THE Memorial Service held at Crediton Parish Church for the late Councillor Frank Letch was attended by hundreds of people and watched by people from 11 countries around the world.

Cllr Frank Letch and Cllr Mrs Natalia Letch.
Cllr Frank Letch and Cllr Mrs Natalia Letch. (F Letch)

The service was led by the Rev Preb Matthew Tregenza who described Frank as “a pillar of the community”.

Rev Tregenza said that the service had been put together, largely, by Frank himself.

The tribute was given by Aaron (Frank’s oldest son) and Gideon (Frank’s son) read the poem “A Blackbird Singing” by R S Thomas.

The poem “The Mower” by Philip Larkin was read by Gabriel (Frank’s son) and “Anfonaf Angel” was sung by Erin (Frank’s granddaughter) with James Cookson on piano.

The address was given by the Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie.

The poem “And Death Shall Have No Domination” by Dylan Thomas was read by Simon (Frank’s son).

Crediton Parish Church was full for Frank Letch’s Memorial Service. AQ 1972
Crediton Parish Church was full for Frank Letch’s Memorial Service. AQ 1972 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Rev Matthew Tregenza during Frank Letch’s Memorial Service. AQ 1981
Rev Matthew Tregenza during Frank Letch’s Memorial Service. AQ 1981 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The departure music was “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

The church was full for the service, the public also sitting in the choir stalls and governors stalls as well as on extra seating throughout the church.

Dozens of councillors from Devon County Council, Mid Devon District Council and Crediton Town Council attended.

At the time of his passing, Frank was the County Councillor for Crediton, a Mid Devon District Councillor and Crediton Town Councillor.

Scrapbooks about Frank’s life could be viewed after the service. AQ 1999
Scrapbooks about Frank’s life could be viewed after the service. AQ 1999 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Prior to the service Frank’s funeral cortege drove down Market Street, past the Town Square and along Parliament Street on his final journey at 11am during the morning of Friday, May 16.

A private funeral service was held at the Exeter and Devon Crematorium after the cortege.

Following the Memorial Service at a tea in the Boniface Centre, many tributes were made, including by the Chairman of Devon County Council, Councillor John Hart.

A floral tribute to Frank Letch. AQ 2010
A floral tribute to Frank Letch. AQ 2010 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Frank was elected to Mid Devon District Council in 2015 and to Devon County Council in 2021. Because of his work and commitment to his local community Frank was awarded the MBE in the New Year's honours list in 2015.

Over the years Frank had roles with several charities including Reach (Association for young people with upper limb deficiency).

Frank was born in June 1944 in the East End of London and lived there until 1963 when he attended Birmingham University to study French and Italian.

Frank Letch bowling with his feet while playing cricket when he was a young man.
Frank Letch bowling with his feet while playing cricket when he was a young man. (Family photo)

After graduating he spent five years teaching in Birmingham and married Helen before moving to Bala in Wales.

There Frank continued his career teaching in English and later in Welsh.

Frank said: “Most people know that I was born without arms. Nobody knows why and it doesn't really matter if they do because it won't change anything will it?

“Because of this my first 11 years of education were spent in special schools.

“Despite all this I managed to pass 10 O levels and later went on to grammar school where I passed three A levels. While I remained in London to sit my A levels my parents and sister moved to Cheriton Bishop for father’s work.

"In 1963 I went to Birmingham University to study French and Italian. I also had A level Spanish, so you might guess I'm a linguist.

"During my degree I spent a year teaching English in France and loved it."

Frank retired in 1992 to concentrate on his five children and their kennel of dogs after Helen sadly died in 1990. Frank was a Kennel Club certified dog trainer, winning several times at Crufts.

In 1995 Frank moved to Scotland and shortly after to Crediton.

He became an active member of the community, becoming a school governor, joining Rotary and much more.

Frank also married again, a lady he met on holiday in Egypt.

Mid Devon District Council Chairman, Cllr Frank Letch and Cllr Mrs Natalia Letch, fourth and fifth left, with members of the Letch family at the service. AQ 5747
Mid Devon District Council Chairman, Cllr Frank Letch and Cllr Mrs Natalia Letch, fourth and fifth left, with members of the Letch family in October 2024. AQ 5747 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

In 2004, Frank became a town councillor and was the Mayor of Crediton for 13 years.

He said that he was proud that his wife Natalia was Mayoress and later became a Town and District councillor.

The support he gave to Crediton, Mid Devon and Devon groups and organisations cannot be underestimated.

Frank used his feet to write and peel vegetables and had an adapted car which gave him more freedom.

Frank Letch MBE.
Frank Letch MBE. (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Frank spent 10 years as a tribunal judge for Employment and DLA Tribunals.

Donations for Hospiscare or REACH, may be sent to LeRoy Funerals, 94/95 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LB Or online at: www.leroyfunerals.co.uk .

The service recording is still available via the livestream link: https://boxcast.tv/view/16th-may-2025---frank-letch-qlwumnajeneispwq7xec