TAVISTOCK Heritage Open Days saw more venues and more events than ever before.

The four days — from Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, September 11 — included guided walks, tours and a family heritage trail.

Andrew Thompson, who co-ordinated the programme on behalf of the Tavistock Heritage Partnership, said: ‘Tavistock Heritage Open Days continues to grow.’

The organisers expressed thanks to the town council, Tavistock Subscription Library, St Eustachius’ Church, The Very Rev Christopher Hardwick, the Roman Catholic Church, Abbey Chapel, Bedford Hotel and the staff and students at Mount Kelly, for all their participation.

Andrew added: ‘We would also like to thank our sponsors, Moorland Guides and Tavistock Forward, the local businesses who hosted stamps for the family trail, Tavistock Library for a special display and members of the History Society and museum.

‘Above all, we would like to thank the many local people and visitors to the town, who supported us by coming to the events. Next year we plan to have more venues open. We would love to hear from anyone who owns a historic property in or close to Tavistock who would like to take part in some way. The sites do not need to be grand houses or public buildings. We are especially keen to hear from anyone living in a residential property with historic features who would be willing to host a small group visit.’

Heritage Open Days is a national event which provides free public access or special events in heritage sites and buildings. Locally it is organised by Tavistock Heritage, a partnership of the town’s heritage organisations, local authorities and voluntary and business groups.

Tavistock Heritage Festival is returning with a range of fantastic talks, walks and events in the town, starting today (Thursday) and running until Monday, September 19.

The festival culminates with The Red Spider Company’s much acclaimed musical drama All the Fine Young Men on Monday at 6.30pm at Mount Kelly School.

The production presents the fortitude, heroism and tragedy of six fictional young men from West Devon and the communities and families from which they came, in the face of the cataclysm that was the First World War. 

For more information on the festival visit www.tavistockheritagefestival.org.uk