ONE of Tavistock?s major summer events which attracts thousands of visitors to the town has had to be cancelled due to new safety guidelines. The town?s Lions and Round Table clubs, which jointly organise the Westcountry Balloon Fiesta, decided to cancel the August bank holiday event at the end of last week. The move was due to the fact that no liquified petroleum gas (LPG) suppliers were able to provide a refuelling service for this year?s fiesta. Steve Grummitt, spokesman for Tavistock Lions Club, said the organising committee, which had been working on the event since last year, was ?extremely disappointed? that it has been forced to take the decision to cancel. He said: ?The problem with the supply of gas only arose about two weeks ago, when the LPG industry tightened its guidelines on the mobile refuelling of refillable gas cylinders following incidents elsewhere in Europe. ?While mainly pertaining to refillable containers used by touring caravans on the continent, this has triggered an unexpected blow to hot air balloon fiestas.? Mr Grummitt said organisers would normally contract a supplier using a mobile tanker as the most practical refuelling source for the balloons? flight cylinders. However, this was no longer permissible and now many balloon events, like the Tavistock fiesta, were suddenly under threat of cancellation. He said: ?No gas means no flying. Calor Gas, in conjunction with balloonists within the Lions Club, has tried very hard to help the event to go ahead, but liability risks, cost and insurance difficulties have stood in the way. ?The Tavistock event is unique in that it is a non-commercial operation, voluntarily organised by the Lions and Round Table entirely in aid of charity, which this year was to be the Crowndale Recreational Association. ?The only refuelling solutions available to the organisers have proven impossible or unviable to implement and all have major insurance difficulties.? Mr Grummitt said big events, such as the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, were supported by the local authority and had considerable sponsorship, so organisers were able to install large, static gas tanks on a temporary basis. But the Tavistock balloon fiesta, which did not have a major sponsor, could not run to such an expense. But there is good news for future ballooning fiestas in Tavistock. The committee is working with the sales team at Calor and is optimistic the firm could sponsor the balloon fiesta for next year, enabling the event to go ahead. And in an attempt to raise money and provide entertainment during August bank holiday weekend, the Lions and Rotary clubs will stage a fun and race day on Saturday August 27 in the Meadows, with permission from the town council. The entertainment will include the ?day at the races? pantomime horse racing, Wild West excitement with the Tamar Valley Westerners, a duck race in the canal, stalls, bouncy castles, charity bazaar, magician Emazdad, refreshments and a licensed bar. Also making their first appearance in Tavistock will be the Battling Cumberland Giants, Mighty Mick and Terrible Ted, giant wrestlers measuring nearly four metres in height, who will be fighting for the affections of their sweetheart, Big Ethel. While a referee tries to ensure fair play, clown Handy Andy gets in on the show and entertains with zany stunts involving a mini quad bike and giant travelling bag. Entry to the event is free ? all proceeds will go to Crowndale Recreational Association.
