A STREET party in Okehampton to mark the Queen Mother's birthday on August 4 will also be a celebration of 100 years of the town's history.
The Chamber of Trade led event is gathering momentum following a brainstorming session last Thursday to which 18 members of the public turned up.
Chamber member Derek Godfrey-Brown, who is scouting for 'foot soldiers' to help prior to the event and on the day, said a number of ideas came forward at the meeting which were being explored.
One of these is a photographic exhibition of the past 100 years of Okehampton and a tea dance or some musical entertainment and a cream tea for the senior citizens.
'I was encouraged by the turnout and we are going to give it a good go,' said Mr Godfrey-Brown. 'I would be delighted to see more people at the next meeting in the council chamber on May 24 at 7pm.'
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, will be 100-years-old on August 4 and the chamber wanted to hold an event to celebrate 'the life of a great lady'
Mr Godfrey-Brown said it was also a chance to celebrate the millennium and 100 years of history in Okehampton.
'At the moment we are selling the idea and enthusing the people — it is a community thing not just something that the chamber or the town council is doing.'
He said the Government had implied Friday, August 4, was going to be a public holiday but there had been no specific statement as yet. The events are set to kick off at lunchtime.
People are in favour of the main events being held in St James Street rather than Fore Street following the 'community atmosphere' created during the Pancake Races but road closure orders will be sought for both locations.
Jugglers, singers, children's races, a brass band and street dancing are some of the attractions the chamber but like to see.
'We have not set anything in concrete,' added Mr Godfrey-Brown. 'We want things that will interest the whole spectrum of the community.'