THE community spirit of a small village in West Devon has left one resident amazed and extremely grateful. Jo Williams, from the Old Rectory near Gulworthy, was planning a Hallowe'en party for the neighbours to raise money for Gulworthy Primary School, with more than 200 people due to arrive. Then four days before the party her son Cameron, six, became extremely ill and had to be taken into Tavistock Hospital and then to Derriford Hospital. Jo was not able to do any preparation for the party because he was so ill — then on the day of the event, Jo returned from hospital with Cameron and witnessed goings on that she said would change her mind on community life forever. She said people from the area came to her house with two bouncy castles, a bucking bronco, a marquee from Bowrish Sawmills, and three Landrovers full of food was sent to her home by the Harvest Home pub. Jo said: 'I had 90 children expected to arrive and 150 adults with prizes for the children. 'I was thinking I had let them all down. 'Then people turned up in their droves to support what was happening. I was surprised at the community support everyone showed to help me with this party. 'Nearly 200 people turned up, It was a really good party. 'It was a lovely community atmosphere, and although I was upstairs with Cameron during the evening I was glad everyone had a great time and helped raise money for the school. 'It was strange to have nothing organised one minute and everything sorted in the next. Even the next day people were helping with the cleaning.' Jo works as a life coach and moved into the area four and a half years ago, after living abroad. She lives at home with her two children Cameron and Sarah-Elizabeth, 15. Jo expressed thanks to everyone who helped and attended the party, especially to The Harvest Home for all their help and contributions.
