‘Action!’ from Thame in the Great British High Street competition

THE team behind Thame’s entry in the Great British High Street have been seen out and about this week, recording video footage of some of the town’s independent retailers and others, talking about their experiences of living and running businesses, organisations and events in the town. So far, those interviewed on camera by Helen Johns who is coordinating Thame’s application, include Luise Pattinson from The Book House, Yvonne Maxwell of the Thame Arts and Literary festival, Butcher, Tom Newitt, The Jewellery Workshop, Brothers Hair Salon and David Dodds talking about the draw to the High Street of Thame Museum.

Helen Johns interviewing the Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon, and Market stall holder, Chris Hurdman. The two cameramen are Ben Cross & Josh Parket

Yesterday, the team were in the market interviewing Market trader, Chris Hurdman about the important role the market plays in the economy of Thame High Street. The footage will all form part of Thame’s entry application online along with photographs and text to support it.

Thame is applying to win in the Market Towns category of the Great British High Street Competition, to recognise the town’s efforts to strengthen and improve the facilities and offerings available in the town centre in recent years. These include activities to increase footfall and tourism, such as the Midsomer Murders publicity and walking trails, events such as the Thame Food Festival, the Thame Arts & Literature Festival (TAL), Music in the Park, the Open Doors business event, and community initiatives such as Thame’s ground-breaking Neighbourhood Plan, which won an award for innovation in 2014.

Besides the £50,000 prize money, Google have announced that they will be offering digital workshops to 100 retailers in each of the seven winning locations of the Great British High Street Competition. Retailers will learn how to use social media, develop their websites and get one-to-one advice from Google’s expert technicians. There is also a special new prize for towns who have become ‘rising stars’ or for local people who have made an invaluable personal contribution to their local high street.

The Great British High Streets Competition was set up last year through the Department for Communities and Local Government and is backed by major sponsors including Boots, M & S, Argos, Costa and The Post Office. It is a great way of sharing successful ideas to regenerate high streets and make them more vibrant places for shopping, leisure and enjoyment.

Helen Johns, who is coordinating the Thame entry, said: “High streets are a vital part of our community and make an important contribution to the economy through the billions of pounds they generate and the thousands of jobs they support in retail, leisure and other businesses. There’s a renewed buzz on our high streets and this competition is searching for the very best ideas, innovation and creativity. This is great news for Thame and, fingers crossed, our entry will be successful.”

Shortlisting will take place in mid September and then the public will be asked to vote online for their favourite town. The public vote will count for 50% of the final outcome, with the panel of judges voting for the other 50%. The winners are expected to be announced at the end of October.

For more information, go to www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk