SALLY Henley, the Newton Abbot Town Centre Development Manager, talked about her job and responsibilities at a meeting of the Newton Abbot and District Civic Society in the town’s Royal British Legion Club on Saturday.

She informed those attending of the diversity of the challenges she faces and the difficulties she encounters trying to ensure that the needs of Newton Abbot are met to keep the town a thriving community.

Members discussed the annual civic award event which the society is organising in June. It wants the community to forward names of people and organisations who have ‘gone the extra mile’ so that they receive the recognition they deserve for their efforts to improve civic life in Newton Abbot and the surrounding district.

The nomination process begins in early April and names can be forwarded via the website: www.newtonabbotcivicsoc.com.

It was also agreed to join forces with the RBL and the Royal Navy to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Jutland – the first world war sea battle. The plan is to have a display in Courtenay Street on May 28.

The society wants to hear, via its website, from anyone who has any family connection of anyone who was in this famous sea battle.

The next meeting of the society is at the RBL club on Saturday, May 21.