HEAVY downpours did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds which packed Tavistock's Brook Street last Friday, as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall paid a visit to the Times, marking its 150th anniversary this year. After being greeted by Sir Ray Tindle, owner of the Times, the royal couple made their way to the newspaper's offices in Brook Street, where they were introduced to the advertising and production staff. They also met Chris Dyke, the owner of Tavistock's Bodyzone gym, which organised a successful appeal for Christmas gifts for locally-based troops serving in Afghanistan. Then came the moment the assembled crowds in Brook Street had been waiting for, as the Duke and Duchess braved the rain to chat to enthusiastic onlookers. One Tavistock resident who was able to meet the Duke was Jacqui Fogwill, herself a former longstanding Times employee. Jacqui said: 'He asked me how long I had worked for the Times and I said "14 years". 'He said that was what he liked — the fact staff stayed so long at the Times. 'He seemed such a nice, natural sort of person — it was a very nice occasion for Tavistock.' The Duke and Duchess were then taken to meet the Times' editorial and accounts staff, before being introduced to staff from the Cornish Times and Cornish and Devon Post, which are also celebrating 150 years in publishing this year. Prince Charles unveiled plaques commemorating the papers' big day, which will be displayed at the newspaper offices in Tavistock, Liskeard and Launceston. Prince Charles said: 'I just want to say what a great pleasure it has been for my wife and I to join you for this celebration of your anniversary. 'I have great admiration for the work that these marvellous local newspapers do in their community, it's truly remarkable. 'You fulfill a special role in these communities and for that we owe you an enormous debt of gratitude. 'I was also particularly pleased to see you have such links with the troops serving in Afghanistan — it's wonderful to continue that kind of link with those who are working in such difficult conditions in such dangerous circumstances.' Following the departure of the Duke and Duchess, the newspaper staff enjoyed a celebration lunch in Tavistock Town Hall. Sir Ray Tindle said: 'Today has been the great day in the long history of the Tavistock Times Gazette, the Cornish Times and the Cornish and Devon Post. 'Their royal highnesses met every member of the three staffs and toured the Tavistock offices. 'The Prince of Wales praised the work of the local press and inspected the newspaper's salmon fishing rights, while joining the delighted staff in their anniversary celebrations.' Brian Doel, managing director of Tindle Newspapers, said he was 'very proud' of the three newspapers, which were prime examples of 'good local newspapers'. Lyn Roberts, Times general manager, said she had been 'honoured and overwhelmed' by the visit. 'I think it was so wonderful they took the time to come to us and speak to every single member of staff. It's been a wonderful day, absolutely fantastic.' The royal couple's Tavistock engagement was one of a series in West Devon and East Cornwall last week. They visited Holbush Mine at Kelly Bray, part of the newly designated Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site, and Cotehele House on Thursday. During Friday morning they went to Duchy College at Stoke Climsland where the Duchess watched children from Stoke Climsland Primary School taking part in sports events — she also visited the college's riding stables. The Duke met farmers and agricultural students at the college. After the royal couple left Tavistock, they braved wind and rain to visit the Postbridge area. The Duke was given a demonstration by apprentices on the Moor Skills Group who are learning hedging and stone walling. The Duchess visited the Dartmoor Pony Moorland Scheme at Dunnabridge and took tea with the members of the High Moorland Womens' Institute.