THE management committee of the Guide Hall in Tavistock are currently replacing the windows with a style of window and a door in keeping with the previous use of the hall. It was built as a warehouse.

With the guidance of the conservation officer at West Devon Borough Council, we are hoping to return to a more aesthetic style of building at the very special area of the Wharf and in keeping and sympathy with the neighbouring period buildings

The committee wish to thank the many organisations and individuals in the town who have donated money towards the cost for the window replacement, in particular, the Lions Club, the Bedford Lodge and the Grand Lodge, the Trefoil Guild and West Devon Borough Council.

Also, a great effort has gone in to raise funds by all the district guiders and the rangers, guides, brownies and rainbow units and parents. Individual supporters of guiding have also made donations of gifts and their expert advice, for which we are extremely grateful.

The hall was originally built circa 1817 as a warehouse/store and was used to load goods onto barges on the canal which then transported the goods to Morwellham Quay for shipping around the world.

It is a key building which straddles the canal. It had loading access from the upper room via double doors and winches to move goods to be packed and stored from the road sides on the front of the building and the Canal Road bridge. Early goods were believed to include wool and flour. It later became a warehouse for furniture for a town centre furnishing company.

The building was given to Guiding in 1936 and has gradually been upgraded to its present comfortable and pleasant meeting rooms and activity hall. During the war many other events and activities were carried on at the hall such as first aid courses and it was the centre for the WRP.

The work in this old building is ongoing so if anyone would like to donate or bequeath to our funds it would be most welcome. In the meantime, we are able to allow some organisations and groups to share in using the hall. Contacts are Pat 610262 and Sue 810475.

Pat Warne