Thelbridge Parish Clerk Celebrates 50 Years of Service in Local Government

At the conclusion of the recent Thelbridge Parish Council meeting, councillors congratulated Parish Clerk Malcolm Vallance on reaching an extraordinary milestone of 50 years’ service in local government and community life.

Malcolm’s public service began in 1976 when he was elected to Kingsteignton Parish Council. Over the following five decades, he has dedicated himself to supporting local communities across Devon, including 43 years as Clerk to Sandford Parish Council, a period as Clerk to Crediton Hamlets Parish Council, and most recently joining Thelbridge Parish Council in 2025.

Throughout his career, Malcolm has also held a remarkable number of voluntary and community roles. These have included serving as Chairman of Kingsteignton Parish Council, founding Chairman and President of the Kingsteignton/Orbec Twinning Association, Treasurer of the Kingsteignton Ram Roasting Fair, and Founding Chairman of the Sandford Pantomime Association.

His commitment to community service has extended to charitable and cultural organisations, including volunteering as a steward at Exeter Cathedral, supporting local wellbeing initiatives, editing the Sandford Parish Magazine and Parish Council website, and compiling community scrapbooks documenting Covid, royal celebrations, and village life.

In May 2025, Sandford Parish Council presented Malcolm with a Recognition Award for his 42 years as Parish Clerk and the many voluntary hours he devoted to the community. Later this year, he is also due to take up an appointment as a Trustee of Devon Communities Together.

Pictured: Malcolm Vallance with Thelbridge Parish Council Chair Linsey Clements.