21/03/11…Thame Senior Citizen who was at the relief of Belsen dies

ONE of only three people of Thame with the official title of Honorary Thame Citizen, Len Webb, has died at the age of 89.

Len was a much loved and respected long-time resident of Thame, who as a councillor, four-times Mayor, and instigator of so many Thame institutions, became one of the most recognised figures around Thame, especially in his latter years when he was to be seen around in his mobility scooter ready to chat to everyone who knew him.

Len Webb was made the first Honorary Citizen of Thame in December, 1999, in recognition of his long, exemplary and outstanding public service to the people of Thame, both as a citizen and a councillor.
His achievements include:
* Serving from 1969 to 1995 as a Thame Councillor
* Serving from 1977 to 1991 as a Thame District
Councillor
* Mayor of Thame from 1975 to 1979 and Deputy Mayor
on two occassions
* School Governor of John Hampden school in 1969,
serving for 26 years, including as Chairman from
1975 to 1990
* Helping to set up and Chair ‘Thame In Bloom’
* Setting up and chairing Thame Carnival for many
years
* Setting up and Chairing Thame PHAB Club for the
Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied, for many years
* Becoming a Trustee of The Thame Barns Centre in
1990
* Chairman of The Friends of Meadowcroft in 2000
* Chairing the Thame Golden Jubilee Festival
Organising committee 2002

Len was also responsible for setting up the first Thame & District Twinning Association when the town was twinned with Nontron, and the Thame Citizens Advice Bureau. When the Princess Royal, Princess Anne opened the premises of the CAB in February 1995, Len was there to greet her. Previously, in 1985, he was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret to Thame, when she opened the new Health Centre.

Len joined the Boy Scout movement when he was eleven years old, going on to become Scout Master and finally Assistant District Commissioner until retirement aged 65.

Len would sometimes recollect his memories as a young army driver during WWII when in April 1945, he was assigned to Brigadier Glyn Hughes CBE,DSO,MC,FRCGP, who was the medical officer in charge of the liberation of the notorious Belsen concentration camp.

Fellow Honorary Thame Citizen, Town and District Cllr David Dodds, who worked with Len on Thame Council for many years, said: ?With Len, there was no politicking; he was straight, direct and honest in all his council work. He was also determined to see things through. A broken leg was not going to stop him enjoying one of his civic balls.?

Len will be remembered by his family and community as a stalwart and loving believer in the importance of community involvement.

PHOTO: Len Webb, who died last Saturday, March 19, photographed at what was to be one of his last outings, to the Thame Remembrance Day service in Thame back in November, 2010, proudly wearing his service medals.