TRIBUTES have been paid to Frank Letch at the first full meeting of Mid Devon District Council since his death earlier this month.

Several councillors spoke in memory of Cllr Letch MBE, who represented Crediton.

Mr Letch, who as the council’s chairman, would have led the meeting, was remembered predominantly for his willingness to help others and his ability to overcome adversity, yet achieved so much.

Leader Luke Taylor (Liberal Democrat, Bradninch) remembered being elected in 2015 alongside Cllr Letch, amid what he called a “bitter sweet result” as many other Lib Dems lost their seats in the aftermath of the coalition government.

“He was a loyal servant to Crediton, serving as mayor for 13 years, and the town meant so much to him.”

Cllr Taylor noted that Cllr Letch, who was born in 1944 in the east end of London, served as a town, district and county councillor for Crediton, and that he “loved the pomp and ceremony” of being mayor and chair of the council.

“He respected the position he was elected to and the trust given to him and never took it for granted,” Cllr Taylor added.

“He was a champion to many, and none more so than young people; he introduced us to the Young Carers of Devon charity, and he was thrilled when we introduced free leisure access for young carers.”

He added that in spite of being born without arms, Cllr Letch “never let it get the better of him”, noting that he was amazed at what he could do, such as driving, eating, “or signing his name with his feet to hold the pen”.

“He embodied the best of the human spirit to overcome his challenges and to selflessly use his experience and inspiration to better and enrich the lives of others.”

Gill Westcott (Green, Canonsleigh) said she met Cllr Letch when he was a county councillor and covered her parish, Cheriton Bishop.

“From the very beginning he made an enormous impression, not least because of his complete naturalness and lack of self-pity, and the way he did everything he did,” she said.

“The thing that made a profound impression is that he held surgeries for our residents, which no district or county councillor had done in the village and he made himself available, even if it had to be in the bus shelter.”

She added that he was an “inspiring person” and that the impression he made on so many people would “last a very long time”.

Cllr Polly Colthorpe (Conservative, Way), read comments from fellow councillor Martin Binks (Conservative, Yeo), who recalled Cllr Letch’s appearances at assemblies at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton.

“He gave people insight into living and coping with his problems,” he said.

“And members of our group maintained longstanding friendships with Frank as you could discuss anything, as he was interested in anything and anyone, and could ignore political differences.”

Cllr Binks’ comments added that Cllr Letch represented an “amazing success in dealing with his physical difficulties and he was a truly extraordinary human being”.

Bradley Taylor

LDRS