Civic Activities and Events

The Council and its Members have a central role in several other civic duties, activities and events in the town, these are:

Council Management and Administration

The Council has a duty to host an Annual Town Meeting, plus an Annual Meeting of Council and at least three other meetings in each Civic Year. There is a duty to take Minutes, and these are open to inspection by any elector of the town.

Planning and Development Consultation

The Town Council has the right to be notified of any planning or development application made within the town, and the right to comment to the Planning Authority on the matter. The Council is thus an integral part of the development control process through the three-weekly meetings of the Development Management & Licensing Committee.

Town Honours

The Council has bestowed the title of Honoured Burgess on the following people;

Mr G Draper JP MBE in March 1985
Mrs D Pinder MBE in March 1985
Mr F Quant JP in March 1985
Mr R Bailey in November 1987
Mrs A E Dathan in March 1987
Miss N Beadle in March 1996
Mr R Minhinick in March 1996
Mr J Philpott in March 1996
Mrs J Burleigh-Taylor in April 2005
Mr S Cole in April 2005
Mrs B Lobb in April 2005
Mr P Perry in April 2005
Mrs G Gorbutt in April 2007
Mr G Woodcock in April 2007
Mr R Woolcock MBE in April 2007
Mrs N Woodcock in January 2008

Following the discontinuation of the title of Honoured Burgess, the title of Freeman was bestowed on;

Mr E H Sherrell JP in May 2013

Representation on External Bodies

Councillors are deputed by full Council to represent them on some 28 bodies and organisations in the town.

Civic Focus and Activities:

  • Churches - Tavistock civic parish encompasses two Anglican Church parishes, (Whitchurch and Tavistock), each with its own Parish Church. Close ties are kept with both vicars, grants are made to assist in the Whitchurch churchyard upkeep and the Town Council maintains the Tavistock Parish Churchyard. Links are kept with churches of other denominations by their clergy being invited to lead the Council in quiet reflection before each Council Meeting.
  • Schools - The duty to appoint a governor to local primary schools ended in 2003. However, the Town Council takes every opportunity to involve the young people of the town in civic activities.

Twinning

The town has formal twinning links with Pontivy (France) and Celle (Germany). There is a flourishing Twinning Association in Tavistock. Reciprocal exchange visits are made and school exchanges fostered and encouraged. Find out more on the Tavistock Twinning Association Facebook page.

Town Museum

The Museum, located in the Court Gate building, was operated by the Tavistock and District Local History Society, but is now a separate independent charity. The Council raises no charges for the occupation of the building and provides a grant towards the costs of utilities.

Town Bands

The Council gives support to local bands and makes grants in recognition of their musical contribution to the town and their work in encouraging young people to learn to play a musical instrument.

Agency Management of Bedford Square

Acting as the agents of Devon County Council, the Town Council took on the task of managing the bookings for Bedford Square from 4th January 2000.

The Civic Service

The Civic Service for Civic Term 2023-24 will be held on Sunday 19th November 2023.

The Civic Ball

The Civic Ball will be held in Tavistock Town Hall on Friday 26th April 2024.  Application for tickets for the Civic Ball are by invitation, however if you would like to receive an invitation to apply for tickets, please Contact Us.

Grants Presentation Evening

The Grants Presentation Evening is held every year to award local organisations grants to support local causes. No regular Grants will be available until late 2023.   Go to our Grants page to find out more. 

Remembrance Sunday

This year's Remembrance Service will be held at the War Memorial in the Guildhall Car Park on Sunday 12th November 2023, with a minute silence at 11am.