Buckingham Town Council has decided to bestow the title of ‘Friend of Buckingham’ on Mr Lionel Weston for his contribution to the life of our community. It is my great honour, joy and privilege to say few words about why Lionel is such a worthy recipient of this title.
Decades ago, Lionel and his good wife Maggie, moved to Buckingham. In 1984, Lionel had the idea of mounting a community pantomime in the then new Community Centre in which we are all currently sitting. And so in January 1985, Lionel wrote and directed the first ever pantomime, which has gone from strength to strength ever since.
As a former England international rugby player (they could probably have used his talents this year) Lionel was employed to teach rugby to Stowe School students. And when he was not doing this he was often to be found dreaming up another idea for a dramatic production. He is our local impresario. Lionel’s focus has always been on what more he can do to bring our Buckingham communities together. Notably a few years ago, he organised a moving (in both senses of the word) performance of the Nativity around the town. A while back he took on the task of producing the musical Annie for and with the community.
Lionel seems to know everyone. He is described with great affection by many. As one person said to me “he is a genuinely very nice guy”. And as a consequence, when he comes up with an idea, others just want to help and support him make it happen. This is the mark of a great leader.
Lionel creates visions and an ability to recruit people to help make those visions come true that is second to none. As someone else said “Lionel doesn’t see barriers, only hurdles to clear”. He is fiercely tenacious and profoundly inclusive with a massive and infectious charm. And of course he is very well supported by Maggie and their three children. Some people describe Maggie as tolerant or even long suffering. I of course would not comment.
And then of course, there is last year when I got to know Lionel myself.
Put simply, Lionel, like the Tapestry that he organised, wove together a wide range of strands into what became our town’s own Festival of Remembrance.
With the large open air show on Remembrance Sunday, the Silent Soldiers, the Tea Party for the families of those who fought, the Tapestry and other events, Lionel helped make sure that all of us will forever remember the 100th anniversary of the Armistice with great understanding and a deep passion. Of course, many many people were part of these events but it was Lionel’s leadership, focus and verve that made them all happen.
Thank you Lionel. Truly, thank you.
Over many years, you have shown yourself to be one of our town’s greatest citizens. It is my huge pleasure to offer you this recognition on behalf of the Town Council.
I give you Lionel Weston, a Friend of Buckingham!
Thank you, again.
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Jake from the newspaper was taking photographs throughout last night's ceremonies, so there will be pics of Lionel accepting his award to be published. Meanwhile here is a photo of Lionel hosting the cream tea for the families of those descended from Buckingham people who fought in the first world war.
Very deserving. Well done Lionel.
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