HAVING been a Devon County Councillor and Mid Devon District Councillor, on and off for 24 years, I thought it was time to stop whilst I'm reasonably sane! I joined DCC in 1989 representing Crediton Rural. Unfortunately I lost my seat in 1993 to the Lib Dems. In 1995 I joined MDDC when Rachel Pennington retired and have been there ever since. In 1999 my great friend Andrew Crang died (who was the member for Sandford and Creedy ward) and I was asked to represent this ward. After a tough fight I became the ward member and have been there ever since. Two years ago I decided to stand down and Margaret Squires then became the elected member. I have had a tremendous time during the 24 years and one very memorable year was in 2003 when as vice chairman of DCC, I attended various functions and taken to many of these functions in a chauffeur driven limousine. For two years from 2004-5 I was chairman of MDDC and attended many functions (but without the limo!) The whole area has been very good to me, meeting lots of interesting people and making lots of new friends. When one door shuts, another opens - I don't intend to disappear and it is good to walk up Crediton High Street meeting lots of old friends. Thank you for giving me a chance to represent you for all these years. Michael Lee Dowrich House Sandford