A new name for Torridge and West Devon, and a new chair: AGM report, June 2023
The AGM of Torridge and West Devon conservative Association was held on the 17th of June at Halwill Junction Village Hall, near Holsworthy. All the existing officers were re-elected, with the exception of our esteemed chair John Gray who stands down, and has become chief of staff for Sir Geoffrey Cox. Our new chair is Jeffrey Wilton-Love, one of our seven county councillors based in Bideford and Torrington, who gave an inaugural speech and mentioned his plans to create a regular platform to get the news out about what we ARE doing in the local area.
Our new chair, Jeff Wilton-Love and stalwart member, Susan Collins, draw the raffle with the help of Councillor Dermot McGough's little boy.
Sir Geoffrey Cox was very pleased to report several big successes for our area. Torridge was granted a share of the National levelling up fund, one of only 20 areas to be listed. The new maritime centre next to Appledore shipyard is also to be funded as are revamps to the school in Tavistock. Appledore shipyard has to be one of the most reassuring success stories in our area, following much local lobbying. Sir Geoffrey reported that the first naval contract in many years is to bring many local jobs and a reinvigoration of the district.
L:R: Patron Patricia Soby; treasurer Ellie Price; Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, MP; president Marion Perkin; secretary Philip Sanders; (at back) new chair, Cllr Jeff Wilton-Love; outgoing chair and our MP's Chief of Staff, John Gray; YC chair Evan Williams; DCM&F Debbie Flint; Area chair Rupert Hancock and DCP Hon Ken Hind.
We face tough times nationally, but on a local level we are doing well. Thank you very much to the Junction Inn pub for preparing such a delicious lunch, and to Susan Collins for running the raffle as usual. Plus Raoul and John for helping to set out the Hall. Grateful thanks to Philip Sanders our secretary who took the minutes and attended, despite his lovely wife being poorly. And Marion Perkin our esteemed president for chairing the meeting. Special gifts of thanks were given to our top notch voluntary treasurer Ellie Price, and a personal thanks from John Gray to new deputy chair political, Ken Hind, for all his sterling work over the last few months and in the local elections. Onwards and upwards towards the general election next year.
Our Constituency will be renamed Torridge and Tavistock, TTCA, in the boundary changes.
If anyone is interested in standing in the county council elections which are coming up next, please contact [email protected]. For more information about our upcoming events please contact Debbie Flint on [email protected].
