A NEW name, new appointments and fond farewells were celebrated at the recent Community Council of Devon's annual meeting.

Sparklers and a cake accompanied the unveiling of the long-established charity's new identity, followed by the presentation of gifts and fond farewells as trustees, staff and members saw the departure of their long-standing president Sir Eric Dancer, Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, vice president Peter Dunning, vice president and former West Devon councillor Margaret Garten and chairman David Baker.

The board of trustees ratified the new operating name Devon Communities Together and also welcomed new president, former High Sheriff of Devon, John Lee and new chair, former vice-chair of the board Teresa Butchers.

The charity has operated for more than 50 years, establishing a wide rural and a long history of supporting communities with its work involving affordable rural housing, neighbourhood planning, village halls, sports facilities, community services and social enterprise.

In recent years, there has been a call to change the name as the term 'council' often caused confusion and the feeling was that the name no longer represented what the organisation does.

Elaine Cook, chief executive, said: 'Devon Communities Together is constantly evolving to keep pace with the ever changing social, cultural and economic needs of communities in Devon.

'This name change forms part of that commitment and the charity's commitment to support our joint vision of dynamic communities shaping their own futures.'

For more information about Devon Communities Together, call 01392 248919, email [email protected]">[email protected] or visit http://www.devoncommunities.org.uk">www.devoncommunities.org.uk