Civic leaders from across Exeter and East Devon are preparing for a busy new year. Here they look back on 2014 and look forward to the challenges of the year ahead in their traditional New Year Messages Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Percy Prowse
I am halfway through my year as your Lord Mayor. And it has been very interesting to discover that, despite all the problems this country has, this city remains a vibrant place and is attracting new businesses and businesses that want to relocate bringing with them many needed jobs.
One of the two most interesting highlights of my year so far was meeting the veterans of HMS Exeter who were involved in the battle of the River Plate 75 years ago.
The other event, which I attended recently, was a presentation ceremony which took place at the Devon County Hall for 70 veterans who were involved in the Arctic Convoys and were presented with their much-awaited Ushakov Medals from the Russian Government.
I am sure the next six months will hold many more interesting events.
My family and I wish you all a happy new year. Mayor of Exmouth, Councillor Bill Nash
This past year has been the busiest in Exmouth for some time.
The resurrection of an Exmouth Tourist Information Service, manned by volunteers, dealt with more 8,000 tourists during the summer months.
There was lots for both visitors and locals to do this year: In May, the town saw the largest attendance ever at the eight-day Exmouth Festival, and the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines Speed March on the 350th Anniversary of the Royal Marines was a spectacular day with 180 troops plus the Royal Marines Band.
In June we hosted the British Kite Surfing National Championships, in July a major parade for Armed Forces Day plus hosting the 2000 Class National Championships for one week at the Exe Sailing Club.
On August 4, we opened the First World War commemorations in Exmouth with a candlelit service at the war memorial, attended by 2,000 people.
The main activity in August was a whole week to host the National Surf Life Saving Championships, which came to Exmouth for the first time, bringing competitors from across the UK in age groups ranging from six years old to 70.
Exmouth featured on television on September 4, for the start of stage five of the Tour Of Britain cycle race, where more than 100 competitors signed in and cycled off.
October 11 saw the largest attendance ever at the Exmouth Carnival with more entries and floats parading through the town.
Finally, December 6 was the Christmas Cracker – an all-day event in the Strand where hundreds of people enjoyed a Christmas market and were entertained by top local and international musical groups.
A busy time – wait for 2015. Mayor of Honiton, Councillor Peter Halse
The past seven months as mayor has been a tremendous experience for me. I have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome I have received from the people of Honiton and feel honoured to represented the town as mayor.
Last year has been a good one for Honiton; our success includes the opening of the new community complex, known as The Beehive, a facility that the town was severely lacking.
The Beehive is a modern, accessible centre offering additional space and opportunity for a mix of uses for local people including community and arts activities.
Many people have benefited, whether for social or wellbeing purposes.
Our Hot Pennies ceremony had the highest number of people attend and it was good to see the town so busy with many people then taking the opportunity to wander around the shops and market stalls.
Even during these difficult economic times we need to strive to develop our local economy. Every effort is being made to work with Honiton Chamber of Commerce, Honiton Tourist Information Office and other local organisations to improve this historical market town as a place to visit for its unique shops and cultural activities.
Many cutbacks and reduction in services have been proposed and the town council has made its voice heard to protect much-needed services.
However, what has come out of this is how well the people of this town pull together, whether it is through volunteering or helping financially, all because we are passionate and care.
The community groups, and the volunteers who run them, are the lifeblood of Honiton and it is they who contribute greatly to making Honiton a place where people can be proud to live. Deputy Mayor of Budleigh Salterton, Councillor Courtney Richards
THE past year has seen Budleigh Salterton Town Council continue to support many local causes as well as funding works to enhance the appearance of the town and its facilities.
Financial support has been given to the various festivals which bring many visitors to the town.
The council has also supported a number of other local causes including Knowle Village Hall, the Warm Wish Appeal and the Ring and Ride bus.
This year the council made a further donation towards the cost of the town's Christmas lights.
These are even better this year than last – they have won wide acclaim and are a credit to the Chamber of Commerce which organises them, as well as members of the Budleigh Lions who erect them.
Budleigh In Bloom volunteers are also to be praised for their success in achieving a Silver Gilt Award and the council was pleased to be able to give support to them.
Hopefully in 2015, we will be able to give even more support to ease the burden on the volunteers who do so much to keep the town looking welcoming.
During the past year, we have faced many challenges and undoubtedly 2015 will bring more of the same. For the past four years, we have not raised the amount we take from the council tax, and I am pleased to say it will stay the same for next year.
However, as cutbacks continue to hit at both county and district council levels, more and more will fall on town councils, and we will continue to do what we can to ensure that Budleigh Salterton continues to be a delight to residents and visitors alike. Mayor of Ottery St Mary, Councillor Glyn Dobson
WHILE reviewing the past year, one thing is becoming very apparent – the role of the town council is becoming increasingly more active in issues involving the infrastructure of the parish and following this of course, the role of the town councillor is becoming ever more demanding.
Ottery St Mary has had more than its fair share of planning applications including five major ones totalling approximately 525 new dwellings. This will increase the number of dwellings by almost 25 per cent.
2014 saw the start of the street market on the first Friday of each month on a trial basis.
National headlines were being made at the discovery of beavers living in the wild on the River Otter.
Owing to Devon County Council cuts we have seen the closure of our popular youth club which boasted a membership of approximately 200.
The town council is working with a very enthusiastic group to start this again.
Devon County Council is supporting the effort by giving the youth club building to the council to use for community purposes.
Hopefully the new community hub will be started at St Saviours which will bring many benefits to the town.
I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a councillor to put their name forward for the next local election in May. Councillor John Hollick, Chairman of Sidmouth Town Council
THESE past 12 months have been very interesting for not only residents but all of the members of the Sidmouth Town Council.
We have had a year of anniversaries within the town; our Brownies 100th year, the 60th Sidmouth Folk Festival, the 50th Britain in Bloom, and our Twinning Circle's 30th.
With the town council facilitating, supporting and working with these and other groups, the town is working together to create an understanding of each of our views and promote the wider community.
This has been most successful. It is easy to single out a group or groups, but a special mention must go to our Sidmouth in Bloom committee and the numerous volunteers who help with the work that they carry out.
Winning the South West in Bloom category and being entered for the National Awards and coming second is not only good for our town, but for the region in general.
Anything that helps to promote tourism and local businesses benefits us all in helping our town to survive and thrive in what are still challenging times economically.
Turning to 2015, many challenges lie ahead for us all.
We will continue to give advice and support where required for example, helping to find a solution to the provision of our youth services, and the challenges facing our local hospital and many others, covering all age groups across our valley. Mayor of Seaton, Councillor Gaynor Sedgwick
A TOWN of growing confidence, regeneration and enormous potential – that sums up Seaton.
During 2014 it has been uplifting to see Seaton bucking the trend with businesses opening, developing and improving.
We now have a lovely selection of independent shops in the town.
One of the most exciting and significant events of 2014 was the start of the build of our new Jurassic Discovery Centre.
2015 will bring further housing developments, improved sports and play facilities, a mini crazy golf in Seafield Gardens and new play equipment in the Underfleet play park.
Seaton Town Council continues to develop plans for seafront enhancement and further public consultation will continue early this year.
Seaton's beautiful floral arrangements and parks were recognised by South West in Bloom in 2014 when we achieved Silver Gilt Award.
Through the work of our Town Development Team and local organisations, Seaton has enjoyed many highlights and events which have all helped to create greater footfall and vibrancy in the town. Mayor of Axminster, Councillor Jerry Walden
This year marks the 800th anniversary of Axminster's Royal Charter as well as of Magna Carta.
We will be celebrating and commemorating this in various ways throughout the next 12 months.
This will include reflecting on how the town has changed over the past eight centuries, but particularly more recently, and we will be focussing on how, in the next few years, we will meet the challenges of growing into a medium sized commercial centre instead of a market town.
Like many other towns in Devon, 2014 has presented its own difficulties with threats to out library service, our youth service and significantly, to the planned withdrawal of in-patient beds in our community hospital.
We will not be giving up on these easily. These services are an essential part of the infrastructure of a town that is expected to grow by 50 per cent over the next 10 to 12 years.
With local authority budgets continuing to be reduced, more and more of the community provision that our citizens feel is essential for their well-being will fall on the town council and voluntary organisations.
I believe we can rise to this challenge, but it must also be realised there is only so much we and others are able to do.
Enthusiastic volunteers cannot always replace professionally trained and qualified staff, and those in charge of our district, county and nation must be made aware of this.
