A REPORT was given on the progress of the Celtic cross project for Saltash at the annual meeting of Saltash Festival - while members also looked ahead to celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Stephanie Rees said the artist, Simon Thomas, is preparing final designs for the construction stage of the cross, and a funding package is in place. She said organisations have come forward with either financial sponsorship or the offer of services in kind, and thanks were extended to Pip Miller who has worked hard to obtain the necessary money for the scheme.

The Festival committee is to continue on a smaller scale this year, with the return of the national water-ski sprint championship races taking place on July l at Jubilee Green. There are plans to hold a public meeting at which Saltash residents will be able to put forward suggestions to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. This meeting will probably take place in the autumn.

Fireworks

At the annual meeting chairman, Sue Hooper, reflected on Committee events over the last three years such as the Saltash Pageant, air displays, the town regatta, three firework displays, military band concerts and the national water-ski championships. During this time over £100,000 was raised for the various events, which more than 50,000 visitors attended. Thanks were given to volunteers who had given of their time, and to sponsors including Caradon council, Saltash town council, The Cornish Times, Awards for All, the China Fleet club, SRB and Spinnaker.

Mrs Hooper said that, due to her many other commitments, she will now be standing down. Stephanie Rees was nominated and elected as the new chairman. Anyone who would like to become part of the Saltash Festival Committee should contact her on 01752 842060.