It’s party time for Thame’s publican Mayor!

MOST people who know the Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, know that he is not your typical, traditional sort of a Mayor; ‘pressing the flesh’ , kissing babies (hang on, you’re not allowed to do that anymore!), and exchanging platitudes and political sound bytes isn’t his style.

The Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, with his wife Trudi (3rd right), his mum and dad and family enjoy a ‘knees up’ (Photo by Frank Millar)

He’s a friendly, witty, straight-down-the-line sort of a bloke who says what he thinks at council meetings, but in an inoffensive and fair way, and above all, he likes having fun – and creating enjoyment for the customers in his pub, The Cross Keys, in Thame.

So it came as no surprise that this year’s Mayor’s Ball on Saturday was not your normal civic event, but a relaxed, informal affair though still with a sprinkling of bow ties and ball gowns, and a ‘flashmob’ of his pub regulars and friends who set the mood for the dancing with their very own version of a dance routine from the TV comedy sitcom, Ally McBeal.

In all, 145 guests attended the event at The Oxfordshire and were welcomed by the Mayor and his wife, Trudi, before sitting down to a three course meal. Harpist, Sarah Goss, provided musical accompaniment and the truly mystifying close-up magician, Sylar.

Peter, who completes his term of office in May, said: “I would like to thank everyone who made the evening so special, and the numerous businesses that made such generous donations towards the raffle and the silent auction.”

To all the assembled guests, his wife Trudi, and his family, who had travelled from Essex for the event, he spoke of how he had ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ his term as Mayor. He continued by saying: “Thank you to those who persuaded me to stay in Thame in the first place, five years ago, and to the many people I know for their words of encouragement throughout the year.”

The evening raised over £3000, which will be combined with other funds raised throughout the year by the Mayor’s fundraising events and be split evenly between SAFARI and Thame Players. More information about these two causes can be found at www.thame-safari.org and www.thameplayers.co.uk