Road works reprieve for Thame Carnival

THAME Carnival, having escaped being scrapped once this year, was once again threatened recently when it was realised that major road works planned for the Cornmarket in Thame, could have disrupted the event.

But Oxfordshire County Council, having been made aware of the Carnival date, has now, according to Thame Town Council, agreed to postpone the work until after the Carnival on June 14 (The county council’s website however, still shows today that the work will commence on June 9, and end of June 15, so ‘fingers crossed’  this is a website updating delay only).

Plans for the Carnival parade, and the fete afterwards, are however striding ahead, with commitments made already for parade entries by the fire service, the Thame Classic Motor Club, dancing by a variety of dance troops including Stage Coach and the Thame Youth Theatre. A steel band is still being sought and anyone who can help is asked to contact Sue Martin Downhill who is leading the Carnival organisation team, via suedownhill@gmail.com.

A variety of stalls and activity demonstrations is already booked for the fun event at the Southern Road Recreation Ground where the carnival parade will finish up. These include: Indian Cuisine from the House of Spice, German Cuisine from Bratwurst Bratz, various sweet stalls, Real Ale beer tent, two BBQs, Giant inflatables, Chocolate fountain from Chocolate Cascade, Chinnor Rugby club, Racquets Squash club, a Tug-of-war, Waterstock Golf club, Skateboarders, various charities linked to Lord Williams’s School (Gambian children) and even UKIP.

Sue herself is obviously delighted with the response of local organisations so far, and said: “The response from the public especially via the Facebook page, has been really good and I have had so many people stopping me and telling me how great it is that the Carnival is going ahead this year!

“We want to make Thame Carnival 2014 the best ever, so whatever your club or organisation does, here’s your chance to share it with the rest of the community and show just how much fun and enjoyment joining in and being active can be, no matter at what level.”

The theme for this year’s Carnival is The World of Sport & Recreation, and takes place on Saturday, June 14, so ‘Get Active’ and book your team or group in now! CONTACT: clubsofthamecarnival2014@gmail.com