THE first ever fundraising event for the Tavistock Heritage Trust took place on November 8 in the old Tavistock Magistrates’ Court.

The trust held an auction night to raise funds to help support heritage projects in Tavistock.

Just over 30 people attended and helped to raise a staggering £1,120. The auction night had 16 prizes donated by local businesses showing their support for this newly formed charitable trust.

Key lots included a signed Arsenal Football Club shirt, a drone flight from DragonflyDrones, a framed heritage map of Tavistock from Go Maps and other prizes donated by Moorland Garden Hotel, The Bedford Hotel, Miss Ivy Events, Walter C Parsons, Claire Doyle Marketing, A New Southwest, Howell’s Butchers, Tavistock Golf Course and Made with Maturity.

The auctioneer for the evening was Leanne Elliot from Certitude Services who made the night entertaining for all.

The trust was also delighted to help support new local business Peace and Coffee which provided the catering served from a classic and converted Piaggio Ape.

Sue Spackman, chairman of the trust, said: ‘We are delighted with the outcome of our first fundraising event and so grateful for the support from local businesses and residents of the area.’

The trust is organising a heritage walking tour on November 24 — Tavistock’s Pubs and Breweries, past and present. For information visit www.heritageintavistock.org

The trust will also be taking part in Dickensian Evening on December 1 by opening up the former magistrates’ court for visitors to go in and find out more about the work of the trust and how they can get involved.