Norah Elizabeth Rich Elected Mayor September 19 1938 to complete her late husband?s third term in office WHEN Mrs Rich, pictured left, was elected Mayor to succeed her late husband she created two records, one by being the first woman Mayor of Okehampton at a time when women mayors, as well as woman councillors, were extremely rare. Secondly, she probably served the shortest period of any mayor of Okehampton, at just two months. However, on her return to Okehampton with her husband, she had entered into public life and supported him in all his many activities. She took most delight in his charitable events, acting as hostess on many occasions. She had encouraged her husband with the largest slum clearance programme ever in the history of Okehampton, which saw the demolition of a number of houses in various parts of the town. Norah had infinite compassion with the people affected and this was illustrated with the first programme of new housing provided under this scheme, which resulted in the 26 houses at Macey?s Terrace being built. While they were ceremonially unlocked by her husband as Mayor on Thursday, April 23 1936, she and her daughter showed their practical sympathy by making and donating the window curtains for each house ? some 250 altogether! One particular function was a dinner given to all council employees, members of the fire brigade, the borough band and the bell ringers, in due appreciation of the efforts made to the borough by these people. On another occasion she hosted a function to the poor and working classes. Mrs Rich, despite her period away from Okehampton, never lost her love for the town. However, their home in Station Road had been named ?Gloucester House? after the time they had spent in the hotel trade in Gloucester. In her two months as Mayor, Norah Rich had little time to make any significant contribution to Okehampton but, as Mayoress to her husband, she had outstanding civic and social service for the good of the people and town of Okehampton. Hilary and Mike Wreford