THE first meeting of the Tamar and Tavy Gig Club was held in Tavistock this month.

More than 40 members attended the meeting which was held in the Ordulph Arms.

The main aim of the meeting was officially to appoint a full, elected committee and to approve a constitution for the recently-formed club, which has now attracted about 100 members.

Club chairman Bob Turner said: ?We were very pleased that so many people attended the meeting, because it was quite a hot, sunny evening.?

Bob said one of the committee?s first aims was to obtain funding to pay for the construction of the club?s own gig.

The boat will cost an estimated £12,500 to build after Brian Nobbs, a joiner and qualified shipwright from Lifton, generously offered to carry out the work at a cut-price.

?We?re extremely grateful to Brian for his marvellous offer,? said Bob. ?Without him, the cost would have been in the region of £20,000.?

The committee is in the process of applying for grants from the National Lottery?s awards for all scheme and from West Devon Borough Council.

Six-man pilot gigs were originally built for pilots to be rowed out to their vessels before guiding them safely into harbour.

Their heyday was in the late 18th and early 19th century, when the gigs began competing to be the first to get their pilot to an incoming ship. This spontaneous competition spawned the sport of gig racing, which is now increasing in popularity, with the formation of several local clubs recently.

The gig club is currently seeking ideas for a logo, and anybody is welcome to submit a design by contacting Katherine Kent on 01752 771458 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]

Anyone interested in joining the Tamar and Tavy Gig Club should phone Bob Turner on 01822 841464 or the new club secretary Angela Hooper on 01822 840426.