A 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 Thame Town Council’s year in 2025.
January
We provide information and answer questions ahead of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan 2 (TNP2) referendum. We tender for our Christmas Lights Contract for the next five years. We share locations of local Warm Space and the news that Thame Pride officially launched.
February
Thame’s second Neighbourhood Plan (TNP2) passes referendum with 89% in favour – an amazing achievement. We launch our campaign for a banking hub in Thame, and received support from our MP and over 1,200 responses to our survey. The Town Hall hosts Lloyds Bank to provide a weekly banking advice service following their branch closure. Work begins on a new wetland scrape in Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve and we respond to resident’s questions regarding these works.
March
The Town Council wishes a fond farewell to long-serving councillor Nigel Champken-Woods as he moves away from Thame, and welcomes Cllr Andy Wainwright onto the council after he is co-opted. Thame Good Neighbour Scheme celebrates 10 years since its launch. It was a full house at the Barns Centre for the Annual Town Meeting. Flood alleviation works begin Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve. Thame launches the Sustainability Champions awards.
April
The Mayor’s Ball raises an impressive £3,000 for the Mayor’s chosen charities. New public art is installed on Lea Park as part of the Cavalier & Roundhead Route. The soil mound within the Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve is lowered, seeded and spread, following residents’ concerns. Thame hosts the first High Sheriff of Oxfordshire’s Big Breakfast Conversations, with a focus on supporting young people.
May
It’s elections month and Cllr Andy Gilbert and Cllr David Dawson are re-elected as Town Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively. The town council co-opts Cllr William Wilde, whilst Cllrs Kate Gregory and Judith Edwards are elected to Oxfordshire County Council to represent Thame. The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day is marked in Thame with events throughout the day. The fourth Taste of Thame event is a success. Smoke-free signage designed by Thame’s primary school students is installed in play areas.
June
Thame hosts its first ever Thame Pride and Thame Sportive – both events were great successes which the Town Council proudly supported. In partnership with Thame Green Living and the Cuttle Brook Conservation Volunteers, a new footpath opens in Rycote Meadow, connecting residents on Thame Meadows to Oxford Road whilst preserving and protecting the biodiversity of the site.
July
A new 400metre running track opens on Southern Road Recreation Ground. Over 300 students visit the Town Hall as part of off-timetable week at Lord Williams’s School and share their thoughts about the proposed Community Youth Centre. A new blue-plaque is unveiled to honour John Henry Smythe OBE, MBE (mil), QC.
August
The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day is marked with a wreath laying ceremony, and we host a special exhibition in the Information Centre and newsletter sharing stories of local people’s connections to the second World War. The Town Council team grows as we welcome our new Communications Apprentice and Community Events Officer.
September
In partnership with Thames Valley Police, new Community SpeedWatch signs are installed. We also install new wayfinding signage in Lea Park. It’s a busy month for events with Thame Art Crawl, the Charter Fair, and a pop-up market, and we take part in the Streets of Light.
For the National Launch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, over 200 poppies are fitted to lampposts by volunteers and the maintenance team around Thame and Moreton ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
November
The Community Youth Centre takes an exciting step forwards as the District Council approve over £770,000 of Section 106 funding (developer money) towards the project. In partnership with Sharing Life Trust we launch Thame’s first Reverse Advent Calendar, and receive an amazing community response. Our Town Hall Upper Chamber gets new acoustic panels to address long-standing issues of poor audio. Thame hosts two fantastic and well-attended annual events – the Service of Remembrance and Christmas Lights Switch-On.
December
Festive activities continue throughout December, and we welcome feedback on our Christmas Lights Switch-On event. The Town Council objects to proposals to remove the second fire engine from Thame Fire Station.
Looking ahead to 2026
The town council is looking forward to 2026 – we have another packed calendar of events (don’t forget to buy your Thame Calendar which contains all the 2026 event dates!).
At the time of writing we anxiously and optimistically await formal confirmation on whether our Public Works Loan application has been successful, as this determines whether we can build the Community Youth Centre. The Town Council is also close to presenting the community a draft ‘Strategy for Thame 2050’.
Look out for more information in early 2026 about these exciting projects for Thame!
We know how important it is to know what is happening in your local area and how you can be involved in decision-making. That’s why we want to hear from you about how we can communicate better with you. Please spare 5 minutes to fill out our survey (paper copies are also available in the Information Centre) – we are listening and your feedback will shape our new Communications Strategy.