21/09/11….Partnership unveils initiatives to keep Thame flourishing

THAME’s MP, John Howell was guest of honour at an event hosted by 21st Century Thame recently, to learn about the work undertaken by the Partnership and to see for himself the fruits of the organisation?s hard work on behalf of the community.

John was joined at Thame’s new, state-of-the-art library by representatives from South Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire Rural Community Council (ORCC) as well as other partnership members, to hear details of the work and take a tour of some of the town centre projects, specifically some of the retail businesses stunningly transformed as part of the shop front improvements scheme.

Local businesswoman and Chair of 21st Century Thame, Cat Young addressed guests ahead of the town ?walk about?. She explained how the Partnership had been working together over the last two years to introduce a wide range of initiatives aimed at promoting Thame, encouraging tourism, attracting business and ensuring that Thame maintains and builds on its position as one of Oxfordshire?s most important market towns.

The projects have been funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), match funded by SODC and with the help and support of Thame Town Council.

Cat, who is a Partner of Thame-based business, STW, in North Street, outlined some of the projects’ key achievements which included creating promotional material to inform and welcome visitors and newcomers, implementing a highly successful Loyalty Card scheme designed to support local traders, installing no less than four blue plaques (within Oxfordshire, the most ever approved at one time!) and – soon to be completed ? placing way markers on the heritage trails around the town. She explained that positioning planters on the approaches to Thame and extending the coverage of the Christmas lights will benefit visitors and residents alike.

?Thame is a vibrant and thriving community,? Cat said, “and those of us who work or live here already know what a great town it is. But to ensure it stays that way requires us to continually find ways to make it even more attractive to residents, businesses and visitors.?

She added: ?The energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers in 21st Century Thame is remarkable and shows what a commitment there is to making sure Thame stays well and truly a shining star on the map of Oxfordshire!”