It was quite a moving occasion with the attendance of several Village Elders who had once been Councillors, and former Chairman Les Becker paid a tribute to Francis who responded, obviously surprised and deeply moved. He was presented with a mantel clock and Sue got a very nice bouquet. Then there was champagne all round even including interested spectators. Those especially moved had a second glass. Well, it will be a long time before there is a similar celebration - I expect more would have been there if they'd only known.

Then it was back to business.

The Parish precept has to be set with various options open. There were two written appeals for funds. The first from Willand Tennis Club who want an additional court. Now, do people from Uffculme play at Willand? They may well do so but then Willand folk can come and enjoy our Christmas Lights for nothing so we're quits. The Village Hall want to do up their lavatories not that the roof has been dealt with. This will be the subject of further discussion. Many and varied were the other claims on the modest sum available after Mid Devon and Devon County have taken their share.

Mr Pugsley, leader of Mid Devon brought a long a little list of ways to keep our rates down to an acceptable level. That does not mean a reduction. Never in living memory has that happened but they are Doing Their Best. They are not going to fill the empty posts of Community Leisure Officer, Tourism Officer, Environmental Assistant and Land Drainage Officer for a start. Options were given of ways of saving money ranging from increasing parking charges to not subsidising tourism brochures. Councillors were asked to state their preferences. We shan't know until the demands arrive just how successful this exercise has been.

The usual other items still appear on the agenda, someone is still going to see the operational BMX track at Willand, Magelake are still on course with their all-weather pitch though the position is to be altered, the Bowling Club can still go ahead with their extension and it will not affect the views for the bungalows. Quality Parish Council status is still on the cards, the redesign of the Square will still have to wait until the car parking problem has been solved, smells from Broadpath Landfill were still particularly offensive especially over Christmas and the lavatories are now boarded up. So there we are.

Some sympathy must be felt for the Planning Sub-committee who cover the very large parish looking at pigsties etc. which proud owners hope to turn into luxury homes. They objected to only tow applications, Willann Cottage Uffculme, and Wayside, Hackpen Hill. Both of which were subsequently approved by Mid Devon. So much for grass roots influence.

JBG

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