Thame Town Champions

Six worthy winners received a Town Award, and the Thame Remembers Project presented with the Mayor’s Special Award, at the eleventh Thame Town Awards on Thursday (14/03), held at the Barns Centre.

The first town award, Sporting Achievement, went to Alice Hopkins who is currently representing Great Britain in the pentathlon as well as ranking first in the UK for Under-23 long jump. Volunteer of the Year went to Jesse Smith who organises the annual Thame Tractor Run which has raised over £20,000 for charity and brings together the local farming community. Curtis Wyse, a local postman, received the Service with a Smile award for his professional, helpful and – of course – friendly service.

Windles Group received the first Employer of the Year award for their wide-ranging services to the community, in particular their support for the local schools, Town Council and businesses. Windles Group are an environmentally-focused business and place great value on the partners they work with. Yvonne Maxwell received the Creative Arts Achievement for organising the successful and evolving annual Thame Arts and Literature Festival which is now in its tenth year.

The final award of the evening went to Jean Mander, who received the Lifetime Achievement for her involvement in so many community forums, groups and activities. In particular, she has volunteered with the Thame Visually Impaired Group for over 40 years and goes above and beyond in this role doing all she can to help others.

The Thame Remembers Project’s special award was in recognition of its members’ extensive efforts to mark the centenary of World War One in Thame.

The panel, made up of representatives from various community organisations, were said to be very impressed with the nominations and to have had a tough time deciding the winners.

The Mayor congratulated all of this year’s winners and encouraged everyone to make a nominations next year. After the formalities, guests enjoyed a complimentary buffet.

Original image Peter Lambert