15/01/13……’Thame is in no way ?resting in docile submission’

Dear Editor, I was greatly saddened by the letter published yesterday, not by the suggestion that Thame establish a memorial to Robin Gibb but rather that the writer found it necessary to denigrate Thame to justify the proposal.

Thame is in no way ?resting in docile submission, overshadowed by the concrete palaces of Aylesbury or cowed by the watery glitz of Henley? but already stands as a beacon in its own right. A recent newspaper article identified Thame as having the best High Street in England, and our Tuesday market continues to buck the trend. We have a Food Festival that attracted 15,000 visitors in 2012, a Music in the Park event attended by more than 3,000 people, a successful annual Literary Festival, and last year even saw a royal visit as we granted Freedom of Thame to RAF Halton. The fantastic turnout of people at the Remembrance Service and at the Christmas Lights event, and the continuing success of quirkier customs such as the annual Duck Race, serve to underline the fact that the people of Thame are engaged in, and proud of, our wonderful town as outsiders look on in envy but visit at every opportunity. Thame punches well above its weight in every sense and long may it to continue.

Should we promote the idea of a memorial to Robin Gibb, sited at Millennium Circle ? Perhaps, but what?s the hurry ? Robin was undoubtedly an icon, as both a performer and a song writer. His achievements far transcend mere celebrity and he will be one of very few in his profession to go down in history. He also loved Thame, made his home here, and played an active part in the community. His memory has already been acknowledged with a blue plaque at The Prebendal, his home, and by the people lining the streets for his funeral procession, and he will become a worthy addition to Thame?s rich history and folklore.

I would have no objection to his memory being further enshrined in our town but I would be equally proud to see us erect a memorial to James Figg, John Hampden, or Arthur Staggs. I feel that a wider debate is required and, with Robin having passed away so recently, now is probably too soon.

I have no doubt that your correspondent?s proposal will receive much support and that public opinion will carry much weight, as it did in relation to George Harrison?s statue in Henley. In the meantime let us keep a sense of proportion and timing and, above all, remember that Robin chose to live in Thame precisely because it is such a special town.

Yours,
(name and address supplied)