A PENSIONERS? party in Tavistock Pannier Market on Sunday as part of the 900th charter celebrations was a resounding success! More than 200 pensioners were treated to entertainment and a feast of food supplied by local businesses and market staff and traders. Sounds of Glenn Miller echoed from the premises and partygoers enjoyed a sing-song with Gabrielle Lewis on the piano. Tavistock Musical Theatre Company sang songs from the shows, and 160 prizes were given out in the raffle. Invited guests included mayor of Tavistock Jenny Metcalf, Okehampton mayor Tony Leech, Tavistock town crier Bob Rose and former market reeve of 17 years Keith Spires. Everyone who attended went away with a commemorative pen. Deputy market reeve Mike Souttar said it was a fabulous day and he was extremely grateful to all the market staff and traders who ?worked their socks off?. He said: ?Everyone clubbed together to provide the funding for the party and it was wonderful. ?We decided to have two birthday parties to mark this anniversary ? one for the pensioners and one for the children, which will be held on Hallowe?en. We are over the moon with the success of the first one.? Mr Spiers said the party had taught him the ?value of being an OAP?. The event could be summed up in one word: ?Fantastic?, he said. ?The food was superb, the entertainment was of the highest quality and the organisation was par excellence.? The volunteers who looked after the guests worked tirelessly. ?The tea flowed like the Tavy in full flood. A wonderful afternoon,? said Mr Spiers.
