ALMOST 100 people took part in an all-day buffet meal at the Ganges Restaurant in Tavistock recently, which raised £1,280 for the victims of the recent cyclone in Bangladesh. In addition, most of the donors signed Gift Aid declarations which will enable the Disasters Emergency Committee to reclaim approximately £270 from the Inland Revenue, bringing the grand total to about £1,550. Ganges owner Mr Shahadath Chowdhury said 'Several people who couldn't attend gave us money instead. There was a pot on the counter for extra donations, and all the staff put their tips into it that day. 'Cooking started at 10am and doors opened at midday. At one time we had seven people working in the kitchen and six serving, including friends from restaurants in Bideford and Plymouth who came to help us. "We are grateful to all the people who participated, a good mix of regular customers and new ones. They came from Tavistock and the surrounding villages, Okehampton, Cornwall and Plymouth.' Mr Chowdhury said there was absolutely no waste: 'The food we prepared was just the right amount! We closed at 10pm and the last customer took the final portion! 'We are very pleased with the results. This money will make a big difference to the lives of people who have lost everything and whose needs will continue for a long time to come.'
