Samantha Picks Thame’s Best Windows

Samantha Bond, the Downton Abbey actress, came to Thame on Saturday 3rd December to judge and present the prizes for the best displays in the Small Business Saturday Christmas window competition. From 18 entries submitted, Samantha and Keith Slater, a retail expert, chose three winners.

The displays were judged on visual impact, drawing power, innovation / creativity, use of materials, attention to detail, simplicity, and overall impression.

Announced by the Mayor of Thame, Cllr Linda Emery, the first prize of a trophy and case of prosecco went to Deli No 5 on Buttermarket, the second prize of a bottle of prosecco to Bizzie Lizzie, the florists on Upper High Street, and the third prize of a bottle of prosecco to Shaw Trust, a charity shop on the High Street.

There were also two sponsor’s awards, made by competition sponsor, Time For You South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire (SOWB). These awards were made to Robert Stanley Opticians and Brothers Hairdressing. Time For You SOWB is a franchise member of Time For You, the UK’s premier house cleaning company.

More information on Small Business Saturday, an annual event that puts small businesses nationwide under the spotlight, can be found at https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com and on Small Business Saturday in Thame at www.smallbizthame.uk.

Pictured: The top three winners: Lynn Sesiguzel, The Shaw Trust; Joe Jones, The Deli at No. 5; Kathryn Virdi, Bizzie Lizzie