IT is all change at the chamber, as the Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade chairman for the past 18 years, Ian Bailey, steps down from the role.

At the chamber's annual meeting on January 23, Ian chaired his last meeting before handing over the reins of power to new chair Donna Tombs of Rockin' Beads.

Ian was not the only longstanding chamber officer to stand down. The secretary for the last seven years Allenton Fisher also relinquished the role, being replaced by Mark Turner. Nigel Wayne became the chamber's new treasurer after Debbie Vinnacombe stood down after three years.

Ian said: 'The past year has been a good year. We have seen off the threat of Tesco, which took co-operation from businesses and people across the town.

'All that co-operation and hard work certainly paid off.

'We had the benefit of Lisa Wadling as town manager to promote our town, businesses and shops.

'It was a shame we couldn't sustain the momentum by securing more funding for Lisa to stay on as town manager, but the scheme has shown a good direction for events.

'The chamber membership saw an increase in the last year, and I hope it is because businesses realise that we are much stronger working together and standing as one voice.

'I would like to thank not just the officers of the last year, but all of the officers that the chamber has had over the 18 years I have been chairman – particularly Allenton, who has been a great secretary and support to me over the last seven years.

'I wish the new chair and officers the best of luck. They take over a healthy chamber, with vibrancy, and while these aren't easy times, the chamber is in a good shape for the future.'

Allenton Fisher, secretary of the chamber for seven years, said: 'In the last year, we have gone from having 43 members up to having 80 now. It is very good to see so many new members.

'There is a feeling in the town that you have got to get involved. It is not what Okehampton can do for you, but what you can do for Okehampton.'

Upon becoming the new chairperson for the chamber, Donna Tombs expressed her thanks to Ian, Allenton and Debbie, and invited Ian to become a lifelong honorary member of the chamber of trade in recognition of his dedication and hard work in the role.

She said: 'I am excited by the role, definitely. It looks like a difficult job to galvanise the community and businesses to get enthusiasm for the chamber, but it is one we will take on gladly.

'Ian and Allenton have been in post for a long time, and the work they have done is laudable. I have only been a member of the chamber for a short time, but their enthusiasm to recruit more members and enthusiasm for Okehampton got me enthusiastic to be involved.'

At the meeting, the chamber's new committee laid out some of their ideas for the coming year. They will be launching a new town website, probably under the guise of 'Everything Okehampton'.

Chamber secretary Mark Turner said: 'We will be trying to involve the whole town, including the likes of our sports clubs, the museum, and everything in Okehampton as the name suggests. It will not just be for businesses, but for everyone.'

The town's Christmas lights, hanging baskets and Edwardian Evening are all planned as normal, and the Okehampton Festival, which launched last year during Lisa Wadling's time as town manager, is set to return.

A proposed monthly social evening event in the town centre is also being planned, aiming to unite the town's pubs and eateries, shops and residents once a month with an evening of entertainment, good food, shopping and socialising.

Businesses in town are to receive a survey asking their thoughts on the chamber, offering members and non-members the chance to offer suggestions for the future.

If you would like to be involved in the chamber in any way, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]

To fill out the Chamber of Trade survey, visit www/surveymonkey.com/S/H2PV6PP