DURING the last few months I have followed with interest the ongoing saga of the ceiling of the town hall in Tavistock. Whilst I would not wish to comment on the merits of modern or traditional methods of repair, it seems that one thing is certain and that is that the cost, by whichever way is eventually chosen, will be far from cheap. In an age where it seems ever more frequent that we look to others to do everything for us am I alone in remembering the expression we had drummed into us as children, ?God helps those who help themselves?. With that in mind and acknowledging that the beautiful ceiling in the town hall indeed deserves the best restoration possible, why do not the town council use that self same facility for a number of fundraising events to help offset the end? A masked ball, murder mystery evening, music concerts and dinner dance could for example be ideas to consider. I offer the thought for consideration by all those involved. Miss J Nowak, Sheepstor THERE seem to be two issues regarding the repairs to the Tavistock Town Hall ceiling. Firstly is the planning application, already much discussed.Secondly, and more importantly, especially with regard to the taxpayers? money, is that the traditional method, employed originally, no doubt lasted many, many years. So why has the last ?traditional? refurbishment only lasted 12 years, or even less? If this is the standard to be expected today, then surely it makes sense to do it the modern way? If lath and plaster is to be insisted upon, then maybe the conservationists should be called upon to underwrite the project to cover the costs of repairs in the near future. A R Farr, Chillaton
