THE 74th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Crediton Parish Church was held in the Lady Chapel.

Officers elected were chairman: David White, treasurer Mike Beskeen and secretary Bill Jerman.

The executive committee members confirmed for the year were: Ernie Heard, Penny Little, Mike May, Rex Rozario, Joan Tolley and Mandy Tomlinson.

It was agreed that funds would be allocated in support of the roof appeal, vestments, church cleaning, churchyard grass cutting, flower arrangers, window mesh protection, new hymn books, conservation of the Agnes Venner wall tablet, the clock dials and several smaller projects.

Bill Jerman said: "Members were saddened to hear of the passing of Hilary Ward.

"Hilary and Jo have been members of the Friends for some 20 years and Hilary was an executive committee member for a number of years.

"We send our sincere condolences to Jo, Phil and Alice, and the family.

"We are delighted to welcome Town Mayor Frank Letch as an annual member.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the Bishop of Crediton as our preacher at our forthcoming evensong service in September.

"Members may also be interested to learn that the Rev Dr Steven Martin has kindly agreed to attend the 2017 evensong service said that he would be delighted to preach for an hour or two!"