Civic awards honour Thame’s achievers

THAME has paid homage to some of the people who deserve to be recognised for their contribution to the town, often going ‘unsung’ as volunteers, or just going that ‘extra mile’ to help others in their chosen field.

L to R: Megan Cooper, Mark Thorne, ,James (on behalf of Ian McStay, Jeannette Matelot Green, Josh Butler, Joe Lynch and Alan Haigh

At the annual Thame Town Meeting on Tuesday (May 5), the Mayor of Thame, Jeannette Matelot Green, presented awards to the following people, who had been nominated by fellow residents:

Sporting Achievement – Ian McStay – After 35 years the longest serving player at Thame Cricket Club, and as a senior coach, has guided hundreds of junior players during his time.

Young Achiever Award – Joseph Lynch – For his service to organisations like Thame Youth Theatre, Stagecoach etc, providing technical support, particularly sound and lighting.

Service With a Smile Award – Mark Thorne (who got the biggest cheer!) A familiar face in both the Thame Co-op and Helen Douglas House charity shop. Described as ‘hard working’ and always ready to help even when the shop is busy.

Creative Arts Achievement Award – Ian English – Founded the 80-strong, Thame Pop Choir which donates all profits from its performances to local charities, and which entertains local organisations such as Meadowcroft Home for the Elderly and the Thame Community Hospital.

Individual Volunteer Award – Cathy Thomas – Organiser of the Thame Christmas Lunch at The Birdcage pub every year, for the elderly and the vunerable who would otherwise be alone at Christmas. Cathy organises a group of volunteers who prepare and serve the food on Christmas day, and arrange transport, giving up her own Christmas day despite having young children.

Person of courage Award – Megan Cooper – A 13 year-old young carer whose mother suffers from severe Asthma attacks and often needs to be hospitalised. Megan gets up at 5.30am to make sure her brother gets his breakfast and medication etc, and despite the extra responsibility of helping to keep her family together, never moans or complains and always has a smile on her face. As it was also Megan’s birthday on Tuesday, she received a cake and a birthday balloon.

The Life-time achievement Award – Alan Haigh (given the longest-lasting clap from an appreciative audience!) Retiring Headmaster of John Hampden School. Described as a ‘pillar of the community’ always willing to ‘roll up his sleeves’, ‘an outstanding Headmaster’ who knows the name of every child in his school, ‘a good listener’ and ‘an inspirational leader’.

The Mayor’s Own special Award – Lance Corporal Josh Butler of the Army Cadets, who has  supported and helped the Mayor throughout her year of office.

The awards were this year – the seventh event of its kind – were sponsored by ASM Auto Recycle and there were 135 nominations, from which an independent panel of judges selected the winners.