TAVISTOCK, Devon
United Kingdom 

TAVISTOCK

Westcountry Winners
Best Local Food Awards



UK Award Winner 2004
'Best Market Town'



The Canal viewed from
The Meadows, Tavistock

A restored lock gate

 © 2008 TAVISTOCK FORWARD
VeeBee Design
 

TAVISTOCK CANAL BI-CENTENNIAL

The original suggestion to mark Tavistock Canal's 200th birthday was made by Jean Warns and proposed by Graham Kirkpatrick at an open meeting of Tavistock Forward in May 2002. The proposal was adopted and Tavistock Forward set up a group to plan the celebrations, chaired by Simon O'Connor-Thompson. The main members were Barbara Fenton, Brian Woods, Graham Kirkpatrick, John Taylor, Kelvin Stagg, Moira Andrews and Steve Cryer who between them put in hundreds of hours of work.

It was soon decided that the centrepiece would be an exhibition and Steve Carrick, professional design joined the team. The exhibition is now on long-term display at Morwellham Quay.
The second element was a Schools Pack for the 22 schools in the Tavistock area and included an interactive 'virtual' walk along with canal - including the tunnel - provided on CD created by Brian Woods. The third provision was a walkers guide, now available from the Tourist Information Centre.

In April 2003 the Inland Waterways Association helped clean the canal and again in July, the Tavistock and District Conservation Project and local residents continued the process.

The celebrations were funded from a number of sources, with the main grant being £5,000 from 'Awards for All'. The Tamar Valley Service provided funds plus research details undertaken for them by Martin Summers and Dr. Greaves through an Devon County Council award. Tamar Valley Service members Tim Selman and Stephen Russell were unfailingly helpful throughout the 15 month project.

Finally, thanks must also go to the owners of the canal, South West Water who provided funds plus various equipment needed to clean up the canal. Tamar Valley AONB are currently working with local residents to continue improvements to the canal.

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