THE Ruby Country Partnership is holding an open day and networking event on Thursday April 22 at Cookworthy Forest Centre between Dunsland Cross and Halwill Junction.

Started in 2001, Ruby Country was identified as an area between Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor, including Holsworthy and Hatherleigh. The local economy was badly hit by the foot and mouth outbreak and the Ruby Country organisation was formed to promote trade and tourism in the local area.

Ruby Country was previously supported by grants from local stakeholders, which funded a small team, and promotional campaigns and events. This funding ended in April 2009, so a new, not-for-profit organisation — The Ruby Country Partnership — has been formed to take the project forward in to the future.

Cookworthy Forest Centre is the hub for Ruby Country and home to Forest Enterprise and Devon Wildlife Trust.

As well as its own office, there are superb offices for partnership members to rent, hot-desking facilities, a meeting room for hire, outside events space and partners' display area.

Before the first office tenants move in, there is the chance to have a look around at what is on offer, meet some the team of volunteers behind Ruby Country, and learn of plans for the future. All are welcome to drop in at any time between 10am and 6pm.

At the networking event, there is a chance to meet people from other Ruby Country businesses, make new contacts and find out more about the benefits of becoming a member of the partnership. These events have been popular in the past, with many new relationships being formed.

The event will run on a drop-in basis from 6pm to 10pm and as well as the above will include:

l leaflet and business card exchange – bring supplies of your publicity material to exchange with other members, and for the Cookworthy Ruby visitors display area view opportunities to promote your business on the Ruby Country website

l the latest developments on the Ruby Way, the Pegasus Way and the Devon Wildlife Trust Wetland Project

l the new Ruby Country Partnership membership benefits and how to become a member

l future plans for the new, sustainable Ruby Country

l free light buffet and refreshments.

RSVP to Richard Reid on reidamenity@btinternet.

com or 01409 221650.