Cllr Ian Mitchelmore (Vice Chair)

Although I was born at my Gran’s home in Strete, I have lived in Slapton all my life. My first school was in Slapton, going onto Stokenham Junior school and finally Kingsbridge secondary school. On leaving school I became an apprentice agricultural engineer at Soper’s in East Allington, attending Exeter Technical College and studying a three year City and Guilds course. My engineering knowledge was also put to good use in supervisory and managerial roles in a chip, a crisp, and a popcorn factory. In between the factory work I was a self-employed franchisee selling cleaning and hygiene chemicals to many types of business throughout Devon.

My Mother and Father both served on Slapton Parish Council. I joined as a councillor in 2019 but will not surpass my Mother, who notched up about forty years as a Councillor and ten years as a very proactive Chairperson.

I feel fortunate to have grown up in a community where people came together and supported each other. We as children spent a lot of time at the beach and in the surrounding countryside, which I have not taken for granted and still appreciate. I have always enjoyed the local walks and now having an electric bike enjoy cycling much more! We are privileged to have so much available in our small village – I attend a Pickleball session each week without having to travel to Kingsbridge or Dartmouth.