I WAS pondering what does Crediton have to offer?

Well where do I begin? We moved to Crediton 10-and-a-half years ago, that's myself and my family.

The main reason for the move was to have the schools on the doorstep and thinking ahead the children would be able to make journeys easily via public transport. Our children are in QE now and they are already enjoying the independence of seeing their friends, going about town and taking trips into Exeter by themselves.

This is all great stuff in itself but there's more, a whole lot more in fact.

Over the years, much appreciation has grown for the services, the products and materials and true helpfulness and knowledge from manufacturing businesses and retail shop staff and the owners themselves.

I moved to Crediton as an artist/craft maker and I needed certain materials and devices to develop ideas.

That is when the discovery began of Crediton's resources and helpful, knowledgeable people.

So last year, after hearing some people moan about Crediton, I sat down and made a list of shops, services, manufactures, leisure interests that I and my family have used and still use and things that we might not use but have in this fantastic town.

So in no particular order, here it is and sorry if I don't mention you by name:

Eakers, massive supporter of Eakers - I never had to or want to go to B and Q, Jewsons and other builders merchants, plumbers, carpenters, engineers, builders, Western Spray Equipment for air tools, Wood's is an engineers paradise, motor factors, Unit Computers, Conibears, Crediton Auto, Kirton Kayaks - I have never used them but they are here.

Tyre garages, Mole Avon, Tuckers, Crediton Garden Centre, Lewis's - they had the exact hose for my vacuum cleaner and it didn't cost the earth. Post Office depot - how easy is that when we have to pick up a package that we missed. The Bike Shop, Punchbowl Recycling Centre - the new staff there are lovely.

The Leisure Centre, Football and Rugby Clubs, Kirton Archers, real Kung Fu classes, Ladds.

Crediton Youth Theatre - this really needs supporting because it is a fantastic resource to have. My children have benefited immensely from the youth theatre and many other children have enjoyed performing in the shows and the weekly sessions at the Arts Centre.

The Arts Centre - I have been there a few times and coming up soon an acoustic night on the first Friday of every month as well as lots of other events - get a programme.

A jazz club (ok that's me) starting on the last Thursday of this month at the Ship Hotel. A great jazz orchestra at QE and I am sure you have all heard about "Les Mis". So I will add a very good drama department to this list.

And just for the record, yeah, I like QE and so do my children. If you want to be educated it's there for the taking and the teachers will help you a lot, that's my experience anyway.

Crediton Town Band. A great and really helpful print shop by CCC cafe and the snooker hall.

Stevie B's - these people have never taken the premium price mark-up mick out of you or me when it comes to producing organic foods and some of the cakes are massive.

I love Norfolk Crunch from Olivers as well and their cream cakes. The Green House knows how to make the most of space and there is always something I need from them. Food dellies.

A fishing tackle shop with a lot more in there. Some lovely coffee shops, a proper butchers, Evans - I just discovered the postal service they do - so next time you sell something on ebay you can pay for postage online, print out a label and take it into Evans, it is so easy.

Adams Home Hardware - I despise Tesco for selling anything that Adams sell. Tesco should just stick to food because they have just made it a little bit harder for some of our High Street businesses. Where were the Town Councillors and Chamber of Commerce when Tesco came to town?

Okay, I know you are saying "but they offer value for money and choice" - well you might end up with one choice in the future, Tesco. But they employ people and there are some things you can get in Tesco that you can't get in Morrisons, and Morrisons are there when you don't want to go out of town and it's fine for most things.

Four Seasons - please carry on getting in local produce. A farmers' market with some excellent vegetable growers and other producers and crafters. Now I am not a church-goer but you have to admit the big church is beautiful and the Congregational Church is diversifying as a venue. The recent Music Makers event was brilliant and I only had to walk to the bottom of the road. What can St Lawrence Chapel be used for?

My dog has enjoyed a good groom, he finally has a shop he can look in now and again - although he does like the butchers and I just remembered he has the pet shop as well.

Once Read is a good browsing bookshop and I wish the Community Bookshop all the best. Charity shops aren't for everyone but they have saved us lots of money over the years and our High Street hasn't been over taken by them. We have clothing shops and gift shops, a wine merchant again. Pubs, Restaurants and fields and footpaths to walk off the calories and the walk out to Shobrooke Park is a good stretch.

Two allotments and a town park with a bowling club. And more.

I know I will have forgotten some things and won't have mentioned some of your favourites. So when you next see them let them know how much you value them.

There is one more - The Courier, It's always there at events, it supports artist and craftspeople, schools and clubs and is more often than not a carrier of positive news - hopefully it's brought you this article.

Andrew Vaccari

by email

• Editor's note: What do you think is great about Crediton? We all know it is a rich and diverse town but is there something you want to shout about? There is so much here and a lot to be thankful for.

Why not let us know so that we can share it with fellow Courier readers? Email your letter to: [email protected]">[email protected] .