Spectators waiting in their usual places in Plymouth Road to watch the early stages of the Tavistock's Carnival procession will be in for a surprise this year . . . Carnival organisers Tavistock Lions Club has decided to change the route so that a request to the Highways Authority for a change of traffic direction in West Street now becomes unnecessary. The cost for the change and the temporary road closures was considerable last year and after consultation with the authorities, it was agreed a substantial saving could be made by just changing the route. The procession on Saturday July 19 will start as usual in Down Road at 6.30pm, following its normal route until it reaches the Square when it will then go straight across, turn left into West Street then Ford Street, left at the mini roundabout by Drake's Stores and left again at Drake's Statue then along Plymouth Road. It will then turn right across Abbey Bridge and right again into Whitchurch Road where it will then disperse at Abbey Rise. It is hoped this will make it easier for the walkers in the procession as the uphill climb will now come earlier than before and from Rocky Hill, it will be downhill and flat all the way until the end. The carnival procession last year saw an increase in the number of walking entries due to the reduction in availability of large haulage vehicles caused by changes in vehicle usage legislation. But the Lions felt this did not detract from the success of carnival as it allowed participants in the procession to be closer to the spectators which, the Lions feel, improved the atmosphere. For that reason an additional walking class will be introduced this year. It will be for any number of walkers who are either carrying or pushing in a pram or other similar mode of transport, a decorated home-made guy. The other three walking classes are for groups of no more than six, groups with more than six and, thirdly, groups of any number accompanied by a vehicle which can be decorated and form part of the entry. The prize money for the various class winners has been increased substantially over the last few years as an incentive to gain more entries with a first prize of £100 for the artistic and humorous classes with second and third receiving £70 and £50 respectively. Best in procession can win an additional £150 with best in theme winning £100. All non-trade participants also receive a donation from the carnival street collection — last year, St Peter's Junior School, which won the artistic class and best in procession, received a total of £350. Lions Club member Roger Lethbridge, the organiser of the procession, believes many of the local organisations are unaware of the prize money available. It is hoped that by publicising this fact, more people will participate in what is an enjoyable event for those taking part and for those watching. This year's theme is 'Hollywood to Bollywood' and an entry form will be appearing in this paper during the next few weeks. In the meantime, anyone requiring more details can contact Roger on 01822 613794.
