The Mayor

The Mayor of Thame

Cllr Ann Midwinter (pictured, left), was re-elected by the Council at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday 14 May 2019 as Mayor of Thame for 2019-2020. The Deputy Mayor was elected as Cllr Paul Cowell.

The position of Town Mayor is ceremonial and non-political and confers no additional advantage on the post-holder, other than the honour of representing Thame. The Mayor will attend civic and ceremonial functions within the District and the wider community during their Mayoral year of office.The Town Mayor will also act as Chairman to Full Council meetings and the Annual Town Meeting.

  • The Mayor of Thame (left) with Deputy Mayor, Cllr Paul Cowell (right).

Ann Midwinter

Ann was born in Hitchen, Hertfordshire and moved to Thame aged two, where she has lived since. During Ann’s working life, she was employed in the education sector and holds an Adult Teachers certificate. Ann was also the Work Experience Co-Ordinator at Lord Williams’s School, where she helped place young people into their first work placements. Ann is married to David who owned and ran The Tuck Shop in Thame in the 1960’s and 1970’s, then was Manufacturing Manager at McCormick Foods. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Local interests have very much been a part of Ann’s life – she was first elected onto Thame Town Council in 1987 where she served as a Town Councillor for 8 years during which time she served as Mayor in 1990 and 1991. Ann then served sixteen years on standing committees at South Oxfordshire District Council, as well as leader of the Independents Group and Chairman of SODC in her final year there.

“It is a great honour to represent Thame as Mayor and I will do my best to do justice to that position. I am sure with a team of hard-working officers and Councillors, we will overcome all challenges that we might face in the coming year”

The Mayor’s Chosen Charities

Lord Williams’s School Young Carers

Lord Williams’s School has over 200 young carers aged 12 to 18. A Young Carer is someone who carers for or worries about a close family member, parent or sibling who has a condition or illness, mental health issues or issues with alcohol or drugs.

LWS support Young Carers through the Pastoral Support Officer (PSO) who works with Young Carers and their families. Support may be in the form of 1:1 meetings, time-out during ‘tutor time’ for games, day trips (for example to theme parks, bowling and shopping), educational trips and uniform. It is important that Young Carers have time to be young, without the worry of being a carer and that they are well-supported during their studies.

The number of Young Carers is increasing each year and they rely on fundraising to be able to provide this support.

Red Kite Family Centre

A family friendly centre providing both parents and their children with resources and activities to enhance both physical, mental and social development.

Upcoming Events & how to support the Mayor’s Charity

The following are being sold in Thame Information Centre in aid of the Mayor’s charity:

  • ‘Love Thame’ car stickers (£2.50)

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored, sold or bought a Love Thame 2021 Calendar. The Mayor’s chosen charity, Lord Williams’ Young Carers and the Red Kite Family Centre both received £906.65.

If you would like to invite the Mayor to your event, or for more information about the Mayor’s upcoming events, please contact Rosie on 01844 260495 or by email.