Honiton Nub News speaks to Cllr Jenny Brown: ‘Honiton is a pretty unique town’

This week Honiton Nub News caught up with Honiton Town Councillor Jenny Brown.

Elected as a new Town Councillor in March 2022, Cllr Brown is part of the largely new Town Council that has formed in the past year. She was elected alongside Lisa Beigan, Cathy Maunder and Robert Fowles

Cllr Brown ran the Monkton Court Hotel from 2008 to 2021.

She told Nub News about her new role as Town Councillor: "I can honestly say I am absolutely loving the role. It gives me the opportunity to put back into the community and help people wherever possible.

"I was amazed how much helping residents and groups and being involved has meant to me - it has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have had.

"It is so interesting to hear people's stories of why they have set up a particular group or charity and what roles they have within the town. I really admire the people of Honiton: they are proactive and full of positive energy!"

On Saturday August 20 Cllr Brown Jenny Cllr Tony McCollum took part in the latest Honiton Town Council surgery session. The informal 'drop-in' sessions offer locals an opportunity to raise any issues with the council, get to know them and learn about the work that they do for the town.

The sessions were a regular occurrence before the pandemic struck and the council are pleased to have restarted them.

Honiton's Gate to Plate Food Festival also took place on Saturday, which, combined with the sunshine and Honiton's usual Saturday Market, made for a lively and friendly atmosphere with lots of residents out and about enjoying themselves.

Jenny spoke to Nub News about Saturday's Surgery, why she thinks the sessions are important and what feedback she has received from the people of Honiton.

"It was a fantastic day! The sun was shining, the town was buzzing and the people were smiling. We had a very successful, enjoyable morning.

"Some people raised concerns, but some just stopped to say hello and mention that the new council seem to be very positive."

Some of the issues raised by constituents included overgrown flowerbeds, verges and pathways. People were also interested in the new bus timetable, and some were enquiring about The Beehive and forthcoming events.

"I think the surgeries are a very important part of the councillor's remit. It gives an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation in a relaxed environment. The surgeries are the approachable public face of Honiton Town Council, we bring the council to the marketplace, making it accessible to all. 

"If you have a concern, it could be quite daunting to attend full council and speak in front of everyone. The surgeries are the ideal opportunity to meet your councillors and discuss your views or concerns. If we cannot answer them immediately then we will do our homework to try and find a solution.

"It is our responsibility as elected councillors to be proactive within the community. We are looking to be effective advocates for our residents and communities that we represent. 

"For instance, on Sunday, Councillors Tony McCollum, Joseph Furneaux-Gotch and Anna Proszowska were steam cleaning the top of the memorial. They have done such a great job - especially considering Anna does not like heights and it was her birthday!

"What does come across from speaking to people is their love for Honiton, we are a pretty unique town where Honiton health really does matter."