Malcolm Vallance, current clerk to Thelbridge Parish Council, has reached a significant milestone, notching up half a century of local government service.

The feat was marked by a surprise presentation on Tuesday 1 September, with Cllr Gwen DuChesne MBE, in her role as Cabinet Member for Parish and Community  Engagement at Mid Devon District Council, presenting Malcolm with a 50-year long-service certificate.

Parish councillors, district councillors and local representatives attended the presentation ceremony, which came as a complete surprise to Malcolm.

Before presenting Malcolm with his certificate, Cllr DuChesne spoke about the extraordinary service Malcolm had provided to his local community:

“It is a privilege to recognise Malcolm and his outstanding contribution to local government and community life. This is an extraordinary achievement built on dedication, care and a deep commitment to the communities he has served. From his early role as Chairman of Kingsteignton Parish Council, where he pledged to help the village keep its identity, to his many years as Sandford Parish Clerk and his current role with Thelbridge Parish Council, Malcolm has shown what steady, meaningful public service looks like.

“His contribution reaches far beyond formal duties. He has helped protect local traditions, supported community events, founded organisations, edited parish magazines, volunteered at Exeter Cathedral, and shared his experience more widely as a trustee of Devon Communities Together.

“On behalf of all those who have benefited from Malcolm’s dedication, we say thank you. Thank you for 50 years of service, for your loyalty to local communities, and for the example you have set. Malcolm, your contribution is truly at the heart of the community.”

Photographs courtesy of Alan Quick, Crediton Courier