A Christmas star will bring seasonal joy to a concert in Thame.

In an exciting change to its usual format, well-known local actor Bruce Alexander is to compère Thame Chamber Choir’s evening Christmas concert, entitled ‘Follow that Star!’, in St Mary’s Church, Thame, on Saturday, December 15.

TV star Bruce will intersperse seasonal readings with the choir’s blend of old favourites and pieces with a modern twist, complemented by traditional refreshments - including mulled wine and mince pies - familiar carols to sing along with and a beautiful candlelit atmosphere.

The evening concert will be preceded by the very popular family matinée, specially intended for families with young children.

Both concerts also feature TCC2, Thame’s thriving Children’s Choir, veteran broadcasters on both BBC Television and Radio 3.

The concerts are at 4.30pm. and 7.30pm.

Tickets are matinee £8 in advance, or £10 on the door, evening £10 or £12 on the door, available from the Book House, 93 High Street, Thame. Children under 18 are admitted free. Refreshments served from 4pm.

www.thamechamberchoir.org

There’s fun for all ages at a Christmas evening being held in Long Crendon.

Long Crendon Baptist Church are inviting the whole community to a Christmas Extravaganza on Friday, December 7, from 5pm to 8pm.

Pastor Mark Herbert said: “Our Christmas Extravaganza is a great opportunity for our local community to come together, get into the festive spirit and have some fun in the run-up to Christmas.”

The Christmas atmosphere begins outside the building where a series of wooden booths form a ‘Food Fest’. Here visitors will be offered mulled wine, hot dogs and burgers for free! Once inside, the festive atmosphere will continue with ‘cabaret-style’ live music and entertainment and have-a-go crafts in the main building.

The extravaganza also provides an opportunity for Christmas shopping with a wide range of home-made seasonal goodies on sale in the Christmas Food Hall.

The church has put on Christmas Craft Markets in the past, but this event will be different.

Juanita Hughes, one of the organisers, said: “We want this year’s event to focus a lot more on entertainment and we’re encouraging people to get involved in fun, games and crafts together. As well as the live music and entertainment, there will be ‘have-a-go’ craft sessions - one for adults and one for children - where we’ll provide materials and instruction to enable you to make your own Christmas gifts. There’s plenty to keep children entertained - there will be a Children’s treasure hunt, a snowballing game, a ‘Splat the Pud’ and other games to join in. And if that sounds exhausting, you’ll be able to enjoy a sit-down in our Christmas Café and sample some festive treats. There really will be something for everyone.”

Admission and all entertainment is free. The main purpose of the event is to invite the community in and have some Christmas fun together! However there will be suggested charges for purchasing items in the Food Hall and for the adult have-a-go-craft sessions.

Mark said: “We don’t want to make any money for ourselves. But it is great to be able to bless others this Christmas. We want to see our local primary school flourish and also through the charity Samaritan’s Purse, we want to help children in other countries around the world receive a gift this Christmas to show them how much God loves them. This is why we will give all proceeds to Long Crendon School and Samaritans Purse.”

More info from www.lcbc.org.uk/future-events.php

A stunning extension to a listed cottage has won national recognition for an architects practice in Thame.

Lynn Palmer Architects has won the Build It Magazine 2018 for the listed building extension on High Street, Long Crendon, for ‘Best Architect for an Extension or Renovation’.

Lynn and her team were presented with the award in London at an event hosted by celebrated comedian, actor and presenter Miles Jupp. The evening brings together, architects, manufacturers and key industry figures in recognition of innovation and excellence in the custom and self-build home sector.

The design at 43 High Street was shortlisted by an expert panel of judges chaired by Build It magazine editor Chris Bates.

The challenge at the cottage was that it was listed, thatched and set on a steeply sloping site. The design solution to provide views of the long garden was to put the living space on the upper floor. See more at https://www.lpalmerarchitects.com/best-laid-plans/

A spokeswoman for the company said: “Recognition at a national level is a considerable achievement. Lynn Palmer Architects are by industry standards a relatively new and upcoming practice, to have achieved such recognition so early on can only hint at the calibre of future projects.

“With an office full of young and energetic architects and technologists headed up by Lynn, all of which are so talented and passionate about what they do, means this is only the beginning. With more exciting projects in the pipeline, we will no doubt see and hear a lot more from Lynn Palmer Architects Ltd.”

Elvis is just over two-years-old and has had a bit of a rough start in life.

He was found as a stray, and a kind stranger brought him into the Blue Cross hospital where he was treated for a fractured pelvis. But it’s onwards and upwards for Elvis – he’s been doing really well at the centre and enjoying all the love he’s getting at Lewknor.

Thirteen year old Phoebe loves to be adored and will purr away at your feet until she catches your attention. Phoebe is quite chatty and appreciates someone being around to listen to her. She likes a bit of alone time, and access to the outside world, but ultimately she likes to stay cosy while watching the world from the window. Phoebe prefers a quiet environment, and can handle living with children who will give her a bit of space when she needs it.

If you can offer Elvis or Pheobe a home or any other pet please contact Blue Cross Lewknor on 0300 777 1500 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk

The festive season kicks into gear with the final First Thursday Music Club of the year at the James Figg pub in Thame on Thursday, December 6.

A big crowd and lots of artists are expected to this brilliant night of live music in the run-up to Christmas – and admission is free.

This month the club is featuring The Band With No Name for their annual appearance. The band played to a huge crowd at the Rebellion Brewery in Marlow in November and will be moving on to ‘close’ at Haddenham’s hugely successful Winterfest Beer Festival on Saturday, December 8.

With Clive Taylor on drums, Clive Henry on harmonica, Phil Westerman on bass, George Brundrette on lead guitar and Dave Bradley on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, they will be rockin’ the house from around 10pm.

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 (bring breakables) all set up on stage and ready to go.

Visit www.tbwnn.co.uk

Young swimmers from Thame have been splashing their way into the history books.

Pupils from Lord Williams’s School qualified for the first time in its history to participate in the England School Swimming Associations national finals at the Olympic Aquatic Centre held on Saturday, November 17, when 165 schools took part.

The Secondary Schools Team Relay Championships is the longest running championship series organised by the ESSA. It is open to secondary school aged swimmers from across England, including state, public and home-schooled students.

Teams compete in 4x50m freestyle and medley relays. The championships are run as a national final with competing schools determined by the fastest times achieved in a qualifying round organised by the ESSA divisions .

Over a thousand school teams participated in the qualifying rounds at gala locations across the country.

The Lord Williams’s team - Josh Williams, Matt Evans, Elliott Riley-Brown, Arran Parmar and Ben Rose - finished an impressive 25th in the medley relay and 26th in the freestyle relay. The team thanks Thame Swimming club, whose support has promoted swimming both in school and the community.

A charity road run is being held around Thame on Sunday, December 16.

Organiser Jesse Smith of AgriSocial is inviting people to take part in the event, which will set off from Thame Show Ground, Kingsey Road, at 11am.

The road run will be raising funds for Cancer Research UK, and last year the event raised over £6,000 for the air ambulance.

Entry is £10 per vehicle and driver and those not taking part are welcome to contribute.

There will be a Christmas fancy dress prize for the best dressed on the run, plus a raffle and auction on the day.

All application forms and funds should be handed in when signing in on the day, before 10.30am. No discount for multiple vehicle entries.

All enquiries to Jesse on 0746 366 1684.

Video footage shows hugely popular band Take That making a surprise visit to Wendover near Aylesbury.

Three members of Take That were seen filming in Wendover High Street yesterday (Wednesday) but the exact reason remains a mystery.

Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen were seen in the High Street along with a film crew at around 10am.

READ THE FULL ORIGINAL STORY HERE
Now video of the visit has emerged which you can watch at the top of this story.

It is not the first time the band has had a link to Aylesbury Vale.

Back in 2014 Gary Barlow stunned the wedding party of an Aylesbury couple, read the full story here.

A paedophile from Thame has been jailed for 12 years for sexual offences carried out in the town.

Andrew Sambrooks, aged 38, of Youens Drive, was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court on Monday, November 26, after pleading guilty to a number of offences, after an investigation by Thames Valley Police.

He was also placed on an extended licence for two years and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sambrooks was also made subject to a Sexual Harm prevention order for life.

He pleaded guilty to the following offences:

Three counts of making indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child - categories A, B & C.

Three counts of distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child - categories A, B & C.

Three counts of attempting to cause/incite the sexual exploitation of a child aged 13-17.

Two counts of cause/incite the sexual exploitation of a child aged 13-17.

Two counts of attempting to cause/incite a girl 13-15 to engage in sexual activity - penetration.

One count of cause/incite the sexual exploitation of a child under 13.

One count of cause/incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity - penetration.

One count of cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration.

One count of attempting to incite a girl aged 13-15 to engage in non-penetrative activity.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Becky Tyler of Force CID, said: “Andrew Sambrooks was arrested on 2 July 2015, after Thames Valley Police received information that he had been in contact with underage females online.

“Upon arrest, a number of electronic devices were seized at Sambrooks’ property. These devices were found to contain indecent images of children from categories A, B and C.

“There was also evidence that Sambrooks had contacted girls aged between 12 and 15. Sambrooks had contacted these girls via Facebook during 2015 by using an alias account that he had created with the pretence of being an 18-year-old man.”

Following an investigation, Sambrooks was charged with the offences on July 26 this year.

The following people from Aylesbury Vale and beyond have been sentenced at Wycombe Magistrates Court between November 15 and 28.

Daniel Grigg, 37, Jazz Road, Aylesbury: failed to provide a specimen for analysis. Committed to prison for 14 days. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 18 months.

Stefan Greco, 36, Griffin Lane, Aylesbury: trespass - stole an iPad Mini from behind the staff sales counter at Rapid Repairs, Aylesbury. Committed to prison for 60 days. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Matthew Williams, 26, Timms Close, Aylesbury: assaulted a woman by beating. Ordered to participate in a 30 day rehabiliation programme, to pay compensation of £250 and to pay a victim surcharge of £85.

Jean-Marc Maujean, 41, Ely Road, Wendover: drove a large goods vehicle on Aylesbury Road, Wendover, without insurance. Fined £456, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £45 and to pay costs of £85.

Kerry Ann Hawkins, 34, Belgrave Road, Aylesbury: stole vitamins and wellness items valued at £184.84 from Boots, Aylesbury. Committed to prison for two weeks. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Toby Skinner, 21, High Street North, Stewkley: drove a Mercedes in High Street South, Stewkley, while over the alcohol limit. Fined £392, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £39 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 14 months.

Eirini Vasalou, 43, Small Crescent, Buckingham: assaulted a constable in the execution of their duty. Ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Causing a child under 16 years unnecessary suffering/injury. Ordered to carry out a further 120 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

Paul Abbs, 41, Beech Green, Aylesbury: deposited two sacks of solidified cement mix on Pearson Close without a valid environmental permit. Fined £466, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £46 and to pay costs of £768.

Melissa Lee Lewis, 51, Owen Place, Aylesbury: stole meat and alcohol valued at £45.71 from Marks and Spencer, High Street, Berkhamsted.

Travelling as a passenger in a stolen motor vehicle. Fined £80.

Stole an Armani box set from Boots, Aylesbury. Fined £40, ordered to pay compensation of £56, a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Siobhan Swift, 25, Owen Place, Aylesbury: travelled as a passenger in a stolen motor vehicle. Fined £80.

Afshin Bahrami-Nejad, 22, Rutland Path, Aylesbury: used threatening, abusive or insulting words towards an individual. Restraining order made. Ordered to pay compensation of £50, a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £50 to the CPS.

Sent an offensive message through a public communications network. Ordered to pay compensation of £50.


Sarah Hatchett, 38, Badrick Road, Aylesbury: stole an electric product and two bottles of alcohol priced at £126 from Tesco Broadfields, Aylesbury. Committed to prison for seven days.

Stole seven beauty products valued at £212.93 from TK Maxx, Broadfields, Aylesbury. Committed to prison for seven days.

Annabel Turner, 29, St Edmunds Close, Aylesbury: drove an Audi on Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury while over the speed limit (41mph in a 30mph zone). Fined £80. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Driving record endorsed with four points.

Samirah Sakhi, 21, Brunswick Close, Aylesbury: used threatening or abusive words/behaviour. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Luke Duffett, 23, Winwood Drive, Quainton: drove a silver Mitsubishi Colt on London Road, Wendover, while over the alcohol limit. Fined £323. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 17 months.

Carlos Velosa, 47, Albion Street, Aylesbury: stole an iPhone 6 valued at £150 from Buckingham Street, Aylesbury. Fined £150, ordered to pay compensation of £150, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Michaela Almond, 24, Summers House, Aylesbury: stole alcohol and razor blades valued at £250 from Sainsbury’s, Buckingham Street, Aylesbury. Committed to prison for 18 weeks. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Stole alcohol valued at £143 from Sainsbury’s. Committed to prison for 18 weeks.

Stole alcohol valued at £184.50 from Sainsbury’s. Committed to prison for 18 weeks.

Stole alcohol valued at £144.50 from Sainsbury’s. Committed to prison for 18 weeks.

Stole alcohol and razors valued at £166 from Sainsbury’s. Committed to prison for 18 weeks.

Garth Pearson, 34, Florey Gardens, Aylesbury: stole meat valued at £67.50 from Tesco, High Wycombe. Committed to prison for three weeks. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

A site in Aylesbury named after a former Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust employee has scooped two accolades at this year's Aylesbury Vale District Council design awards.

The 25th edition of the awards, which celebrates renovated building projects across Aylesbury Vale was held on Thursday November 29 at the Gateway.

Nine projects were shortlisted from the nominated schemes and were judged by a panel of experts.

Each of the category winners went forward to the People’s Choice award which was decided by a public vote.

Of the six awards Aylesbury took home two of them with the Brenda’s Way Project awarded the coveted People’s Choice award as well as Best Redevelopment.

The garage site at Whaddon Chase had a long history of antisocial behaviour and crime, and was a fly-tipping hotspot.

In 2012, the Bucks Herald labelled the area as ‘more like Beirut’.

The project included the redevelopment of a garage site to create 14 houses with associated parking and six new garages.

The other award winners were:

Dinton Castle in Dinton (Best Restoration).

This project saw Jaime and Mimi Fernandez convert the castle from a Grade II listed building to a family home - it's restoration was featured on Channel Four show Grand Designs in September.

43 High Street in Long Crendon (Outstanding Design).

Foxhill Barn in Kingsey (Best Conversion).

Beachborough School in Westbury (Best Public Building).

Councillor Peter Strachan, cabinet member for planning and enforcement at Aylesbury Vale District Council said: "These annual awards highlight the diversity of building projects across the Vale, recognising those which demonstrate excellence and support the sustainable growth of the district.

"Over the past 25 years, we’ve presented numerous awards and are proud to continue to promote sustainable, attractive and innovative design.

"Congratulations to all the shortlisted projects and special thanks to all the AVDC planners involved in these schemes.”

Fraser Wells, managing director of partnerships at property developers and award sponsors Durkan said: “Since partnering with AVDC on The Exchange project in the centre of Aylesbury, we increasingly see our role as a supporter of the wider community and the initiatives being implemented by the council.

"As such, we were delighted to sponsor this important awards scheme once again.

"It is inspiring to see such innovative and sympathetic design being recognised and we extend our congratulations to all the winners.”

Tumultuous applause marked the sell-out performance of Handel’s Messiah by Lord Williams’s Festival Chorus at Thame Leisure Centre on Saturday night.

This was the first concert with their new musical director Jeff Stewart and a new orchestra comprising young musicians drawn from the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the South Bank Sinfonia and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Jeff said: “I would like to thank the choir for their hard work and commitment this term and for welcoming me as their new MD. That commitment paid off on Saturday resulting in a really strong performance.”

Chairman Karen Ross said: “We received so many complimentary, positive comments from members of the audience on Saturday. We’re already looking forward to our next concert!”

The Chorus will perform Mozart’s Requiem and Vivaldi’s Gloria on Saturday, March 16. Details can be found on the website at www.lordwilliamsfestivalchorus.org.uk

Buyers need to beware as thousands of customers report being ripped off on online marketplaces, says Thame Citizens Advice.

More than 13,000 problems with purchases in England and Wales on online marketplaces were reported to the Citizens Advice consumer service last year.

Online marketplaces are becoming increasingly popular for people trying to find the best deal and Thame Citizens Advice is warning residents in Thame to be aware of the dangers.

This year’s National Consumer Week focused on customer rights when buying from an online marketplace. Thame Citizens Advice says people don’t always know they have fewer rights when they buy from a private seller, compared to if they buy from a business.

If you buy from a private seller the principle of “buyer beware” applies. This means while the seller can’t misdescribe the item, they can omit information. For example, if a laptop is described as being a silver laptop in “excellent working condition” but it’s faulty, you could ask for your money back. But if “excellent working condition” is missing from the description, you won’t be able to.

Thame Citizens Advice suggests people check all the product information carefully before buying something on an online marketplace. They also recommend that shoppers take extra care, like reading previous reviews and saving screenshots of their purchases.

A spokeswoman for Thame Citizens Advice said: “Far too many people are being ripped off on online marketplaces. As part of National Consumer Week we want to make sure customers know what to look out for when making a purchase and their rights if something goes wrong.

“To reduce the risk of being left out-of-pocket it’s a good idea to check the product information on these sites carefully before they make a purchase.”

Here are Citizens Advice’s tips for using online marketplaces:

Check the product details

This should include: photos; a description; cost of the item; delivery charges; contact details for the seller; and any cancellation rights.

It should be clear if it’s being sold by a trader or private seller - this is important as your rights are different.

It is wise to read previous reviews as these can often flag potential issues, but watch out for fake reviews. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Take screenshots of the item you want to buy

This will come in handy if the item you receive is different to what you saw on the website.

Use a payment method that protects you

You’ll have a better chance of getting your money back if there’s a problem by using a card or Paypal, particularly if it’s an overseas seller. Avoid paying by bank transfer.

Go back to the seller if there’s a problem

Explain what’s happened, how you’d like them to fix it and give a deadline for them to respond. If they don’t sort it out, see if there’s an alternative dispute resolution service that can help. Report them and the online marketplace to Trading Standards if you think the issue is unfair.

Getting your money back from a private seller

The product description needs to be accurate, but if information is missing you won’t be able to ask for your money back.

If the item doesn’t match the photos on the website, you may also have grounds to ask for your money back.

Groups campaigning for a People’s Vote will be out in force around Thame on Saturday, December 8, supporting a National Day of Action involving thousands of people across the UK.

The National Day of Action is being organised by activists and supporters from the People’s Vote Campaign, just days before a crucial vote in Parliament on the Government’s Brexit plans.

As well as in Thame, events are taking place all over the country, with thousands of activists and supporters involved. Street stalls will be set up in towns and cities the length and breadth of the country and this will be the last action day before Parliament votes on the deal on December 11.

Robin Storey of Open Britain Thame said: “People don’t just have to accept a bad Brexit, they can demand their voice is heard. The public needs to have the final say on this crucial decision because, in the end, only the people can really sort this out.

“Support is growing exponentially - there are now 17 People’s Vote grassroots groups active in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire – join an event this weekend and demand your MP backs a People’s Vote.”

There will also be eleven regional flagship events throughout the country, as well as a rally in Sheffield.

It’s panto time at last in Thame - oh yes it is!

Thame Players present Beauty and the Beast, by Ben Crocker, on December 7-9 and 12-16, at 7.45pm with matinees at 2pm and 5.30pm, and there are only a few tickets left.

Beauty and the Beast is extremely funny, full of action and great fun to perform. Seeing Beauty with her Prince, Malabelle the wicked witch turns him into a Beast and so the tale begins.

With many hurdles to overcome Beauty is finally reunited with her Prince and all is right with the world.

A pantomime for all the family to enjoy at Christmas, with classic characters such as the Dame, the Principal Boy and a female blacksmith this is a traditional pantomime with a modern twist.

Ben Crocker comes from a theatrical family and is the son of actor and pantomime script writer, John Crocker.

He saw his first pantomime at the age of three and has been hooked ever since.

During the last 25 years Ben has directed over 70 professional productions, including 20 pantomimes. Ten years ago, he started writing the scripts which contain all his knowledge, expertise and love of the art form.

They are very funny, fast moving and true to the original story.

The panto is at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame. Tickets £10 with £9 concessions from Spear Travels on 01844 217228 or online at www.thameplayers.co.uk

Prezzo celebrated the re-opening of its fresh new look Thame branch on Cornmarket on with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Ann Midwinter.

The ceremony on Tuesday, November 27, was also attended by deputy mayor, Linda Emery, and local businesses, media and influencers.

The event celebrates the refreshed Prezzo Thame following a major, two-week refurbishment and staff training for the new menu. Guests were treated to sample dishes from Prezzo’s new autumn/winter menu including Beetroot Gnocchi and Crab & Lobster Torellini, served alongside Prezzo’s signature G&T cocktail.

Prezzo executive chef Paul Lewis said: “Both our dishes and our restaurant design have been influenced by what we’re calling the spirit of Milan. Think Italian dining with a sophisticated twist.”

www.prezzorestaurants.co.uk/restaurant/thame/

Warm-hearted tots took their poorly toys to a Toy Hospital in Thame to help raise money for BBC’s Children in Need.

Musical Mayhem, which runs drop-in live music classes at the town’s Tennis and Bowls Club in Chiltern Grove every Monday, diagnosed dolls and bandaged bears at the event.

Babies and toddlers aged 0-4 joined the live music sing-along featuring songs about bumped heads, spots and poorly toys as well as puppets, props and percussion games.

All donations for tea and cake after the music went to BBC Children in Need.

Musical Mayhem is an award-winning toddler music group with classes in Thame, Chinnor, Haddenham, Princes Risborough, Great Missenden and High Wycombe.

Musician and mum-of-three Monica Nelson, who runs Musical Mayhem, said: “Almost 40 babies and toddlers came along to our musical Toy Hospital in Thame. We had great fun playing doctors and nurses and treating lots of toys with bandages and pretend medicine. Thanks to everyone who came along and donated to this deserving cause.”

she added: “Our sessions are designed to give young children and their families an entertaining and educational feel-good musical experience. We know that singing together is good for everyone’s health so it’s not just the toys that will benefit.”

Sessions start at 9.45am and 11am. The cost is £5 per family and there is no need to book – just turn up. For more information visit musicalmayhemuk.com

Improved walking and cycling links around Thame and an emphasis on green spaces were among key issues for people responding to a public consultation on the town’s future.

Townspeople, businesses and organisations from Thame and district have responded to the Green Living Plan (GLP) for Thame consultation process in person, via email or questionnaire.

They were commenting on the publication of the draft GLP following its approval by Thame Town Council in June for public consultation.

Well-attended drop-in sessions in Thame Town Hall in August and September gave many the chance to better understanding of the Green Living Plan for Thame (GLP). There was also a GLP stand on a Tuesday market day to start the consultation process. Visitors to the sessions included MP John Howell and Thame’s Mayor Cllr Ann Midwinter.

Thame Town Council helped promote the face-to-face consultations by providing publicity, including posters at the main roads into the centre and around town.

The GLP is being developed by members of the RSA Thame Group (RSA TG) who are now assessing the hundreds of responses to the presentations and questionnaire.

A council spokeswoman said: “Feedback has come in many different forms – from full page reactions to yellow Post-it notes - and have thrown-up a number of learning points.

“These include the need to highlight that this is not a house-building opposition group nor a campaign group. The role of the RSA TG is to help Thame Town Council develop a plan that will think ahead as to how it might best protect the town’s environment and vitality from the effects of further growth and development, however and whenever that arises.

“RSA TG’s current work includes a fuller report for Thame Town Council and the survey findings, the development of Part 3 of the Plan with specific proposals (geared to different time periods) and the establishment of tasks groups for key GLP focus areas, coordinated by a GLP Steering Group with TTC support.

“In the meantime, it can be reported that, following overwhelming comment, there will be notable emphasis on green spaces with improved walking and cycling-links.

“In this connection recent comments from the Oxfordshire Growth Board suggest that a viable cycle route to Haddenham Station is at last being treated as a specific project, with a route being created within the next five years. There is a vast amount still to be done to bring this to fruition, but the announcement shows that the message is now being heard.

“RSA TG is delighted to announce that it is working with Lord Williams’s School on the Year 8 off-timetable morning this coming January, where students will be putting their minds to work on what they would like to see in a Green Living Plan for their area.”

An update on the progress of the GLP will be posted early next year.

Celebrity Chef Raymond Blanc led a delegation of over eighty local business leaders, gathered at his Black Horse Pub Brasserie in Thame, to show support for the now community run charity, the Red Kite Family Centre.

The centre provides a wide range of activities, support and advice services to all parents with children up to four years old in the Thame and Chinnor area. It also helps young children and their parents prepare for their school years which follow. Well over 80% of parents in the area make regular use of the Centre and the trustees are determined to ensure that the £70,000 a year needed to fund its upkeep is secured for the coming years.

As part of the evening, a new ‘Friends of the Red Kite Family Centre’ scheme was launched allowing the local community to provide support. The scheme is open to everyone and details can be found on the Red Kite Family Centre website at https://www.redkitefamilycentre.org/

Speaking during the event on Tuesday, November 20, Raymond Blanc offered his personal endorsement for the centre’s work and encouraged everyone present to show their support through practical and financial means.

Raymond said: “The family centre is heavily relied upon within the local area therefore it’s critical that the centre retains the help and assistance of all of us in this room and throughout our wider community.”

Amy Spicer, the family centre’s leader, provided a number striking examples of the real difference that the centre is making to the lives of many families with young children in the area ranging from children with disabilities through to a new mother with postnatal depression.

She ended by saying: “We want to be there for every family.”

Tony Stratton, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, also attended the event and gave his support before thanking Amy and her team for the invaluable work that they are doing.

John Hulett, the centre’s chair of trustees, added: “With support from local business and the wider community we can ensure that the centre continues to provide this vital lifeline to families in our area.”

Review by Andrew Gordon

Followers of the Witchert Chorale have come to expect an evening of first class music with a mix of well-loved and recondite numbers delivered with the group’s trade-mark humour and sparkle. Saturday’s Christmas concert in St Mary’s was no exception.

It was to be an evening of Handel and his contemporaries, than which, with this group in that setting, a more delightful prospect could hardly be imagined. The added bit of fun this year was the arresting theme: ‘When Handel came to Haddenham…’. This was a story, written and told by Ed Cairns, spun out between musical numbers and thoroughly engaging if only for the bits of eighteenth century local history worked in.

The canard should have been spotted by historians (but not this one) from the dates in 1752, which never existed, any more than Handel’s visit, having been eliminated when Britain belatedly joined the rest of Europe in adopting the Gregorian calendar.

But, as Ed observed, we were there for the music. To listen to the eighteenth century harmonies from this well-blended, spirited but disciplined choir, wonderfully accompanied by the 4-member Witchert Ensemble, was as uplifting as ever and would have soothed the most troubled soul. The programme included some pieces intended for very large choirs, such as the Coronation Anthems and the splendid Worthy is the Lamb from the Messiah, and it was remarkable how these numbers took new life from this small group, of 18, singing with such intimacy and pin-sharp accuracy.

While Handel dominated the programme, there was an outstanding piece from an older composer, Henry Purcell. The crescendo at the end of his Hear my Prayer, for its sheer beauty of sound and in the setting of St Mary’s, will for many have been the emotional high point of the evening.

After the singing there were heartfelt farewells to Alison Court, who, with director David Quinn, founded the Witchert Chorale in 2004 and who (with Ed’s constant support) has always been the chief animator of the group and author of its distinct personality. The batten passes to Ann Millar, organiser of this year’s concert (a triumph). Proceeds from the concert, very well attended as usual, will go to the Haddenham Village Society and to Friends of St Mary’s.