TAVISTOCK Chamber of Commerce has launched a £9,000 appeal to light up the town this Christmas and stage Dickensian Evening. The group is urgently appealing for donations from local companies and town residents. Multinational businesses, banks and building societies are being asked to pledge £150, medium to large business £90 and small businesses £50. In addition, the chamber is organising a grand prize draw with the top prize of a 28-inch plasma screen TV to help bolster the fundraising. Chamber treasurer Nigel Eadie said: ?This year is very important for the town. We have won many different accolades such as the best food town and best farmers? market but we will clearly have to be ready for the challenge of the added competition from the new shopping complex in Plymouth city centre. ?In Tavistock we have such an excellent array of unique, independent shops that have something to offer all types of Christmas shopper. ?It is essential that we raise this target of £9,000 ? as without adequate funding we will be unable to stage Christmas lights or Dickensian Evening.? Mr Eadie said Tavistock?s Christmas lights were known for being impressive and creating a cheerful festive atmosphere ? benefitting the town?s retailers and community as a whole. He added that Truro?s lack of Christmas lights display last year ? due to a lack of funding and volunteers ? had resulted in a 30% reduction in trade. Chamber chairman David Scrivener said: ?We really do need every single business in the town to contribute so please help us light up Tavistock like never before.? Anyone who wishes to make a donation can send their cheque to: Tavistock Chamber of Commerce at PO Box 130, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8FA making their cheque payable to Tavistock Chamber of Commerce.
