I HEAR through the grapevine that the elderly of Tavistock have been denied the use of the popular little rest room, that was situated in the downtown area, through it's closure.
What a shame. I have visited Tavistock quite a few times and always thought that this was a wonderful boon to the older residents and showed that the local authorities cared about their welfare and their ability to shop without asking anyone to help. I always thought that it would be a good thing to try here in the US. Now I understand that it is no more.
Have the same ethics and double dealing that permeates parliament arrived in Tavistock? I was led to believe that the place was left to the aged in perpetuity by a church. Was its location, so valuable to some business interests, such a temptation that old people be damned, it had to be exploited?
Local politicians, all promises and platitudes, have shown their true colours.
George J Moore
3675 Emerald Lane
Mulberry
Fl. 33860
USA
WITH reference to the loss of the Old Folk's Rest Room (Times, February 18) could someone explain how we lost it so easily?
Sixty years ago this building was paid for by the people of Tavistock and was to be erected on land to be donated by the church. How did it end up being owned by others?
Our little room in the heart of Tavistock was a wonderful amenity which was used as a base for visiting the market and the local shops. We met our friends and caught up on the news. It was always warm and welcoming, cheaper than heating at home and for those living alone there was companionship.
Some have mobility problems and the central position of our small room enabled us to rest during our shopping expeditions. Not everyone lives on a bus route, some need to walk into town and the rest room was perfectly situated to have a break before going on.
This was not just a cafe, for some it was a second home, it is sorely missed and its loss is still lamented.
I B Thomas
The Nook, Tavistock