FAMILIES from around the parish, friends and visitors from as far afield as Plymouth turned out in droves to 'The Big Event' in North Hill last Saturday.

Richard Boggis, chairman of the organising committee, explained: "When the committee met one cold February evening to plan a major fund-raising event for repairs to our village hall, I don't think we dared to imagine how successful our ideas and plans would eventually be."

A family dog show, stalls selling everything from bread and cakes to cheese and children's clothes — there was something for everyone. There was a fortune teller 'Gypsy Rose Marina,' children's games, china smashing and wellie throwing, a tombola and a wildlife exhibition.

All the groups who used the hall contributed, from the Good Companions who made and sold cakes, to the Clifftop Art Group who staged an Art Exhibition in St Torney's Church.

There were cream teas and a bar, manned by the landlord of The Racehorse Inn and his staff. The Football Club lent their field for the dog show and the local livery stables lent their jumps. The Pantomime Group did face painting and members of the playgroup organised races for the children.

"Thanks to the generosity of the parish council and local businesses, we were also able to organise a prize draw with some great prizes," said Richard. "We don't yet know the full total of the money raised by all the events but we know it far exceeds our expectations."

To round off the afternoon, there was a very entertaining Tug of War, generously organised by George Ferret of Launceston. This was won by a team from Dartmoor, second was Warstow, third the Landreyne Loonies from Coads Green and fourth Mike's Mechanics from Ruby's Garage.

In the evening, the village hall was packed for a barn dance, with families dancing to the music of 'Choughed to Bits.'

"As an added bonus, the uneven floor in the village hall seems to have been flattened out by the dancing," added Richard, with a smile.

All in all, it was the first of many successful 'Big Events' at North Hill.