Thame Youth Memorial Garden officially opens this Sunday 29th September from 11.30am

Thame Youth Memorial Trust is proud to invite you to join us as we realise the completion of a new community space within Thame.

Located alongside the Pearce Memorial and War Memorial gardens, this space has been created to provide a place of reflection for all and remembrance for those affected by the loss of a young person.

About the Garden
The garden concept was created by Shaun Moore Design of Thame, and developed in partnership with the Trust, Thame Town Council and supporters of the Trust. JBKS Architects of Aston Rowant donated their expertise to create scaled site drawings, allowing the project to move forward to completion in 2013.
The garden contains a pair of hardwood benches, created by Stuart Groves Furniture, which are curved to match the radius of the central granite water feature which includes a seating ledge, enabling users of the garden to sit together.
Around the water feature, a granite band loops around to create an infinity symbol around a stone bearing the Thame Youth Memorial icon. This leads the eye down the garden to a sculpture, designed by Michael Gibbs and carved by Stoneworld in Carrera Marble.
Gently lit, the sculpture is at ground level, encouraging interaction with the stone. The planting in the garden is all of a sensory nature, contained by box hedging. In time, we hope the scents from the maturing garden will draw people in to enjoy this calm spot in the heart of our beautiful town.

Construction of the garden has been carried out by Stuart Barr CDR. The planted areas design was donated by Time Machine Gardens and Jo Tiddy Gardens, and completed by volunteers – friends, family and groups such as Thame Round Table, Red Kites Scooter Club and The Jack O’Donnell Foundation.
Funds have been raised since the creation of the Trust by individuals, groups, charitable Trusts and local businesses. To date, almost £40000 has been raised with just £6000 needed to cover the construction costs.
Thanks to Thame Town Council agreeing to provide a short term loan whilst we raise these funds, we have been able to complete the works as planned. Every contractor and volunteer involved in the project has given so much more than we could have expected to complete the works, they have shared our passion to deliver a suitable memorial and that has helped overcome every challenge!
Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone that has supported the project either financially or practically.

Sunday 29th September – official opening of Thame Youth Memorial Garden

We hope that you will enjoy the garden and share the details of the opening event, encouraging as many members of our community to come out and join us as we complete work started as a result of a suggestion from Mr Bobby Gallacher, developing into the idea that the loss of a youth from our area deserved to be recognised and remembered in a loved environment.

Sunday 11:30 Entertainment
Sunday 12:05 Welcome by Peter Butt, Chairman of Trust.
Sunday 12:10 Rev. Ian Mountford, Barley Hill Church
Sunday 12:15 “Bring Him Home” sung by Ric Ashley Smith
Sunday 12:20 Michael Oatway, Member of Youth Parliament
Sunday 12:25 Peter Lambert, Mayor of Thame
Sunday 12:30 Memorial sculpture unveiled followed by public access to garden
Sunday 13:00 Christchurch open for refreshments
Sunday 14:00 Launch of “Reflection” beer at Cross Keys

Peter Butt
Chairman
Thame Youth Memorial Trust