A Holsworthy woman who over many years has unstintingly served her local community was given the award of 'Honorary Freeman of Holsworthy' at the annual Town Meeting in the Market Hall last Thursday evening.

She is Liz Curtis who for the past 30 years has been a volunteer and secretary at the museum. She is also involved with the Holsworthy Vintage Rally and Model Exhibition, is a neighbourhood watch coordinator and is always ready to help her elderly housebound neighbours.

Another honour was given to 16-year-old Scott Crompton, a member of the Holsworthy Army Cadets and a pupil of Holsworthy Community College who succeeds Rebecca Ede as Mayor's Cadet for the coming 12 months.

With the Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Squire having lost her voice, the meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Rebecca Buckingham who read the Mayor's report.

She said the proposed reorganisation of local government would put huge pressures both financially and geographically on Devon County Council. She was privileged to attend the opening of the new Science Block at the community college dedicated to the memory of Des Shadrick.

During 2009 they had extended the Holsworthy in Bloom competition to private gardens but there were disappointingly few entries in the business section. She hoped more would take part in 2010. The council had negotiated a new contract with Plandscape of Exeter for the maintenance of Stanhope Park. She thanked the Acting Town Clerk, Maureen Fenner, and her councillors for their support over the past year.

Representatives of eight local organisations and clubs — Carers' Support, the Museum, the CAB, St Peter's Fair and the Carnival Committee, the Playgroup, Luncheon Club, Rydon Archers — reported on their activities and received cheques from the mayor.

See the 'Post' for a full report.