Just one week since our last event, Oxfam's 'Fayre Future' in Exeter, we were setting up in the center of Tavistock for the Green Umbrella Groups 'Alternatives' day.

Our cycle power sound system was back in action. This time using our third design (Mk III reclining generator), which is much lighter to carry and therefore much easy to get up and down the hill and take to public events. It is also great for kids, easy to get on and off and adjustable to suit most people. We took a solar panel as well but might as well not have bothered since the sun hardly showed it's face all day.

Our peg looms and rag rugs seemed especially popular with the older generation who remembered making similar rugs decades ago when repairing and recycling was common practise and carpets a luxury. We made yet more mallets, gluts and started work on a new shaving horse. Merlin had a go at using the pole lathe to make rings on a single piece of wood and despite the poor quality of our wood turning chissels, he did it!

Others groups and organistation represented at the event included; Tavistock Genetics Group, VegFam, Greenpeace UK Ltd, Friends Of The Earth, West Devon Environment Network, Tavistock LETS, Moor Trees, and West Devon District Council. There was also a group of drummers and a busker. When nobody else was performing we cranked up the volume and the pedal power and played inspiring songs by 'Seize the Day' about environmental and social justice issues.

Despite poor weather it was a good day. The location in the center of town meant that all kinds of people who were just passing by, stopped to have a look; checked out the cycle powered tunes, watched the pole lathe in action and browsed the leaflets. We were sad we had been unable to do something for the Wood Fair in Totnes on the same day, we heard about it too late but Pete went along to check it out and make new friends.

We have no further similar events booked at this time but are open to offers. We will however be doing something at the Moor Trees Jumble Sale in Moretonhampstead on the 30th September.