A POSITIVE open meeting has pulled Tavistock and District Chamber of Commerce back from the brink of extinction — but not without some plain talking and painful truths.

Chamber president Neil Woolcock outlined the organisation's plight at a packed gathering in the Ordulph Arms on Tuesday.

He said the chamber had made provision for 11 executive committee members — yet last year the number dwindled to four.

With no-one coming forward to fill the role of chairman — vacated by Ian Taylor earlier this month — the chamber had been suspended.

Mr Woolcock felt a way forward could be found through discussion. He hoped the chamber could draw new members who, in turn, could be encouraged to join the executive committee.

Mr Taylor said it was nice to see so many people and new faces. 'Perhaps we can use this as a nucleus for the future. We would like to see some support from chamber members and also the town for what is, after all, being done for everybody,' he said.

Dave McDowell from Kountry Kit said the town needed the chamber — which had achieved many successes. But he felt the organisation has 'lost its way' in recent years and no longer fought for individual members.

'You have aimed too high and not got to the basic problems.'

He said the chamber should cut the £40 subscription costs as they were 'quite high' for some small businesses.

The chamber was criticised for not going into the town and speaking to people enough. Mr Woolcock responded by saying there were only four people doing all the work — with 11 that would be possible.

Past chairman Sue Spackman received a round of applause for her no-punches-pulled assault on the 'whingers'.

'Any organisation is only as good as its members. And if your members aren't prepared to take part and contribute in a democratic way the organisation is worthless.'

She said the chamber deserved support from the town — 'not the constant barrage of whingeing that takes place.'

Regarding fees she said: 'There is a minimum amount of money this chamber needs to function. If the numbers dwindle the cost has to go up to achieve the same thing.'

Chamber treasurer Lyn Roberts said a reduction of fees had been put forward. She advocated a collective rather than isolationist approach.

'Tavistock has got to survive and that means looking after each other. If next door to you folds in time you could fold.'

She said there were a lot of splinter groups who did well for Tavistock — but it was a shame they could not all work under one roof.

'But while they are all knocking each other there is only one thing that will suffer — and that's Tavistock.'

John Taylor of Wessex Heritage felt the chamber had been badly run in the past and should 'not repeat' the same mistakes.

'The air of friendliness has gone. But the future is very good. This is a good opportunity for the chamber to clear the deadwood and move forward.'

By the end of the evening the chamber had turned the corner — with six new members and a couple of nominations for the executive committee.

All nominations must be handed to Mr Woolcock by noon tomorrow (Friday).

The next meeting is 7.30pm on Monday, February 7 at the Bedford Hotel. The venue had been given free by Warm Welcome who are supporting the chamber.