TWENTY-one Tidy Tavi volunteers joined West Devon Borough Council Mayor Cllr John Sheldon to celebrate the group’s fifth birthday last Saturday at Meadowlands Leisure Centre.

Speeches appraising Tidy Tavi’s achievements since 2011 were made and much celebratory cake consumed. The event was enthusiastically supported by the leisure centre staff and a small contingent of volunteers from the Tavistock Tesco store.

Tidy Tavi organiser Steve Hipsey thanked the supporters and also expressed gratitude to all the other businesses and organisations who contributed in some way by helping the group accomplish its aim of keeping Tavistock as free of litter as possible. These included Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council, the Tavistock Times and the Tavistock Lions’ Club, as well as the businesses who offer complimentary refreshments to volunteers and launder the high visibility clothing free of charge.

A very special thank you was also expressed to all the volunteers, past and present, who had given so many precious Saturday morning hours over the years to pick up litter in all sorts of weather from torrential rain to radiant sunshine.

After the birthday celebrations volunteers set out as usual to tidy the streets of Tavistock amid the shoppers, sightseers and market stalls. Most central parts of the town were visited and an encouragingly small volume of litter collected. Several volunteers commented during the birthday celebration that it would be wonderful if groups like Tidy Tavi were actually unnecessary.

‘Sadly, however, a small number of uncaring people seem to be oblivious to the litter they callously discard in public places,’ said a spokesperson for the group. ‘Without direct action this would build up, blighting the streets and parks, creating an eyesore for everyone else.

‘If you would like to come along and help make a difference, why not join the Tidy Tavi volunteers at 10am outside the Meadowlands Leisure Centre on Saturday, November 5. All the necessary equipment will be provided but stout footwear and gloves are recommended.’