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.

Cllr Frank Letch told the 130 people at the reception held at the Boniface Centre: “This reception is to celebrate what you do for the community.

“Please mingle and get to know everyone, you will be surprised how many groups there are in town.

“This is a wonderful town, I have lived here for almost 21 years.”

Mr Letch mentioned some of the clubs in the town, including Crediton Rugby Club where it recently fielded 15 teams, adding that there was a great deal for young people to do in the town with many organisations including Army Cadets, Beavers, Guides and Brownies to name a few.

He said the town was lucky to have a bank, unlike some towns, as well as a Post Office.

He thanked those people who had particularly helped him and the council, the council staff and his fellow councillors and particularly his deputy, Joyce Harris and those who had helped with the Neighbourhood Plan, Liz Brookes-Hocking and Andi Wyer.

Mr Letch paid tribute to Councillor Nick Way on his achievements at Devon County Council, on behalf of the Boniface Link Association, in furthering the aim to have Crediton’s Saint Boniface recognised as the Patron Saint of Devon.

Mr Letch added thanks to his cadet, Katie Cooke, mentioning a Cadet drill which would take place on the Town Square on June 6.

He reminded groups to attend the Annual Town Meeting on March 27 and to present their reports.

GRANT LETTERS DISTRIBUTED

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

Recipient organisations were: Crediton Living Library of Food Memories, Crediton Congregational Church, St Boniface Concert Society, the Restoration Committee of Crediton Parish Church, Involve, Crediton Community Bookshop, CODS, Boniface Trail Association, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, Mid Devon Mobility, The Turning Tides Project, Crediton Talking Newspaper, Crediton and District Access Group, Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation (CISCO), UNITE Carers in Mid Devon, Crediton Town Band, Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT), Journey Counselling Service, Crediton Area History and Museum Society, Music Market Busk It, Crediton Town Team Flag Project, CredFest, Citizens Advice, Crediton Rugby Football Club, Significant Seams and Crediton Youth Theatre.

THREE TOWN PLATE AWARDS

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

Awards were made to Rosemary Stephenson, Jo Ward and David Oliver.

Jo Ward was thanked for his service to the town including CODS, Crediton Parish Church Choir, Christmas in Crediton lights etc.

Rosemary Stephenson was thanked for her work with the Town Team and Crediton Arts Centre as well as other work.

David Oliver was thanked for his work for Crediton Chamber of Commerce and Christmas in Crediton.

Rev Matthew Tregenza, newly-appointed Rector of the Crediton Benefice, said the Grace before the refreshments which were supplied by Oliver’s Bakery.