Tiverton Pannier Market goes back to the 1940s (From Mid Devon Star)

Tiverton Pannier Market goes back to the 1940s

2:51pm Thursday 10th June 2010 in Tiverton By Jon Wills

PEOPLE in Tiverton Pannier Market grasped the 1940s era to celebrate National Volun-teers’ Week on Saturday.

An additional 17 stalls, on top of the regular Saturday market, were staffed by people in aut-hentic costume from a wide variety of local and national charities working in the Mid Devon area.

Cllr Frank Rosamond opened the event and the U3A singers, dressed in traditional clothing, led the singing of popular songs from the 1940s.

Hospicecare and Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life put on a wash day demonstration, which was followed by the presentation of the volunteering merit awards by Deputy Mayor of Tiverton Neal Davey and chief officer of involve Duncan Wood.

The awards recognised the valued work of local volunteers and recipients, including Mic-helle Holmes, of Sue Ryder Care in Tiverton, Fran Robbins, of the Blue Cross Rescue Centre, and Lucy Straczek, Gienia Clifford, Jim Bill and Maja Merkel, of the Anglo-Polish Organisation.

A children’s street party, organised by Pannier Market manager Chris Firth, was well received by youngsters, and food rationing and cooking demonstrations by Involve’s Volunteer Centre added to the traditional 1940s feel.

The lively jitterbug workshop had everyone dancing the afternoon away and the day’s events were brought to a close with a sing-a-long.

Sue Snell, Volunteer Centre co-ordinator for Tiverton and Cul-lompton, said: “A special thank you to our sponsors, Maslands, Oxygen Creative and Mid Devon District Council, and the Heri-tage Lottery Fund.

“It was a very special community day when people of all ages contributed, shared stories and experiences, and had fun.”