Garden of remembrance dedicated to the young people of Thame (04/01/10) -
A new and unique Memorial garden to offer solace to those who have lost young family members and friends through tragedy and illness, was officially dedicated in Thame yesterday.
David Wybron, the Headteacher of Lord Williams's school, Thame, spoke movingly to the crowd gathered in the bright, frosty air by the Memorial gardens in Upper High Street, Thame, for the event.
He acknowledged that many of those gathered were experiencing what he described as: "The on-going pain and the often overwhelming feeling of sadness as a result of the loss of a loved one."
"The garden and memorial," he said, "represents the local community finding a way to support those who have lost someone special. Setting up a lasting memorial is a fitting tribute to recognise how special every individual was, and continues to be, for those who miss them."
Mr Wybron paid tribute to all the individuals and groups who had turned the Memorial garden idea into a reality, including Jade Stanley, Alana Reed and Mike Dyer. "I am sure that, because of your stewardship, this place will grow and become a place of beauty, which I think is important."
Other speakers at the dedication event included the Deputy Mayor of Thame, Nicola Dixon, John Howell MP, Catherine Bearder MEP, and Rev Ian Mountford from Barley Hill Church who read the poem, The Gift of a child."
The event was necessarily a serious and emotional occassion for most of those of all ages assembled, but the street entertainment provided by local musician, Wilbur Sears, 2009 National Disco Pairs Champions Gemma Strathdee and Melissa Mairs, juggler Laurence Dyer and representatives from Thame Boys Football Club, all served to remind everyone of the great contribution to, what Mr Wybron called "the heart of the community," that many of the young people who had died too early had made, as do their friends and peers who are left behind.
The dedication ceremony ended with Jade Stanley reading the words of "I'm still here," before the release of dozens of helium balloons tagged with personal messages into the air.
More information about the Thame Youth Memorial and the competition for a memorial design, can be found on the website: www.thameyouthmemorial.org
A video of the event, taken by Matt Evans, is available for viewing on: http://vimeo.com/8522222
PHOTO: People of all ages listen to the dedication of the Thame Youth Memorial. In the foreground, in the wheel chair, is Phylis Quainton who in 1921, was present to hear Lloyd George dedicate the Thame War Memorial to the fallen in war.