AS someone close to the centre of the Goose Fair preparations for the first time this year I feel I need to pass on the consensus of comments heard from stallholders, fair operators, locals and visitors regarding the future of the historic and important event for Tavistock.
Income this year was calculated as being down by a quarter to a third for many. The number of stalls etc has noticeably declined. It is thought that these trends are connected with the rising cost imposed by the council on stall holders and fairground rides.
For example, next year it costs £8.42 per foot for renting commercial stalls — the average being between 20-30 feet. The large carousel roundabout in the bus station (diameter 50 feet at £11.36 per foot) will cost £661 rent for the day.
These costs are passed on to the consumer, and if you include the £4 park and ride fee it can be an expensive experience to come to Goose Fair. It is possible to price out people from what should be an enjoyable and accessible occasion. The less people who come, the less Tavistock benefits.
The planning that goes into Goose Fair is meticulous and effective — not to mention the efficient and 'miraculous' cleaning up operation after it is all over — and of course these costs need to be covered.
But there is such a thing as being too greedy so that by creaming off too much money it makes it too expensive for providers and customers to benefit from and enjoy the day.
The council, I feel, is in great danger of killing the goose (fair) that laid the golden egg.
Colin Hunter
Bus Station Kiosk
Tavistock