"THE end of an era" was how Councillor Frank Letch MBE described the end of his 13-year term as the Mayor of Crediton and Chairman of Crediton Town Council.

Cllr Letch was speaking at the May 18 meeting of Crediton Town Council following the election of Councillor Mrs Liz Brookes-Hocking as the new Mayor and Chairman for 2021-22.

In his speech as outgoing Mayor, Cllr Letch said: “I do not know if 13 years as mayor or chairman is a record but it is a very long time and I think with my new commitments at District Council and County Council, it is time for me to hand over to somebody with the time it takes to do the job properly.

“I have enjoyed my time as mayor and chairman.

“There have been a few downturns such as the loss of the council building but most of my memories are happy ones.

“I have worked with three town clerks and I would like to thank all of those in my past but particularly the crew that we have who have endured such a time with Covid and coped magnificently.

“Fifteen or so town councillors have come and gone.

“Of all the town councillors the one who has supported me most is Joyce Harris, my vice-chairman.

“I cannot forget the help and support I have received from Natalia who greatly enjoyed her role as Town Mayoress.

“As mayor it has been my delight to visit the local schools on many occasions, to improve our relationship with our twin town in France, Avranches, to represent the town at the Mid Devon Show, the police aware ceremonies, various CODS’ productions and the most moving time of the year, our wonderful commemoration held on November 11 each year at the War Memorial.

“As chairman I have seen the creation of Christmas in Crediton, which has been such an outstanding success.

“I have re-introduced the garden competition which has included my favourite category, namely the Mayor’s favourite and I instigated the surgeries held on the town square.

“Although I’m standing down as chairman and mayor, I shall remain on the town council because it is something that is dear to my heart.

“I shall continue to work for the town at all levels at which I represent it.

“We have been going through difficult times, different eras, I can count on my toes the times members of the public have attended our meetings, except for planning applications.

“I do wonder if it is our fault or not, live streaming has helped but I do hope we can further engage the public. I remember in the recent elections only 39 per cent voted but maybe that tells a tale.

“I hope we can have a united and happy band of councillors.

“I wish my successor a very happy and fulfilling time ahead.”

WELCOMED

Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking was welcomed by fellow councillors and signed the declaration of acceptance to office.

Afterwards she thanked the councillors for their confidence in her and said Frank was “a hard act to follow”.

“Frank has given a great deal to this town, lots of time, lots of commitment, lots of enthusiasm, and leadership and I am very delighted to be following in his footsteps.”

Cllr Harris was duly elected as the Deputy Chairman and Deputy Mayor for the coming year.

It was agreed to consider a Mayoral Charity.

The meeting included the ratification of minutes of previous meetings and the nominations for the appointment of members to existing committees and sub-committees.