Exclusive by Alan Quick

THE Mayor of Crediton thanked, on behalf of Crediton Town Council, the many people, charities and organisations that contribute to the life and vibrancy of the town.

He told the 130 people at the reception held at the Boniface Centre: “Crediton is a wonderful place. You make it so, some of you as part of your jobs and many others as volunteers.

“I would like to thank you for all that you do and encourage you to carry on what you are doing.

“Volunteers are a rare breed and many organisations are looking for replacements.”

Mr Letch then explained that Age Concern Crediton was looking for a new trustee, Sustainable Crediton was looking for more trustees and Crediton Fire Station was looking for more firefighters.

He talked about the forthcoming Health and Well-Being Open Day, which will be held at the Boniface Centre on Wednesday, April 25.

He said that the purpose of the open day is to showcase the excellent range of health and well-being services available to residents of Crediton and the surrounding area.

He explained: “It will give residents an opportunity to meet experts and volunteers committed to helping people improve their health and well-being and support people to live happier, healthier lives.”

The open day will begin at 10.30am and end at 7pm.

Beginning at 7pm will be a talk with guest speaker, Dr David Jenner, entitled: “What does current NHS policy mean for the people of Crediton and environs?”

Mr Letch spoke about engagement by councillors with the public and spoke about the Christmas in Crediton event and other Town Council and town organisation initiatives, including involvement in the Floral Crediton competition and “It’s Your Neighbourhood” initiative.

He said that he was celebrating 10 years as Mayor of Crediton and had lived in the town for 20 years.

When he attends meetings of Mid Devon District Council in his capacity as a District Councillor, he said he was proud to represent Crediton.

He thanked the councillors for their support and the council staff, town clerk Mrs Clare Dalley, assistant clerk Mrs Emma Anderson and recently-appointed receptionist, Mrs Emily Armitage, for their hard work. He also thanked his wife, Natalia, for her support.

£23,080 OF GRANTS PRESENTED

On behalf of the town council, Cllr Letch presented cheques to some town organisations, which were collected by representatives present.

Recipient organisations were: Churches Housing Action Team £1,500; Crediton and District Access Group £150, Crediton Town Team (Flag Project) £800, Journey Therapeutic Counselling Service £250, The Turning Tides Project CIC £1,000, Crediton Town Team (Boniface Project) £2,000, Crediton Talking News £300; Crediton Rugby Football Club £750, The Brown Paper Bag Theatre Company £300, Crediton Parish Church (Flower Festival and Christmas Tree Festival) £160, St Boniface Concert Society £300, Tiverton and District Community Transport £1,500, Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation £500; Crediton Town Band £500, Crediton Congregational Church (Summer and New Year’s Music) £500, Citizens Advice £2,500, Crediton Area Children’s Centre, Action for Children £500, Involve - Voluntary Action in Mid Devon £500, Crediton Area History and Museum Society £1,000, Crediton Youth Theatre £800, Crediton Arts Centre £1,000, Crediton Arts Centre (Crediton Food and Drink Festival) £1,000, Crediton Arts Centre (Busk It!) £800, Crediton Community Bookshop £650, Crediton United Association Football Club £920, CODS £500, Boniface Trail Association £400 and Age Concern £2,000.

Mr Letch said that next year the allocation of grant funding would be increased to £25,000, but said this was a reflection on the changing needs in society.

Cllr Letch also commented on the fact that the Town Council was particularly pleased to support, with grant funding, organisations which supported activities for young people in the town.

THREE TOWN PLATE AWARDS

Three awards were presented during the evening to recognise those who have given service to the town.

Awards were made to Joyce Harris, Penni Tearle and Mark Smith.

Joyce Harris is a long-serving Crediton Town Councillor, has been the Deputy Mayor for many years and is also a former Mayor of Crediton.

Penni Tearle is chairman of the Boniface Allotments Society which assists and supports the users of the 118 Crediton Town Council allotments which are spread over three sites in the town at Barnfield, Exhibition Road and Moffats.

Mark Smith from Crediton Fire Brigade was not able to be present but was congratulated on 20 years of service to the fire service in Crediton.

Cllr Letch said that the town recognised the hard work of Crediton firefighters and the award was also to mark the work of the firefighters from the whole station.

The award was accepted by Crediton Fire Station Watch Manager Neil Hargreaves.

Rev Helen Drever, curate, Crediton Parish Church, spoke and thanked the individuals and organisations who do so much for Crediton and its people, those present for their leadership and those who give service to others.

A buffet was enjoyed after the proceedings, the food provided by David Oliver of Oliver’s Bakery of Crediton.