The Memorial | Thame Youth Memorial

The Memorial and our History

Why and How it Started

Life is transitory but memories endure. Through remembrance and reflection, we maintain a link with those we have loved and lost, for now and for future generations. The premature death of a young person impacts beyond the family and is a loss to the whole
community – each one gone before their time, before realising their potential in life or achieving their hopes and ambitions.

In 2008, the original concept was suggested by Thame resident Bobby Gallagher having been inspired by a local ‘informal’ memorial to a young Thame resident. Following further discussion and support from local Councillors and community members, in 2009 a fully Registered Charitable Trust was formed (Thame Youth Memorial Trust – Charity number 1135630), and work was commenced and completed on the formal memorial.

The completion of ‘The Thame Youth Memorial’ delivered ‘a comfortable and safe space to remember those taken from us too soon’.

Thame Youth Memorial Trust Objectives are:-

To support a place of reflection for those affected by the loss of a youth of Thame & surrounding villages.
To provide and maintain a lasting monument in Thame to the youth of the town and area who die prematurely.
To provide a plaque of remembrance for each individual person who has died, as desired by their loved ones.
To educate the people of the Thame area in the emotional and physical needs of those affected by the premature loss of a loved one

Memorial Design & Concept

Infinity and Reflection, the building blocks of the design, evolved through the generous efforts of a number of local designers and Youth Memorial supporters.

The pieces of the Memorial Garden complement each other and are in keeping with their surroundings, in the context of the Conservation Area.

The benches are designed to work with the water feature, to encourage groups to sit, share their thoughts, experiences and possibly their loss.

The water feature presents an infinity pool with a seating platform as if it were risen from the paving. Surrounding the water feature is an Infinity Band with the same granite material bearing engravings of the names of those remembered. This is designed to link
the concepts of Infinity and Reflection.

The central sculpture of white Carrera marble encourages direct interaction, and is without detailed features so that it can represent whatever is in the mind of the beholder. This sculpture can be viewed form the seating area with the eye is drawn through the
water feature to the sculpture. Subtle lighting from dusk, gives the sculpture a different ambience.

The garden planting is designed to provide colour throughout the year and to frame the memorial.

Building the Garden

The pieces within the Memorial Garden were carefully chosen to complement each other, in keeping with the surroundings in which they are placed, and in the context of the Conservation Area.

The garden was built to provide Accessibility for all, including wheelchairs, and is achieved by paving of the circular seating area and the connecting pathway to the sculpture in honed natural stone.

The semi-circular benches were designed to work with the water feature situated at the centre of the seating area, to encourage groups to sit, engage with each other, share their thoughts, their experiences and possibly, their loss.

The water feature has a seating platform around its outer edge, made from the same honed stone used for the floor paving, as if it has risen from the floor. Additionally, it contains a black granite top, with the water pumped from the centre, trickling gently over
the surface to replicate an Infinity pool. The walls are constructed from the same contrasting natural stone used to pave the access pathways.

Encircling the water feature is an Infinity Memorial band. Inlaid within the natural stone, the granite Memorial band is segmented and engraved at the request of affected families
wishing to remember their loved one in this way. The same granite is used for the water feature and the Memorial band, ensuring that the visual impacts are of the pieces themselves. Within the smaller loop of the Infinity Band is a stone engraved with ‘Thame
Youth Memorial’ and the date that it was established back in 2010.

The sculpture was created from a four-tonne block of white Carrera Marble and is located at the narrowing end of the garden. The piece is mounted at floor level, designed to encourage direct interaction, and is intentionally without detailed features so that it can represent whatever is in the mind of the beholder. From the seating area the eye is drawn through the water feature, down to the sculpture.

The paving is bordered by low level box hedging to separate the planted areas and accent the paved areas. The planting areas are sympathetic seasonal change and includes sensory planting to maximise the impact on sight, scent, sound and touch.

Gentle lighting complements the overall installation, specifically around the water feature and the sculpture. The lighting within the water feature illuminates the granite top from below, to give a halo of light between the granite and the natural stone surround.

As part of the original groundworks, Thame’s Diamond Jubilee committee sunk a “Time Capsule” deep in the foundations of the sculpture site which was created from items donated from within our community,.

The Future

The ongoing maintenance of a memorial garden is essential for preserving its significance and ensuring it continues to serve its purpose as a meaningful and respectful space. Regular maintenance not only sustains the aesthetic appeal of the garden but also honours the memories of those commemorated within its grounds. This care includes tending to plants and landscaping elements, repairing any damage, and providing a serene and contemplative atmosphere for visitors. By investing in the continued upkeep of the memorial garden, the community demonstrates a commitment to preserving the legacy and remembrance of individuals, fostering a place for reflection, solace, and connection with the past.