AFTER just over a year of being a part of the community of traders in the pannier market I am retiring to France. When I first arrived in the market, following some years I count as not the best of my life, I was accepted, nurtured and encouraged by some of the loveliest people anyone could wish to meet. From virtually everyone came the kind of support that all of us need from time to time. I leave being able to include these lovely folk not only as my friends, but many as my saviours. My debt to them can never be repaid. That this wonderful community does not receive the attentions of much of the public at large is of some concern to many in that hall. The concerns existing that such a valuable asset to the town does not have the support it should from the town council are very evident. The council appears not to appreciate that the pannier market is the heart of this town and that without this historic centrepiece Tavistock risks becoming just another clone town. So, councillors, please do not let such a wonderful asset slip away. Nurture it but above all, promote it and make the most of what is there. Without it Tavistock will not have the golden egg this goose town needs. John Osborne (Ossy) formerly Buckland Monachorum, now 583 Rte Departmental 73 88230 Ban-s-Meurthe/Clefcy France
