Singing for my Supper

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.