AS Cllr Richard Jenks steps down as mayor of Newton Abbot, he reflects on a remarkable year during the pandemic.

The Pandemic of 2020/21 has touched and affected many lives.

For some it has left scars that will take time to heal, for others it has been an opportunity to re-evaluate their goals and determine what is really important to them.

There will be no-one who has not been affected in some way.

As Mayor of Newton Abbot, it presented a huge learning curve for myself, fellow councillors and the staff. With lockdown in place and the real risks to health of people not to mention the impact we know it would have on our local economy, we needed to formulate a plan and take steps that would provide support to others and mitigate the negative impact.

This involved working with lots of other groups and organisations to ensure we did not duplicate resources and helped ensure vulnerable people had the support available.

People across Newton Abbot responded brilliantly. There was a real feeling of community as people looked out for others especially the more vulnerable in our society.

The Mid Devon Advertiser provided an important role in publishing important and useful information. The media demonstrated how critical it is in helping to get important messages across and encouraging people to work for a common goal.

Lots of people became NHS volunteers, I together with my son, who is also a councillor helped with this group. It was a great experience cooking meals at The Avenue Church along with Chris, and Councillors Phil Bullivant and Brian Hayes.

My experience as Mayor during the pandemic has influenced my perspective and reinforced what is really important.

It is always important to focus on friends and family, and our town will be stronger when we work as a community for the benefit of all.

There will be some large inward investments to our town that will go someway to enable the town to restore its economic fortunes.

Most importantly I want to thank all those people that do so much for the benefit of others, often doing it quietly and unnoticed. Thanks, are also extended to my fellow Councillors and staff at the Council.

Newton Abbot had its 800-year anniversary recently we can only imagine what it may look like in another 800 years in 2820. One thing is absolutely certain though it will thrive and grow, and that will happen because of the community and how we work together for the common good.

It has been an honour to serve my town and my thanks go to you all.