THE valued role of young carers and the work of Devon Young Carers was highlighted when the Chairman of Mid Devon District Council held his Annual Civic Church Service at St Paul’s Church, Tiverton on Sunday, October 20.

Councillor Frank Letch MBE welcomed Civic guests from across the county to the service which was conducted by the Rev Andy Humm and the Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie, Chaplain to the King.

Cllr Letch, centre, with guests are the Civic Service. AQ 5758
Cllr Letch, centre, with guests are the Civic Service. AQ 5758 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Mid Devon District Council Chairman, Cllr Frank Letch and Cllr Mrs Natalia Letch, centre with left, Honorary Alderman, David Pugsley and Mrs June Pither and right, District Councillor Simon Clist and Mrs Debbie Clist. AQ 5754
Mid Devon District Council Chairman, Cllr Frank Letch and Cllr Mrs Natalia Letch, centre with left, Honorary Alderman, David Pugsley and Mrs June Pither and right, District Councillor Simon Clist and Mrs Debbie Clist. AQ 5754 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Cllr Letch with the Head Girl and Head Boy from Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton, Etta Fawssett and Sam Barker. AQ 5752
Cllr Letch with the Head Girl and Head Boy from Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton, Etta Fawssett and Sam Barker. AQ 5752 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Erin Letch during her reading during the service.
Erin Letch during her reading during the service. (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The choir 'Take Note' provided some wonderful music during the service.
The choir 'Take Note' provided some wonderful music during the service. (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Readings were by Cllr Letch’s granddaughter, Erin and by Cllr Gordon Czapiewski, vice chair, Mid Devon District Council.

Other speakers included Cllr Letch and a representative from Devon Young Carers.

A number of hymns were sung and prayers were said for peace in the world and for councillors who work hard for their communities.

Some of the Civic guests walking in the procession to the church. AQ 5771
Some of the Civic guests walking in the procession to the church. AQ 5771 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr John Hart and Mrs Rita Hart, during the procession to the church. AQ 5768
The chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr John Hart and Mrs Rita Hart, during the procession to the church. AQ 5768 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The choir “Take Note” provided some wonderful music during the service.

Afternoon tea followed at Old Heathcoat School Community Centre.

The Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie, Chaplain to the King, during his speech. AQ 5836
The Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie, Chaplain to the King, during his speech. AQ 5836 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Cllr Frank Letch, second left, with left, the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Guy Cochran, and right, the representative from Devon Young Carers and Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour. AQ 5863
Cllr Frank Letch, second left, with left, the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Guy Cochran, and right, the representative from Devon Young Carers and Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour. AQ 5863 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Mid Devon District Council Chairman, Cllr Frank Letch OBE and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon John Lee OBE, following the service. AQ 5857
Mid Devon District Council Chairman, Cllr Frank Letch OBE and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon John Lee OBE, following the service. AQ 5857 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Among those present was Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon John Lee OBE, the High Sheriff of Devon, Commodore and Mrs J K Moores OBE DL, Royal Navy and Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour.

Other guests included the chairman of Mid Devon District Council, Cllr Luke Taylor, the chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr John Hart and Mrs Rita Hart, the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Kevin Mitchell and Mr Ian Rutland.

Also present were the Chairman of Teignbridge District Council, Cllr Rosie Dawson and Mr Gill Brown and Vice Chairman of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr Paul Vacon and Mrs Lynn Vachon.

Others included the Mayor of Tiverton, Cllr Neal Davey and Lady Mayoress, Mrs Libby Davey, the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Guy Cochran, the Mayor of Cullompton, Tony Spring and Mrs Spring and Honorary Alderman, David Pugsley and Mrs June Pither.