THIS will be my first Christmas in Okehampton and the other villages in the team, and I am really looking forward to it.
We have been made so welcome and feel very lucky to be asked to come here.
The lights in Okehampton are very impressive: better than Bristol, I would say.
As they shine out against the night sky they remind me that Christmas is a warm story set against a dark background.
Jesus was born in a dangerous place at a dangerous time. From the very beginning his life was threatened by the mad jealousies of those in power.
The story is full of mystery: strange dreams, angelic visitors, lights in the heavens, visitors from far countries, yet at its heart there is a simple tale of a mother, a father and their first born child.
It is that mixture of the ordinary and the extraordinary that gives Christmas its eternal appeal.
Christians believe that in that tiny baby we see God almighty come among us; not in power and great glory but in weakness and humility, come to share our lives with their beauty and their ugliness, come to be with us in our joys and to share in our sorrows, come to open the way for there to be peace on earth and for us to know God as our friend.
I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas as we hear again about an ordinary birth and the extraordinary love of God for the world.
Stephen Cook
Team Rector of the Okehampton Northmoor Team.
AS we prepare for 2003 and what lies in store for us and the future prosperity of our town, perhaps we can also reflect on what we as a town have achieved during the last few years.
We have overcome many obstacles, some quite disastrous ? for example, the by-pass and foot and mouth, but where are we now? A busy, thriving and special town through us all working together.
Many have said what a great town Okehampton is, and it certainly is.
We have proved our success by the money which is now being invested in Okehampton and, through the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative, we will be able to draw down even more money for our area.
One of the highlights of the year was the official opening of the jewel in our crown ? Simmons Park.
The park, which is now listed ? a very unusual honour ? has been the subject of tremendous work and investment, thanks to funding from the town council and the National Lottery.
Having been restored to its original glory, it is an absolute pleasure for everyone and rightly attracts visitors from far and wide.
We also saw the grand opening of the Meldon Viaduct, yet another bonus for residents and visitors alike.
At the end of an exciting year, I would like to wish everyone a special Christmas and an even better, positive 2003.
Christine Marsh
Mayor of Okehampton