NATALIA Letch, Crediton Mayoress, enthralled an audience of 25 people at Crediton Library on Wednesday, September 19, relating her moving story of growing up during the political and economic turmoil of post Soviet Russia.

Her story was as joyous as it was sad.

Entwining through story and song the political and economic highs and lows of her birth country with her own life story was as fascinating as it was inspiring.

We are indeed fortunate that her journey in life has brought her to our community,

Some of the funds raised on the evening will go to support Natalia’s work with CISCO (Crediton International Social Cultural Organisation), which offers free English lessons to non-English speaking members of our community.

The Friends of Crediton Library will be running further events this winter and anyone interested is most welcome to leave their contact details with the Library staff.

Many of the audience were surprised that our Library is now run by Registered Charity known as Libraries Unlimited which currently has the contract to provide Library services throughout Devon.

The Library currently has a display of books on Russian culture and literature.