THERE was a warm and cheerful atmosphere at 'Carols for the Community' held in the town hall on Sunday, December 8, hosted by The Salvation Army.

The capacity crowd enjoyed singing many carols accompanied by the brass band, led by bandmaster John Dryden and the band also played a delightful arrangement of the First Nowell.

The Salvation Army singing group sang two carols, the timbrels gave a display and the choir from Whitchurch Community Primary School once again entertained beautifully. An added bonus was the lively fiddle accompaniment to one of their carols by their director of music, Karen Higginson.

We also enjoyed the Crapstone Belleplates Band, led by Lizzie Cook, which thrilled us with the lovely mellow tones of this rarely heard instrument. Members of the audience were invited to try the Belleplates at the end of the evening.

The mayor of Tavistock – Cllr Harry Smith — and Mr Geoffrey Cox MP attended with their wives and each read a lesson. Mrs O'Shea-Warman, head of the school, also read a lesson and expressed her delight that the school was again involved in this annual event.

A Christmas message by Melvyn Thomas referred to the possibility for our eyes to be opened to the meaning and significance of the Christ-child.

An appeal on behalf of ROC was given by Calvin Lovelock, resulting in a collection of £450 that was handed to Calvin by the mayor.

Our sincere thanks go to the staff of the Town Hall who were so helpful throughout.

Melvyn Thomas

Deer Park Lane

Tavistock