RETIREMENT presentations have been made to Watchet Town Council clerk Sarah Reed, who has stepped down after 21 years with the authority.

Ms Reed joined the town council in 2002 as a finance officer, standing in as acting clerk for maternity cover the following year, and being offered the job permanently in 2004 after she had studied for professional qualifications.

She then studied for two years with Gloucester University to achieve even higher qualifications despite having two young sons aged nine and 12 years, which led to a network of lifelong friendships with other clerks around the country.

In 2010, Ms Reed became a Somerset branch executive member of the Society of Local Council Clerks, offering advice for other clerks across West Somerset, a role which she only recently gave up.

Ms Reed said: “I am very proud of what I have achieved for Watchet Town Council and proud of the pro-active approach staff and members have towards working for their community, and we can all agree Watchet is an amazing community.

“However, I will enjoy coming to the town as a visitor and enjoying its attractions, as my job was so busy I rarely had time to appreciate it fully.

“I have worked with many fantastic councillors over the years, many have inspired me in a positive way and have been wonderful to work with. 

“There are clashes of personalities in all walks of life, but I would urge councillors to work positively together to serve a very deserving community.”

Ms Reed thanked councillors for their support in what she said had been a ‘very rewarding, challenging, and sometimes very stressful role’, to which she gave 110 per cent commitment.

“I hope that my efforts have made a difference to how effectively and lawfully the council continues to operate, but feel it is time to move on to pastures new and send you all my best wishes,” she said.

Watchet Mayor Cllr Olivia Campbell said: “Sarah has been both a rock and inspiration to me as town councillor and latterly as chair of council.

“Her knowledge and experience has helped us navigate some stormy waters over recent years.

“She is heading off for a well-earned retirement, set to include travel and spending time with family.

“We all wish her a long, healthy, and happy retirement and will miss her good sense, and especially her sense of humour.”

The town council’s new clerk is Jo Grellier, who was promoted to deputy clerk in 2022 after gaining her professional qualifications.