Simon Peter Brendon Newcombe JP, Mayor 1884-85, 1894-95, 1895-96, 1896-97 MR S P B NEWCOMBE accomplished much in his public life, having occupied the honoured position as Mayor on four occasions. His proudest moment, however, was when he was presented to Queen Victoria during the celebrations of Her Majesty?s Diamond Jubilee. Simon was the son of Emanuel, who carried on the thriving business of Chemist and Wine Merchant in West Street. On his father?s death he continued with the wine and spirit business and coupled this with that of Manure and Seed Merchant. He sold the chemist operation to his great friend and fellow councillor Seth Harry, who conducted it with that of his grocery and provision shop in Fore Street, Simon had been educated at an Okehampton private school where his academic and sporting abilities were both recognised at an early age. He developed a great interest in agricultural matters. He was a Vice President and great supporter of the Okehampton and District Agricultural Show and was a breeder and exhibitor of cart horses and sheep. He was lord of the manor of both Belstone and Meldon, was one of the largest landowners in the neighbourhood, with 1,000 acres, and owned over 30 houses ? he was a good landlord to his tenants. Spiritually he was a strong churchman, occupying several positions within the Parish Church and was people?s warden for over 20 years. Mr Newcombe was also a Justice of the Peace for the county of Devon. Mr Newcombe was a staunch Conservative, and was a member of the Hatherleigh branch of the Volunteers. He was on the management committee of the Charity Trustees practically ever since that body was formed in 1873. He was also elected a director of the Okehampton Gas Company Ltd and showed initiative in its development as a fuel throughout the town, including the provision of gas street lighting. Despite his wealth, he showed great compassion to those less fortunate in those tough economic times and to those in need Mr and Mrs Newcombe were welcoming figures, offering bowls of soup and refreshment at his home, Fairview (now Kent House) whenever required. He continued with his love of sport, supporting those organisations within the town, loved shooting and coursing but did not live to see the Golf Club come to fruition, the plans of which he had supported. When Sidney Simmons and his wife made their regular visits to Okehampton, the town?s greatest benefactor always enjoyed the hospitality of Simon Peter Brendon Newcombe. His death was sudden on March 9 1910 as, with his family and Seth Harry he played whist and discussed the wedding arrangement of his second son, Simon (Simmy) to Amy Marion Harry, planned for April ? the coming together of two of the most prominent business families in the area. The wedding was postponed until June and, as a mark of respect to Mr Newcombe, Mr Harry entertained both the employees of his firm and those of Newcombe and Son to dinner at the Plume of Feather Hotel. Simon Peter Brendon Newcombe served the town and district well and he would have been delighted that his sons, Brendon Ball, Simon (Simmy) and John Jehu continued this fine tradition in their various capacities. HILARY and MIKE WREFORD