Looking Back On 2021

JANUARY

THE Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch, expressed his hopes for a Happy New Year after a “year like no other”.

The Best Dressed Shop Window Competition, voted for by Crediton Courier readers, was won by A E Lee (Outfitters) with a Christmas display created by Simon Lee and his staff.

Members and friends of the Lions Club of Crediton were thanked for maintaining a lifeline for the blind and partially sighted by continuing with their weekly recordings of the Crediton Talking News - with stories read from the Crediton Courier.

Chris Parsons, co-ordinator of Crediton Foodbank was presented with The Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface 2020 Citizen of the Year award in gratitude and appreciation of her outstanding service to the people of Crediton and district.

Crediton Chamber of Commerce re-opened the shopping service at the Hub, which was operated during the first lockdown, to help those shielding or in need.

Ellie Howard (10) raised £387 for the Little Princess Trust when she had her long hair cut. She donated the hair to the charity to make wigs for children who have lost their own hair through illness.

There was joy and relief for people in the Crediton area as the Covid vaccinations began to be administered at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre.

FEBRUARY

MEMBERS of the St Lawrence Community Group and Sustainable Crediton joined forces to take over the planting of flower beds at St Lawrence Green, using pollinator friendly varieties.

Crediton Town Council significantly increased its precept (its part of the Council Tax) by 24.2 per cent for 2021/22.

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton was welcomed into the Ted Wragg Trust on February 1, bringing improved educational outcomes for its students and extensive benefits to the Crediton community.

The Crediton Policing team issued fixed penalty notices against some of those who had broken Covid legislation and Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) issued prohibition notices on two, what they considered to be, non-essential businesses.

Outline plans, for a 50-bedroom nursing home with state-of-the-art facilities at the rear of Langford Park Nursing Home, were unanimously supported at Mid Devon District Council’s planning meeting on February 10.

Having previously donated miniature roses to Age Concern Crediton and District for distribution to 50 elderly clients, Crediton Lions Club presented dozens of pots of Hyacinths to listeners of the Crediton Talking News to cheer them up.

A plan for a Lidl store, on the playing field opposite Tucker’s on Lords Meadow Industrial Estate, was submitted to MDDC.

Paul Baker, of Winkleigh, was chosen as one of the winners of the supersaver UK Smile Maker Awards for all the work he has done in the local community to bring smiles to people’s faces during the pandemic.

MARCH

CREDITON Town Council approved grant funding totalling £18,500 to a range of organisations helping the elderly, youth, the arts and other groups in the Crediton area.

A defibrillator was installed on the wall facing the car park at The Duck in Yeoford.

Cavapoo, Coco, the school dog, helped pupils to settle back in at Landscore Primary School. Coco also supported the children of key workers during the lockdown.

Devon youth homelessness charity, the Amber Foundation launched a Crowdfunding campaign in response to Covid. The charity which had seen its costs skyrocket remained open during lockdown offering a life-line to young people in need.

A burglar dumped a safe in Crediton High Street when he was caught red-handed by the police whilst trying to make a getaway on a bicycle! He had stolen the safe from the ELF charity shop in Crediton.

A minute’s silence was observed on the Marie Curie National Day of Reflection, at Crediton Congregational Church on Tuesday, March 23 the anniversary of the first UK lockdown. It was a time to reflect everyone’s collective loss and support those who had been bereaved.

The Town Team announced that the picnic tables would return to the town square. Rod Brookes-Hocking, who came up with the idea at the start of the pandemic said: “Fingers crossed this time they’ll come out and stay out!”