by Cllr Frances Luxton, Mayor of Okehampton While eating the turkey and plum pudding and sitting around the fire I hope you remember the people that have to work over Christmas: doctors, nurses, policemen, firemen and farmers to name a few. We must thank them for keeping the wheels turning while we rest. The arrival of the New Year heralds new life — the days start to lengthen and before long the snowdrops raise their white heads, the tips of other bulbs peep out from the dark earth and early lambs can be seen out in the fields. The seasons of the year are set in a pattern with Mother Nature conducting her well tried system. We live in a beautiful part of the country and we must continue to keep it unspoilt for future generations. Okehampton has a very low crime rate, many open spaces, a plentiful water supply coming down off the moor — sometimes from above! Our air comes directly from the Bay of Biscay — what a wonderful place to live. We should remember the countries of the world where there is violence, famine, disease and those struggling to cope with natural disasters and count our blessings. I know I can speak for our town councillors by saying we all strive to do our best for our town and we would all like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year.
