ANOTHER year has come and gone, and your town council has been extremely busy with such events as the garden festival, concerts held in the Meadows during the summer months, the Tour of Britain, the civic service, Goose Fair, Dickensian Evening and Christmas lights switch-on.

The council is planning upgrades to the Meadows and Whitchurch play parks, it has been a busy year in the pannier market, with the public toilets again winning an award and the town hall hosted many exhibitions, concerts, receptions, fayres and parties.

I have welcomed many visitors to the mayor's parlour since May, including the Boyan Ensemble, a Ukranian Choir, as well as our local 'marathon man', Adam Holland. I also had the opportunity of introducing the new chief executive of West Devon Borough Council, Richard Sheard, to the town council.

During June I had the pleasure of visiting our twin town of Celle, to attend the 30th anniversary of their arts and culture Festival of Niedersachsentage. I look forward to welcoming my German hosts back to Tavistock in April, when I have invited them to join me at the civic ball.

We are planning a public open day on Saturday January 22 in the Town Hall. This will be to display the new ideas for the town which your council would like you to look at. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on that day, and hearing your comments.

I realise that 2011 will be a very difficult and uncertain year for many of us, but with perseverance and hard work, I know we can continue to see Tavistock prosper.

This is the time of year for families to come together, and celebrate the festive season.

I also send my sincere good wishes for a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you all.

Cllr David Whitcomb