A BRIGHT new future is being forecast for Tavistock?s Victorian town hall, following a series of dynamic innovations and targeted investments by the town council.
New acting town hall supervisor Eddie Carruthers and acting deputy Dave Evans say they are relishing the challenge of turning the hall into a thriving asset for the town.
?It?s exciting, I?m really enjoying it,? said Eddie. ?It?s got loads of potential, it?s endless what you can do with a place like this.?
Already, visitors and residents are beginning to see changes ? new blue signs advertising facilities offered by the town hall and forthcoming events are being hung outside the hall doors, which are now often open, instead of locked.
A large blue banner advertising the hall has been erected across the pannier market entrance and there is a smart new look as visitors enter the building.
An imposing royal blue carpet with gleaming brass stair-rods has been laid on the slippery granite stairs, a new chandelier has been hung in the hall and pictures by local artists hang on the hall walls.
?They will be changed on a monthly basis,? said Eddie.
Planters, donated by local businesses, are placed outside the doors during open hours and hanging baskets will brighten the hall?s facade.
?I think it looks a lot more bright and inviting,? said Eddie. ?Just recently we were locking up one night and a couple from New Zealand asked if they could have a look at the hall. They?d been visiting Tavistock for years but had never been inside ? they were over the moon with it.
?And already, we?ve got three extra weddings booked ? purely because of the signs.?
More enhancements in the pipeline for this year include improved lighting in the hall stairway, a canopy to the front entrance, new stage curtains and floral displays for the hall interior, sponsored by local businesses.
In future years, the aim is to buy a collapsible connecting covered walkway between the pannier market and the hall and to repair the hall ceiling.
As far as bookings are concerned, the aim is to hold at least one ?signature? event a month. Ideas include a fashion show supper, a 50s night, an Italian food fair and a toy festival combined with a gift fair in December ? complete with Santa?s grotto.
Eddie said the Italian food fair, which is still in the planning stages, would be situated on Bedford Square and an Italian restaurant would operate in the town hall throughout the three days of the fair, which it is hoped will take place in early November.
Dave said he and Eddie had ?loads? of ideas they would like to explore, including a spring flower and garden show and an autumn home interiors show, both events involving the market and town hall and providing a boost to local businesses.
Then there are historic town walks, finishing with drinks at the town hall, supper parties, a Harry Potter night, gourmet evenings, tea dances and a high-quality package for weddings and naming ceremonies.
?We?ve got rid of corkage now, although you can?t now bring drinks into the hall,? said Dave. ?We?re working with wine supplier Charles Steevenson, so anyone booking a wedding can work directly with us and can order exactly what they want.?
He said the booking fees for the hall were extremely competitive when compared with similar sized outlets.
The aim was to increase usage of the entire building and really raise its profile as a stunning facility, suitable for just about any event.
?The council has been really positive about what we are trying to do,? he added.
Town mayor Cllr Jenny Metcalf said: ?I think the ideas so far are great. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful building ? I?m thrilled with the plans, which are building on the good work already done by our staff in the past.?