Councillor Sylvia Russell's Personal Blog
Welcome to my blog†
My name is Sylvia Russell, Teignbridge District Councillor and Conservative Member for Teignmouth East Ward - part of Teignbridge District Council, in South Devon.
The purpose of this site is to try and keep you informed about my role and provide you with information about developments in Teignbridge District Council and our local Ward of Teignmouth East.
My committee responsibilities with the Council include Overview & Scrutiny, Development Control and Regulatory & Appeals committees.
Chairman of the Council 2009-2010
The AGM and the end of my year as Chairman has arrived. What a year it has been and I hope those friends who have dipped into my blog have gained an insight into the work of the Civic Head of a Local Authority. Some Authorities such as Exeter and Plymouth have ancient traditions and a bit more pomp to follow but throughout this last year all of us in the Devon "Chain Gang" have had a wonderful time and have ended our terms of office as firm friends, already planning a reunion dinner.
My Chairman's Charity Sense supporting the deafblind benefitted from my fundraising efforts and I was delighted to present a cheque for
£3,651.64 to Peter Holman.
(pictured) Thanks to my Chaplain, the Rev. Graham Stones and my Secretary Alison Beckenham for supporting me during my Chairmanship and to all colleagues and staff at Teignbridge District Council for cheering me on! I handed over the Chain to my successor, Cllr. Stephen Purser
(pictured) who represents the Teign Valley, a glorious area of Devon and I wish him every success. My husband Bill handed the Consort's Chain to Mrs. Clare Purser. Without Bill's support by my side throughout the year I could not have done the job. He kept the conversation flowing when I was entertaining guests and drove me to all engagements. No Official Jag f
or the Chairman of Teignbridge!
The role of Civic Head and Prayers before a formal Council meeting are under threat as never before and it is up to all of us to make sure that Civic pride and our national heritage as a Christian country with our Soverign at it's head stays strong and protected through these turbulent and troubling times.
My Charity for the year has been Sense - Devon which cares for children and young people born deafblind. As part of the Teignmouth Harp Festival I held a Soiree at historic Bitton House, Teignmouth and Florence Sitruk, Harp, Christoph Bunzendahl, Cello together with Mezzo Soprano Nicola Smedley and pianist Stephen Lea generously gave their services free of charge. The evening was a black tie event followed by a buffet supper and the event raised over £1000 for Sense. The setting and atmosphere was perfect with music by Vivaldo, Bach, Meldelssohn, Chopin and Debussy floating from the Salon over the grounds of the former home of Lord Exmouth.
Photo by media photographer Alan Craig - alancraig@blueyonder.co.uk
Teignmouth rolled out the red carpet once again for Harp Virtuoso Florence Sitruk, Cellist Christoph Bunzendahl and her team of classical musicians from all over Europe. Parish Alvars was born in Teignmouth and was the master of the Harp and it's influence on the music of the 19th century. Despite a nail biting few days when Florence made a frantic overland dash to reach Teignmouth when the Icelandic Volcano shut down all air travel, they arrived safely to perform a series of concerts in St.James' Church where P
arish Alvars father played the organ. Seminars and workshops for young students were held around the town. Supporting the Festival with Florence and Christoph were Olga Polonsky
Violin, Agne Keblyte, Giula Ott and Jana Bouskova
Harp, Jaap Kruithof
Cello and and a lecture by Peter Francois, President of the Servais Society on the life of Francois Servais (1807-1866)
"A Touring Cellist in the Golden Age of Virtuosity". An
unforgettable performance by Harpist Jana Bouskova (
pictured) a regular guest of the world's foremost conceert platforms, was the highlight of the Festival.
http://www.eliasparishalvars-festival.com/
A service of Evensong was held at Exeter Cathedral to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of this charitable organisation. Guests were led by the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff of Devon and South West Civic Heads. The Cathedral was full and farming families from all over the South West gathered together to acknowledge the work of the Institution and in particular the help given to struggling farmers in these difficult times.
The achievements of the Environmental Play Spaces Project in Teignbridge supported by the Big Lottery concluded with an exhibition at Forde House demonstrating the various play features created in six areas of the District all joined together in a Play Trail from Haldon Forest through to Bridford. All the play structures had been built from natural materials and will continue to be used in years to come. The project was supported by Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council in partnership with primary schools and environmental groups. For more information contact Jane.Sharp@teignbridge.gov.uk
Russia refers to the Second World War as "The Great Patriotic War". The ex-patriat Russian community in South Devon gathered at a service of Remembrance at the War Memorial in Northernhay Gardens, Exeter on the 65th Anniversary of the end of the War to honour those who fought and died in the Stalingrad Battle. The ceremony was supported by Standard Bearers of the British Legion, The Embassy of the Russian Federation, English veterans of the Artic Convoys, the Twinning Associations of Exeter-Yaroslavi and Plymouth-Novorossiysk, Russian compatriots and many other Russian organisations linked to the South West. The Lord Mayor of Exeter attended and I was invited to represent Teignbridge District Council and our increasing links with Russian business and educational interests. An Offical Letter from the City of Violgograd (Stalingrad) was read by Liubov Jeffs of Russian Touch Ltd. (pictured) At the end of the ceremony a dove of peace was released along with pigeons to remember the many who owe their lives to those feathered messengers who carried news and codes back to the Allied forces.
Just to prove that there are other things to focus on besides Opinion Polls the congregation at St. James' Church, West Teignmouth set up it's first Arts and Crafts Exhibition with displays of painting, craftwork, jewellery, embroidery and much more. The sheer volume of exhibits was quite unexpected for such a small band of dedicated people to gather together and there is no doubt that this will become an annual event to rival the Flower Festival at St. Michael's East Teignmouth. The opening of this three day event on the day of the General Election was a master stroke ensuring a constant supply of people leaving the Polling Station next door to pop and see what the exhibition was all about.
A special day for a well known local man Ron Vaulter who was invested with the MBE by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon on behalf of The Queen. The ceremony was held at County Hall at Ron's request, so that he could invite his family and friends to his special day. I was invited as Chairman of Teignbridge joining the High Sheriff of Devon and the Chairman of the County Council. It was a lovely sunny day, a really happy and friendly occasion followed by afternoon tea. Ron's MBE was awarded fo
r Services to the Community. He has worked tirelessly for young people since
1953 organising sports and activities to stretch their horizons. He was a volunteer for the Red Cross for many years patrolling the sea front throughout the summer dispensing and teaching first aid. A quiet unassuming man who has made such a difference to the lives of young people and although well into his 80's has no intention of retiring! Ron is pictured above with his family and the Lord Lt. and also with me at County Hall.
Aspiring Thespian groups returned to the Carlton Theatre Teignmouth for the Quarter Finals of the 2010 Regional All English Theatre Festival. Four productions were competing to go through to the semi-finals in Warminster on 15th May. The Exmouth Players presented "The Mayor of Torontal", The Campion Players "A couple or Two", the return of Ampersands with "The Cagebirds" finishing with the hilarous comedy presented by A Few Prima Donnas "The little Box of Oblivion". The clear winner once again was Ampersands "Cage Birds" - a dramatic performance with a disturbing theme performed with dramatic effect by the pupils of Sands School with an average age of 15 years. I was privileged to be there and present the cup to the winners and send them on their way to the next heat. Further details www.carltontheatre.co.uk
Beneath the vaulted splendour of the ancient Guildhall the Rt. Worshipful Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr. John Winterbottom hosted a Civic Dinner for Mayors and Chairmen across Devon. Guests were entertained during the meal by the Chamber Choir of St. Margaret's School, Exeter singing from the Minstrel's gallery and the splendid candlelit setting cast a mellow glow invoking the special atmosphere of a Chamber that had absorbed the debates and decisions of elected representatives and past Mayors over 800 years. In fact, Exeter Guildhall is still very much the seat of power for that City and is the oldest Council Chamber in use in the UK. A special guest was Cllr. Duncan Sandys, the Rt. Worshipful, Lord Mayor of Westminster, a grandson of the former Government Minister, Mr. Duncan Sandys. In his speech he recalled those special summers spent in Devon as a child with friends and family. Cllr. Sandys underlined the significance of maintaining the honoured traditions of Mayoralty in a fast changing world and that civic pride and loyalty are still relevant in today's society.
Dartmouth was the setting for a Civic lunch hosted by South Hams Council. Cllr. Melvyn Stone and his wife Jeanette were the perfect hosts on a sparkling day at the Dart Marina Hotel. All the guests dressed for the occasion with many of the men wearing dinner suits - even though it was lunch time! Invited guests came from a wide area of South Hams representing the smaller towns and parishes in this idyllic part of South Devon. The Dart Marina Hotel and #Spa has undergone a recent refurbishment and the quality and high standards of the surroundings made this a very special occasion. A superb choice for that perfect holiday and of course if you come in your yacht the River Dart and it's Marinas offer yotties the very best for most discerning skipper and crew.
http://www.dartmarina.com/
Teignmouth film enthusiasts dismayed by the loss of the Riviera Cinema got together and formed the Teignmouth Film Society, a non-profit making organisation run by volunteers. The Society meets once a month at the new Arts Centre at the Community College and the aim of the Society is to bring the best of British, independent and foreign films to the screen and return the joy of cinema to Teignmouth and the surrounding area. Screenings are held in a comfortable environment - at an affordable price and films are hired from official distributors. http://www.teignmouthfilm.org/
Jason's Garden on the Eastcliff at Teignmouth is a garden created by the parents of Jason Pope kidnapped in Angola over nine years ago. Jason a Geologist was kidnapped by Unita rebels from the Yetwene Diamond mine in Northern Angola in 1998. His parents, Alan, Nev and brother Damian along with help from their daughter Vashita and her husband Patrick have toiled for over five years on this garden. No word on the fate of Jason has ever reached his family, although his mother Nev still has not completely given up hope of news. The garden is now complete and open to the public at specified times during the year. The views are stunning and the garden is so peaceful with many unusual features and exhibits. Various charities benefit from the open days and lectures given by Nev about the building of the garden. It was a great honour for my Charity SENSE - Devon branch to be chosen to share in last year's proceeds. I am pictured with Damian Pope who handed me a cheque for £150 for my Chairman's Charity and I am very grateful. http://www.jasonsgarden.com/
The Two Stories - the lost history of Poland and Britain. A photographic exhibition telling the story of events that took place in Poland during World War II and how this led to the Polish settlements in the UK. The events described in the exhibition are as terrible as those of the Jewish Holocaust, but are not as well known. The photographs were taken in the last Polish re-settlement camp to remain in the UK at Ilford Park (Stover) and the exhibition was designed by local photographer Susan Young who took some of the last photographs of the camp before it's demolition this year. The poignancy of this event was brought into sharp focus as Poland declared a week of national mourning after the President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria and 88 other members of the country's military and political elite lost their lives in a plane crash while flying to Russia to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Katyn massacre when 20,000 Poles were slaughtered by the Soviet secret police. At the start of the exhibition, a minute's silence was observed and a Polish priest led the Prayers in memory of those who had lost their lives, not only in the plane crash but also those massacred at Katyn.
http://www.twostoriesexhibition.org.uk/
An invitation to the Two Bridges Hotel in the middle of Dartmoor was the setting for the annual Civic Dinner of West Devon Borough Council. Greeted by the Mayor Cllr. Alison Clish-Green over 70 guests, including the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Eric Dancer and guest speaker Professor Ian Mercer. The Two Bridges Hotel well deserves it's reputation as a unique country house hotel with an AA Rosette for it's restaurant. The candelabra lit tables in the dining room coupled with excellent food and sparkling company maintained the unique ambience that is Dartmoor. Professor Mercer spoke seriously about the changes in hill farming over the years and the decline in the number of registered Commoners who have the freedom to graze their sheep and Darmoor ponies. Times are hard for hill and moorland farmers these days and this decline is measured in the changes evident in the growth of vegetation which can obscure old footpaths and bridleways across the Moor. http://www.twobridges.co.uk/
A very special home for a very special boy in Teignmouth. A new home at Inverteign Heights, the site of the old Inverteign Primary School, has been provided by Tor Homes and local builders Midas Homes for the family of Josh Wilby aged 6,who has cerebral palsy. The specially adapted home has been fitted out with all Josh and his family could need to ensure that he is able to stay at home with his Mum and Dad and baby brother Lewis. I felt very privileged to be shown round by proud Mum Jade who had a say in the design and fitting of Josh's bedroom and bathroom and was clearly determined that Josh should be able to enjoy a loving family life in his new home.
http://www.torhomes.com/
It has been a tradition that Teignbridge District Council ackowledges the contribution made by it's former Chairmen. I was delighted to host this year's dinner held in the Long Room of Old Forde House and especially so this year as we celebrate the 400th Anniversary of this wonderful building. It was the foresight of Chairmen in the early days of Teignbridge that this historic house was restored to public ownership. We had a wonderful evening sharing remembered special occasions from the past. Old Forde House now hosts many events, including being a popular setting for Civil Weddings, as well as earning welcome income from management seminars, training events and conferences for the wider business community.
Pictured with us are Alderman Mary Strudwick, Tim Golder of Imerys and Viv Wilson MBE Teignmouth historian.
The Chairman of Devon County Council held a Civic day with difference. Cllr. John Berry represents the Collumpton Division which covers the lovely Killerton House, the former country seat of the Acland Family, and now owned by the National Trust. His guests included all the Civic Heads from Devon and the newly appointed High Sheriff of Devon, Elizabeth D'Erlanger, sister of Viscount Exmouth. We were all treated to a tour of the House and a splendid lunch in the restaurant. Following that we departed for St. Andrew's Church in Collumpton for the formalities of the Civic Service. It was a lovely country occasion, rounded off by yet another splendid tea and a chance to chat to friends old and new. I think we are all noticing our expanding waistlines as we near the end of our year of office! http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
The Teignmouth and South Hams Committees of the DofE Award Scheme held the annual presentation evening at Newton Abbot College for the many students who had successfully completed their Bronze, Silver and Gold disciplines. The Awards were presented by Albert Knott from Natural England who gave a power point presentation about his conservation work in Yarner Woods and gave lots of tips about successfully completing the various expeditions. Many of the students are already training for the Ten Tors expedition on Dartmoor which is the most challenging . Supervised by the Army and Dartmoor Rescue the students are in safe hands but the weekend is a gruelling experience for many. The weather is often atrocious but they all persevere and it is a triumph for all when they cross the finishing line.
Torrential rain on
the run-up to the opening of the new Play Area at Bakers Park did not deter lots of children turning out to try this new facility in Newton Abbot. Careful planning and successful fund raising including a grant of £45,000 from the Play Builder Fund and match funding from Teignbridge and Newton Abbot Town Councils transformed a tir
ed and outdated space into a brand new imaginative area using the surrounding natural environment and materials to create play opportunities to challenge and fascinate children. With old favourites such as swings, a roundabout, a challenging climbing frame and a sliding pulley the children lost no time in trying them all out. With a wheelchair play trail and a safe space for children with special needs there is something for everyone.
I have been privileged to share many memorable events during my term of office.
The most unexpected was an invitation from Mr. Viktor Spasskly, the Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the United Kingdom to attend the 90th Anniversary of the Federation's presence in this country. The event was held at the palatial Headquarters of the Delegation in Highgate, London and I was invited, with my husband, to highlight the contacts already established with Russia in Teignbridge. We are always pleased to see Russian cargo ships entering the Port of Teignmouth bringing fertilizer and taking china clay back to Vyborg in Russia. The biggest surprise was being invited to share the platform with the Russian Ambassador to the UK Yuri Fedotov
(pictured) and to make a short speech! The first time I have ever opened with the greeting "Your Excellency". The Russian Delegation is keen to establish trade contacts in the South West and have made a good start through a Russian expat, living in Teignmouth, Mrs. Liubov Jeffs, who has done much to foster social, University and business contacts with the growing number of Russian interests in our area.
russiantouch@btinternet.com
Loyalty and commitment in any organisation is essential. Teignbridge District Council owes a great deal to the dedication and expertise of it's staff and it was a pleasure for me to be asked to present some Long Service and Retirement Awards to people who have worked for Teignbridge for over 30 years. Many who had served for 25 years still intend to stay in harness and I believe that local authorities outside the large Metropolitan Boroughs have a distinct advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining personnel. Receiving their Awards were employees from the all important refuse collector through to middle and top management whose different skills have contributed to our collective success. Well done and thanks to everyone!
It was a pleasure to accept an invitation to dinner with the Dawlish Water Rotary Club and to speak about my 31 years experience as a local Councillor. When I got around to thinking what I was going to say I was surprised just how much I could talk about. It was also concerning to realise that in spite of all the information available about local Councils people are not fully aware of how local government works in this area, and particularly the separate responsibilities of each tier of Town, District and County. As far as most people are concerned, they are not so much bothered as to who delivers the services as long as they are value for money. I ranged through my responsibilities over the years with tourism, planning, housing, refuse collection, social services and also as Chairman of a local NHS Trust. My current role as Civic Chairman of Teignbridge District Council and the opportunity to attend many special events, including Royal occasions was of particular interest. A lively question and answer session rounded off a stimulating evening.
Young and not so young science enthusiasts crowded into Teignmouth's Carlton Theatre to experience a day of experimentation and demonstrations on show to spark an interest in science and it's relevance to us all in everyday life. Pupils from local primary schools submitted entries for the Earth Art competition with lots of hands-on experience to interest everyone. The highlight of the day was TV Science presenter Adam Hart-Davis leading his audience through a journey around the Earth and the Universe with a talk entitled Frontiers of Cosmology. The event concluded with the premier of a song cycle by local composer David Haines about the universe of magnitudes entitled Powers of Ten sung by Communty Choirs from Teignmouth and Ivybridge. Plenty to think about there!
The 150 year Anniversary of the Cadet movement in the South West was celebrated by over 1000 Cadets from all disciplines, Sea, Army Cadets and the Air Training Corps who were on parade at Wyvern Barracks, Exeter before Her Majesty The Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon. I was very pleased to be invited as President of TS Cannonteign, together with a group of our Sea Cadets and their Officers. The Queen and Duke were greeted by Wi
ng Commander Brian Wills-Pope, Officer Commanding Devon & Somerset Air Cadets who escorted her Majesty when she inspected the Cadets on parade and with the Duke spent over an hour looking at the various displays and activities enjoyed by all the young people. Wing Commander Brian Wills-Pope was a former Councillor and colleague at Teignbridge and Devon County Council.
The 14th Annual Drama Festival held at the Carlton Theatre, Teignmouth attracted a record number of entries including a strong Youth section. The Festival is open to any bona fide amateur dramatic society, run under the auspices of the All England Theatre Festival (AETF). www.aetf.org.uk The standard was very high and the one-act plays gave the amateur actors a great opportunity to perform before a knowledgeable audience with the critique delivered by Bev Jenkins, well known throughout the amateur theatre circuit. The group going forward to the quarter finals is Ampersands from Sands School with their thoughtful and dramatic performance of "Cagebirds" by David Campton.. Information about the Teignmouth Festival can be found on www.teignmouthdramafestival.org.uk
This elegant seaside town was the setting for the Civic Service of East Devon District Council: The Civic heads were welcomed by the Chairman, Cllr. Graham Liverton first to Kennaway House, formerly known as Church House, adjoining the Parish Church of St. Giles and St. Nicholas. Recently restored at a cost of £1M supported by a Heritage Lottery Grant and public appeal this gracious Regency House is now Sidmouth's centre for the arts, exhibitions, events, lectures and learning. The service at the Parish Church was conducted by Prebendary David James and I was able to bring him greetings from St. James Church, Teignmouth where David served as a Curate some years ago.
Another milestone day for SENSE - Devon Branch: Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, Patron of SENSE formally opened Cafe 55 at Providence Court, Exeter, the new resource centre for deaf/blind young people. Cafe 55 is bright with a well fitted kitchen and serves the dual purpose of helping students to become independent and able to undertake cooking and other domestic skills whilst at the same time offering coffee and home-made cakes and buns to customers dropping in for a break from shopping. Alongside the valuable skills and IT training students are supported by dedicated staff to reach their full potential and many go on to experience a degree of independence with outreach support. This is a very worthy charity working quietly and without fuss to achieve the most amazing results for young people so cruelly robbed of sight and hearing.
If you would like to donate to my chosen Charity SENSE then please forward your cheque payable to "The Chairman's Charity" c/o Teignbridge District Council, Forde House, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4YR
The Fire Service in Devon has not escaped the changes that have affected all major public services over the years. The service is now a separate Agency and has merged with Somerset to form the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority www.dsfire.gov.uk. At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Bernard Hughes OBE I was pleased to attend a lunch for Civic heads at the Service Headquarters, Clyst St. George, nr. Exeter to hear about the changes and opportunities facing the merged service and to view aspects of Fire Service operations, including the Rapid Rescue teams responding to international disasters such as the Haiti earthquakes. There is still a questionmark over whether the new Command Centre, to be based in Taunton to cover the whole of the South West Region, will have the local knowledge to respond to emergency calls and there is much still to be discussed to satisfy outstanding concerns, but we were all very impressed with the dedication and vision of management and staff to make the service work for the safety of the whole area.
The lovely Church of St. John, Hooe was the spectacular venue for the Civic Service for the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Cllr. Ken Foster, conducted by The Reverend Ian Provost. At this 150 year old Church high on a hill overlooking Plymouth Sound the Civic guests were welcomed by the Mayor and afterwards were treated to a warming lunch of home-made soup, savouries and pud to ward off the winter's chill.
A packed congregation at the Baptist Church in Teignmouth gathered to celebrate the induction of the Revd. Jamie Redfern as Ministry Team Leader. Jamie arrived in Teignmouth with his wife and young family five years ago and quickly made himself very popular especially among the surfing comunity where Jamie proved that he could ride the waves with the best of them. He has served as Chaplain to the Mayor whose Civic Service last year was enlivened by the Samba Band from Teignmouth Community College. Jamie and his family carry with them the prayers and good wishes of the whole community as he takes up his new responsibilities.
Ready for the Off! The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and his Cabinet visited the South West Region to meet a cross section of people gathered at Haldon Racecourse to discuss a range of issues followed by a Cabinet Meeting away from No.10. Fresh from a dash to Northern Ireland where the main political parties had at last agreed the outstanding parts of the devolution process, Gordon Brown and his colleagues soon got down to business answering questions from members of the public, school and university students and front line workers invited to participate. I was there to meet and greet and was able to chat to many of the Ministers and delegates, but it would have been more meaningful if, with my colleague the Lord Mayor of Exeter, we could have sat in on the question and answer session following the reception. Oh well - at least I managed to get a photo with Jack Straw!
The management of the Teign Estuary is vital to the well-being of this unique and diverse area. The Annual Forum provides an opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers on the latest work around the Teign, the impact of new legislation on the marine environment and the latest news around the flood defence schemes planned for both sides of the estuary. In addition we had presentations from the Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum
on Victorian resort heritage and the introduction of Bathing machines. Life beneath the waves as seen by a local diving instructor and the work to protect and preserve the threatened cirl bunting by the RSPB. The appreciate audience was able to keep up to date wit
h developments in estuary maintenance over the past year and the highlight of the evening was the usual sampling of local mussels in a creamy mariniere sauce washed down with wines from a local vineyard. The pictures show the Estuary from Shaldon, the popular River beach area and a tranquil scene at the Passage House jetty up-river. Want to know more? contact The Teign Estuary Partnership on
http://www.teignestuary.org/
A mention for the River Teign Rowing Club............... Based on the River beach in Teignmouth this Club is the largest in the UK and enjoys massive local participation with over 650 members. Rowing is widely accepted as one of the most beneficial forms of exercise and ticks all Government boxes and local plans to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The weekly activities of the rowers have a direct impact on the town's economy - boat builders, shops, cafes, pubs, etc. Alliances have been formed with local educational establishments which gives encouragement to local disaffected youth to try the sport. The Club is based literally on the beach and now has ambitions to create it's own functional waterside building to house a boat store, toilets, showers, a meeting room and small kitchen. To be able to enjoy a sport like rowing in the magnificent setting of the Teign Estuary is irresistable. For more information contact River Teign Rowing Club on http://www.teignrowers.co.uk/
Mendelssohn's "Elijah" was the choice of Teign Choral Society for it's winter concert. This is a great favourite with audiences who appreciate the opportunity to hear top class soloists singing wonderful Arias, Recitatives, stirring Chorus and orchestral pieces. For foot soldiers like me in the choir it was hard work sparing time to attend the many rehearsals necessary to satisfy the strict demands of our Musical Director, John Scarfe whose skill in keeping the large orchestra, soloists and choir in tune and on time throughout this magnificent work was impressive. Soloists were Naomi Marshall, Rebecca Smith, Iain MacLeod-Jones and Stephen Foulkes. A special mention of the orchestra, the JUPT (Joined Up Thinking Project)Ensemble, who despite losing vital funding still ensure that over 80 young string players regularly take part in activities and national events.
Youth Speaks 2010 - A public speaking competition sponsored by Rotary. It has been my pleasure over the past few years to be the Judge of competing teams from local schools in the art of public speaking. The young teams, ages between 11-13 and 14-17 comprise a Chairman, Speaker and Proposer and they are free to choose any topic they like - they never fail to surprise the audience with their knowledge of the subject, confidence in presentation and grasp of the finer points of debating. The teams this year were outstanding and the audience were treated to some very clever ad-libbing and quick-fire repartee from our young contestants. I see some future politicians in the making!
Teignbridge Council is a major employer in this area. All staff take part in the many training and personal development courses operated by our organisation and periodical Induction Days are organised for new staff or those changing departments. It was therefore a particular pleasure to be invited to give the opening address to the 26 staff attending a recent Induction Day. Teignbridge Council has a reputation as an excellent organisation and a working environment based on teamwork, customer care, individual responsibility and enthusiasm. I was impressed by the obvious abilities of the staff taking part and I learnt something about the training involved. One surprise was that all staff undertake what is called the Teignbridge Walk over Dartmoor involving challenges to test initiative and decision making out of their comfort zones. Now I call that a Route March! Something that Councillors might like to try..............................
Things have been quieter than usual at the start of the New Year: The severe winter weather took everyone by surprise and many rural roads throughout Devon were either blocked or treacherous with black ice. Despite all the difficulties, our Council refuse collectors managed to get through to collect rubbish, and the postmen and women got through to deliver (you've guessed it) all the New Year bills! The snowy landscapes across the moorland areas were spectactular and children were more than pleased to have some extra holiday time as many schools were closed because school buses could not get through. Motorists were not too pleased when faced with spending many hours trapped on Haldon Hill. Cars had to be abandoned and the police worked hard to get people, including babies and children, to emergency centres for a hot drink and something to eat. One of those centres was Chudleigh Town Hall in our District and I know that local people there would have made everyone warm and comfortable in no time. Local Authorities throughout the country were rapidly running out of salt and grit to treat the icy roads, but no-one was blaming the grit lorry drivers who turned out in appalling conditions to keep the roads open. We should be more prepared but conditions like this do not come along to sunny Devon very often.
Yes - it's Panto time again all over the District. Thigh slapping Principal Boys, Good Fairies, Wicked Witches, Whacky Dames, Magic, Mystery and Song. For friends living in far away places around the world who are not familiar with these annual goings on, Panto is short for Pantomime and each is based on a traditional fairy story or legend. The format is always the same - a handsome Prince (usually played by a girl) a pretty girl from a poor family, an impoverished kindly Baron Hardup, an outrageous Dame of ample proportions (played by a man over padded in all the right places) a scheming Adversary bent on mayhem, song and dance performed by local children and lots of bangs and laughter. Cinderella is the favourite and there has been a good choice this year. Teignmouth Players presented Little Red Riding Hood with unusual scenery and the Prince morphing into a scary Werewolf at the most inconvenient moments. Newton Abbot Musical Comedy Society put on Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves based on one of the legends from Arabian Nights http://www.nadmcs.org/ Shaldon Theatre Company are offering Mother Goose and there will be shows on stage in village halls and local theatres until March then all the toys are put away in the Magic Box until next year.
Carol services come thick and fast as the festive season draws near. Teign Choral Society held their annual Carol concert at St. James' Church in aid of the Teignmouth League of Friends. I sing with this group and a very useful sum is raised for the League boosted by a bumper raffle. At the end of all that singing the glass of mulled wine tastes really good. I attended Trinity School's end of term Carol Service, and the Teignmouth Masonic Lodge Carol service among many others. All benefit local charities in one way or another.
Lord and Lady Clifford of Ugbrook House, Chudleigh generously open up their lovely home for the annual Christmas Evening in aid of Hospicecare, Exeter. Over 100 guests were greeted by our hosts personally and we all enjoyed wonderful hospitality with entertainment by Exe Vox Chamber Choir. This evening is a real Christmas treat and raises a substantial sum from generous sponsorship for the charity.
Christmas is the time for thinking of others. We have always been pleased to give support to charities and voluntary organisations who work so hard so give additional support and care to those in our District throughout the year. Rowcroft Hospice is a Torquay based charity caring for the dying and it has become a tradition over the past few years for the Charity to invite people who have lost loved ones in the past year to register names in a Book of Light. The names are read out at services in local Churches around the District in a service called "Light up a Life". All attending the service carry a candle and the Services are led by a Rowcroft chaplain. Rowcroft Hospice, Avenue Road, Torquay TQ2 5LS 01803 210800.
http://www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/
Christmas is the busiest time for Choirs. I sing with two local choirs and The Shaldon Singers performed a superb concert presenting a wide range of pieces to suit all tastes. We sang all Handel's Coronation Anthems including Zadok the Priest. The audience were invited to join us singing The Hallelujah Chorus for the BBC's "Sing Hallelujah" website.
See us on www.bbc.com/singhallelujah This concert was extra special for me. I wore my Chairman's chain as the retiring collection was dedicated to my Charity SENSE - Devon Branch and I was pleased to introduce Peter Holman the founder who gave an insight into the work of SENSE and what had been achieved for his son. The result was a record collection of over £500 towards the charity.
Chairman of Teignbridge Council I fly the flag for the District. Hosting the annual Civic Lunch in the 400 year old setting of Old Forde House was a special occasion and an opportunity to return the hospitality of my fellow Chains throughout Devon. The party was entertained with carols and seasonal songs by children from Canada Hill primary
school and it was a pleasure to host such a prestigious event. Lunch was enjoyed in the oak panelled Long Room with it's superb plasterwork restored by a master craftsman brought out of retirement to do the work.
Powderham Castle home of the Earl and Countess of Devon was the setting for an evening of Christmas verse and music on behalf of The Helen Foundation. Roaring fires, mulled wine and grand rooms decked with holly and a giant Christmas tree set the scene for a delightful performance raising nearly £1000 for the good work of the Foundation to help aspiring young actors and musicians get a foothold on the ladder of fame. http://www.thehelenfoundation.org.uk/
Devon grasslands produce some of the best fatstock in the country. Welcomed by Show President Herbert Vallance, the annual Newton Abbot Christmas Show paraded the finest cattle and sheep around the ring to be judged. Dressed turkeys ready for the table were on sale, plus the most amazing displays of fruit and vegetables, home-baked cakes and other Christmas goodies. It seems curious to be blaming the livestock industry for global warming when one solution is to reinstate loc
al abbatoirs to save livestock the stress of being driven hundreds of miles away to slaughter and then the carcases driven back again to the areas they were reared. A lot of carbon footprint to be saved there! Following the Show we attended the dinner and Prize Giving at Dainton Park Golf Club and the hospitality, food and the warmth of welcome kicked off the festive season in fine style
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or the Chairman of Teignbridge!
