Cllr Debbie Morris (Dartmouth Mayor 2008-09)

Dartmouth Connection - Cllr Debbie Morris (Dartmouth Mayor 2008-09)

Were you born in Dartmouth?

Oh yes born and bred as were my parents and generations before them and there are connections to Totnes as well.  I went to Dartmouth Primary School and then on to Churston Grammar and after completing A levels I went to teacher training college in Gloucestershire.  After three years there I came back to Dartmouth where I had already met Douglas my future

husband.

What did you do on your return to Dartmouth?

I went into my husband’s family business ‘The Scarlet Geranium’ which some people might remember was in Fairfax Place.  That was from 1977 to 1988 and after that business was sold my husband and I bought the Singing Kettle in Smith Street which we ran until 2006 when we decided to take an early retirement and a well earned rest!

How long have you served on Dartmouth Council?

Sixteen years since 1992 when I took the place of Brian Measures.  He resigned and I won the place in the local by election.  Since then I have served as Deputy Mayor five times to Maggie Roberts, Paul Darby, Peter Norton and Iris Pritchard.  Then in May 2008 I was given the honour by my fellow Councillors of actually becoming Mayor.

Putting on the Mayors robes and regalia must have been a proud moment?

An extremely proud moment definitely but the realisation hits you that you’re going to be the one representing Dartmouth and it is a heavy commitment. I am only the eighth lady mayor since records have been kept back in the early 1300’s.  Of course the Dartmouth regalia is probably one of the most envied across the South West if not the country.  The chain which was made in 1895 has huge historical importance. Other mayors always want to inspect it!    

Have you been nervous about any of your duties?

One of my first duties as Mayor was to inspect the parade at the Mayoral Divisions Passing Out Parade in May at BRNC and I must admit I was terrified.  I had closely watched Her Majesty The Queen do the same thing the month before, thinking that was what I was going to have to do myself!  It was made easier by the kindness of the Commodore and officers at the College who explained what was happening and guided me through it.  Also, the Second Sea Lord who was retiring, was there sharing the duties on the parade ground with me that day.  It was a marvellous experience.

What are your main priorities as Mayor?

In my civic duties as mayor, which are separate to the other duties as Chairman of the Council, I always try to support the children of the town and I will always endeavour to attend any of their events.  Also I give my backing to Dartmouth associations and charities which do such good work in the town.  

My other job as Chairman of the Council is more difficult in a lot of ways and involves me attending the office in the Guildhall most days.  To lead the council and remain neutral when you obviously have your own views can be tricky at times but I am there to listen to all sides of an argument and hopefully lead them to the right decision for the town.

The situation in the town is worrying at the moment with the economic down turn but maybe this is the time when we need to reassess where we are and which direction the town wants to go.  Tourism is our main industry and we should nurture that and make us the best there is.  The Council is taking the current situation seriously and will do everything possible to get Dartmouth through it.

Do you have time to indulge in any of your own hobbies?

Certainly our plans of leading a quieter life have been put on the back burner and I don’t have much spare time but I do still try to add to my stamp and postcard collections.  Also I enjoy baking speciality cakes for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries but it only tends to be for family and friends now.

Do you have a last message?

To be Dartmouth’s mayor is a great honour and privilege and I promise to serve the town to the very best of my abilities.

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