by Preb John Rawlings, of Tavistock?s St Eustachius Church This is the 13th Christmas message I have written and, sadly, it will be my last. For almost 14 years Janette and I have been privileged to be part of the life of Tavistock and we are so grateful for the friendship, support and encouragement we have enjoyed from so many people in the community during that time. It will be a great wrench to say ?goodbye? even though we leave to go to a life and ministry which will bring new tasks, challenges and, I am sure, satisfactions. Doing all that one has to do in preparing to move house and set up a new home at this time of year reminds us of the young couple who journeyed from their home to Bethlehem, which is what all our celebrations stem from. That God shared the life of humanity in a baby born to a single mother and her fiancé in very difficult circumstances and who when he grew up devoted a lot of time to the poor, the vulnerable, the outcast, the sick and those who were rejected by society, giving them hope and in many senses new life is a very good reason to celebrate and perhaps reflect on what we can do to make a difference to our world now. As you journey through your life I hope you will all find peace, joy, love, justice and freedom and have a very Happy Christmas and a fulfilling and rewarding 2006. God bless Tavistock.

by Cllr Jenny Metcalf, Mayor of Tavistock IT has been a wonderful year for Tavistock. We started with a gorgeous garden festival, then Antiques Road Show ? quite a thrill. In the autumn we enjoyed seeing the first programme filmed in Tavistock and we look forward to the second, with marble busts and clocks, in the spring of 2006. Fancy one little town with two programmes within six months on the Antiques Road Show. Well done everybody. Our market continues to go from strength to strength with old and new faces ? congratulations to you all. Throughout the year, we?ve had a rolling programme of Charter celebrations, both market 900th anniversary and stannary 700th anniversary ? Mediaeval Fairs, books, quilts fittingly displayed in the Pannier Market by the Goosey Quilters? generosity, and Lammas concerts, fascinating, to start and finish the year?s celebrations. Next year ? 2006 ? we look forward to other regional and national events, all underpinned by our thriving and vibrant individual shops and our market. We look forward to the outcome of the Best Food Town Bid. So many wonderful concerts this year and from our own Stannary band, music festivals and for me the excellent production of the Tavonians? Canterbury Tales and A Christmas Carol. Happy Christmas to you all, a peaceful and healthy New Year and to quote Tiny Tim, God bless every one.