AS Christmas approaches, yet again I look back on a year that has been full, challenging and exciting.

The first big change was the appointment of a new town clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley. She soon got to grips with updating our existing policy documents, setting in motion new procedures and organising the day's work.

She has amazed us all with how much she manages to get done in her time in the office.

After a very wet spring we had a long dry spell, which was a great assistance to the construction team who set about creating the link road.

Work has progressed very well and we are told that the opening may well be ahead of schedule.

We sincerely hope so and that it truly brings relief to Exeter Road by taking heavy goods vehicles directly to and from Lords Meadow.

The summer was the time for both allotments and a pleasingly large number of gardens to be judged in the Floral Crediton Competition.

Once again, Bert Jewell cast his expert eye over an increased entry of gardens. Councillor Mike Szabo and I accompanied him and learnt a lot!

We are truly thankful to Bert for the time he gives up and the thorough way in which he performs this task.

Late in the autumn the town council was approached by Paul Tucker of Mid Devon District Council with the aim of setting up a Town Team which would have the remit of innovation in the High Street and town centre.

At a meeting in November it was decided that the nucleus of the Festival 13 committee would look at the possibility of future town centre projects and events.

Amongst a variety of ideas was the suggestion of making more of our patron saint, St Boniface.

Christmas is that special season – the season of goodwill.

It is therefore fitting that we express our grateful thanks to all those, both paid professionals and volunteers who give of their time to enhance the lives of the people of our town.

On a personal note I would like to express my thanks to my wonderful wife who does so much for the migrant community and for the town in general and without whom I would not be able to lead the life I do.

I would also like to thank my fellow councillors on the town council, especially our Deputy Mayor, Joyce Harris, who has helped me immensely.

Without her support and wisdom, particularly over the last two years, I would have found my position a very lonely and onerous one.

I would also like to thank our town clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, and the assistant town clerk, Martin Ashley.

So I wish all Christians a happy Christmas and to all of other faiths or none I offer you my season's greetings; to all I wish a happy and healthy New Year.

Cllr Frank Letch

Town Mayor

Chairman

Crediton Town Council