'EXCITING' times were this week forecast by the principal of Tavistock College as preparation for the formation of the school's community forum begins.

The college became a co-operative trust last autumn. It is still funded by the local authority and follows the national curriculum — but it is supported by a fully established charitable trust. In Tavistock's case, the partner members are UCP Marjon and Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, in addition to the Co-operative Movement.

The creation of a community forum is a requirement of the college's trust status.

Mrs Salmon said: 'This year we have been setting up the structures and processes for what will be a really exciting time, the launch of the forum in September.

'As a body I really want the forum to have some weight, not just be tokenistic. It's open to students, their parents and staff, but the really exciting thing is it's open to the wider community, on an individual level and to groups or local organisations who are interested in the school.

'Tavistock is a very strong community, there's a lot happening here and the forum is all about forming links within it.'

Mrs Salmon said the community forum was really a key part of the ethos behind being a co-operative trust school — where the school involves the community by building partnerships and co-operative ways of learning.

She said she hoped individuals or groups from all sorts of sectors within the Tavistock area would be inspired to join the forum, ultimately benefiting the community as well as the school itself.

Mrs Salmon said: 'I am keen to form links on a really broad level. Within the arts for example, we are looking to form a new choir.

'We have a gospel choir which is great, but I want to start a really big choir.

'To help us get the choir off the ground we would welcome support from the community — we are particularly looking for an accompanist, for example.'

Mrs Salmon said the school had already formed close partnerships through its growing and allotment project, but there were many areas in which she wanted closer links with the community.

'It would be nice to have a pool of community groups, sports clubs, businesses and organisations wanting to engage with the college — we have already made a positive start here through our links with the chamber.

'We want to be able to host things here — the Lions Club community fayre is being held here, we had the big Sing concert here last night, part of the music and arts festival.

'We want to be able to give back to the community, make more use of our facilities here for the benefit of people in the area,' said Mrs Salmon.

'The buildings should be used in the evenings, it's a wasted resource otherwise.'

Sports clubs, local groups and organisations, businesses and individuals wishing to learn more about the Tavistock College Community Forum should call Angela Thomas on 01822 614231.