THERE was standing room only at a packed meeting in Tavistock last week, in which plans for the town?s big 900th anniversary celebrations got under way.

The town was granted its market charter by Henry I in 1105 and a whole year of special events is being organised to celebrate the anniversary in style.

And with 900 years of history to cover, the scope for fun, entertainment, education and commemoration is huge.

Iain Andrews, chairman of the group, said: ?We are looking at doing something quite significant, although our programme I think will depend on the amount of funding we can acquire. We should be looking at as many activities as possible, and then we will probably have to cut our cloth depending on funding.?

He said it was also important to remember that next year was the 700th anniversary of the granting of a Stannary charter to Tavistock, which should be reflected in the celebrations.

Moira Andrews, Tavistock?s chief librarian, said: ?I think we should try and keep the calendar as open and inclusive as possible and link in a whole year of celebrating ? we already have good examples of how other towns have done and how they got their funding.?

The group agreed that all events should be as accessible as possible, to enable all sectors of the community to enjoy them. Accessibility was also likely to be regarded favourably by funding agencies.

It was also agreed an approach should be made to Tavistock Lions Club, suggesting the theme for the town?s carnival in 2005 be linked to the 900th anniversary.

Brian Woods said he would like to see all the different markets of Tavistock featured.

?I would like to see an event every month ? one site each month with a different theme ? wool market, livestock market etc,? he said.

Town and borough councillor Mandy Govier pointed out that the bid to have East Cornwall and West Devon recognised as a World Heritage Site on account of its mining history was being considered by UNESCO next year. This would also complement the celebrations, she said.

Town resident Ann Keelan said the fair did not present Tavistock?s ?best face? and there were suggestions that Goose Fair 2005 should be ?less tacky? and that the image of Tavistock?s major fair be strengthened.

She also suggested a book could be produced, published at the end of the year to provide a commemorative souvenir of a year of celebrations.

An exhibition on the history of Tavistock?s markets will be held. Town resident Graham Kirkpatrick said he thought the pannier market would be an ideal place to hold it ? other suggestions were the town hall and the parish church.

It was agreed a website should be set up, linking to other Tavistock sites.

Other ideas included a logo which could be used on a variety of commemorative items which could be sold to raise funds ? it is possible that children in the Tavistock area could become involved in this respect.

Postcards could also be produced in this way and banners would be made to decorate the town.

Artist Charlotte Marlow and her husband have produced several sketches which could be used as a basis for a bronze statue or ?bas relief? which could be wall-mounted, either of which would form a lasting reminder of the 900th birthday celebrations.

The Rev Geoff Ball said churches in Tavistock would love to be involved and suggested the BBC could be contacted, with a view to the town hosting a special 900th anniversary ?Songs of Praise? broadcast.

The Tavistock Charter Group has formed several sub groups to concentrate on specific aspects of the celebrations, for example, funding, publicity and arts events. Anyone who would like to get involved should call joint secretary Alan Cuttler on 01822 613204, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] or call chairman Iain Andrews on 01822 617840, e-mail