THE Old Bank in Camelford has celebrated its recent first birthday with a grand party, enabling people to sample the best of Cornwall’s food and drink and dance the night away.

On Friday, October 6, around 60 people came along to help the Old Bank in Market Place, celebrate a successful first year. The event, ‘Tasting Cornwall’, provided samples of local products, including cheese, charcuterie, beer, apple juices and six varieties of Cornish gin.

There were displays from the various groups that use the building for people to investigate whilst enjoying their tastings. There was a real party atmosphere with a bar and music from Steve Flanders, leading to a bit of dancing — must have been the gin! More importantly for a party, there was birthday cake.

Trustee, Claire Hewlett, said: “It’s been an amazing first year — got off to a slow start, but things rapidly got busy.”

There are a variety of activities taking place in the Old Bank, everything from Zumba Gold aimed at the more mature, to youth café for the teenagers.

Helen Wood, another of the six trustees, continued: “The walking group has been an outstanding success. We regularly get between 15 and 20 walkers, plus a few well-behaved dogs.”

The Old Bank is still a bit rough around the edges, according to trustee Ruth Henderson, who added: “We’re just trying to decide whether to decorate the first floor office, as we’re thinking there may be sufficient demand to use it now.”

The trustees have extended thanks to everyone — with too many to name individually — for all their help to get this project off the ground and keep it going.

To find out more about the Old Bank, like their Facebook page, The Old Bank. You can also keep an eye on their website at www.theoldbankcamelford.org.uk. To organise an activity or book the space for a party, email [email protected] — the trustees would love to hear from you.