THE history of Chagford will be told in a spectacular outdoor performance later this month to mark the 700th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter establishing Chagford as a Stannary Town Dancers, singers and performers from the town, numbering around 50 in total, have got together to stage the open-air spectacular in the round in Chagford Square. Chagford became a Stannary Town 700 years ago ? one of four controlling the vital tin industry. The history of Chagford will be told from the discovery of tin, through to the awarding of the charter as well as an episode where tinners rioted after being put in prison at Lydford. Awards for All has made a grant of £1,625 towards the event, which is also being supported by Chagford Parish Council. Mary Morton, who is helping to organise the event, said everyone connected with the project was ?over the moon? at receiving the money. She said the entertainment could not really have been put on without the support of Awards For All, because although everyone taking part would be giving their time free of charge, there was a cost in creating dazzling props and costumes to bring the show to life. The entertainment in the square is due to get underway from 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. The Awards For All Scheme run by the Big Lottery Fund makes small grants of between £500 and £5,000 to grass roots community groups and organisations. Steve Barriball, senior awards officer, said: ?These awards will mean a great deal to those groups which have been successful in this latest round and, even though the individual awards are relatively small, they will have an enormous impact on what these organisations are trying to achieve and be of great benefit to the local communities in which they are operating. ?There have been over ten years of Lottery funding making a real difference to community projects? added Mr Barriball.
