Celebrating Kindness and Community in Budleigh
On Sunday, 28 September 2025, the community of Budleigh Salterton gathered at St Peter’s Church, followed by a reception in the Public Hall, to celebrate the work of its representatives, volunteers, and all who contribute to the life of the town.
Budleigh Salterton came together to celebrate the work of its representatives, volunteers, and all who contribute to the life of the town. The event, hosted by Budleigh Salterton Town Council, highlighted the strength of community networks and the importance of kindness in building a caring and resilient town.
The theme of the celebration was kindness — the compassion and generosity shown daily by so many within the community. Residents gathered not only to look back with gratitude, but also to strengthen bonds and offer mutual support for the year ahead.
Rev James Henley, Budleigh Salterton Baptist Church, introduced examples of the Good Samaritan in action locally including:
• Steve Hitchcock and young people of the town, who described acts of kindness and support in the daily life of their school
• Mia Alligan, representing Launchpad, spoke about providing food for those in need. Launchpad are in turn supported by their partners at Budleigh Salterton Methodist Church
• Gavin March, Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, highlighted efforts to protect the natural environment.
• Sarah Coles, Budleigh Information Centre, described how the town continues to work together to care for its residents.
On behalf of the Town Council, Town Mayor Cllr Penny Lewis invited My Lord-Lieutenant Deputy, Deborah Hallett, to present special gifts of gratitude from the town:
• To Alderman Christine Channon, who retired in May after serving as Devon County Councillor for this division since 1993.
• To Mrs Caz Sismore-Hunt, who retired in May after thirty years as a Town Councillor, including several years as Town Mayor and to Mrs Lynda Evans, who retired last year after many years of service as councillor and Town Mayor, who were not able to attend.
The town also remembered Mr Paul Jarvis, who passed away in April. He had served as District Councillor for the ward and as manager of the Hospicecare Budleigh shop.
In their address, His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant Deborah Hallett praised the dedication of Budleigh’s representatives: “In their years of service to the town as your elected representatives, they have shown kindness and compassion. Budleigh Salterton thanks them all for their committed service and wishes them well for the future.”
The celebration concluded a reflection led by Rev Martin Jacques, reinforcing the central theme: Kindness is a universal human quality. It is not exclusive to faith but fundamental to how we live together. The story of the Good Samaritan speaks to us all and inspires us to show compassion in our daily lives. This event was a heartfelt reminder of all that is good and caring in Budleigh Salterton — a
community bound together by kindness.
On Sunday, 28 September 2025, the community of Budleigh Salterton gathered at St Peter’s Church, followed by a reception in the Public Hall, to celebrate the work of its representatives, volunteers, and all who contribute to the life of the town.
Budleigh Salterton came together to celebrate the work of its representatives, volunteers, and all who contribute to the life of the town. The event, hosted by Budleigh Salterton Town Council, highlighted the strength of community networks and the importance of kindness in building a caring and resilient town.
The theme of the celebration was kindness — the compassion and generosity shown daily by so many within the community. Residents gathered not only to look back with gratitude, but also to strengthen bonds and offer mutual support for the year ahead.
Rev James Henley, Budleigh Salterton Baptist Church, introduced examples of the Good Samaritan in action locally including:
• Steve Hitchcock and young people of the town, who described acts of kindness and support in the daily life of their school
• Mia Alligan, representing Launchpad, spoke about providing food for those in need. Launchpad are in turn supported by their partners at Budleigh Salterton Methodist Church
• Gavin March, Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, highlighted efforts to protect the natural environment.
• Sarah Coles, Budleigh Information Centre, described how the town continues to work together to care for its residents.
On behalf of the Town Council, Town Mayor Cllr Penny Lewis invited My Lord-Lieutenant Deputy, Deborah Hallett, to present special gifts of gratitude from the town:
• To Alderman Christine Channon, who retired in May after serving as Devon County Councillor for this division since 1993.
• To Mrs Caz Sismore-Hunt, who retired in May after thirty years as a Town Councillor, including several years as Town Mayor and to Mrs Lynda Evans, who retired last year after many years of service as councillor and Town Mayor, who were not able to attend.
The town also remembered Mr Paul Jarvis, who passed away in April. He had served as District Councillor for the ward and as manager of the Hospicecare Budleigh shop.
In their address, His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant Deborah Hallett praised the dedication of Budleigh’s representatives: “In their years of service to the town as your elected representatives, they have shown kindness and compassion. Budleigh Salterton thanks them all for their committed service and wishes them well for the future.”
The celebration concluded a reflection led by Rev Martin Jacques, reinforcing the central theme: Kindness is a universal human quality. It is not exclusive to faith but fundamental to how we live together. The story of the Good Samaritan speaks to us all and inspires us to show compassion in our daily lives. This event was a heartfelt reminder of all that is good and caring in Budleigh Salterton — a
community bound together by kindness.
10/3/2025
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