03/06/10…Town council sad at loss of ‘father of allotments’

THAME Town Council has expressed its sadness at the death of the long-standing Chairman of the Stones Close Allotments committee, and former Thame store manager.

In a statement today the town council said:

“Thame Town Council is very sad to learn about the death of Ken Jones, following a battle with cancer.
Before Ken retired, he was the Manager of the town?s Co-op store, and his management and diplomatic skills proved to be huge assets at Stones Close Allotments, where his commitment spanned decades.

“As Chairman, he allocated plots sensitively and efficiently and in a way that illustrated his cooperative values and community spirit. Most days of the week Ken, together with his wife Gladys, could be found at the site. To spot his distinctive green and white van was to know that a cheerful, smiling face and friendly, practical advice were at hand. In his van were all the tools he could possibly need for the chores involved in looking after a large community garden, and he was very generous about letting folk borrow his machinery.

“Last year the Town Council worked with Ken and his Management Committee to recreate allotments that had ?gone back?. The site now boasts 146 plots, making it the biggest allotment site in Oxfordshire – a huge achievement and one that would not have happened without Ken.

“To be shown around the allotments by him was to witness first hand his pride and enthusiasm. As he watched them grow, Ken Jones truly was the father of Stones Close Allotments.”