FOUR town councillors with a combined total of 70 years of public service last week said their fond farewells.

Tavistock town councillors Ted Sherrell, Jenny Metcalf, John Sellis and Dick Eberlie attended their final full council meeting last Tuesday (April 14).

The first to address members of the council was Cllr Ted Sherrell, who has served a grand total of 42 years to the town, including being mayor of Tavistock in 1980/81.

And in June 2013, Mr Sherrell was made the first ever Freeman of the town for his years of dedicated service since joining the town council in 1973 when he was 31 years old. He has also been a borough councillor since 1983 and was a Justice of the Peace for 30 years.

A man of many talents and many jobs throughout his 73 years, including working for both the editorial and advertising side of the Tavistock Times, an Air Ministry clerical officer, an agricultural rep, running a stationery shop, a salesman and a fireman, both full-time and retained.

At the full council meeting last week, Mr Sherrell said: 'I have had the privilege of serving on the borough council for 32 years and the even greater privilege — indeed, honour — of being a Tavistock town councillor for 42.

'Now, however, the referee is about to blow the final whistle.

'I have found it a fulfilling experience and regret not one day but I am past my sell-by date so it is time to go.

'The members of this present council have qualities in abundance and it has been an honour to serve with you and may I wish one and all, along with our excellent officers and staff happiness, success, good health and fulfilment in the future in all aspects of life public and private.'

Next to announce her retirement was Cllr Jenny Metcalf, who joined the town council 16 years ago, and was mayor two subsequent years from 2004/05 and 2006/2007. She said: 'It was a great privilege and great fun being mayor.

'I have enjoyed every minute of my time at the council and I am very sorry to be leaving but I wish you all the best for the future.'

Cllr Dick Eberlie joined the town council in 2011 and has since been involved in various working parties, committees and a member of the THI (Townscape Heritage Initiative) group. He said: 'It's time to leave the council but I am sad to do so as I have greatly enjoyed my time.'

Mr Eberlie said he was happy to have been involved in the projects to spruce up the Guildhall, the pannier market and Butchers Hall.

'It is going to be a great time ahead for the town council and the town and for that I am sad to be leaving.'

And after eight years as a town councillor, Cllr John Sellis said he felt it was time to leave and take on new challenges.

He joined the council in October eight years ago and was chair of Whitchurch Down sub committee for five years. He has been involved in many committees and interested parties but is now excited to take on a new role as councillor for Plasterdown Grouped Parish Council.

Town mayor Cllr Harry Smith said: 'As mayor I wish to thank all of the retiring councillors for their contribution to the work of Tavistock Town Council. Their commitment to council life has been excellent.

'Cllr Eberlie has vast experience as a councillor and has brought a measure of wisdom to the council and council debates. Cllr John Sellis has served the community well and the council has gained great benefit from his knowledge of all things Whitchurch Down.

'Cllr Jenny Metcalf has been a member of Tavistock Town Council for over 15 years. Jenny was the first mayor to serve two consecutive years.

'Cllr Ted Sherrell has spent an incredible 42 years on Tavistock Town Council. His contribution to debates has always been spirited and wise.

'As a council we shall miss them all and extend our very best wishes for the future.'