A TAVISTOCK resident has launched a poetry campaign as a reaction to the possible loss of the town's Woolworth's store, writes Ann Parsons.

Dr Ann Pulsford feels her poem, 'Christmas at Woolworth's', embraces the 'sentiments and nostalgia' people felt about the store. She said: 'The Woolworth's in Tavistock is thriving and will leave a big gap in the high street and local community. Many people feel very sad at the prospect of losing Woolworth's from Tavistock town centre.'

Ann, a member of the Friends of the Wharf Writers' Group, now intends to produce a book of poems before Christmas about the 'wonder of Woolworth's' and what the store means to people, in a 'power of poetry' mini campaign to save the store — even though she realises the company is in receivership and there is not much hope. The book will be sold in aid of the Children's Hospice South West.

She currently has 20 poems given to her by local people and said she was 'astonished' that a poem could draw people's attention to something they had taken for granted. 'There is a big emotional connection: it is a way you can communicate,' she said.

She hopes her work will inspire many more to write about the store, which she said for many encapsulated 'the excitement of Christmas as a child'.

Contact Ann on 01822 611441 if you would like to submit a poem.

Christmas at Woolworth's

by Ann Pulsford

This may be the last Christmas with Woolworth's

I'm very sad to say

This store reminds me of my childhood

Those memories will not fade away

The cheap toys and the tinsel and the sweets piled high

Childhood dreams of dolls and fairy costumes

It makes me want to cry

Woolworth's had its own special Christmas magic

As you walked in through the door

The pick and mix were there to greet you

And the lovely polished wooden floors

Some things we just want to hang onto

They're etched in our hearts and more

And the lasting popularity of Woolworth's

Was because it was a favourite Christmas store

You could get almost anything at Woolworth's

At a price we could all afford

Surely now we all have less money

We need you more and more?

I know that you're now an enigma

You don't make any kind of financial sense

But all the best things in life are like that

And Woolworth's was part of the community wherever you went

Well, goodbye then old Woolworth's

I have loved you all my life

Without realising how much you meant to me

Your imminent departure cuts me like a knife

Already I am missing you

With your welcoming staff and displays

Surely we all need a bit of tinsel and magic

In these dark credit-crunching days?

l The Friends of the Wharf Writer's Group held its 12th Teatime Literary Delights poetry and short story reading last Wednesday. Thanks to a small grant from Grassroots Devon Community, awarded to Ann on behalf of the friends, the readers had a microphone for the readings, which enhanced the enjoyment of the event, particularly for those with hearing impairment or who found it difficult to project their voices.

The event, attended by more than 50 people in the audience and 30-plus readers, was themed around Christmas and wearing something red.

Shirley Rose judged the best outfit competition and prizes were awarded to Rob Jennings and Mary Thompson.

Tea and mince-pies and cream were provided after the readings. Recordings of the event will be available from the Wharf.