A COMMUNITY fair promoting ways of making life easier for older people in West Devon was attended by more than 1,000 people last Saturday (June 22).
More than 40 organisations joined forces on the day for an event which was the first of its kind to be held in the borough. The high turnout made the event a resounding success for organisers West Devon Community Safety Partnership.
Dozens of stands in Tavistock Pannier Market provided information about goods and services to older people, their relatives and carers, on subjects ranging from health, crime prevention, carer support and disability information to leisure activities, finance, healthy eating and fire safety.
Activities throughout the day including a dramatic chip pan fire demonstration by Devon Fire and Rescue and a mobile community internet cafe, where young people teach technology skills on board a space-shuttle-shaped cafe. Entertainment on the day was provided by students from Tavistock College and Tavistock singing group Music Box.
Nick Payne, West Devon Borough Council's lead officer for the Partnership, said that visitors to the Fair had been very receptive.
'Given this was the first attempt at an event of this kind, we were very pleased at how well it was received.
'Visitors were delighted at the comprehensive nature of the exhibitions. Several people who do not live in the Borough said they hoped their councils would run similar events,' said Mr Payne.