TAVISTOCK Revisited? is the latest in a long line of books by Gerry Woodcock guaranteed to rekindle fond memories. The superb collection of 200 photos featured in the book has been taken from the author?s private collection and the archive of Tavistock Museum. The photos, along with supporting text, provide a fascinating insight into the development of the town. Tavistock was often called ?the Gothic Town of the West? as much was redeveloped in the Victorian era when it was a centre for the copper mining industry. The first, and longest, chapter is entitled ?The Setting? and gives an impression of the physical appearance of the town, from roads and streets, waterways, buildings, views and open spaces. Some of the streets do not appear to have changed too much, but one thing is very noticeable ? the lack of cars. The remaining eight chapters focus on the people and all that has occupied them. Among organisations featured include the scouts, St John Ambulance, various schools, the Townswomen?s Guild, firemen, churches, Dartmoor Rescue Group, bellringers and theatrical groups. Traders in ?Trading and Competing? include Beckerleg?s, Sweet?s, Creber?s and Bill the Baker, while the ?competing? side includes a swimming gala at the old swimming pool, the pannier market dog shows and flower shows. The forces are amply covered, along with sportsmen of various eras and sports. Railways, mining, farming, celebrations of various kinds... If you were involved in any of these you may find yourself in print. Various famous people have visited the town, from royals? including King Edward VIII ? to General Booth in 1904. Politicians and councillors also feature, not surprisingly, with an intriguing photo of Michael Heseltine in 1970 perched on a window ledge pointing skyward! Perhaps the way he hoped to go! There is an interesting artist?s impression of the town?s first public library, which was classically designed and stood in Bedford Square. It was critised for being out of keeping with surrounding styles ? which is obvious from the image ? and demolished in 1831. Other buildings long gone and not-so-long gone are included, with hints of a past lifestyle. The weather has always been a popular photographic subject. ?Communicating and Informing? includes a photo of a train trapped in a blizzard near Princetown in March 1891. Additional information states that during the blizzard ?the staff of The Tavistock Gazette, running out of paper, feared that issue No 1,751 would not be able to be printed, but the discovery in the office of a supply of pink paper made it possible to produce a limited, strange-looking edition?. As now, the show must go on! This is an informative and entertaining book whether or not you grew up in the town. l Published in paperback by Tempus Publishing Limited, ?Tavistock Revisited? by Gerry Woodcock is available price £12.99 from local bookshops.

ANN PARSONS