BARBARA Anning, in her letter last week, was actually incorrect in her recollection that there had been a tradition of lighting a beacon on Gibbet Hill, which the current parish council in Mary Tavy had broken by not lighting a beacon for the Queen’s birthday. 

In fact it is many years since there was a beacon on Gibbet Hill. 

The parish council of the time had failed to arrange a beacon for the Queen’s Jubilee in 2012.  Instead a local community charity, the Mary Tavy Jubilee Group, was formed and we stepped in to arrange a beacon bonfire at the last minute, which could not be on Gibbet Hill but was held in a local farmer’s field. 

It was an event which was, as Mrs Anning puts in, enjoyed by all ages and a wonderful social occasion.

From that event the concept of an annual bonfire night was born and the success of the event has continued to grow, attracting hundreds of visitors each year to a free evening with bonfire, fireworks, stalls and great food and drink. 

The Mary Tavy Jubilee Group also promotes many other community and heritage events and activities within the parish, as well as raising funds to enhance facilities.

The Jubilee Group had considered doing something for the Queen’s 90th birthday but found there to be insufficient enthusiasm and a lack of anyone willing to take on the arrangements.

Had there been a beacon or other event for the Queen’s birthday, Mrs Anning might possibly not have been aware of it as she has requested not to receive the free newsletter published by the Jubilee Group.

 

Trustees

Mary Tavy Jubilee Group

MARY Tavy Parish Council would not normally expect to communicate with a parishioner through the pages of the Tavistock Times as there are many means and opportunities for residents to contact the council, either through the clerk, talking to any of the councillors, coming to a parish council meeting, or at the annual parish meeting which was held last week. 

However, as Mrs Anning has written to the Tavistock Times we feel we must offer a response. 

I would like to remind Mrs Anning that in 2012, when beacons were being arranged for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, the parish council of Mary Tavy at that time was found to be wanting, and if it had not been for a new local organisation, The Jubilee Group, the beacon bonfire would not have taken place.

Members of the present council, as we are few in numbers, felt that our efforts at this time would be better spent sorting out inherited problems, taking positive steps forward on important local issues and through improved financial management being able to reduce the annual parish precept by 2.5% to the benefit of all parishioners. 

At our meeting, when options had been discussed, councillors stated that if any member of the public would like to organise a celebration for the Queen’s birthday we would be fully supportive.  No-one put themselves forward to achieve this.

Many local councils and community groups have opted not to organise a beacon, whether due to cost or time constraints, and I am sure that they, like Mary Tavy Parish Council, do wish the Queen a very happy 90th birthday.

Cllr Michael Fife Cook

Vice-Chair, Mary Tavy Parish Council