Jane is new portreeve

The election of the new Callington Portreeve and deputy took place this week.

Kath Pascoe, the retiring portreeve, said during her speech: 'I have had a very enjoyable and busy time during the past year.'

Jane Black was nominated for the position of portreeve by Councillor Jeremy Gist who said: 'Jane has been a regular member of the council for many years.'

Mr Gist's nomination was seconded by Mrs Pascoe and was elected on a unanimous decision.

Mrs Black said: 'My main priority in all I do will be to promote our town at home and abroad. My hope is that our residents will stop knocking the town and see all the good in Callington and its people. The character of the town is bound to change as more houses are built, but we must look forward with optimism, and try to welcome new residents into our community so this is not just somewhere to sleep after work.'

She continued: 'On the council most of the complaints we get from residents are about litter, dog mess or bad parking. Aren't we lucky that the complaints are not about crime, unemployment, poor housing, poverty or homelessness.'

The new deputy, Tony Nettle, said: 'I will try to do my best by the town.'

Week-long festival

The Calstock Festival is a week-long mix of music, art, performances and workshops.

The theme of 'Metamorphosis' has been adopted this year to reflect how the festival has changed and evolved over the last 11 years and to celebrate the changes and improvements of the regeneration works on the quayside.

Sally Copson festival committee member said: 'The festival has been built by a small voluntary crew over the last few months. We've tried to cater for all tastes, ages and abilities, with theatre, art, music and workshops, (not forgetting silly games, cream teas and good company!)'

Calstock Festival starts on a musical high today (May 25) with the much acclaimed 'Song of the Tamar' - a contemporary folk musical performed by the Calstock Singers, depicting the lives of workers in the Tamar Valley over the last 100 years

The week culminates on June 1 when you are invited to 'flutter like a butterfly, or hop like a frog, come join the spectacle of festivals - Metamorphic Procession.' - a colourful procession winding through the streets of the village.

There will be a gardeners question time at the Old Chapel, Sand Hill, Sunday, May 27.

Tickets cost £2.50, which includes a glass a wine, and are available in advance from the Calstock Development Trust office.

Calstock Classical Evening is being held on May 30. Graduate of the Royal Schools of Music, Marsha de Thornley Head will be holding a varied recital of mainly 16th and 17th century music at Peterloo Poets. Tickets are £6, including a glass of wine, and are available from the trust office or from the festival.

Events will also include a circus fun time, boat trips, games night, the art exhibition and more.

A copy of the full programme is available from local shops and pubs.

CD player for winner

JOHN Maynard of Callington was the recipient of a CD player, the first prize for winning a balloon race that took place during Callington's Community Fayre day at the college.

His balloon reached Brittany. John accepted his prize from Steve Pridham who donated the prize from his shop in Callington.

Meeting at

Rilla Mill

CARADON councillors are to hold a site meeting in Rilla Mill on May 29 at 11.30am to discuss a resubmitted application to construct a detached dwelling on land adjoining Tregarran Cottage.

The application is by Dr W R Dyke.