Parishioner of the Year

Each year the Parish Council invites nominations for Parishioner of the Year. This is someone (or sometimes a couple) from within the parish who has devoted much time and energy working for the community.

Jill Rowe 2011	Much of Jill's working life has been closely involved with animals, but young people have always been a priority for her. She started helping with 1st Marcham Guides in 1985, and since 1995 she has been the Unit Guider, in charge of weekly meetings and camps. There will be so many girls who will be indebted to her for the time she has given, to enable them to succeed and to reach their full potential. The hospitality offered to so many from her home, coupled with numerous village BBQs, has always been a joint effort with Neil, and she is the first to acknowledge his whole-hearted support. Jill, Neil, Emma, Jos and Becca make a great family team. Jill's energy is constant and selfless, and her imagination and creativity never ending, whether she is taking school assemblies, or running clubs in the village and the church, where she is Youth and Children's Minister. Her caring gifts, supported by her Christian faith extend to families and individuals of all ages, wherever there is a need. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for Jill.
Jessica Brod 2010	Being a founder member of The Marcham Society and a significant contributor to the success it is today. She has generously given her time and expertise as a member of the Marcham Society Committee. By her patient and sustained efforts , in conjunction with others, eight volumes of The Marcham Society Journal “Coral Rag” have been published under her editorship. In November 2009 a team of thirteen members of the Marcham Society achieved their greatest undertaking – the publication of the book “Marcham Remembered: a village in pictures". She was the prime motivator in this publication and was instrumental in the major tasks of controlling costs and securing the Lottery Funding thereby enabling every family in the local area to have a free copy. Encompassing two centuries and evoking fond memories of people and times past, this book, acclaimed by a number of local historians is now saved in local libraries and the Oxfordshire Record Office.
Eddie and Pamela Shirras 2009	Through their strong professional dedication, leadership and enthusiasm, together with a sincere love of the community, Eddie and Pamela were able to reinvigorate Marcham’s confidence in the church. In the course of their ministries at All Saints’, they were particularly successful in the involvement of newcomers and children through family services, clubs and a range of seasonal activities, into the family of the church and the community at large. Their tireless commitment enabled them also to develop close and most welcome links with Marcham Church of England Primary School, which brought great benefits to the growing number of pupils, parents, staff and governors alike.
Eric and Sheila Dunford 2008	Their founding of the Marcham Society and their immense contribution to its functioning in so many ways, including the holding of offices, organising meetings and undertaking research have provided parishioners with knowledge, pleasure and joy. Their contribution to the life to All Saints’ Church, in particular to its music, through membership of the choir and through the playing of the organ, is warmly and deeply appreciated by the congregation and adds greatly to the prevailing welcoming atmosphere. Their selfless commitment and their informed and enthusiastic efforts have been pre-eminent in the establishment of the Jubilee walks in Marcham, whilst their many other contributions to the life of the village, including leading walks, running the village ‘Café’ and serving on the Parish Council are welcomed by all.
Christine Whild 2007	Her outstanding contribution to music in Marcham has taken many forms: her playing, organising and production of Marcham V.E. celebrations; her contributions to many performances by the marcham Players and to services at All Saints’ Church are but a few of many. She has been a stalwart member of the Marcham Women’s Institute and has held a number of offices, playing a leading role in all its activities and generously sharing her many skills and enthusiasm with others. Her devotion and care of her husband Victor, through his long illness was an example to all and her unstinting work for charity, especially of the Local Alzheimers’ Group, has been exceptional.
Chris Ricketts 2006	Her leadership, support and enthusiastic contributions to the cause of Marcham’s youth have been outstanding. In particular her leadership and organisation of Marcham’s Cubs for more than twenty-five years, her efforts in establishing a Youth Group and in previous years her efforts in organising boys football for Marcham, youngsters have marked her out as the adult who has contributed the most for the benefit of youngsters in Marcham. She has also contributed actively and in the most hands-on fashion to the Sports and Social Club, Playgroup and Marcham School, and as a volunteer driver of the community minibus. Added to that is her service as a Parish Councillor for more than ten years.
Jack Spicer 2005	His enormous contribution to All Saints Church and especially its music through his role as Choirmaster and organist for more than twenty years has brought pleasure and joy to members of the congregation and to many families on special occasions such as weddings. His participation in the Senior Citizens’ Club and his contribution through organising programmes, events and outings has been a source of enjoyment to many. With his wife Elsa his wisdom, kindness and charitable nature have contributed to many village events and organisations and been of benefit to many individuals within Marcham.
Martin Thorne 2004	His editorship of the Marcham and District News for fourteen years has added immeasurably to the sense of community and brought shared interest and knowledge of the village to all parishioners. His musical prowess and playing has added greatly to the enjoyment of Marcham Players’ productions, scout and cub entertainments and church activities. His wisdom and enthusiasm have contributed to the work of the Parish Council, Marcham Primary School, the Cubs and the Sports and Social Club and been of benefit to many individuals within Marcham.