TWO special parties being hosted by Tavistock Pannier Market in celebration of the 900th anniversary of the granting of the town?s market charter will be boosted by a grant from the town council. The parties, one for senior citizens and elderly disabled, being held on July 31, and one for children taking place at Hallow?een, will be given £50 by the council, following an agreement during its finance committee meeting last Tuesday. They are being voluntarily organised by pannier market staff, with support from market traders and sponsorship from local companies. Cllr Jenny Metcalf, who proposed a grant of £50, said most of the cost of the parties, which will be entirely free, had already been met thanks to the generosity of traders and local businesses. Cllr Metcalf said: ?I think it?s a wonderful gesture; the traders are being very generous about the whole thing, members of staff are giving their time free and there is no charge at all ? they are guaranteeing a seat per bottom!? Cllr Norma Woodcock suggested the council offer £50 to cover both parties. She said: ?I think you have to be very careful, otherwise you give out mixed messages. If the organisers find there are problems vis a vis the children?s party, then they can come back to us.? Cllr Betty Batchelor pointed out that the council was already providing the pannier market free of charge for the party. ?I think that should at least be acknowledged,? she said. The committee agreed to make a grant of £50 to cover both parties ? the decision was due to be ratified at the full council meeting on Tuesday. Deputy market reeve Mike Souttar said he expected around 150 people to attend the party, which will include music, dancing and a slap up tea, plus a superb raffle and a present for everyone. Mr Souttar said: ?The response to the party from everyone has been terrific ? they?ve been saying ?This is wonderful, this is so kind, we are really looking forward to it? ? and I hope they will.?