I WAS seething last week when I read a letter concerning Goose Fair from a Mr Luckhurst. He obviously does not know anything about Goose Fair.
Having lived in Tavistock all my life, being the fith generation to live here, Goose Fair does consist of tacky stalls a lovely smell of onions and roundabouts, it has never been an agricultural fair — he should go to Widdecome Fair for that.
We do have animals and geese, which are auctioned at the local cattle market which was well signed, and people who come to the fair know where it is.
The fair has always consisted of stalls, years ago there was Mr Strong who sold magic health cures, there was the cheapjacks who could keep you listening for hours with their quick patter.
There was the boxing tent where people were challenged to beat the boxer for money, also the bearded lady, and the hall of mirrors which made you all shapes and sizes, everybody had a good laugh.
The format of the stalls and roundabouts have altered over the years but it has always been a fun day out for young and old.
Why is there always a do-gooder who wants to put a dampener on everyone's fun?
I wonder why he thinks thousands of people return to Tavistock every Goose Fair day? Yes they come back to see neighbours and friends they have not seen all year, and yes they come back to see the animals, the tacky stalls, as he put it, and have a good day out, long may it continue.
Hooray for Goose Fair, I am in my late sixties and look forward to it every year.
Rosemary Pethick
Tavy Road
Greenlands, Tavistock