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My Council

Vacancy for a Town Beadle

Want to step into history and represent Great Torrington? 🏛️

Great Torrington Town Council is looking for a passionate local to join our civic traditions team as our new Town Beadle! You will work alongside our Town Crier and Mace Bearers to keep our town’s proud heritage alive.

🌟 What’s involved?
– Support the Mayor: Accompany and drive the Mayor & Mayoress/Consort to exciting events and functions.
– Be the Face of Tradition: Take part in historic civic ceremonies throughout the year.
– Flexible Hours: Duties include a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend work.

🚗 What do you need?
– A reliable car.
– A valid driving licence.
– Willingness to obtain the correct car insurance.

💼 What do you get?
– A traditional official uniform.
– Paid mileage allowance.
– A small annual honorarium.

📞 How to apply:If you love Great Torrington and want to play a key part in our community, we want to hear from you!

💬 Apply today:
– Call us: 01805 626135
– Email us: [email protected]

Young Persons Award – naming request

Great Torrington Town Council introduced the Young Persons Award (Sponsored by Dartington Crystal) in 2025. It is awarded to people up to the age of 25 who have gone above and beyond in some way to contribute to the local community.

Members of Great Torrington Town Council would like to name the award after a local person who during their lifetime made a meaningful difference to the lives of young people in the town.
If you have suggestions of names you would like the council to consider please let us know in time for the Full Council meeting on September 2nd (to be received no later than August 26th), you can contact us on 01805 626135, or [email protected], or pop in to the office – which is upstairs from the library and the Post Office in the Castle Hill building. (Great Torrington Town Council, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington, EX38 8AA).

Photos show previous winners of the Young Persons Award – Elliott Ashelford in 2025 and Freddie Ware in 2026.

Local Council Clerk Week

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!

Young Person’s Award 2026

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Howe Plate Award 2026

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.

Good Citizen Award 2026

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.

Mayor’s Cadet 2026

The baton was formally presented to the new Mayor’s Cadet at the Mayoral Introduction Ceremony. Cadet Reuben Studley was introduced by Torrington Detachment Commander, Second Lieutenant Lauren O’Halloran, who outlined the selection process for appointing the Mayors Cadet.

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.

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