2024: The Year in Review
As we prepare to break for Christmas and ring in the new year, we thought we would take a moment to reflect on the year that was. Here’s a look back at the news we covered in 2024.
January: 100 Years of Inner Wheel
Thame Mayor, Cllr Adrian Dite and Cllr Linda Emery officiate the Thame club’s birthday celebrations. The Inner Wheel was founded in Manchester in 1924.
February: Best Recyclers
According to the Dept. for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, South Oxfordshire residents are the best recyclers in the country. A survey also shows 82% of residents are satisfied with the overall quality of the waste and recycling services provided.
March: Community Bus
Thame Town Council hosts three public meetings to discuss a community bus service for Thame. Residents are assured that the 121 will extend to Haddenham and continue for at least 5 years from April 2024. We also release our Precept document for 2024-25, which includes the replacement of the play area at Elms Park and the appointment of apprentices to support our maintenance and office staff.
April: River Pollution Talks
Several members of the Council attend a meeting at the Barns Centre on the state of our river. Speakers include representatives from Thames Water and the Environment Agency. The Barns Centre is also the venue for the Council’s Annual Meeting. Members of the public want information on a range of topics, from banking in Thame to new allotments and vacant buildings. We also celebrate Chinnor Rugby Club who are promoted to the RFU Championship!
May: We Celebrate 50 Years
Thame Town Council turns 50!
Cllr Andy Gilbert replaces Cllr Adrian Dite as Town Mayor, while Cllr David Dawson is appointed Deputy Town Mayor. The Council approves a new committee structure to better reflect the work of the council and its future aspirations. Sue McGarry is co-opted into the Council, the newly refurbished Elms Park Play Area opens, and foodies enjoy the best Thame has to offer with the Taste of Thame food trail.
Cllr Andy Gilbert replaces Cllr Adrian Dite as Town Mayor, while Cllr David Dawson is appointed Deputy Town Mayor. The Council approves a new committee structure to better reflect the work of the council and its future aspirations. Sue McGarry is co-opted into the Council, the newly refurbished Elms Park Play Area opens, and foodies enjoy the best Thame has to offer with the Taste of Thame food trail.
June: A Royal Visit
Thame Scout member, Luke Smits is appointed the Mayor’s cadet. We commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. On Tuesday 11th June, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visits Thame for a ceremony to mark the unveiling of an additional thirty names on the Thame War Memorial. The additional names uncovered after many years of research by the Thame Remembers Project.
The refurbished Thame Youth Memorial re-opens. Cuttle Brook conservation volunteers begin digging a new wetland scrape at Rycote Meadow. We launch an online service combining all council services and bus timetables in one location. Thame Mayor, Cllr Andy Gilbert hosts the inaugural Healthy Thame Fayre. A hustings is held for candidates standing in the Henley & Thame parliamentary constituency, and residents young and old line the streets for Thame’s Carnival parade.
July: Town Awards
Deputy Mayor, Cllr David Dawson is on hand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Thame’s Local Produce Market, while Mayor Cllr Andy Gilbert is on cake cutting duty at the Thame Barns Centre’s 30th anniversary and the Thame Players 80 year celebrations. Four individuals and two local businesses are also honoured in July for their contributions to the community at the annual Town Awards.
August: Budget Time
We release our first Budget Questionnaire asking how you would like us to spend the precept portion of your Council Tax. We receive sad news about a major flood in Thame’s namesake village in Nepal. Councillors Mike Dyer and Linda Emery join the Mayor at the Thame Charter Market’s Community Day, and we unveil a shiny, new, blue public drinking water fountain outside the Town Hall.
September: Flooding
Thame parents meet to discuss smartphones in childhood. We welcome the installation of a defibrillator outside the Town Hall. Citizens Advice celebrates 85 years. The residents of Lea Park say ‘no’ to a concrete crushing facility.
The date is set for Thame Pride (21 June 2025), Mayor Cllr Andy Gilbert cycles to our twin town Montesson in France for charity, we congratulate Lindsey Messenger for 40 years of service with the Council, and we enjoy the fun of the fair!
But the biggest story in September is the flooding. On the 23rd, Thame records a month’s worth of rain in a single day, highlighting several ongoing issues with drainage and flood management in our town. In an effort to effectively lobby relevant flood management authorities, the Council launches a data gathering survey calling for photo evidence and personal experiences.
October: Heroes Honoured
For five days, Thame is awash with colour as 42 artists display their work across 37 locations during the Thame Art Crawl. The October Fair returns, as does the French Market. The Mayor presents his Civic Service. Local hero, Johnny Henry Smythe is honoured in a new permanent exhibition at the Thame Museum. And we celebrate a modern-day hero as Chris Hurdman is presented with the Community Award at the English Veterans Awards.
November: We Remember
Thame lights up for the annual fireworks display. We gather at the Memorial Gardens on Remembrance Sunday to remember those who have fallen and those who defend our way of life. The Thame Poppy Appeal raises almost £29,000. Oxfordshire County Council rolls out 20mph speed signs across Thame. Councillors and staff are shocked to learn of the sudden death of Cllr Helena Fickling. And hundreds gather for the annual Christmas lights switch on.
December: Youth Centre
We begin the consultation process to review and update the Cuttle Brook Local Nature Reserve Management Plan. Public notice is given to fill the South Ward position made vacant by the passing of Cllr Helena Fickling. An independent examiner recommends the Thame Neighbourhood Plan (TNP2) proceed to referendum. And we seek support for the revitalisation of the Southern Rd Recreation area, including a new Community and Youth Centre.