Jules Thomson 1939-2013
Jules Thomson was the first chairman of the Sonning Common Green Gym and remained in that position until 2011. He spent his working life in the Royal Air Force and retired with his wife Margaret (a local doctor) to the family home on Shepherds Green in Rotherfield Greys.
When the Green Gym was set up it was led initially by a leader from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Eventually however it became essential for the group to take charge of its own affairs. Inevitably the members at that time were doubtful whether they were capable of doing this, what it might involve or indeed whether they wanted to take this on. At this point Jules stepped forward and volunteered to be Chairman. As a result others followed him to take on other roles and so a pioneering venture was born which has now been copied all over the country.
Yvonne Hunt, who was the BTCV Leader at the start has written:
“I was very sorry to hear the news that Jules passed away, he will be greatly missed. Jules was instrumental in setting up the first Green Gym in the country. He put himself forward to become chairman of the Green Gym, and without him, I doubt the group would have been able to continue beyond its initial set up. Jules’ willingness and hard work took the group from strength to strength, it became one of the best organised and most popular Green Gyms in the Country, now running for over 15 years. The Sonning Common Green Gym inspired over 100 Green Gyms to be established in the UK, as well as Green Gyms in Australia. Jules was a leading figure in this movement which has benefitted thousands of people, as well as the environment. I will personally remember Jules’ for his strong belief and commitment to the Green Gym concept, as well as his good humour and laughter when out with the Green Gym.”
Jules was always keen to stress that the Green Gym was first and foremost a Gym and that the health benefits needed to be foremost in people’s minds. He also possessed key skills in coppicing and fencing which were important at a time when most members were fairly ignorant of what needed to be done. He should be remembered as one of the key figures in what has become a national movement. A Memorial Service has been held at Rotherfield Greys Church.