OKEHAMPTON Argyle Football Club were the toast of the town for mayor Christine Marsh at the club's annual dinner and dance last Friday.
Guest of honour Mrs Marsh said Simmons Park, where the club play home games, was a beautiful part of the town that had to be preserved. 'We have a Heritage Lottery bid in place to put the park back to the way it was in Victorian times,' she said.
'The town is expanding and that is all the more reason to keep this open green area for community events.'
Mrs Marsh said 'Community' was the theme of her second year as mayor and it was vital to maintain and strengthen it. 'Let's all work together and hold our heads up high,' she said.
Club vice-chairman Colin Maddax said he hoped people would support what Mrs Marsh wanted for the town.
He thanked the many sponsors of the club's teams. 'They are all vital, none more so than the Okehampton Times —their sponsorship doesn't just help the first team, but all three sides,' he said.
Times editor Colin Brent presented treasurer Gordon Alexander with the sponsorship cheque for the 2000/2001 season.
Mr Alexander presented Peter Carter with the clubman of the year award - Mr Carter runs the 200 Club, which has made £25,000 for Okehampton Argyle over the past six years.
Thanks were also expressed to Andy Butler, who organises the Okehampton Cup competition, another important fund-raiser for the club.
Flowers were presented to Jill Wilson, Joyce Maddax and Jane Bailey in appreciation of their support.
Colin Beer, club secretary for the past 30 years, thanked everyone for supporting the club.
MC for the event, held in the Conservative Club drill hall, was Argyle chairman John Domaille.
In the awards, there was a double for first team keeper Richard Bailey who was presented with both the players' player and the manager's player trophies. Pete Gross, who was manager for most of the season, presented the awards. His successor is Paul Adams.
Second team manager Steve Harris presented his trophy to Lee Gilbert, and the players' player was Ian Wilson.
Third team manager Bob Reddington presented his trophy to Dean Garrett, players' player was Robert Sandercock and most man of the matches went to Mark Gibson. Tribute was paid to third team player Tim Shaw who with 59 goals was the highest scorer in the Devon and Exeter League.
Colin Maddax, manager of the Okehampton ladies' side, presented his award to Linda Cann. Players' player was Hayley Vincent, and a special award went to Kate Shannon.
Under 17s manager Kevin Riley awarded his trophy to Lee Gilbert. Players' player was Andrew Grabham, leading goalscorer Daniel Johnson, most man of the matches Graham Soby, and most improved player Tom Riley.