A TRIO’S hard work and dedication to the town were recognised at Bovey Tracey’s annual meeting.

The town council nominated its three community champions, who each received a framed certificate and prize.

=MARION EDWARDS received the Community Champion Award for her work in formulating the Bovey Tracey Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

Cllr Tony Allen, who has managed the community awards, said: ‘While many have come and gone on the Steering Group, Marion remained committed to it right up to final submission of the NDP to Teignbridge Council earlier this year. Its success is an exemplary achievement for her which has led to her quite rightly gaining this award.

‘Marion assisted and worked on many consultation exercises, conducted research, wrote background texts, and formulated key policies in the Plan. Cllr Robert Bradshaw, who headed up the NDP steering group, said: ‘I’d really like to thank Marion. Her hard work, tenacity and attention to detail made a significant contribution.’

=SUSIE HONNOR received the Environmental Champion Award.

Described as a tireless and committed volunteer activist in the parish, she’s a key member of the Climate Emergency Bovey and Heathfield (CEBH) action group. She was a member of the Plastic-Free Bovey team when it was set up over five years ago and is now its chair.

Tony said: ‘Susie has ensured that its activities continued during the pandemic, advising families and businesses through social media and the local press on what they need to consider in order to reduce use of one-time plastics, and how to recycle any that they already have. Susie also continues to organise regular well attended litter picks across the Parish.

‘Susie maintains contacts with the Surfers Against Sewage organisation, accordingly, she is instrumental in keeping the Plastic Free agenda very visible in the parish through her enthusiasm for the cause.’

=CARYS GWILLAM received the Young Citizen of the Year Award.

She’s been an active member of the Bovey Tracey Scout group since joining at the age of six as a Beaver Scout and has moved through all the sections available to the Scouts. At age 14 she joined the District Explorer Scout section and started work on achieving a Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Tony said: ‘For the past two years, she has given up her own time by volunteering to assist in the Cub Scout section on a Tuesday night, showing a willingness to give back and pass on her skills to the younger sections. This has been invaluable to them and the Scouting leaders.

‘With her dedication and commitment, she has become a great role model for the Bovey Scouting youngsters.’

Carys has recently been selected as a member of the international service team for the UK contingent at the World Scout Jamboree in Korea in 2023, where she will assist in the day-to-day running of the Jamboree for the 30,000 scouts from around the world.

Tony added: ‘Set up in 2012 through the endeavours of Bovey’s PCSO Paul Wlson, the purpose of this Award is to recognise the good deeds of young people going out of their way to assist others in the community through volunteering their time and commitment, which Carys has done in spade loads for the Bovey Scouts.’

=COLIN BACK was invited to continue as Honorary Representative of the Lord of the Manor of Bovey Tracey, which he gladly accepted. Colin and his team have been helping residents at New Park in Bovey Tracey throughout the pandemic and is one of the most highly regarded residents’ associations, having been judged the best in the UK in 2016.

Tony said: ‘In May 2020, Colin, who has been chairman of the Berkeley Homes’ New Park Community Association for many years, was awarded this title for the considerable efforts he had put into making New Park a united and caring community within Bovey Tracey.

‘He’s helped residents with all sorts of problems of both personal and official natures, organised social events (including a summer fete) and outings, and negotiated discounted services from lists of trusted traders and handymen in the area, while editing a monthly magazine for residents.’

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic and lockdowns, Colin has had no chance to carry out guest duties as the Hon Rep in attending official functions in the Parish.

Bovey’s Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke, and councillors agreed that Colin’s period as the Honorary Rep of the Lord of the Manor of Bovey Tracey should be extended by a further year.

Colin said it was a privilege: ‘I’m proud to represent the residents of New Park. Bovey Tracey is a small town with a big heart.’