A FRIENDLY American invasion was experienced by Tavistock from Wednesday to Sunday last week as a youth choir from Seattle visited the Methodist Church as part of a tour of England.
Staying with members of the church throughout Tavistock and area, the young people aged 13 to 20 enjoyed the town and explored Plymouth and Dartmoor, whilst forming many new friendships.
They started their concert events with an exciting youth night at the church on Thursday, shared with Tavistock Methodist?s own young people?s band and dance group.
Friday saw a cultural and shopping trip to Plymouth before another concert, at Launceston Central Church.
The American guests explored Tavistock on Saturday morning. One guest, was heard to comment: ?It?s so wonderful, it?s just like being on a film set all the time.?
In the afternoon they performed in the square, attracting crowds of spectators to their lively gospel sounds, before preparing for their main concert in the Methodist Church in the evening.
The church was packed to capacity, and soon everyone was on their feet, clapping and cheering to the music of the talented young people.
Deputy mayor Caroline Keane, who was invited to the concert to represent the town, was so impressed she attended all their subsequent events.
The choir?s visit came to a climax on Sunday as they took part in another packed service at the church, followed by a picnic inside, due to poor weather, but the sun came out and games followed at Plaisterdown. A service was held on Pew Tor and a barbecue at Peter Tavy for the guests and the church.
The American guests then experienced the excitement of a flight in Mark Warne?s Alpha hot air balloon, before leaving Tavistock to continue their tour to London and Liverpool on Monday morning.
The Rev David Stolton, one of the ministers at Tavistock Methodist Church, said the young people of this choir had been inspiring, and many new friendships had been forged.