SANDFORD Parish Council has said a very big thank you to its Parish Clerk of more than 41 years who retired this month.

Malcolm Vallance became Parish Clerk at Sandford in November 1983 and says that since then there have been many highlights.

Malcolm recounted Sandford winning the Best Kept Village Contest, Sandford Parish Plan, Nominating Mrs Sparkes and her being awarded an MBE, The Millennium Green, The Church Parks housing development, The 100th anniversary of the council, Sandford Stores being acquired by the Parish, The Sandford Sports Pavilion, Creedy View car park and new, and refurbished, play areas, nation celebrations and beacon lighting, footpaths, and day-to-day issues such as parking, potholes and planning.

A Sandford Parish Council meeting held in the school room of Sandford Congregational Hall in March 1986, left to right, E Sparkes, M Vallance, Suzi Williams, Chairman Jean Howard (nee Munday), Jean Ford and Joe Hole (MDDC Cllr).
A Sandford Parish Council meeting held in the school room of Sandford Congregational Hall in March 1986, left to right, E Sparkes, M Vallance, Suzi Williams, Chairman Jean Howard (nee Munday), Jean Ford and Joe Hole (MDDC Cllr). (M Vallance)

Malcolm said that new housing developments while controversial at the time had contributed to new life in the parish.

He recalled the “great evening in November 2023 being joined by family, friends, and former colleagues to celebrate my 40 years as Sandford Parish Clerk”.

Malcolm said that following Covid, a great deal had changed.

It was in May 2026, having started as Parish Councillor in Kingsteignton in 1996, that he was hoping to celebrate 50 years in local government in his home parish.

When Malcolm was Chairman of Kingsteignton Parish Council in 1978.
When Malcolm was Chairman of Kingsteignton Parish Council in 1978. (M Vallance)

Malcolm said: “It’s been a privilege to serve as Sandford Parish Clerk, and as an ‘Unofficial Ambassador for the Parish’ and above all, the keeper of the 1894 Annual Parish Minutes Book which is still in use today.

Malcolm Vallance, third left, with the gavel he presented to Sandford Parish Council, with second left, Chairman Richard Ward with the gift of an engraved clock he presented to Malcolm. Left is Jean Howard, with, from fourth left, Paul Snell, Cllr Mrs Margaret Squires and the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking. AQ 1057
Malcolm Vallance, third left, with the gavel he presented to Sandford Parish Council, with second left, Chairman Richard Ward with the gift of an engraved clock he presented to Malcolm when Malcolm was thanked for 40 years as clerk. Left is Jean Howard, with, from fourth left, Paul Snell, Cllr Mrs Margaret Squires and the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking. AQ 1057 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“One proud moment I recall was being told in the bus queue and being told: ‘We know who you are, you tell us what’s going on, and we appreciate you taking on the issues we tell you about’.

“I wish Sandford Parish Council well for the future and hope to read one day that Devon Highways has finally found the cash to repair the West Sandford Road!”