TAVISTOCK Association Football Club celebrated in style on Monday evening, as it marked a major milestone in its history — its 125th anniversary.

Apart from a local derby game against Saltash United at Langsford Park, it was a great day for the club as it also saw the re-launch of the Red and Black Club, which was badly damaged by fire in February 2011.

Club chairman Chris Fenner praised the contribution of the many volunteers and 'unsung heroes' who made the club's 'resurrection' after the devastating fire possible.

He said: 'I'd like to give thanks, on behalf of everyone who cares for our club, especially to our small band of committed volunteers for their massive contributions.

'You have literally raised our club from the ashes, following two and a half years of continual compromise. I know it's been exhausting, stressful and scary at times, but the fruits of your labour are there for all to see.'

His sentiments were echoed by Derek Pethick, who has been associated with the club for 50 years as a player, manager, committee member, assistant groundsman and in his own words, 'general dogsbody.'

Derek said:?'This club has now probably the best facilities for a community club this side of Bristol and many other teams have commented that they can only dream of what we have here.

'I would like to thank all those who have supported the club throughout the years and long may they continued to do so. I hope the club goes on from strength to strength after coming to terms with the terrible fire.'

Tavistock AFC work in partnership with Tavistock Community FC. The modern facilities and pitches at Crowndale is paying dividends in terms of nurturing young footballing talent in the town.

Team manager for the past 12 years Ian Southcott thinks the future is looking bright on the field for the Carlsberg South West Peninsula team.

He told the Times: 'The young players coming through from TCFC to the AFC team is now acting as a conveyor belt of talent and will ensure our long term success.

'We are already starting to reap the benefits of the youngsters coming through in the first team and in our East Cornwall premier side.

'It will take time and even though we have had not a great start this season I am confident that we will finish in the top half of the table. In the next few years, with the young players coming through, I am confident that the club will progress up the South Western leagues and eventually, one day to our aim, the Southern League.'

The club all started with a letter in the 1880s in the Tavistock Gazette, signed by 'Wellwisher' and 'Halfback', urging the formation of a football team. That letter attracted the attention of two local businessesmen.

Tavistock AFC was thus founded on September 8, 1888. The old Tavistock Grammar School playing field in Russell Street hosted the newly formed club and the first match against the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry resulted in a 1-0 victory.

Over the next few years venues changed, from a return to the old grammar school pitch, to Green Hill and Sandy Park.

It is believed that in 1913 the entire Tavistock team was selected to represent the county.

After the First World War there were at least three other clubs in the town, Tavistock Comrades, Bannawell Blues United and Tavistock West End. Amalgamation in 1939 produced the familiar colours of red and black.

In 1947 the club president Herbert Thomas Langsford purchased Langsford Park, giving it under trust to the club in 1949.

The club is planning a special anniversary dinner at the Red and Black Club in the near future.

l See page 47 for match report.