FORMER West Devon Borough Councillor John Darch who has attended more than 4,000 council meetings during the 40 years he has represented his rural community has been awarded an Honorary Freeman of the Borough. It is only the second time that the borough council has ever bestowed the honour since it received its Royal Charter in 1982. Mr Darch, who only stood down as a West Devon Councillor for South Tawton at the May elections this year, was presented with the award at a special civic ceremony to mark the occasion. This year marks his 40th anniversary as a parish councillor for South Tawton ? a seat he still holds ?and during his service to the community he has been a member of the Young Farmers? Club, the National Farmers? Union, Okehampton Rural District Council and its successor West Devon District Council from l974. On the subsequent West Devon Borough Council, he held a variety of notable committee positions, including chair of planning for eight years, chair of environment and health, chair of overview and scrutiny, and the mayoralty of the borough twice. Presenting Mr Darch with a framed citation, Cllr Dennis Bater, mayor of West Devon, said: ?John?s service to this council has been exemplary.? Borough Cllr John Hockridge, a close friend of Mr Darch, added : ?He has a distinguished record to be proud of.? Mr Darch, who lives in South Tawton, said he was delighted with the award: ?I?ve found council work very fulfilling and have made so many friends throughout.?
