Catherine Jones – Independent – Thame South Ward

Who is Catherine Jones?
I am an ex-army officer, the author of 22 published novels, past chairman of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, local resident for 25 years and a Thame Town Councillor for the past four years.

I first visited Thame in 1976 whilst based at a nearby barracks. I knew immediately it was a place I’d like to live in one day. Finally, after years of postings, the family moved here in 1994. It was one of our best decisions and the family has loved living in Thame. In fact, two of my three children still live locally. (The third is serving in the army overseas.)

I am is no stranger to working for the community having been an active member of John Hampden School’s PTA when my children were younger, a committed Cuttle Brook volunteer and a massive supporter of Thame Remembers which involved battlefield tours, delivering crosses to overseas war graves and co-authoring the play Ten Tommies From Thame.

Why I want to be re-elected?
My children grew up in Thame and we have all benefitted from the clubs, activities, festivals and sports that proliferate in the town – almost all of which are run by volunteers. By serving on the council I feel I am putting something back into a community which has given my family so much.

Since being elected in 2015 it has been a steep learning curve – the knowledge I have acquired over that time will be wasted if I am not re-elected.

I understand the need for more housing and opportunities for employment in and around the town but I want to ensure that the next iteration of the town’s neighbourhood plan offers the best possible solution to the needs of the townsfolk.

Thame is a town to be proud of with a wonderful high street, dozens of leisure opportunities and residents who are more than prepared to volunteer to run the many festivals and events. It also has a sense of community and cohesion that is beyond remarkable. It would be an honour to keep serving the population.