I WRITE to thank a number of organisations and individuals who have made this Christmas very special in Okehampton. We must all thank the chamber of trade, and especially Donald Rooke and his team, for the wonderful display of Christmas lights that they provide each year. The lights go up and down without any fuss and are the best in West Devon. My thanks to the managers of Lidl, Somerfield and More for their assistance in helping Sue and me to put together the small hampers we were able to take to each of the care homes and the hospital on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It was especially good of these shops to help, as they, and the other retail organisations in the town are often asked for donations throughout the year to help with raffles, draws etc by all the other charities and fundraising organisations in and around the town. Before Christmas I thanked all the care workers, doctors and nurses for all they do for the community and I would like to thank them again for all their hard work and for making Sue and me so welcome again this year. The teachers of the schools have, as always, put in a lot of hard work with the youngsters to provide excellent carol concerts, as have the churches in the town, Wren and the town silver band. It is good to see that the real meaning of Christmas is still being kept alive. A special thanks to Michael Nottage who retired from the junior school at Christmas after 30 years of teaching music to the children of Okehampton. He has unfortunately left the town to return to his home in Amesbury in Wiltshire, but his memory will last within the minds of the many children he taught for years to come. My final thanks go to our good friends and neighbours Phil and Sarah Potterton, who provided us this year with an excellent Christmas day lunch, so that we could carry out our visits without having to rush back home and cook. Let us all hope that this will be a healthy, happy and safe year for all. Cllr Tony Leech Mayor of Okehampton
