Oxford News
Tribute to ‘local rugby legend’ CEO of Chinnor RFC
Chinnor RFC, based in Thame, released a statement to announce the death of Simon Vickers, the club’s CEO, former player and former captain, this week.
Mr Vickers joined the rugby club in the 1980s and ‘never truly left’, returning time and again to support the club and improve its work.
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A statement from the club said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Simon Vickers, our CEO and a true pillar of Chinnor RFC.
“Simon was one of us. A former player who captained the club in the 1980s, he never truly left.
“He was ‘dragged back’, as he would joke, and over the past decades transformed Chinnor into what it is today.”
The club said Mr Vickers’ fingerprints are on ‘every corner’ of the club, including the initiatives it supports and its rise from a village club to a Championship team.
It described his contribution as ‘a journey built on vision, discipline and unwavering commitment’.
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The statement added: “To those who knew him as a leader, he was strategic and relentless. To those who knew him as a former player, he was one of the lads.
“To the present players, his support and generosity was always forthcoming and immensely appreciated. To all of us, he was the foundation upon which this club stands.
“He professionalised our operations while preserving the heart of what makes this club special, ensuring that every decision was made with the long-term interests of the club in mind.
“And crucially, he put in place the infrastructure and approach that will continue to drive our success long into the future.
“Rest in peace, Simon. Chinnor RFC will honour your legacy every time we take the field.”
The news was met with an outpouring of support from friends, club supporters, and neighbouring teams.
One supporter described him as a ‘legend of local rugby’ and said he was ‘utterly dedicated’ to the club, a sentiment echoed by hundreds of tributes paid in reaction to the news.
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Nearby Henley Rugby Club said: “Incredibly sad to hear this news. Simon was a huge character and someone who did so much for grassroots rugby. Rest in peace.”
Chinnor RFC is and English Rugby Union club based at Kingsey Road in Thame, founded in 1962, which currently plays in the second tier of the Championships.
It regularly runs five senior teams as well as a full youth set up from age five upwards, which is widely considered to be one of the best in the country.
Antonia Hunt was just a teen when she was left in Brittany in September 1939, as her parents assumed World War II would be similar to the static trench warfare of World War I.
But the advancement of Panzers proved them wrong, leading to Antonia’s capture in a prisoner of war camp near the Alps.
Surviving on luck and charisma, Antonia’s war experiences include daring adventures, Gestapo interrogation, and even romance.
Charlotte Ellis, Antonia’s granddaughter, kindly agreed to a follow up show at Florence Park Community Centre.
The demand for seats had previously outstripped supply, leading Charlotte to agree to another presentation on Tuesday, April 28, at 7.30pm, allowing more people to witness the wartime chronicles of her grandmother.
Antonia’s story is set to be part of celebrations marking notable local happenings as an open day at the Florence Park Community Centre is scheduled for Sunday, April 19.
The day features Frances Moody, a charismatic local historian, who will present an illustrated talk on the history and design of the Florence Park estate at 3pm.
Ms Moody, known for her engaging speaking style and profound knowledge, promises to shed light on the unique architectural designs of the houses on Florence Park Road.
In another upcoming event, the UPP will screen a famous cycling film on Thursday this week in memory of Jonny Ives.
Both Antonia’s story and the other community events underline the rich historic and cultural life of the community. Tickets are available online.
A total of 26 players, aged between eight and nearly 80, took part in the round-the-clock challenge to raise money for The Hummingbird Centre, which supports people affected by cancer.
The event took place at the centre’s headquarters in Launton, near Bicester, starting at 8pm on Friday, April 10, and finishing at 8pm the following evening.
Ian Critchley, one of the organisers from Fritwell Table Tennis Club, said: “What a brilliant event.
“It even got a bit competitive at times, though the scoring went a bit awry in the middle of the night.
“Overall, it was really good fun and there was a lot of laughter from the beginning to end.”
Paul Harris, a trustee of The Hummingbird Centre, said the event brought people together.
He said: “We had many supporters, friends and family pop in and say hello.
“Some had never heard of the centre before, but came along after hearing about the challenge to take part and show their support.”
The Hummingbird Centre has supported thousands of people since it opened in 2014.
It relies entirely on donations and volunteers to provide its services, which include therapy, counselling, and activities for guests.
Donations are still being accepted.
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/hbc-ttchallenge.
The incident occurred in a residential garden in Elm Grove, Brize Norton, on Thursday, April 16 at about 3.30am.
Thames Valley Police said a group of men ‘wearing hooded clothing’ were spotted trying to get into the garden, but it was not clear why.
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A spokesperson for the force said: “Residents are advised that a suspicious incident has been reported on Elm Grove.
“On Thursday, April 16, at 3.30am, a group of males wearing hooded clothing were seen attempting to access a garden.
“At this stage, it is unclear whether they were intending to target a shed or gain entry to the house itself.
“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any further suspicious activity, especially individuals checking doors, gates, or looking into gardens.
“Please check your CCTV to see if you captured anything as it’s suspected a vehicle was parked near by.
READ MORE: Tribute to ‘true pillar’ and CEO of Oxfordshire rugby club
“If you have any further information please contact police on 101 and quote 43260183823.”
Advise was issued to secure homes by taking steps like locking all doors and windows, even when at home or in the garden, keeping keys out of site and consider installing CCTV to capture activity.
Motion sensor lighting, alarms for overnight or periods when the house is empty and making homes look occupied is also recommended.
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