Mayor's News Archive

Mayor of Okehampton, Cllr Julie Yelland, presents a cheque of £1,403.26 to James Stevens, Trus

Mayor of Okehampton, Cllr Julie Yelland, presents a cheque of £1,403.26 to James Stevens, Trustee of Okehampton PADS.    Cllr Julie Yelland, Mayor of Okehampton said ‘Each year, the town Mayor chooses a local charity to fundraise for during the year.  When I was selected to be Mayor in May 2019, I was already familiar with the work of Okehampton PADS and aware they were a newly established charity in the town who were very keen to train as many people as possible in the use of the Public Access Defibrillators.  The importance of the work they are doing is clearly recognised by the community and this was reflected in the support that was shown during the year’s fundraising events.’   James Stevens, Trustee, said ‘Okehampton PADs was formed in 2017 to support the funding and placement of defibrillators and free training for all in the local area. Until then there was no co-ordinated system ensuring the public of Okehampton had access to a public access defibrillator (PADs).   The town has an estimated population of more than 6,000 and continues to expand. Each year there are up to 16 cases of sudden cardiac arrest in Okehampton (Source Southwestern Ambulance Service Foundation Trust March 2016 – 2017).   The aim of the charity is to not only provide access to defibrillators but to provide training in quality CPR, in conjunction with using the equipment. Whilst anyone can use a defibrillator, training provides the confidence to use them in what can be an extraordinarily stressful situation. Over 250 people have now attended one of the free training sessions but the charity is hoping to increase this number significantly over the coming months/years.   Since 2017, Okehampton PADs have installed 8 public access defibrillators throughout the town in strategic locations and it is essential that this provision continues well into the future. This comes with significant costs and the charity has carried out various events to help with the funding and were delighted when they were informed that Mayor Cllr Julie Yelland had nominated them as her charity of the year.’   Joe Rice, one of the three trustees of Oke Pads said 'The contribution from the Mayor’s charity will make a significant difference, ensuring the continued provision of public access defibrillators in Okehampton, in addition to regular training sessions that are free to everyone. It is wonderful that Julie recognised the importance of this service. Whilst we can’t speak about individual situations, they have already made a difference in life threatening situations.'   Cllr Yelland went on to say that ‘I am incredibly thankful to so many people who really got on board with the fundraising efforts with such energy and enthusiasm and took Okehampton PADS to their hearts.  From the Plume of Feathers who hosted a very well attended folk evening; to all the helpers and supporters who came along to the Mayor’s Coffee Morning; to everyone who donated money and to those who gave some fabulous prizes that were raffled off at various events throughout the year.   I am very proud of the kind and generous community that we have in Okehampton and absolutely delighted to be able to present this cheque today.  I know the team at Okehampton PADS are very keen to continue delivering this vital free training, so I would encourage anyone who is interested in receiving it to get in touch with Okehampton PADS and let them know.  Contact details can be found on Facebook or at https://okepads.wixsite.com/okepads.’

Grant to the Museum of Dartmoor Life

On 24th May 2021 Mayor Bob Tolley presented the Museum of Dartmoor Life a chequee fro £3500 while cutting the ribbon to open the Museum for the 2021 season.

The Mayor said " As some of you  may know this is my first official engagement as this years Mayor. The venue is rather appropriate, in that if i cock it up, its the best place to make and exhibition of myself.

I must thank the trustees, staff and volunteers on hehalf of the town for hanging on in there, during the pandemic and being able to leap back into action so quickly to get teh museum "public ready" at this earliest opportunity.

I also note whilst you were closed some clever and innovative "YouTube" video ideas have been produced to ensure the educational aspect of your work, got to where it was needed in those difficult months. "

New Putting Green

On a very wet July morning serveral of the Councillors and Town Council staff came out to try the newly referbished putting green by the Leisure Centre. A fun time was had by all even if a change of clothes was needed afterwards.

Mayors Coffee Morning

At the end of July Mayor Bob Tolley held a coffee morning in aid of his charity Dream-a way. Representatives from the charity came to the event adn explained what the charity did.

Civic Service 2021

The Civic Service 2021The Civic service was held on the 19th September in a reduced format due to Covid. The Mayor with the Mace Bearers Basil Jones and David Piper lead the Councillors and dignitories to Fairplace Church.