A fitness check day and information fair is being planned in Thame following the success of a previous event.

Anita Clayton is hosting the Functional Fitness MOT Day and Information Fair at Thame Town Hall on Friday, September 28, from 9.30am until 12.30pm and people are urged to book appointments.

The Functional Fitness MOT was developed by the partnership between the Glasgow Caledonian University, the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Later Life Training.

A physiotherapist, fitness instructor or postural stability instructor will take the participants through seven tests that will give them an indication of their exercise performance.

Each test comes with a set of ‘normal values’ for people of different ages - from 60 to 90 years - and this will give participants an idea of whether they are ‘doing well’ compared to their peers, or whether they could benefit from being more active.

There will be a list available of local activity opportunities the participants may like to join in with, and some online websites that will give them some more information.

The organisers are hoping to have stalls from the following organisations to give information and advice: AGE UK Oxford including the Community Information Network; Thame Leisure Centre including GO ACTIVE; The British Heart Foundation; Diabetes UK; Dementia Oxfordshire; Occupational Therapy.

Lat year’s event proved to be very popular so if you want to have the fitness tests, you are asked to make an appointment with Anita Clayton on 01844 217646.

A singer and songgwriter from Tiddington is to release her debut single.

Abi Farrell will see her song ‘Ivy’, a piano version, go on all major platforms on Friday, August 10.

The artist, who has performed at Thame Town Music Festival, recorded the single at Black Frog Studios in the town.

Abi has spent the past decade writing a repertoire of impactful original songs and amassing a strong UK-based following. Each song is a carefully arranged blend of funk and soul inspired pop, and Abi’s vocal purity and range has previously been likened by fans to that of Eva Cassidy.

‘Ivy’ will be released and promoted independently by the artist herself.

The track is described as a beautiful five-minute arrangement for keys and vocals, featuring soaring vocal riffs and cinematic production.

It was written during Abi’s time studying for a Masters in History at the University of Birmingham in 2015. With vocal lines and rhythms reminiscent of R&B girl groups, lyrically it discusses the experience of self-doubt and the struggle to silence it.

Abi’s live performances have included sets at London’s prestigious Jazz Café, Camden Assembly and The Troubadour, in addition to headline and subheadline shows in quirky central London venues.

Her next show will be on Wednesday, August 8 at The Underbelly, Hoxton, London, promoted by Hot Vox, where she will be showcasing an acoustic version of ‘Ivy’ and talking to fans about the release.

‘Ivy’ (Piano Version) will be live on iTunes, Spotify and Apple Music on Friday, August. To presave the track on Spotify, visit www.smarturl.it/Presave-Ivy

Children at a school in Thame have helped to spread smiles to refugees around the world.

Bread and Roses for Refugees – Thame, which was formed in 2016 by five friends and is growing steadily, organises local events to support charities working directly with refugees around the world.

Their latest venture has been a huge success thanks to children and parents at John Hampden Primary School in Thame.

The team arranged for children’s entertainers and magicians from The Flying Seagull Project to visit John Hampden to perform a spectacular hour long show for the whole school.

The children and teachers were not only treated to a fun filled show but also a presentation about what The Flying Seagull Project is all about.

The project was formed in 2008 to bring smiles and laughter to underprivileged, marginalised or suffering children around the world.

They have travelled to refugee camps and hospitals in Europe, Romania, Bangladesh and Ghana to name a few, as well as hospitals here in the UK.

In desperate situations when play can seem like a luxury, a band of entertainers from The Flying Seagulls aim to give those in need the opportunity to play and laugh and to “plant a seed to let their happiness grow”.

With donations from the school and other local residents, the team were able to raise over £1,700 for the Flying Seagull Project which will be put to work straight away, sending clowns and entertainers into refugee camps across Europe and the Middle East.

Group member Sally Hobson said: “We are so grateful and overwhelmed for the amazing support.”

You can help the project by donating directly to The Flying Seagulls through their website or hiring them for your next party.

If you would like to know more about Bread and Roses for Refugees, Thame please visit the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Bread-and-Roses-for-Refugees-Thame-212820775738898/

A child sex offender who committed several offences in Princes Risborough and Towersey has been sentenced to 11 years and six months behind bars after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against children.

Robert Robinson, aged 56, of no fixed abode, was sentenced after he was found guilty by unanimous jury of 17 counts of sexual offences against children.

He was believed to have been working in Aylesbury during the period of offending.

Robinson was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14, six counts of indecency with a child, and five counts of indecent assault on a boy.

The offences happened in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire between 1975 and 2000.

Robinson was convicted on 20 June 2018, following a ten day trial.

He was arrested on 12 July 2016 and charged on 11 July 2017.

Robinson appeared at Oxford Crown Court for sentencing earlier this month.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Sarah Berry, of the Protecting Vulnerable People Investigation Unit said: “Robinson is a dangerous offender who committed sexual offences against children spanning over a number of decades, and his offending started when he was a teenager.

“Robinson never admitted to his horrific offences, his defence being that the complaints made against him were made up.

“Robinson never offered any evidence to support this.

“I am pleased that Robinson is now behind bars and I would like to thank the victims for their courage and strength in standing up to their abuser.

“This case illustrates that time is not a barrier when it comes to obtaining justice for victims of sexual abuse.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim to please call Thames Valley Police on 101 or you can report online at our website, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Following the verdict one of the brave victims who came forward told the Herald: “Because of the long time periods between these crimes, there must be other victims out there and I’d encourage them to get in touch with the police, to gain that closure in which they can move on with their lives.

“The police have a fantastic support network and they won’t be alone.

“Two of the victims intially made a complaint in 2001 but the police didn’t feel they had enough evidence to charge him, and it wasn’t until I came forward that they were able to get this vile perpetrator put to justice.”

A cycle buddy scheme is being launched in Thame to encourage commuters travelling to the rail station to leave their cars at home.

To celebrate Cycle to Work Day on Wednesday, August 15, the Haddenham to Thame Cycleway group (CycleHAT) is organising a free buddy scheme to escort want-to-cycle commuters between Thame Town Hall and Haddenham and Thame Parkway train station during the morning commute.

The hope is that a number of commuters who usually drive to the station will be inspired to ditch the car and cycle instead on the day – enjoying some fresh air, exercise and saving the expense of a car parking ticket.

As a reward for the cycle commuters’ efforts, the Little Italy café at the Haddenham and Thame Parkway station is kindly providing a complimentary cup of coffee for those taking part.

On the day, a pool of experienced cyclists - or buddies - will personally escort those who are not familiar with the commute by bicycle. Trips to the train station will leave at regular intervals between 7am and 9am.

Cyclists wishing to reserve a space can do so by visiting http://bit.ly/cyclehat indicating your preferred departure time on the basis that 30 minutes should be allowed for the trip.

Riders only need to take a roadworthy bicycle, a helmet, and a lock.

Optionally, a set of lights and a waterproof may be prudent depending on the weather and your expected time of return.

The event is being organised to promote awareness for the need for an improved cycle-friendly route between Thame and Haddenham, with the aim to realise a safer means of cycling for the benefits of local commuters, families, and children.

The new cycle scheme is being launched on Wednesday, August 15 at 8am at Thame Town Hall with members of CycleHAT and cycle-commuters-for-the-day.

A spokesman for the project said: “A cycle-friendly route between Thame and Haddenham will benefit more than just commuters. It will aid families wanting to visit local shops, leisure facilities and events in both towns without resorting to the use of a car. It will also remove cyclists from congested local roads, easing the flow of traffic.

“The health benefits for anyone who cycles are well documented and a safe route will encourage year-round exercise for both leisure and commuting.”

Proposals in the neighbourhood plan

A safe cycle route from Haddenham to Thame could also link up with the Phoenix Trail providing cyclists, runners and those out for a weekend stroll with a car-free connection to Princes Risborough, say the organisers of CycleHAT.

Charles Boundy, chairman, RSA Thame Group – honorary consultants to Thame Town Council, said: “Achieving a viable and secure cycle link between Thame and the station at Haddenham has always been a key objective of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan and the trailblazing Green Living Plan of 2018 which sets out proposals for improved non-vehicle links and cleaner air in and around Thame.

“We’re delighted to be working with CycleHaT to help build momentum for this vital project and fully support their efforts.”

David Lyons, Haddenham cyclist and parish councillor said: “With so many new houses being built in Haddenham and Thame, together with the many facilities each has to offer, building an effective cycle and footpath between the two is a no brainier. The A418 is often packed bumper to bumper in the mornings and people say they would much prefer to cycle if it wasn’t for the 418 and Scotsgrove turn. With targets to reduce obesity, pollution and road congestion, this should tick all the right boxes.”

CycleHAT has recently been formed to promote the development of an improved cycle-friendly route between Thame and Haddenham, with the aim to realise a safer means of cycling for the benefits of local commuters, families, and children. Its founding members are Andrew Caleya Chetty, Oliver Graydon, Stuart Horseman and Matt Millar. CycleHAT can be contacted by email at cyclehat@gmail.com

Cycle-to-Work day is a nationwide initiative that aims to encourage more people to use a bicycle for their daily commute.

More information can be found at www.cycletoworkday.org

Horse owners looking for the perfect property for themselves and their pony need look no further!

These are five amazing equestrian homes on the market in our region, all for sale through Michael Graham Estate Agents.

1. Lilley House is in Lilley, Hertfordshire, and is on the market for £1.6 million.

This picturesque Georgian property is tucked away in the rural village of Lilley.

Built in 1810, the property boasts a separate one-bedroom annexe, stunning equestrian facilities and approximately two acres of land.

There are five bedrooms, four reception rooms, a large family kitchen/breakfast room with an Aga and a wealth of original features including beams, slate flooring and feature fireplaces.

With gorgeous gardens, a paddock, two stables and a tack room, this is the complete property package.

Visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-HIT170231.

2. Boa Vista lies in Higham Gobion, Bedfordshire, and is available for £1.5 million.

This impressive modern house is set in grounds of about two acres with far reaching countryside views.

The characterful accommodation includes a leisure complex with a garden room, games room and home cinema room with seating for 12 people.

Six bedrooms, a large drawing room plus four other reception rooms and a heated outdoor swimming pool make this the perfect property for entertaining guests and their families.

With gardens and grounds including a stable yard with four stables - including a foaling stable, a tack room, hay barn, manege and paddocks, this is the perfect property for horse lovers.

Click on michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BED180195 for more.

3. Willow Barn is in Towcester, Northamptonshire, and is on the market for £1.35 million.

This charming Grade II listed barn conversion is set in 1.25 acres of stunning Northamptonshire countryside.

The property maintains many rustic features including a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen with exposed trusses and purlins, exposed brick work and slate flooring.

With seven bedrooms and a detached two storey leisure complex including an indoor pool, you’ll never be short of space.

The equestrian facilities comprise a stable, tack room, storage sheds and a paddock. This property is ideal if you’re looking for a small holding, rather than an entire farm.

Visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-TOW180137 for more.

4. Garden Cottage is in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, and is on the market for £1.5 million.

If you’re looking for gorgeous views and light and bright interiors, this property could be the one for you.

This newly built five-bedroom detached house in Hertfordshire is the perfect family home.

Downstairs three reception rooms include a dual aspect sitting room with an open fireplace and double doors to the garden.

There’s also a detached one-bedroom annexe and a smart stable block and paddocks, all set in around 2.5 acres.

For more information visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-OHO167352.

5. Field Cottage is in Beachampton, Buckinghamshire, and available for £1.2 million.

Boasting paddocks, an orchard and a heated outdoor swimming pool, this is an all-rounder family property.

A kitchen and breakfast room can be found at the heart of the property and the four reception rooms include a sitting room with a log burning stove and a dining room with an open fireplace.

There are six bedrooms upstairs. Outside, the formal gardens and grounds have well stocked beds and borders with mature shrubs, ash trees and two paddocks, one perfect for a pony, and one perfect for growing your own hay.

Visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-STS160058 for more.

The following people from Aylesbury Vale and beyond have recently been sentenced at magistrates courts in the county.

Wycombe Magistrates Court

July 23:

Bozhidar Marinov, 23, Willow Road, Aylesbury: drove a Honda Civic on Aylesbury Road, Bierton, with a quantity of a controlled drug in his system. Ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Drove a Honda Civic without third party insurance on Aylesbury Road, Bierton. Fined £80.

July 24:

James Dawe, 28, Bierton Road, Aylesbury: used threatening/abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment or distress. Fined £200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Richard Prendergast, 55, Wycliffe End, Aylesbury: assaulted a woman by beating. Ordered to have alcohol dependency treatment for six months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 or costs of £85 to the CPS.

July 25:

Charlie Ogilvie, 21, Bierton Road, Aylesbury: possessed several unauthorised items inside a prison - a mobile phone, a SIM card and a mobile phone charger. Sentenced to a total of 24 months in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

July 26:

Adam McGovern, 32, Walton Way, Aylesbury: drove a vehicle in Mursley while over the alcohol limit. Fined £180, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £300 to the CPS. Disqualified from driving for 16 months.

Geegory Daly, 32, The Orchard, Halton: drove a Vauxhall Zafira on Watling Street, Dunstable, without third party insurance. Fined £134, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £100.

Ehban Nancarrow, 20, Crown Leys, Aylesbury: used threatening/abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment or distress. Fined £200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Maddison Nancarrow, 27, Crown Leys, Aylesbury: used threatening/abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment or distress. Fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

The annual duel by the river between Ickford and Tiddington took place on Friday August 3, with Ickford successful in the junior and ladies tug-of-war events while Tiddington took the prize in the men’s competition.

Temperatures were particularly high for this year’s contest and it was still in the mid-twenties at 7pm as the action started either side of the River Thame on the Bucks/Oxon border.

Both teams arrived by tractor and trailer while an enthusiastic gathering of spectators arrived by steam lorry.

The first event was the junior pull (featuring both boys and girls) and was won by the team from Ickford for the eighth year in a row.

This contest was more even than recent years and lasted three and a half minutes.

The second event was the ladies pull with Ickford, this year dressed in black tops, maintaining their unbeaten record in quick time as the pull lasted just two minutes.

The final event of the evening was the men’s pull with Tiddington, this year wearing white shirts, victorious in the men’s pull for an eighth consecutive year after a gruelling battle that lasted for nearly 14 minutes.

The overall score in the men’s event is now Tiddington 34 Ickford 32.

Lorna Moles, who was part of the Tiddington women’s team and has participated in the contest on various occasions over the past 20 years said: “It’s certainly the hottest pull I remember however as the pull has been going since 1953 there would have been the hot summer of 1976 to contend with!

“It’s crazy as last year we were warning spectators to go steady on the field due to all the rain we’d had!

“We were fortunate enough to have trained throughout the heatwave so were as prepared as we could be.”

All three contests have been won by the same side for several years in a row and Lorna said the key to teams continued success in each event was down to keeping the line-up as similar as possible.

Lorna said: “The Ickford ladies have had just one or two changes to their team over the years, meaning they pull extremely well together.

“With the Tiddington juniors we have struggled in recent years to get a consistent team together so we have started to run demo pulls at the local village fete in order to spark up some further interest.

“We had a strong team this year through sheer dedication of the training - the junior pull was noticeably more equal than in recent years.

“For the men, they remain largely unchanged but the key is to get the teams together as early on and as often as possible, to train together and build strength/refine techniques.

“This also helps for any new pullers so that they maximise training time as much as possible (all teams train for at least two months), but nothing really prepares you for the pull on the night - it is very different in a live environment.”

After the trophy presentations, teams and fans enjoyed refreshments together at The Rising Sun pub in Ickford and Tiddington Cricket Club.

2018 was the 66th time the friendly rivalry had been renewed - the challenge having started in 1953 as a duel between two farmers - John Bull and Alec Neil.

The contest traditionally takes place on the first Friday evening of August each year.

Photos by Jake McNulty.

Find horse-lovers heaven in this exquisite equestrian property with leisure complex in Bedfordshire

Boa Vista is an equestrian’s dream.

Set in about two acres with far reaching countryside views, the gardens and grounds include a stable yard with four stables (including a foaling stable), a tack room, storage barn, manege and two paddocks.

Not only that, this modern property has a highly polished interior to match the stunning exterior and offers plenty of family living space across two floors.

Downstairs, the vast living/dining area is made for entertaining.

Huge bi-fold doors from the main reception rooms peel back to a sweeping rear terrace with a heated outdoor swimming pool, from which you can enjoy gorgeous garden and countryside views.

Keeping with the leisure theme, an entire leisure complex is accessed via the snug and includes a games room, a garden room and a home cinema with seating for 12 people.

Six bedrooms are upstairs, with the master bedroom ensuite boasting the ultimate in luxury bathroom living – two double ended baths and a monsoon shower.

Outside the garden has shaped borders and mature trees, as well as everything a horse lover could dream of.

The detached home office would come in very handy if the property was run as an equestrian concern.

Higham Gobion is a hamlet in central Bedfordshire, with the bustling market towns of Ampthill and Hitchin seven miles away.

For everyday needs, the nearest shops are just over a mile away in Barton and the acclaimed Harpur Trust schools are 17 miles away in Bedford, which also has a mainline station with fast trains to London.

The property is available for offers in excess of £1.5 million through Michael Graham, Bedford office 01234 220000.

For more information, visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BED180195.

I'm in Bardolino on the eastern side of Lake Garda, with my wife and friends. We are here to explore Italy’s largest lake, talk about our grandchildren and boast about how many pills we take!

No scenic clichés do the lake justice. Its stunning beauty has been an inspiration to some of history’s most famous literary figures. Tennyson, Byron, Dante, have all had their say about the lake and DH Lawrence, who lived and wrote here for a while, described Lake Garda as a “lake as beautiful as the beginning of creation”. However there is much more to Lake Garda than just soaking up the sun in this paradise with ice cream!

The first place we explored is Bardolino, our base for the week. We are staying in the unpretentious but sophisticated 4 star Nettuno hotel located just metres from the lakeside promenade and just five minutes walk into town.

Gathered around a tiny harbour, and located just 25 kilometres north of Verona, Bardolino is an elegant tourist town, that has managed to retain its distinctively Italian character. It is vibrant; flat and easy to walk around with excellent stylish shopping; a mile long market by the lakeside on a Thursday; a huge choice of reasonably priced restaurants and quite literally a 'gelataria’ on every street corner.

With a small population of just 7,000 people and buildings that date back to the 9th century, Bardolino is now driven by tourism and wine. More than 70 vineyards operate around the hills that surround Bardolino's shores, and particularly well known is the full bodied red that shares its name. Of course, in the interests of journalistic research I had to sample a glass of ‘Bardolino Classico’. The verdict? Good enough to decide I should sample it most nights!

One of the advantages of Bardolino is its location in the middle of the eastern side of the lake and by far the most congruent way to get around is by boat. Just a gentle 10 minutes stroll from our hotel is the ferry stop and from here it is possible to experience a cruise in the sunshine to check out several resorts. Here are a couple I recommend.

About an hour north lies Malcesine. The ‘must do’ here is the Malcesine Monte Baldo cable car, which reaches an altitude of 1760 meters. The glass enclosed cabin carrying up to 45 people slowly rotates offering a 360° view and the sensation of flying.

Despite my dislike of heights, I braved this attraction, even occasionally opening my eyes! On a clear day, for people who have their eyes fully open the whole time, I am told you can see Riva in the North, to Peschiera del Garda in the south... a breathtaking panorama.

Another boat trip, this time to the South of the lake is to the very popular resort of Sirmione. The historical centre of Sirmione is pedestrianised, with its narrow winding lanes busy with tourists most of whom are again tucking into creatively flavoured ice creams.

The town is dominated by a thirteenth-century castle, the Rocca Scaligera. The ruined Roman Villa Romana, at the end of the headland is large and impressive. The poet Catullus had a family home in the Sirmione area, so historically this site has been associated with him, and known as the Grotte di Catullo ('Caves of Catullus').

So what else is there to see and do at Lake Garda if you really want to get physical? The two most popular activities are walking and cycling, and there are miles of safe pathways around this part of the lake. Renting a bike is easy and cheap... just €4 for a half day from my hotel.

I decided to take on and conquer the picturesque lakeside cycle route from Bardolino to Garda. At around six miles there and back, this was short enough for me to cope with, yet long enough to fool myself into believing I was getting some real exercise.

There is the old saying about never forgetting how to ride a bike, but I obviously had! It is around 25 years since I had sat in the saddle for any length of time and it showed.

My wobbly first 100 yards gave me several close encounters with hedges, trees, and several small children who were far more proficient on their bikes than I was. However, once I got my balance and nerve back, I was off like an Olympic cyclist.

Riding in the warm sunshine at the side of the turquoise lake with the heady aroma of honeysuckle in the air was simply bliss. A wonderful experience and I even stopped for a dip in the lake.

Another great advantage of staying in Bardolino is its easy access to the historic and fascinating city of Verona, just 35 minutes away by public bus. Apart from the tacky and crowded ‘Juliet’s balcony’ attraction, Verona is also the site of many important historical landmarks and tours of the city are available.

For music lovers, Verona is also home of course to the famous Verona opera in the massive amphitheatre and this season’s repertoire includes Carmen and Aida. Whatever you see this is a marathon musical experience that you will always remember, if only for the backache! An important tip here, if you are sitting in the famous stone steps, make sure you take advantage of the cushion hire facility.

To get the most out of Lake Garda you also need somewhere to relax in comfort, so it was great that our hotel was perfect for re-charging our batteries. The very welcoming 63 room hotel Nettuno was simply idyllic. The food and service was fantastic and the highly efficient and very entertaining Maitre d’ was always willing to get the chef to prepare special meals for those with special dietary requirements.

Sadly, our week at Lake Garda, had gone much too quickly. We had run out of grandchildren photos and it was time to come home, but not before a final ice cream, and an attempt to try to capture the perfect sunset picture. Lake Garda is definitely one of those places you can return to and always find something different to do… and another flavour of ice cream!

TRAVEL FACTS

Ian Cooper flew easyJet from London Gatwick to Verona – flight time just 1hour 45 mins, costing £228 for two people return with one hold bag: www.easyjet.com

Jet 2 also offers flights to Verona from both Manchester and Leeds – www.jet2.com

A twin / double bedded room bed and breakfast at the Nettuno Hotel in Bardolino costs from approx £170 in what they call a Comfort Room. Rooms are of a high standard and have air conditioning, in room kettle / a safe / mini bar. For further information: www.hotelnettunobardolino.com/en

For further information about this season’s Verona Opera programme visit: www.arena.it/arena/en

Police are warning vehicle owners to be vigilant after thieves targeted vans in Chinnor.

Power tools were stolen from a Citroen Berlingo parked on Oak End Way overnight on August 2, smashing a side window.

The front driver’s side quarter light window of a Renault Trafic van was smashed when it was parked in Oakley Road, between 6.30pm on August 1 and 7am on August 2, but nothing was taken.

Police are advising drivers to remove all items from the vehicle, including removable stereos and sat-navs, tools if you are able to do so and not to leave anything in the glove compartment or on display.

Close all windows and the sunroof, and lock up using an alarm if fitted.

If you have any information on the above, or if you do see any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area, call 101 (non-emergency) and 999 in an emergency.

You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online.

The Thame Arts and Literature Festival (TAL) celebrating its ninth year has broken its own box office record, taking 800 online bookings in its first day.

Online tickets to see historian and TV presenter Lucy Worsley, who will be giving a glimpse into the acrimonious divorce of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon through the eyes of their daughter, Lady Mary, sold out by the end of the day on August 1.

Due to this huge demand to see the author there will be a few tickets available from the Town Hall box office on sale from September 1. Seats for the ever-popular Rumsey’s Tea Concert sold out in just 20 minutes of being released online.

Yvonne Maxwell, TAL director said: “We were overwhelmed at the reaction to this year’s programme. To take over 800 bookings on the first day is nothing short of amazing. We are particularly delighted that, having worked to pull it together for over 8 months, the programme has been so well received; it seems that Thame is as excited as we are.

“Every year, we have a broad range of subjects and fascinating speakers and we would encourage everyone to try the Festival Challenge: go to one thing you know nothing about! You never know, it might just blow your mind.”

Around 3,500 people are expected to attend over 38 events between October 18-21, which will include history, politics, fiction, a playwriting workshop, poetry, memoir, art and music, held at venues across the town.

Other highlights include:

‘The Last British Dambuster’ George ‘Johnny’ Johnson MBE DFM in conversation with leading Bomber Command historian Dr Robert Owen on his role in one of World War II’s most famous missions - ‘Operation Chastise’.

The ‘Thame Remembers’ Project, locating the graves of every man listed on the Thame War Memorial.

Oxford author Julie Summers unearths the uninvited guests of our famous historic houses during the Second World War and poet Wendy Cope with her new collection, Anecdotal Evidence.

Controversial QC Geoffrey Robertson shares his colourful court room life; in the centenary year of women’s suffrage Oxford author Jane Robinson - Hearts and Minds: The Untold Story of the Great Pilgrimage and How Women won the Vote delivers the Bookshop Founder’s Lecture discussing how that recognition was achieved.

International best-selling crime writer Sophie Hannah on writing Hercule Poirot’s next chapter in The Mystery of The Three Quarters, while Hugh Fraser, who played Captain Hastings in ITV’s Agatha Christie’s Poirot, shares many anecdotes and talks about the fourth instalment of his assassin Rina Walker thriller series, Stealth.

The Guardian’s parliamentary sketch writer, John Crace – I, Maybot: The Rise and Fall looks at the prime minister’s turbulent first year in power.

Opera lovers are invited to pack a picnic supper and enjoy a spectacular ‘Glyndebarn’ gala evening with a complementary glass of Prosecco listening to the wonderful Music of Morse sung by Oxford’s sublime Opera Anywhere company.

Book online at www.talfestival.org and tickets can also be purchased from September 1 at the Town Hall.

For the full programme visit www.talfestival.org

The Friends Of Towersey Festival have revealed the three recipients of their new awards to help emerging musical talent.

These are Billy Watman, an artist well-known in and around Thame and who lives in Princes Risborough, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Bella Gaffney.

The awards aim to recognise emerging talent, offering artists whose practice broadly embraces roots, folk, jazz, blues, world and /or acoustic music developmental support and opportunities, including main stage appearances at Towersey Festival this year, which runs from Friday, August 24 until Monday, August 27.

Billy Watman is a 17-year-old Anglo-Brazilian classical / fingerstyle instrumental guitarist, inspired by the likes of Rodrigo y Gabriela, Tommy Emmanuel, Mike Oldfield and Paco De Lucia, and has been performing since the age of six.

Birmingham-based Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne is a singer and melodeon player whose solo material is rooted in the folk music of the British Isles. He was nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2014 - as one third of Granny’s Attic - and was shortlisted for the Horizon Award at the 2018 Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award 2016 winner Bella Gaffney is a Bradford-based guitarist and songwriter whose songs are inspired by folk traditions. As well as performing solo, Bella also performs with quartet Bric-A-Brac and with Polly Bolton, as a Celtic/ bluegrass duo.

A trustee from the Friends Of Towersey Festival said: “We’re delighted to be offering all three of these exciting young artists our first Friends awards, which will help them develop their careers over the year ahead. Billy, Bella and Cohen are all exceptional, and very different, artists who are very much ones to watch.”

The Friends Of Towersey Festival is a registered Charity which runs independently from the festival. This new award will be officially launched at the festival, with applications for next year’s programme being launched in early 2019.

Towersey Festival is one of the UK’s longest running independent music festivals. Established in 1965, the festival has a long track record of supporting local causes, from championing numerous charities, including Thames Valley Air Ambulance, to offering artists performance opportunities. To date the festival has contributed almost £300,000 to local causes and young artists, and injects over £250,000 into the local economy annually.

This year’s festival features The Proclaimers, The Shires, Richard Thompson and Beth Orton and you can find out more at www.towerseyfestival.com

Visit www.towerseyfestival.com/the-friend-of-towersey-festival/

The first outdoor cinema event for Thame is just a week away and tickets are still available.

Organised by Thame couple Tilly Rand-Bell and Harry King, both 22, there will be showings of Slumdog Millionaire on Friday, August 17, Grease on Saturday, August 18, and Back to the Future on Sunday, August 19. Doors will open at 6.30pm and the films start at 8.30pm.

Harry said: “With one of the hottest summers in recent years treating us to many glorious evenings, the heatwave is set to continue through the last part of August.

And what better way to enjoy the warm evenings than with a drink in hand watching a timeless classic on the big screen.

“In just one week, Elms Park will be home to Thame’s first outdoor cinema event with three consecutive evenings of film.

“There will be local musicians, hot food, a bar, and vintage ice cream, and the evenings promise to be a spectacular treat to enjoy with family and friends.”

The cinema event is supporting the Red Kite Family Centre and Lord Williams’s Young Carers, as well as local businesses where possible.

Tickets at £15 are available online and at the door. To avoid disappointment you can purchase tickets in advance at www.onboardcinema.co.uk

Tilly and Harry were inspired to organised the event in Thame while enjoying an outdoor cinema screening at Oxford Castle last year, and decided to host something closer to home.

In spring 1918, the German army had made a surprise attack on the Allies with significant gains on the Western Front.

By Charlotte Czyzyk, Imperial War Museums

What happened before the battle?

However, the strain of holding onto these positions with exhausted troops and supplies meant that there was no decisive German breakthrough.

The Allies prepared to launch their own attack in August 1918, having learned crucial lessons from previous bloody battles at Ypres and on the Somme. A combination of men on the ground, tanks, artillery and aircraft – and crucially, improved communication between them all - would end the stalemate of trench warfare. A key element of this plan was secrecy – troops and equipment were moved under the cover of darkness, and false intelligence reports were sent out about the location and timing of the attack. Even those involved in the offensive only received their orders in the days and hours before the beginning of what became known as the Battle of Amiens.

What happened during the battle?

At 4.20am on 8 August 1918, the attack began with a sudden artillery barrage. Under the cover of smoke and fog, British, Canadian and Australian soldiers went into action, to the complete surprise of the German army. Tanks and aircraft helped to clear the way for the Allies, who advanced around 8 miles on the first day. The French Army also enjoyed success further to the south.

The fighting continued over the next three days, until Allied momentum began to slow down. The battle was halted on 12 August to allow the armies to regroup, before going into action again at the end of the month.

What was the impact of the battle?

The immediate military successes were seen not only from the land gained but also in the capture of thousands of German prisoners, leading General Erich Ludendorff to describe it as “the black day of the German Army”. As with many other battles of the First World War the human cost was high, with around 50-70,000 German and 40,000 Allied casualties.

Nevertheless, as Oliver Woodward of 1st Australian Tunnelling Company reflected, “the essential fact was … that we had the game well in hand and eventually the winning goal would be kicked.” 1 The Battle of Amiens marked the beginning of the end of the First World War, with 8 August 1918 as the start of the last 100 days of the fighting. Over the following months the Allies, also joined by the USA, slowly defeated the German Army and the long-awaited victory was finally achieved on 11 November 1918.

After four years of fighting, the Allied Forces managed to get out of the trenches and they never went back.

On August 8, we will commemorate the centenary of this battle at the awe-inspiring Amiens Cathedral in France.

On that day 100 years ago, the Allied forces - made up of British, Australian, Canadian, French and US troops - gained over seven miles of ground.

It was one of the greatest Allied advances of the First World War and more than in the entire 141 day campaign of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

But despite its importance to the outcome of the war, the events of 1918 are not as prominent in the British collective memory as other battles. That is why the ceremony at Amiens Cathedral is so crucial.

The commemoration this week will bring the story of this battle and its significance to a wider audience.

It will not only honour those who lost their lives, but also those who fought and survived, and whose service finally led to the end of the war.

The three-day battle heralded the beginning of the final Hundred Days Offensive, which culminated in the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918.

It was described by the German General Erich Ludendorff as ‘the black day of the German Army’.

It was the first time that the coalition of Allied nations fought under one strategic command, using tanks and air power to push forward.

Over the past four years we have marked this pivotal period of our history and encouraged the country to remember this unique generation, recognise their service and understand the huge impact the war had on Britain and the world.

One of the great privileges of being appointed Culture Secretary in July is that I will be involved in the final few months of the First World War centenary commemorations.

Since 2014 my department has marked a number of key moments in the conflict including the outbreak of war, Gallipoli, Somme, Jutland and Passchendaele.

Amiens is an important addition to this list and it is right that we use the event on August 8 to look at how this battle shaped the war and brought it to a close faster than anyone thought possible.

I look forward to hearing the stories of the men who fought and about the conditions they served in.

Almost every family was affected by the First World War and I encourage everyone to explore their own connections through livesofthefirstworldwar.org.

It would be a fitting tribute to those who fought at Amiens and over the four years, to be able to put names and faces to the eight million people who served between 1914 and 1918.

A dental team from Thame are preparing to carry out life-saving work in Africa.

Zak Khatana and Samantha Miller, from the Thame House Dental Practice in High Street, are appealing for help as they plan to provide treatment to people in Malawi where there is a desperate need for care.

Zak, who works as a dentist in the town and Fairford Leys, said: “There is a desperate need for dental care in Malawi. The country has fewer than 40 registered dentists for a population of 19 million people and access to dental services is particularly difficult for people living in remote rural communities, with people dying from preventable dental infections causing sepsis.”

Zak and dental nurse Sam saw an online article about the work DentAid do globally for the poorest communities and how they are struggling due to a lack of volunteer support.

The trip is being arranged for next April and they will be based in the village of Bulala, a very small poor area of the country.

Zak added: “We will be providing care to the residents there as well as the surrounding villages. A previous mission found that people walked through the night for many hours just to queue up and the team often woke up in the morning to queues over 100 people long.

“We are aiming to see at least 1,000 people for emergency care during our trip. Emergency treatment will include extractions, emergency pain relief and management of swellings and abcesses.

“We will be part of a small team of volunteers who will set up and install a temporary dental clinic. Many of the patients will require emergency care and extractions but we will also run oral health programmes. We will prioritise children and those suffering from infections and immediate pain.

“Dental supplies are expensive and so we are fundraising to help us provide as much care as possible to those in need.”

All donations will be used entirely for this project, however big or small the amount, and they are looking to raise at least £4,500.

Contact Zak at zakikhatana@gmail.com and visit https://www.dentaid.org

If you like Super Smash Bros you are going to love this...

Just as we head into the business end of the video game season with lots on the horizon there has been some exciting news for Nintendo Switch owners.

Launching on December 7 is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Limited Edition. And if that doesn’t sound exciting enough this version comes with the game itself, plus a Smash-branded GameCube controller and USB adapter that lets players connect up to FOUR GameCube controllers to their Switch.

The reasons for that will be obvious to any Smash Bros fans but for those who are perhaps new to the game the GameCube controller has been the preferred input for pro-level and diehard Smash Bros. players ever since Super Smash Bros. Melee came out for GameCube in 2001.

Each main Nintendo console since then has supported the controller, as have all non-handheld installments of the Smash Bros. series. The Limited Edition of the game comes in a big black box adorned with an image of dozens of fighters from the Smash Ultimate roster and it looks impressive and is reminiscent of the old SNES box.

Nintendo will also be selling standalone Smash-themed GameCube controllers. That’s not the only exciting news regarding Super Smash Bros Ultimate, though. Simon and Richter Belmont, King K. Rool and Dark Samus will all be available as playable characters and there will also be a Monster Hunter boss, stages that transform mid-match, and a soundtrack with over 800 songs.

Sounds like manna from heaven for button bashing, character mash-up, super, smashing madness.

The following people from Aylesbury Vale and beyond have recently been sentenced at magistrates courts in the county.

Wycombe Magistrates Court

July 30:

Joseph Lake, 24, The Holt, Buckingham: drove a Daewoo Tacuma on Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, with a quantity of cocaine in his system. Committed to prison for 16 weeks because of seriousness of offence. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115. Disqualified from driving for 36 months.

Also charged with driving without due care and attention, failed to stop when asked to do so by a constable, with a quantity of benzoylecgonine in his system and possessed a quantity of class C drugs.

Moletsi Ndlovu, 25, Round Hill, Stone: drove a Renault Captur on Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, while disqualified. Fined £460, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £46 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Also charged with driving without insurance. No separate penalty added.

July 31:

Peter Rowden, 42, Honor Road, Prestwood: drove a Volkswagen Polo on the A413 while over the alcohol limit. Fined £180, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and to pay costs of £300 to the CPS.

Aug 1:

Sajed Mahmood, 29, Fleet Street, Aylesbury: obstructed a constable in the execution of his duty. Fined £276, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 and to pay costs of £85 to the CPS.

Drove a Toyota on Walton Street, Aylesbury while exceeding the speed limit (43mph in a 30mph zone). Fined £276. Four points added to his licence.

Aug 3:

David Gardner, 21, Barnard Crescent, Aylesbury: assaulted a woman (occasioning actual bodily harm). Ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £770 to the CPS.

Dean Roper, 29, Swallow Close, Buckingham: possession of an axe in Cornwall Meadows, Buckingham. Ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Looking for an exciting day out with the family this summer? We’ve teamed up with Cadbury World to offer you the chance to win a family pass.

Explore the magic of Cadbury as you journey through a variety of chocolatey zones, discover the origins of the cocoa bean and watch chocolatiers in the Chocolate Making zone.

Enjoy the 4D Chocolate Adventure zone, an interactive cinema experience where visitors can experience the feeling of diving into melted chocolate and riding the Crunchie Rollercoaster.

From now until 2nd September, a variety of family entertainers from ventriloquists to magicians will take up residence in the Cadbury World marquee by the African Adventure Play Area in a series of live shows to captivate the whole family.

Visitors can experience the digital chocolate delights of Purple Planet where they have the opportunity to grow their own virtual cocoa tree, dance in virtual chocolate rain and chase Creme Eggs, before heading to Advertising Avenue to come face-to-face with everyone’s favourite drumming gorilla. Younger visitors can make the most of the good weather at the African Adventure Play Area, whilst parents can take advantage of the change to relax with a drink, snack or ice cream.

As well as The World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop, a pit stop to the Cadbury Café is essential, serving up a range of Cadbury-themed summertime treats including the new Marvellous Creations frappe.

For information, visit www.cadburyworld.co.uk

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FAMILY PASS (FOR A FAMILY OF 4 WITH MAXIMUM OF 2 ADULTS) SIMPLY ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Where is the popular Cadbury World attraction based?

A) New York

B) Birmingham

C) Paris

Email your entries to damien.lucas@jpress.co.uk with CADBURY COMP in the subject header, your answer and your full name, address and contact phone number in the email. Entries that do not meet this criteria will not be accepted.

Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Open to UK residents aged 18 and over only.

The competition will be open from August 13 until midnight on August 19

One winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries.

The winner will win one family pass for Cadbury World, which can be redeemed for entry to Cadbury World for a family of 4 (maximum 2 adults).

Family pass is valid until Sunday 30th December 2018.

Tickets must be booked in advance by calling the reservations team on 0121 393 6004 and quoting your unique booking number.

Travel and accommodation expenses are not included and the winner will be required to make their own travel arrangements to and from Cadbury World.

The winner will be notified by Cadbury World’s press office, Rewired PR after the closing date.

Your complimentary family pass will be posted to you by Cadbury World.

If for any reason any aspect of this promotion is not capable of running as planned, including by reason of infection by computer virus, network failure, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any cause beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this promotion. The Promoter may in its sole discretion cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the promotion, or invalidate any affected entries.

The personal information entrants provide will be used by the Promoter for the purpose of conducting this promotion. The Promoter may disclose entrants’ personal information to its contractors and agents to assist in conducting this promotion or communicating with entrants. The Promoter is bound by the Data Protection Acts (1984 and 1998). The Promoter’s privacy policy is available on the Promoter’s website at www.cadbury.co.uk/privacy.

Promoter: Mondelez Europe Services GmbH – UK Branch.