There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of Livewire Youth Club at Waterside.

Originally known as Saltash Waterside Boys' club, members had felt it was time to change the name to keep up-to-date, and acknowledge that girls were also club members. Chairman, Bryan Preston, thanked the committee and voluntary workers for their help in the club each week. He said club attendance had increased, especially in the junior section. Treasurer Jim Westlake, who is retiring from the post after seven years, gave the balance in hand as £6,069.92.

Andy Rance, project worker and youth leader said the club had worked with 6,634 young people during the year at their Livewire Saltash Waterside Youth Project. Of these 709 were boys under 13; 759 girls under 13; 1,743 males aged 13-17 and 1,746 females aged 13-17; as well as 1,539 males over 18 and 109 females over 18.

At the beginning of the year, a code of conduct and new system of operation were established and there had been no vandalism in 11 months and no one asked to leave for bad behaviour. He said: 'This shows that the young people have accepted responsibility for the project and they feel a sense of ownership and take pride in the club.'

During the year the young people have been on organised visits and trips, one recently to Bristol climbing centre. They have also helped with the running of the junior section as well as painting part of the premises. A youth bike project is underway for the year 2000, working with Jane Carter in the boatshed to build a custom motorcycle to be entered in a show next year. The club did well in the rowing season year and volleyball teams came second and third in the Spinnaker International Charity Volleyball tournament at the China Fleet club. They were the only youth team among adults.

The Moorland challenge was another event in which club members competed, with basketball, netball and football in the sports hall each night. The club is planning to establish a sound studio at the cost of £55,000, making music with the help of computers. Donations and pledges have been received already to help with equipment. The club has also developed an Information Technology suite which allows young people to do their homework.

Due to illness, the mayor, Mona Tomaszewska-Honywill, was unable to attend, nor was president, Sue Hooper. Phil Rundle, vice president, spoke on behalf of Mrs Hooper, praising the club on their successful year. A moment's silence was held in memory of the late Phoebe Lean and Don Carter, who had helped the club in may ways.