During Local Council Clerk Week we would like to recognise our Town Clerk, Jennie Smithson, who has recently completed her Certificate in Local Council Administration Qualification (CiLCA) and is now a qualified Clerk.
Many congratulations Jennie!
This year’s “Young Person’s Award” was presented to Freddie Ware, well known for her work at Miles of Smiles in Great Torrington, an alternative learning space providing Animal Therapy for young people and adults across North Devon.
Alongside this, Freddie consistently goes above and beyond – volunteering her time to create inclusive outdoor learning opportunities for children, offering pet therapy to local care homes, and organising fundraising events to support both a local family and Little John’s House.
This year, the Town Council awarded the “Howe Plate” to Rose Purcell for her dedication to making the Town Hall an inclusive community space.
Rose has been central to creating and running activities such as Knit & Natter, The Friendly Brew, Christmas lunches, the Town Tavern bar, tea dances, community awards and many other events.
Her commitment, creativity, and hard work have helped the Town Hall thrive as a vibrant hub for the whole community.
Retiring Mayor Cllr Phil Cloke presented this year’s “Good Citizen Award” to Martyn Butler in recognition of his outstanding service to the town.
His dedicated work with the Torrington Rotary Club has raised significant funds for local groups, and his recent efforts led to the installation of a memorial plaque in St. Michael’s and All Angels churchyard honouring those who died in the 1646 church explosion during the Battle of Torrington.
Martyn is a consistent supporter of community events, and his dedication is valued across the town.
The retiring cadet, Corporal Imogen Pascoe, was presented with a certificate of thanks by Cllr Phil Cloke in recognition of the duties she carried out throughout the year.
The Mayor organised several events throughout the year and the proceeds from these were split between the charities. TRFC organised a lot of fundraising events themselves and these funds went to TRFC only.
At the Mayoral Introduction Ceremony on 20th May 2026, Cllr Dave Parish was sworn in as Mayor for the coming year and Cllr Bruce Ashley-Martin as Deputy Mayor, we wish them every success for the coming year.
Cllr Parish was delighted to present the past mayor’s badge to Cllr Phil Cloke and to thank him for all that he has done during the last two years.
The selection of this years May Queen and Entourage has recently taken place,
a couple of weeks before the announcement is made, children put themselves
forward for the various roles. Year 6 girls who wished to be considered for
May Queen or Crowner, and Year 6 boys who wished to be considered for May
Prince or Herald, each wrote a personal statement for consideration by their
peers. A voting process, which is done anonymously, was carried out just before
half term and the Mayor and his Consort attended Great Torrington Bluecoat C of
E Primary School to verify the winners and to draw the names of the Attendants.
This years May Queen & Entourage are:
May Queen: Livvy Hewitt
Crowner: Poppy Coates
Heralds: Albie McNicholas and Elliott Pett
May Prince (Standard Bearer): Andrew Clifton
Attendants: Elsie Gallagher & Renesmai Mawdsley, Freya Galley & Kiera Jones,
Millie-May Parish & Lexi Cridge, Lily Guppy & Sophie Barrow.
Congratulations to them all!!