Outgoing Mayor throws down the gauntlet to council’s critics

THE retiring Mayor of  Thame, Cllr Peter Lambert, in delivering a report of his year in office, has spoken of the joys and the difficulties of being a town councillor, and issued a challenge to the council’s critics.

The Mayor with Pat Shepherd, Chair of Thame Players – Photo by Nick White

Speaking at the annual Thame Town Meeting on Tuesday (May 6), he told the packed hall: “It has been suggested that in the world of politics brown envelopes change hands. I don’t do politics and I must admit I thought the same thing before becoming a member of this council.  I have since learned that all the councillors give up their free time to make a difference. We come from all walks of life, are only human and cannot please everyone all of the time. We try to do the right thing but it’s not always easy when, for instance, the Government keeps changing the legislation! If you feel we are not doing what you want think we should be doing, then step up to the plate yourselves. “

He concluded: For my part, it’s been an absolute honour to be Mayor of this town with its incredible community spirit. Thank you everyone for what has been such an amazing, rewarding and unforgettable year.”

After summing up with the highlights of his year – including getting ‘gunked’ by hundreds of children at Thame Show, of being dubbed ‘the Singing Mayor’ after so memorably leading the singing at the Senior Citizens’ Christmas party, of opening the new Health Centre in April, extended to accommodate Thame’s growing population, and of meeting musical legend, Tony Hadley at last weekend’s phenomenally successful Music In The Park, the Mayor revealed that he had raised a total of £7,000 for his chosen two charities.

The Mayor with Dean from Safari – Photo by Nick White

He presented a cheque for £3,500 each to Pat Shepherd, the Chair of Thame Players, who are raising funds to extend and improve the theatre in Nelson Street, and to Michelle Diffey, Founder of Safari, a charity which supports young adults with learning difficulties.

All the young people from Safar gather around the Mayor of Thame to thank him. Photo: Nick White

The spirited enthusiasm of Safari members in the audience livened up the proceedings of this normally formal occasion, especially when one of their members, David, thanked the Mayor and presented him with a picture of the group with a special thank-you message.

Cllr Lambert concluded with a rallying call to others in the audience to put themselves forward for election to the town council next year, May 2015, adding: “If I can do it, anyone can.”

A new Mayor of Thame will be elected by fellow town councillors at the Council’s AGM next Tuesday, May 13, 2014.