OKEHAMPTON magistrates said farewell to court usher Angela Lord last week who has retired from the job after 15 years.
Mrs Lord, who has worked in both Okehampton and Tavistock courts, was described by solicitor Clive Williamson as a very 'calming influence' in the court.
'Angela has been very helpful down the years and has acted as a buffer-zone when defendants get agitated — she is a very calming influence and will be very sadly missed,' he said.
Magistrate Joyce Vaughan said Mrs Lord always carried out her duties in a courteous way.
The retiring usher said it had been a pleasure to work in the courts but with Tavistock Magistrates' Court now closed and Okehampton now only open once a fortnight, there was not enough work for her.
A former medical secretary and housewife, Mrs Lord covered Plympton, Totnes and Kingston courts as well as Okehampton and Tavistock in her first year as a court usher because of a shortage of staff.
'With two young children and a smallholding as well it was a very busy time for me but I have always enjoyed the job,' she said. 'I have met so many people and will miss everybody terribly.'