These awards are designed to celebrate projects which complement our environment and heritage and raise the standard of design across the Vale.”

A packed audience at Haddenham Village Hall enjoyed a night of musical performances and entertainment - courtesy of Haddenham Players.

The programme was themed around musicals and all the performances were from either members of the Players or other villagers.

Mike Sullivan compèred the show, which was produced and directed by birthday girl Hannah Austin.

The pair combined for the opening number "Getting to Know You" from The King & I.

Tom Langton & Robin Nash were next providing the audience with a poetic run-through of the great hits of musical theatre.

Haddenham Players regulars Cassy Childs and Stuart Taylor performed a duet from "Wicked" and then a rendition of the song "Poor Unfortunate Souls."

Next was Ursula's song from "The Little Mermaid", delivered and performed by a newcomer to the group Zoe Platt.

Proceedings then went instrumental courtesy of a guitar solo from Tom Langton, who then had the audience singing along to the classic Elvis Presley ballad, "I can't help falling in love with you".

Proceedings were interrupted by the appearance of the phantom of Haddenham Village Hall — James Kershaw threatening to dish out custard pies however on this occasion everyone stayed clean!

Players stalwart Sarah Wood offered a lively reading of "Gus the Theatre Cat" from Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939) by T. S. Eliot and latterly "Cats".

Stuart Taylor then returned to the stage to give the audience a powerful rendition of "Sante Fe" from the musical "Newsies" which was followed by an amusing poem called "I Hate Musicals" delivered by another 'new to the stage' performer, Roberta Silva.

Zoe Platt and James Kershaw then combined for the Legally Blonde duet number, "Serious".

They were followed by long-time village resident Mary Pritchard, who gave a personal account of her work in the theatrical arts and dance world over the decades.

Before the interval, Mike returned in his more familiar guise, as the Panto Dame, to herald the development of the Haddenham Players' Panto, "Aladdin" coming up in February.

He was the recipient of the first of several custard pies before the entire cast lead into the break with "This is Me" from "The Greatest Showman".

After a break for refreshments, Haddenham Hand Bell Ringers opened up the second half of the show with a medley of tunes which demonstrated their technical proficiencies and skills.

Returning with his guitar, Tom gave a wistful rendition of a song from "La La Land", "City of Stars".

Show director Hannah Austin then stepped up to the stage and delivered an amusing take on the Material Girl with "Stars and the Moon" from "Songs for a New World".

Sarah returned with a classic take on "Mr. Mistoffelees" from Cats and then, Mike declared a return to the French Revolution for the next two songs, from Les Miserables before James and Zoe delivered in turn, "Stars" and "Bring him Home."

Mary Pritchard returned with poetry and insightful ruminations on life before Mike returned attempting to sing "I feel Pretty", from West Side Story, when he was custard pied again.

The evening drew to a close with Hannah & Cassy's soulful "I know him so well" from Chess — a musical by Tim Rice, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus which neatly segued into a grand finale of Abba hits.

Speaking about the evening Haddenham Players chairman Mike Sullivan said: "I want to thank all the performers, the wonderful bar and front of house teams and the audience without whom Haddenham Players simply would not exist.

"Thank you Haddenham and see you again next year!"

Haddenham Players will be back in action on Saturday November 10 in St Mary's Church, supporting and participating in the 100 Year centenary of the end of the Great War before the performance of the annual panto, which in 2019 will be Aladdin, from February 8 to 10.

Photos courtesy of haddenham.net.

The big countdown has started for the Christmas lights switch-on in Thame.

The town’s festive lights will be switched-on on Friday, November 30 at 7pm.

Santa has the date in his diary and will be returning to his grotto from 3.30pm with presents – for those who have been good of course!

Following a poll on the ‘Christmas in Thame’ Facebook page asking residents which attraction they would like to see at the event, Thame Town Council has confirmed that two adorable reindeer will be joining the event.

You will be able to feed and pet the reindeer, and sit in the authentic sleigh. The Snow Globe will return this year and provide the perfect photo opportunity for family and friends.

Refreshment stalls will have plenty of hot food and drink to keep you warm, including mulled wine from Thame Lions Club and freshly-made French crepes from Thame and Montesson Twinning Association.

Gift stalls will line the High Street whilst many of the town’s fantastic independent shops will be staying open late too especially for the event.

There will be indoor and outdoor entertainment throughout the event from 10 talented local performance groups, as well as roaming princesses Rapunzel and Tinkerbell.

The primary schools will parade their beautifully created lanterns down the High Street at 6.15pm – a sight not to be missed. The town’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 7pm by the winner of this year’s Town Trail and the Mayor, Cllr Ann Midwinter. If you would like to be in with a chance of turning on the town’s Christmas lights, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the launch of this year’s Town Trail competition which will run throughout November.

The event is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship and support of local businesses and community groups. A special thanks goes to ASM Auto Recycling for sponsoring the Christmas Tree. For the latest information, visit www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas or search ‘Christmas in Thame’ on Facebook or #ChristmasInThame on Twitter.

Get in touch with the town council if you would like to be involved with the Christmas lights switch-on this year in Thame.

Members of the Rotary Club of Thame and District have been celebrating a landmark year with a host of guests.

The club marked thes 50th anniversary of its charter on October 7, 1968, with a lunch attended by past and present members, representatives from other local clubs and family and friends.

Guests of honour at the celebration on Saturday, October 6, included Gillian Pearce, the District Governor for Thames Valley Rotary District, and Geoff Goodall, one of the founder members of the club, who recounted tales of ‘the early days’.

Entertainment included a magician who circulated amongst the guests and the Thame Children’s Choir sang a selection of songs including the number 1 of October 7, 1968. A donation was made to them by way of thanks for their contribution.

Graham Colverson, club president, told guests: “I felt it was only right that this milestone in our history should be recognised and I am delighted that everyone enjoyed themselves on the day. Whilst the club has experienced the ups and downs typical of many organisations, the principle of ‘Service above Self’ has always been at the centre of what we do.

“Our focus has been to assist the local community and to provide selective and targeted help overseas. Children are often given priority when deciding how support should be distributed. Fundraising has been an integral part of our activities, although we do also provide hands on assistance or make available facilities for the collection of items no longer wanted by their owners.

“We are supported by the local Inner Wheel club and last year we inaugurated our first Interact Club at Wheatley Park School. Without their support, we would not be able to do many of the things we do, and I thank them for all for their involvement with the club.”

Graham added: “Our biggest challenge today is common amongst many clubs - how to secure new members to ensure future growth, service and friendship. This is something we are reviewing and will be working on over the coming months and years. I would like to thank all members, past and present, who have enabled this club to continue serving the community of Thame, surrounding districts and around the world.”

To find out more about the Rotary Club of Thame & District, which meets at the Spread Eagle Hotel, or to seek becoming a member, visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or follow us on www.facebook.com/thamerotary

There’s another literary treat in store in Long Crendon early in November.

Following on from its successful first sell-out Meet the Author event in July, Long Crendon Community Library will welcome novelist Elizabeth Buchan for its second author talk on Thursday, November 1.

Elizabeth is married to Benjamin Buchan, grandson of John Buchan – best known for his classic novel The Thirty-Nine Steps.

The audience will hear how she began her writing career as a blurb writer at Penguin Books.

She graduated from the University of Kent with a double honours degree in English and history and after marrying and having two children, she became fiction editor at Random House before later leaving to write full time, something she planned to do since childhood.

Elizabeth’s latest novel, The New Mrs Clifton, is a Sunday Times bestseller and she will talk about this gripping novel, set at the end of the Second World War.

The story is about Gus, an interrogation officer who is reunited with his English family after returning from Germany.

But he shocks them when he reveals his new bride is German, especially as he has a fiancée waiting for him at home.

Elizabeth, who has family connections in the area, has written 14 novels with another to be published soon, a non-fiction book about Beatrix Potter, other works and short stories, which are broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and published in magazines and she reviews for the Sunday Times (UK) and is patron of the Guildford Book Festival.

She will talk about her career as a writer at Long Crendon library, which has tickets on sale now, priced £5, to include a glass of wine or soft drink.

There is limited seating in the library so ensure your seat by booking early.

If you cannot get to the library you can reserve seats by calling Diana on 01844 201946. Doors open on November 1 at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Take part in a survey to help Thame Town Council discover more about the local culture.

You may not realise that Thame has its very own theatre and museum.

You would be excused for not having noticed them - the theatre is inside a 100-year-old church hall just off Upper High Street and the museum is inside the former magistrates’ court building at the lower end of the High Street.

The Players Theatre puts on a wide range of entertainment throughout the year – from plays and pantomime to music and comedy. It also has celebrity appearances – such as one by John Challis, star of Benidorm and Only Fools and Horses. It also hosts film screenings organised by Thame Cinema For All, including recent releases such as The Breadwinner, an animated film about an 11-year-old girl living in Afghanistan.

The Thame Museum exhibits include fascinating glimpses of life 400 years ago that can be viewed with 21st century technology. It also has a regular programme of talks such as one on ‘The Canal That Thame Never Had’.

A council spokesman said: “We’d like to help the Players Theatre and Thame Museum by introducing them to a wider audience and letting people know what wonderful cultural and historical resources we have on our doorstep. So we’ve put together a survey that we’d like as many people as possible to complete. Can you help by taking part? It doesn’t matter whether you’re aware of either the theatre or the museum or whether you’ve visited either in the past three years - all feedback is welcome. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete the survey.

“You might find something you didn’t know you could get in Thame, whether it’s the chance to experience great stand-up comedy every month, see brilliant films from Ladybird to On Chesil Beach, look at original Elizabethan wall paintings or hear about the history of plastic.”

The survey is open until the end of October, and to remind you to take part, you’ll find a link on social media too.

Visit www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk and find details in the news section of the website.

If you are looking for unique items, a gift for someone special, or to stock up your food cupboard, the French Market in Thame is the place to visit on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27.

There will be a variety of stalls selling traditional French foods, including a large variety of cheeses, cooked meats, breads, pastries and crepes. Apart from food there will be retro art prints, classic French advertising, hand crafted gifts, fashion, accessories and music. The market will be located around the Town Hall and open 9am to 5pm.

A cast of more than 50 will be performing in The Sound of Music which can be seen in Thame during the half term holiday.

Inter Church Productions present an amateur production of the classic musical by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.

The shows are at Lord Williams’s Upper School, running from Tuesday, October 23 until Saturday, October 27.

Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 7.30pm and Saturday 2pm and 7.30pm.

The show features music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and has a team of almost 40 backstage.

Tickets are £14 and £12 for concessions.

For more information visit www.interchurchproductions.com

Booking lines are open at www.thelittleboxoffice/icp

A former member of staff at Thames Valley Police who used an online chatroom to view indecent images of children has been found guilty following a trial.

National Crime Agency officers arrested David Gunn, 55, on 9 June 2016 on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.

Investigators discovered Gunn’s online persona ‘smokepig’ was present in an online chatroom on 22 June 2015 where pre-recorded child sexual abuse was being streamed.

Further forensic examinations of his electronic devices showed he accessed the same chat-room in August 2015 and invited other users to watch him abuse his – fictional – eight-year-old nephew.

Gunn, of Bull Street, Stratford Upon Avon and formerly of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, claimed he did this to trap other users and report them to the police.

However, Gunn, who worked at a front enquiry office for Thames Valley Police, did not take notes of this activity, or report anything to law enforcement.

Yesterday, a jury unanimously convicted him of five counts of making indecent images of children. He will be sentenced on 16 November.

Graham Ellis, NCA operations manager said: “Gunn was logged into the online chatroom at the time the pre-recorded images were being streamed, showing his interest in viewing such material.

“He claimed he invented an eight-year-old to trap other online users in the same chatroom, but didn’t provide us with any evidence this was his plan, and didn’t subsequently report it to police.

“With the rise of digital technology, sharing images and moving footage has never been easier, whether that be on the dark web, or on more conventional social media websites.

“Offenders think they won’t be found. They are wrong.

“The NCA and our law enforcement partners are committed to tackling the threat posed by offenders like Gunn, and will bring them to justice.”

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation runs the Stop It Now! helpline which offers confidential advice to anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s behaviour towards children.

The following people from Aylesbury Vale and beyond have been sentenced at Wycombe Magistrates Court between October 11 and 15.

Stuart Jarvis, 41, Lee Road, Quainton: possession of a quantity of cannabis. Fined £200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Mohammed Hasnain, 19, Hampden Road, Aylesbury: drove a Toyota Yaris on Carrington Road, Aylesbury, without a licence. Fined £40.

Drove a Toyota Yaris on Carrington Road, Aylesbury, without third party insurance. Fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for three months.

Melissa Lee Lewis, 51, Owen Place, Aylesbury: stole alcohol valued at £290.50 from Waitrose, Berkhamsted. Committed to prison for 28 days. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Siobhan Swift, 25, Owen Place, Aylesbury: stole alcohol valued at £290.50 from Waitrose, Berkhamsted. Committed to prison for 28 days. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Stole alcohol and meat valued at £45.71 from Marks and Spencer, Berkhamsted. Committed to prison for seven days.

Drove a stolen vehicle on Tring Road, Aylesbury, without third party insurance or a licence.

Francoise Kupa, 50, Alham Road, Aylesbury: drove a motor vehicle through a red traffic light in Hayes, London. Fined £70, ordered to pay a vehicle surcharge of £30. Driving record endorsed with three points.

Brendan O’Sullivan, 21, Station Road, Stoke Mandeville: failed to provide a specimen for analysis. Fined £180, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £300. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 12 months.

Fayaz Zaman, 40, Cousins Drive, Aylesbury: failed to co-operate with a preliminary test (a saliva drugs wipe) after being stopped for a motor vehicle offence. Fined £126, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Driving record endorsed with four points.

The video is entitled 'This is Smee' which is the official song of this year's Aylesbury panto 'Peter Pan.'

The video stars La Voix and young soloist Isabella Dunstall and features appearances from other members of the cast plus members of a whole host of community organisations and groups from across Aylesbury Vale, who are all listed in the credits at the end of the video.

The words to This is Smee are a parody of the song This is Me from the musical The Greatest Showman.

The theatre's general manager Lee Duffy explained the concept behind the video saying: "We wanted to get the community involved in a project that would allow them to join forces with us to raise awareness of their own business, charity and community group, whilst having a lot of fun getting to meet our panto cast and being part of something special!

"The response within the first hour of the track being released was incredible, we’re keen to get #ThisIsSmee trending and we are genuinely grateful to everyone who took part and went outside of their comfort zones to learn a dance routine and enter into the spirit of panto.

"It’s a video that hopefully will make an impression on lots of people and will highlight the power of the people and community spirit."

The video took more than 30 hours to film at both the Waterside and on location at Go Ape and the Queens Park Arts Centre.

A spokesman said: "It then took several hours to edit as the music was edited and mastered after the music had been composed and the lyrics written.

"La Voix had to learn the song from scratch while on a cruise as the deadline between recording and launching was only eight weeks."

The soloist Isabella Dunstall, who appears throughout the video, has appeared in two of the Waterside's Stage Experiences, which have run in collaboration with Vivo D'Arte.

Performances of Peter Pan run at the Waterside from December 7 to 31 and tickets are on sale now with general prices ranging from £11.75 to £30.

For more details visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan/aylesbury-waterside-theatre

Musicians of the Thame Concert Band are celebrating the 25th anniversary this autumn.

What began as a small group of dedicated musicians who joined together to create the band in 1993 is still going strong today.

Steered by musical director and Band of the Coldstream Guards member Callum Rookes, the band has made its home in Christchurch.

Thame Concert Band has become an important part of the community throughout the years and has entertained a dedicated audience base with a substantial amount of concerts, most recently its very successful Last Night Of The Proms show.

On Saturday, November 3, the band will be celebrating everything that has happened over the past 25 years alongside members old and new with an informal play day and concert. Members look forward to being joined by friends and family for a relaxed afternoon of music, chat and cake.

The band has many concerts planned for the remaining months of 2018, including an appearance at the switch-on of the Thame Christmas Lights and their own Christmas concert on December 15.

A band spokesman said: “We are very excited about what the future will bring and would like to thank everyone for their support over the years - here’s to the next 25 years!”

The fireworks start early this November with an eclectic line-up at The First Thursday Music Club at The Stables in Thame, on Thursday, November 1.

There are three acts to enjoy at the club after the regular ‘open mic’ session from 8pm.

Finishing off the evening will be ‘Get Loose’ who last appeared in Thame on the main stage at Thame Town Music Festival in July.

Lee Castle (lead guitar and vocals), Darren Castle (drums) and Dom Allen (bass) will be kicking up a storm with their exciting brand of blues/rock.

John Buckley, who also appeared at TTMF, will also be featuring showing off his beautiful guitar playing and soulful voice.

The Kiva Band will be bringing a mix of powerful songs and beautiful harmonies. They write original material that draws on traditions as diverse as folk, pop, indie-rock and classical music.

The First Thursday Music Club still offers the opportunity for artists to play live in front of a warm and appreciative audience. The club maintains the ‘open mic’ section of the evening where slots will always be available in the first hour on a first come, first served basis with player sign-up by 7.30pm.

The club has a full house PA system with keyboard, bass amp, guitar amp and jazz drum kit - just bring breakables - and its all set up on stage and ready to go.

Admission is free.

More than 3,000 people enjoyed creative delights of the Thame Arts and Literature Festival, with 40 sellout events over the weekend.

Another wonderful TAL Festival finished on Sunday, after fourty sell-out events throughout the weekend. 

Former Irish president Mary Robinson flew in specially to speak about her book Climate Justice.

The human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson amused and shocked an audience by the revelations in his memoir and the ever wonderful Lucy Worsley packed the Spread Eagle hotel with her tales of Henry VIII’s daughter.

A spokeswoman for the festival said: “The sun shone on over 3,000 festival-goers who were entertained, inspired and amused by amazing speakers, musicians, and artists.

“No one will easily forget John Crace, the Guardian political sketch-writer sashaying into his talk on I-Maybot to Abba’s Dancing Queen. “All in all, it was a fantastic success and Thame has many more books to read throughout the dark nights of winter.”

Two Thames Valley Police officers went beyond the call of duty while on a family holiday in Turkey last week as they helped to save a man from drowning.

PC Jon Wildridge and his wife Stacey, who is also a police officer, noticed a man had got into difficulty in the sea and swam in to come to his aid.

Jon and Stacey swam the man, who was unconscious when they got to him, back to shore.

Jon performed CPR for 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived while Stacey looked after the man's wife, who was distressed and shaken by the incident.

Jon is a police constable based in Bracknell Central South while Stacey is a constable based in Britwell and Haymill.

In a message on his Facebook page Jon said: "Thank you to everyone for the very kind comments.

"I would like to say that if it was not for the assistance of Stacey I would not have been able to get the man out.

"Stacey swam into the water and supported me with getting the man out and then supported the man's wife once we got back to the shore. It was a real team effort."

The man is now in a stable condition in hospital following the incident.

The following people from Aylesbury Vale and beyond have been sentenced at Wycombe Magistrates Court between October 18 and 26.

Farrukh Bashir, 46, Whaddon Chase, Aylesbury: theft from a shop - stole a razor and two sets of headphones valued at £120 from Tesco, Aylesbury. Fined £80. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Ioannis Pelekis, 38, Whaddon Chase, Aylesbury: made off without having paid for diesel valued at £30.01 from a location in Milton Keynes. Fined £33. Ordered to pay compensation of £30.01, a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Made off without having paid for diesel valued at £20 from a location in Milton Keynes. Fined £33 and ordered to pay compensation of £20.

Obstructed a constable in the execution of their duty. Fined £66.

Drove a Volkswagen Passat on the A4146 Stoke Hammond bypass without a licence. No separate penalty.

Drove a Volkswagen Passat on the A4146 Stoke Hammond bypass without insurance. Fined £100. Six points added to his driving licence.

Dharmraj Singh, 54, Briars Close, Aylesbury: drove a motor vehicle on the A41 Aston Clinton bypass while over the alcohol limit. Fined £1,440. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120 and to pay costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 16 months.

Gavin Walker, 34, Hilltop, Long Crendon: stole bedding valued at £210 from Dunelm. Fined £120. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Benjamin Mackay, 19, Broughton Lane, Bierton: possession of a quantity of cannabis in Wendover. Fined £104. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Drove a Citroen on the A413 near Wendover while under the influence of drugs. Fined £306. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 12 months.

Luke Atley, 33, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury: assaulted an individual by beating. Defendant banned from entering the White Hart pub in Aylesbury. Fined £200. Ordered to pay compensation of £25.

Assaulted a constable in the execution of their duty. Fined £400. Ordered to pay compensation of £50, a victim surcharge of £40 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Larry Baker, 45, Chelsea Road, Aylesbury: assaulted an individual by beating. Ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. Ordered to pay compensation of £300, a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Simon Miller, 34, Blackwater Drive, Aylesbury: theft from a shop - stole soft drinks valued at £46.50 from the Co-Op, Aylesbury. Community order made - defendant banned from all branches of the Co-Op in Aylesbury. Ordered to pay compensation of £300 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Stole meat (value unknown) from the Co-Op, Aylesbury in six separate incidents.

Stole soft drinks valued at £46.50 from the Co-Op, Aylesbury.

Stole soft drinks valued at £49.60 from the Co-Op, Aylesbury.

Stole soft drinks (value unknown) from the Co-Op, Aylesbury in two separate incidents.

Stole meat valued at £100 from the Co-Op, Aylesbury.

Stole soft drinks valued at £42.20 from the Co-Op, Aylesbury.

Ihsan Shah, 21, Cromwell Avenue, Aylesbury: handled stolen goods - a mountain bike valued at £700. Fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Possession of a quantity of chloro-ethylcathinone. Fined £80.

Thames Valley Police have refused to name an officer guilty of sending 'racist and offensive text messages'.

The former officer, known as Officer A in the proceedings after they were granted anonymity following legal representations, was found guilty at a special case misconduct hearing chaired by Chief Constable Francis Habgood at the force’s headquarters earlier this week.

Officer A was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour after they sent racist and offensive text messages which were shared with members of the public.

Despite multiple requests from this newspaper, police refused to name the officer or specify the reason for them being granted anonymity.

This newspaper has now put in a Freedom of Information request to get the name of the officer as we believe it is in the public interest.

Following an investigation in which the former officer’s mobile phone was examined by investigators it was found to contain a number of racist and offensive texts which were shared with members of the public on various dates between 1 April 2017 and 15 January 2018.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Ward, head of professional standards for Thames Valley Police said: “The texts sent were racist, offensive and very unpleasant.

"They undermine the excellent work carried out by hard-working police officers every day and we are resolute in our determination to expose the minority of our staff who hold such views and behave in this way.

"The public can be reassured that there is no place for people who behave like this in policing.”

Chief Constable Habgood concluded that due to the severity of the offences had the officer not resigned, they would have been dismissed from the force.

Go hunting for runaway reindeer in Thame and you may be switching on the town’s Christmas lights.

The Town Council is running a treasure trail around the town throughout November in the lead up to the big switch on event on Friday, November 30.

A group of 24 reindeer have run away and are now hiding in shop windows around Cornmarket, Upper High Street, North Street, Butter Market, Swan Walk, Greyhound Walk and High Street.

The search is now to find them. All of the reindeer are numbered to give you a helping hand. You can also use #ChristmasInThame on social media for clues.

The first entry out of the hat with all the correct answers will get the chance to push the plunger on the town’s Christmas lights plus there are prizes for the runners up. To enter the competition all you need to do is download an entry form from www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas or pick one up from the Town Hall Information Centre. Write down all the shops which have one of the numbered reindeer in their window and return your entry form to the Town Hall by 4pm on Thursday, November 29. Include your name, age, address and contact number.

Visit www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas

A vast shipment of food has been sent from Thame to help refugees living rough in France.

Residents around Thame have donated 1,600 food items for refugees facing the winter months in Northern France.

A collection was held on October 20 in Greyhound Walk by the local organisation Bread and Roses for Refugees Thame. The items, including 548 tins of fish for much-needed protein, will be distributed direct to refugees in need by the partner organisation Oxfordshire Refugee Solidarity.

Group member Helen Flitton said: “We were amazed by the interest and generosity shown by the people of Thame. We were delighted to be able to send so many food parcels, and we have collected enough tea and coffee for around 10,000 hot drinks to keep people warm over the winter months.”

The organisation runs several events or collections a year and can be contacted on breadandroses@gmail.com or on Facebook

A man facing terminal cancer is appealing for people to support a new campaign which will continue his charity work.

Andrew Winterbottom, who established the Wee Bookshop & Café in Chinnor to help fund his charity Fight Bladder Cancer, is calling for supporters to STEP FORWARD to secure its future after revealing he has terminal cancer.

Andrew says he has a terminal diagnosis and will be stepping back from the day-to-day running of the charity.

He responded to the news by immediately launching a campaign to secure the funding needed to guarantee the charity’s work continues.

He said: “After 9 years, I need to step back from my everyday duties of running Fight Bladder Cancer to focus on my own health. That’s why I am asking all our friends, supporters and well-wishers to help.”

STEP FORWARD is asking people to be regular donors to Fight Bladder Cancer.

Andrew said: “We have had the most fabulous support and our supporters mean a lot to us. That makes it a difficult thing to explain, but the harsh reality is I can’t survive this illness. What I can do however, is make sure that Fight Bladder Cancer has the funds it needs in the future. To me that is the most important thing. My view is that no one can save my life, but people can keep my dream alive.”

Fight Bladder Cancer has transformed the experience of patients and their families at all stages of the disease with support and advice. It has helped tens of thousands of patients as well as raising the profile of bladder cancer and giving a voice to patients in the NHS and research.

Andrew began the charity from his garden shed and through tireless effort it has become the voice for patients, helping over 200,000 patients a year and even part-funding research into effective treatments.

It now has its headquarters on the High Street in Chinnor and runs its hugely popular Wee Bookshop and Café on Station Road. Profits from the café help fund the work of the charity.

Andrew said: “In every sense we are rooted in Chinnor. My wife Tracy and I live in the village and Fight Bladder Cancer enjoys the most amazing and generous support from the local community. They have enabled us to grow and become the champions of bladder cancer patients throughout the country. I’ve never thought of it this way before, but we have created 26 jobs in Chinnor.”

Andrew has appointed a successor as chief executive. Dr Lydia Makaroff, director of the European Cancer Patient Coalition, will be taking over at the Chinnor office at the end of the year.

STEP FORWARD is a hard-hitting campaign which Andrew said is asking people to become regular donors to Fight Bladder Cancer.

He added: “We hope people who know us and the work we do will be prepared to make regular monthly donations, small or large. If we are successful it will help my successor in planning how Fight Bladder Cancer grows and does more to help carry on the battle.”

Since the organisation began, Andrew has helped bring changes, raising the profile of this common cancer. Now, people diagnosed with bladder cancer, and their families too, have somewhere to get advice, support and information. Through Fight Bladder Cancer, they now have a voice when it counts in the health service, research and policy.

The vision Andrew has for the charity is clear. He wants quicker and earlier diagnosis, much greater awareness and better services in the NHS to equal the experiences of patients with other common cancers.

For more about the STEP FORWARD campaign visit www.fightbladdercancer.co.uk/stepforward

Join the campaign hashtag #WeeSupportAndrew and #StepForward on social media.