Tavistock's Yesterdays — Episodes from Her History, number 21 by Gerry Woodcock.

IT could be asked, quite reasonably, how anybody can pen more than a score of books about a smallish Devonshire market town and its immediate area and still avoid two major pitfalls which such prolific output might provoke.

Firstly repetition — how to avoid mention of people and events covered in previous volumes; secondly, if the first can be overcome, how to find episodes which will hold the attention and satisfy the expectations of the large, loyal, ever growing readership who have known over the decades nothing other than publications of erudite lucidity from eminent local historian, Gerry Woodcock.

To these questions, of course, only this accomplished writer can give an answer, but readers can be assured that Volume 21 of his rich series is of the same exceptional quality as the previous score — 23 chapters within the covers spanning a manifold range of events, places, people, tragedies, triumphs in the old stannary town, and around, which have been significant, often vivid threads throughout the patchwork of local life over the centuries.

As always, the author shows a deft touch in his selection of episodes, and an enviable standard of excellence in his descriptive prose, plus a canny insight into people and events as to their relevance to the town and lives of the folk living therein.

His opening chapter is a perceptive look at the seismic changes in organised religion in the town from the mid Tudor period through to the latter years of the seventeenth century, especially in terms of the Anglican Church and the vicars, many such as Thomas Larkham, of strong, uncompromising character, who among some in the community — inevitably, many of high profile — made enemies, some influential.

Another episode concentrates on the Elford family, who from the 14th to the 18th centuries were lords of the manor in the Buckland Monachorum and Yelverton areas, one of them, William Elford, becoming both Mayor of Plymouth and an MP for the city. The author shows just how influential such families were and the power they had to direct, indeed often control, the lives of the folk living within their orbit.

For those readers who wish to rekindle memories of their youth there are several chapters later in the book which will fascinate, not least, 'Tavistock Cinemas'.

There remain many who can remember watching film classics such as 'High Noon' in the 'Old Cinema' established in the corn market in West Street virtually 100 years back (1913).

The town retained a custom built cinema — 'The Carlton', state of the art when built in 1939 — until the late 1960s when the irresistible force of television coerced it into being a bingo hall; mind you, Tavistock still boasts a cinema, the excellent multipurpose 'Wharf', opening in 1995.

A further chapter which will hold the attention of very many is that entitled 'Forty Worthies'; here two score men and women are featured who have influenced business, cultural, spiritual, civic, educational and sporting life in the town since the mid 19th century — an eclectic and inspired selection, all being people of accomplishment and individuality, ensuring Tavistock is a better place for them having lived in it.

There are also pages devoted to the nationally — in fact internationally — famous (many) who have visited, including seven prime ministers, Winston Churchill being among them.

A handful, only, of the chapters are mentioned here but all are worthy of comment as each is very different, pertinent to the life past and present of Tavistock and its people.

When they have finished this, readers eagerly will await number 22.

'Tavistock's' Yesterdays — Episodes From Her History, Number 21 by Gerry Woodcock, priced at £4.95, available in Book Stop and other local shops.

Ted Sherrell