TAVISTOCK's new mayor this week predicted a busy year for the council, amid a time of possible changes in local government and growth of the town. Cllr Robin Pike promised to work hard on behalf of Tavistock, doing his best to attend meetings with the many voluntary and commercial groups with which the town council worked in partnership. He said Tavistock was changing fast, faster than many would wish, and the council would do its best to make sure that developments did not prove detrimental to the town. Cllr Pike said: 'This council is entrusted by the town to maintain its fine Listed buildings — this is the town's contribution to keeping Tavistock, the gateway to the World Heritage site and the western gateway to Dartmoor, ship-shape and Bristol- fashion.' Outgoing mayor Cllr Anne Johnson said Cllr Pike, a former member of the Royal Navy who had also worked for many years on the Tamar Valley railway line, had been a 'loyal and hardworking' deputy mayor and a 'supporter of tradition'. Cllr Johnson said it had been 'a huge honour and privilege' to serve as mayor of Tavistock and she had met some 'wonderful' people who worked incredibly hard for the town. She thanked councillors and staff for their support throughout the last year, and her family, who had attended many functions with her — and held her handbag! Cllr Ted Sherrell said Cllr Pike, a councillor for 21 years, was a Tavistock man 'born and bred'. 'This comprehensive knowledge of the town, its history and traditions, has been allied to a steadfast integrity, a principled approach and considerable vision, to make him one of the finest councillors this town has known in recent times'. Cllr Jenny Metcalf paid tribute to Cllr Johnson — the youngest mayor the town had seen for many years. Cllr Metcalf said Cllr Johnson had led the council with a 'light but sure touch'. She said she had a 'rare grasp of matters financial' and a deep knowledge of Tavistock and its community, serving the town with dedication and integrity. Tavistock's new deputy mayor is Cllr Mandy Govier. She was proposed by Cllr Pike, who said she was an 'excellent' councillor who researched her subjects well and was 'a good debater who stands her ground'. Cllr Ted Sherrell, seconding Cllr Govier, said she was 'an irrepressible, hard working, dedicated lady of total honesty and a councillor of the highest calibre — truly an exemplary representative of the people'.
