TWO new councillors were welcomed to the table of Bude-Stratton Town Council recently.

Derek Towl and Tony Gibbs, who both live locally, took their seats at the table of Bude-Stratton Town Council on Thursday, January 4, after councillors co-opted them.

The town council was able to learn more about the gentlemen as they addressed councillors directly and told them a bit about themselves.

Derek, 73, has lived in Bude for 47 years.

He attended Marhamchurch Primary School as a child, moving on to Bude-Stratton Secondary School and then took up a role in Kilkhampton later.

He went on to serve his country, and describes himself as ‘forward thinking’ with new technologies and ways of life.

He said: “I enjoy traditional values, but do not yearn for the old days.”

Tony, 56, also has a military background. He has lived in Bude for a year, having come from Dorset. Originally from London, Tony joined the Navy when he was 16, and spending ten years working in the RAF and Army at St Mawgan introduced him to Cornwall.

He told councillors: “It really attracted me — the environment and the feel of Cornwall, because it is different.”

Tony eventually convinced his wife to move to Cornwall, and they ‘fell upon’ Bude. They visited the town three or four times in their campervan to get a feel of the area, and then the right house popped up, so they made the big move from Dorset to Cornwall.

Tony added: “Bude is a vibrant community, with people who are passionate about the town they live in. I want to support the community in going forward, and I think I’m equipped for that. I want to help get the best out of the area and I know others do too — I already know that, and I’ve only been here a year.”

Both Derek and Tony fitted the town councillor criteria perfectly, and both were welcomed to sign the papers to officially join the table of Bude-Stratton Town Council.

Cllr Towl said: “I am a retired Royal Fleet Auxiliary officer and feel the many skills, knowledge, and experience gained from my military service offers much in terms of being able to effectively represent and serve the people of Bude-Stratton and surrounding areas.

“In addition, having lived in Bude for over 47 years and attended local schools means that I have a real understanding and knowledge of local needs. I want to be part of local decision making that makes a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Cllr Gibbs added: “Having retired and moved to Bude approximately one year ago, I feel that I have much to offer in terms of finding solutions to challenging situations that affect my local community. I am employed as a Royal Naval Officer Reservist and volunteer for the RNLI as a guide in the boathouse. In addition, 37 years of military service means that I have a wealth of experience and knowledge that I feel will provide strong innovative, practical ways of making a difference to the lives of people living in Bude, Stratton and the surrounding hinter­lands.

“I have a passion for community work especially where it can be used to deliver policies that support inclusive shared visions and sustainable approaches that help me to effectively represent the interests and needs of the whole community.”