I WAS sorry to hear of the forthcoming closure of Tavistock Police Station, I would like to share with you a fond memory I have of it.
Back in the 1960s I travelled alone by bus to Tavistock. I then had to get a taxi to a remote farm on Dartmoor My mother insisted that I take our German Shepherd with me, only to find when I got to Tavistock I had a few errands to do and the dog wasn't allowed into the shops etc. What could I do with her?
Well I took her to the police station, explained my problem and asked if it was possible for me to leave her there for a short while. They were lovely and thought she would be safe in one of their cells — would I mind? 'Not at all', anything rather than lose her and have to face my mother! When I returned to collect her, she was in high spirits, they had undoubtedly made a great fuss of her. We then continued our journey.
When I returned home in the evening my mother inquired, 'Was it okay with the dog in Tavistock?' I told her she was quite safe as she spent her time in Tavistock Police Station in a cell. My mother exploded! My best dog in a police cell? Whatever was I thinking of? I thought it was the sensible option but my reasons fell on stony ground, A police cell, indeed. I always smile when I think about it.
Wendy Johnson
Callington