Civic Service celebrates those who give to Thame

A Civic Service to celebrate the coming year in Thame, was officiated over by the Mayor of Thame, Cllr Linda Emery, at St Marys Church.

The Mayor of Thame, Linda Emery (2nd R), Cllr Jeannette Matelot Green (on her R) & other dignitaries

The Mayor’s Civic Service was conducted by Reverend Alan Garratt, and the Address was given by Reverend Graham Choldcroft. “Both ensured that the service was full of fun, song, praise and worship for the community,” reported The Mayor, “and of thanksgiving for those who give their time and talents in service to the community.”

St Mary’s Church choir sang as the Civic Procession filed into the church. The scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1:13, “A Time for Everything” was read by Jeannette Matelot Green, Deputy Chair of South Oxfordshire District Council SODC. Prayers were led by Town Cllr Helena Fickling who is also the Church Warden of St Mary’s, and Nichola Dixon, the Deputy Mayor of Thame.

The Mayor’s two chosen charities are The Thame Youth Cafe and The Red Kite Children’s Centre. Representatives of both charities, Linda Newton and Barbara Thompson, Youth Cafe and Amy Spicer, Red Kite Centre, gave a short presentation on their objectives. The offertory collection was generously given to the two charities.

The service was attended by civic dignitaries from Oxford and Buckinghamshire, including John Howell MP, Tony Stratton Deputy Lieutenant, The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Mohammed Atlaf Khan, local Mayors from Abingdon, Farringdon, Henley, Woodstock, Witney, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Thame Town Councillors, Errol Bateman of The Rotary Club of Thame and many others.

Afterwards, Mayor Linda Emery said: “I was delighted that so many people were able to celebrate with me. It was a truly memorable day and I am grateful for all the support I received.”