Goose Fair day dawned grey and overcast — but nothing could daunt the spirits of the thousands who flocked to the annual event.

And it included a first for Devon with a cattle sale — by video.

The fair was opened the previous evening by Tavistock mayor Norma Woodcock, clangingly and loudly assisted by town crier Bob Rose.

Following Cllr Woodcock's declaration, pounding disco music blared out, sirens wailed, lights flashed and hundreds of excited children made for the fair, eager to make the most of the free rides which lasted until 7pm.

On fair day, the streets were soon thronged with crowds, all hoping the threatening rain did not arrive — with the possible exception of the two stallholders who were selling nothing but umbrellas!

Town crier Bob Rose was in spectacular evidence again — this time with about ten colleagues from all over Devon and Cornwall who had decided they wanted to come to the centuries-old fair. They strolled around the town, adding a splash of colour and demonstrating their cries. Steve Cunliffe from Dawlish brought a special children-sized bell with him and local youngster Harry Base enjoyed ringing it with gusto.

The dodgems — which had replaced the police cars in the Guildhall car park — did a roaring trade, while the police station enquiry officer was also kept busy. She said visits from the public started with complaints from residents over loss of parking places, then lost property, trading standards queries and lost children.

For those so inclined, there were a number of gypsies to tell fortunes, and a stall where you could get a palm print and 'discover your true personality' — should you dare!

Charming Doris Manley from the Olive Tree Mission in Wembury was there for the 25th time, giving out engaging tracts written in poetic form, based on Goose Fair.

'Somebody from Meavy sent one to Australia 15 years ago, which was passed to a man in hospital who wrote and asked for 52 more to give to his visitors,' she said.

For non-arachnaphobics there were 'big hairy spiders' for 50p, while wiggly worms fetched an impressive £1. There was 'the biggest towel ever made', a stall strangely selling nothing but cling film and foil, and devices to 'take the drag out of decorating'.

Stalls and rides blared out music ranging from 'A never-ending love for you' to a pounding disco beat, and smells ranged from spicy cider to, of course, the traditional roast goose baps. Refreshments were provided by beavering workers at Tavistock Methodist Church and by Tavistock Thistles Football Club in the Alexander Centre.

Also taking advantage of the day was Tavistock AFC, who provided parking at their ground for half the price of the ring-and-ride for those who did not mind a walk.

Henry Lawrence said they had been using this as one of their major fund-raising events for more than 20 years.

Helpers at Harewood House were kept busy with their table-top sale in aid of a sensory unit for the home, with items from 10p to £5. 'It's going very well,' said care worker Anorah Smith.

Honking and hissing live geese made their appearance at the livestock market, with around 80 of them all hoping that Christmas doesn't come too quickly.

In another market building — packed-to-overflowing with farmers — there was a first for Tavistock and Devon — a digital video cattle auction put on by Ward and Chowen. Joe Hess, the auctioneer, described it as 'a leap forward in technology'. Bullocks, bulls, heifers and cows from various farms could be seen on an 8ft by 6ft screen — sometimes, interestingly, in slow motion — while the details were displayed alongside.

Tavistock farmer, Sandra Vallance, said she 'took her hat off' to Ward and Chowen for trying to get things started, but had reservations about being able to judge animals on the screen. 'But we have to get the social side of farming back together again and rebuild our community,' she said, as she looked forward to meeting a friend there she had not seen for nine months because of foot and mouth restrictions.