TAVISTOCK College will again be the venue for the popular firework display organised by the town?s Lions Club. The event was previously held in the Meadows. But last year?s firework show at the college was so succesful that the Lions, with the agreement of principal Colin Eves, have decided to stage it there again. The firing team were delighted with the college venue as it gave them a much greater area in which to work and made the control of the spectators easier to manage. The spectacular display to music will take place on Saturday November 3 with the gates opening at 6.15pm and the display starting at 7pm. Admission will be £3 for adults and £1 for children, and limited free parking will be available at the college ?people are advised to arrive early and enjoy the Lions? barbecue while waiting for the display to start. The organisers ask that people coming to the display leave their own fireworks, including sparklers, at home so as to avoid any unfortunate accidents. Health and safety for everybody at the event is of paramount importance so there is close co-operation with the fire and rescue service which will be in attendance. Tavistock fire station commander Tim Smith says the letting off of fireworks by inexperienced people in their own back garden with young children about can be extremely dangerous. In many instances it is impossible to maintain the correct safety distance. He said: ?We would always strongly recommend that people go to official displays such as the one organised by the Lions where you can see a spectacular display and where everything is done to ensure everybody?s safety. ?Fireworks and bonfires are extremely dangerous. People don?t have the training or specialist knowledge to know how to deal with these or use them properly. It is illegal to set off fireworks in a public place.? ?Consider the impact that it will have on neighbours specifically their pets. This is a very stressful time for animals and more people need to be aware of this.? His thoughts have been echoed by the Callington branch of Cats Protection who have issued advice to local owners to help keep cats safe during the fireworks season. Cats Protection?s Lynda Dawe can be contacted on 01579 382794 for more information and advice. Alternatively, the RSPCA has advice on its website, http://www.rspca.org.uk">www.rspca.org.uk
