Mayor’s December/January Crier Article

At the time of writing this article we are back into tighter restrictions following the Government’s decision last week, effective from the 5th November. We will have to wait to see what happens on December the 3rd and my hope is that the number of people affected by Covid19 will have reduced and if appropriate restrictions will be relaxed as we move towards Christmas.

I have been impressed again by the town traders who have risen to the challenge a second time as “essential” providers, as well as those traders and businesses who have had to close again; but despite this have remained up-beat and been incredibly innovative.

In October I was delighted to be asked to “Switch on” the new floodlights at Donnacroft Playing Fields for Torridgeside Football Club. It was a fabulous evening and one which was an example of Torridge side and the Town Council working well together. We wish them good luck in the future!

You will note from an article in this CRIER about Remembrance that we filmed two separate ceremonies prior to the 5th November and aired one on Remembrance Sunday and the other on Armistice Day. Both occasions were incredibly poignant and gave a window for everything to stop and “remember” what so many gave for the lives of others. I would like to give a special thank you to Torrington Silver Band’s Nick Megson, for playing the Last Post, the Chairman of the Great Torrington Branch of the Royal British Legion, Sid Adams, and The Royal British Legion Chaplain, Reverend Peter Bevan for joining my beadle and me on these very special occasions.

As we head towards Christmas, I would urge everyone to consider “buying local”, if at all possible. We have so many lovely independent shops and a unique pannier market where you really can buy lovely original gifts and support the “local small shops” as you do. As well as this, we all play a part in keeping our local economy strong!

I would like to mention the Mayor’s Raffle which is taking place throughout December up to the 18th. I would thank everyone who has donated a prize and would encourage as many people as possible to buy a ticket or 2 in support of my two charities this year, “Friends of the Library” and Torrington Silver Band.

Now I’d like to wish you all a very peaceful and healthy Christmas time on behalf of myself and all at the Town Council. We look forward to a calmer 2021!

Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything, I can help you with.
Cllr Keeley Allin – Mayor of Great Torrington
cllr.allin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk