Thame’s ‘Local Heroes’ celebrate ten years

MANY of the 54 previous winners of the Thame Town Awards over the past ten years, gathered at the Thame Barns Centre recently to celebrate a decade of awarding local people for their services to the town, and to recognise this year’s winners.

Pat Ruxton and Alex Bond but the Thame Town Awards birthday cake together

Also present were Pat Ruxton, Chair of the Awards panel 2009-2014, and former panel members, Jeni Pilkington, Jake Collinge and Dee Bixley, whose original idea it was to hold an annual Town Awards event. Alex Bond, the current Chair of the panel, was also there to share the anniversary and later cut a special birthday cake made by Nell King, with Pat Ruxton.

Guests were welcomed with live musical accompaniment from pianist Ian English, a previous Town Award winner.

And this year’s deserving winners – with extracts from their nominations, are:

First Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Thame Freight Services – presented by Alison Biddle – to Gill Read – “Nominated in recognition of the vast range of organisations with which she volunteers, including; Thame Good Neighbour Scheme, Thame Museum, Thame Arts & Literature Festival and Thame citizens Advice. She has been a dedicated volunteer & supervisor at Thame CAB for over 20 years, during which time she has helped hundreds of local people who have been facing great problems in their lives.”

L to R – Vicky Wheeldon, John Hussey, Mayor of Thame Tom Wyse flanked by Gill Read and Janet Shannon, Johnie Littler

Second Volunteer of the Year Award (Quote: “The entries where so good for both Gill and Janice that the panel couldn’t award one without the other as they were incredible in what they do for the Town.”) sponsored by Thame Freight Services – presented by Iain Biddle – to Janet Shannon – “This individual has been a Beaver Leader for over 20 years. She quietly gives her time, including evenings and weekends, to support Beavers Club, including going camping, planning meetings and attending jamborees….a truly exceptional role model..”

Sporting Achievement Award, sponsored by Thame Leisure Centre – presented by Dominee Sewell – to Vicky Wheeldon – “This individual is the first lifetime member at Thame Hockey Club, which is also celebrating ten years in 2018. She has been instrumental in developing the junior section which now has 230 members, through coaching, managing membership and administration, and communicating with parents. Her ‘infectious enthusiasm’ and passion for hockey is one of the reasons the club has been so successful…..Described by the Hockey Club as ‘an inspiration’ and their prized asset..

Service with a Smile Award, sponsored by the Atalay family from Atalay Kebab Van – awarded to Dominic Mutero – “This individual’s work ethic is described as ‘admirable’. He is unfailingly reliable, polite and always has a smile; delivering newspapers for The Chocolate Box in Thame for several years…come rain or shine (and snow!). Described as “a fine example of today’s youth and a great asset to The Chocolate Box… Unfortunately, Dominic was unable to be present at the Awards evening and will be presented with his award at a later date by Resul Ataly.

Creative Arts Achievment Award, sponsored by Towersey Festival – presented by Joe Heap and Simon Diegan – awarded to Johnnie Littler – “This individual is a musician, founder of Thame’s monthly open mic night (First Thursday Music Club), promoter and encourager of all things music…He is loved by everyone who meets him – he encourages, listens and physically helps anyone who is interested or involved in music…The new Thame Town Music Festival, launched in July last year was a fantastic success and a credit to the town…due entirely to his enthusiasm and vision.”

Past and current award winners, with the Mayor of Thame, Tom Wyse

Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Town Awards Panel – presented by Panel Chair, Alex Bond – awarded posthumously to Julia Hussey, received by her husband John, and daughters. “This individual’s life in Thame spanned 84 years, during which she was a Magistrate at Thame Magistrates Court for 25 years; involved in setting up Thame Museum; Chair of Governors at Barley Hill School for 17 years; Poppy Seller in Thame for the British Legion for 40 years; decorated the war memorial in St Mary’s church every Remembrance Sunday; gave her time to Thame Conservation Trust; the Barns Centre; St Mary’s Guild; Thame Housing Association; Thame Welfare Trust; Lord Williams’s Association; the Thame Hospital Appeal Fund; Thame Girl Guides for 50 years….The ultimate ‘people person’ with a unique ability to remember who was related to whom, where they lived, what they did – she was in her daughter’s words – ‘a bridge and connection to our shared past’.

Following the presentations, the Mayor’s cadet, Jake Newbrook, was thanked for his year’s service by the Mayor, Tom Wyse, and presented with a framed citation.

A buffet, birthday cake and drinks concluded this inspiring annual event celebrating the community of Thame and those special people who contribute to the life of the town.