Nonsense at the church

Mixed Company will present an aptly titled entertainment of words, music and merriment - 'Stuff and Nonsense on All Fools' Day' - in St Stephen-by-Saltash Parish Church on Saturday, April 1, at 7.30pm in aid of the Restoration Fund.

Those appearing include Barry Gillman, tenor, Patricia Lewis, mezzo-soprano, Helen McHale, soprano, Graham Sampson, baritone, and Susan Whatty, soprano, with piano accompanist Raymond Tipper.

Martin Hazell, who sings folk songs to his own concertina accompaniment will be making his debut with Mixed Company, and organist Roger Pengelly makes a welcome return.

Saltash Team Vicar, the Rev Alan Butler, Irene Hassett and Harry Smith will be adding to the fun, and councillor Bryan Preston, deputy mayor has agreed to give his support by attending this concert.

Admission, including refreshments, costs £3 only (£1 under 18s) and tickets will be on sale from Saltash TV and Radio, Fore Street and on the door.

Bob is new chairman

Following the surprise resignation of Bruce Reid for personal reasons, the Saltash and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry has elected Bob Frost as chairman.

Bob runs Prestige Electronic Services on the Moorlands estate. After his election he said: 'I am delighted to be chairman at a time when Saltash faces many challenges and opportunities. Saltash's prosperity depends on all parts of the town being successful. Fore Street is the most visible part, and that has to thrive - but the trading estates also provide much-needed jobs and wealth, and they must not be forgotten.'

He added: 'I would like to see another event as was held at the China Fleet club a few years ago when the businesses of the town displayed their products and services to each other. Not many businesses, let alone people, know the diversity of industry and commerce in the town, and this would be one way of making it more visible.'

Anyone with thoughts or ideas should contact Bob direct on 01752 848277, or attend the chamber meetings, held every first Monday of the month at the China Fleet club.

Reports on youth clubs

A report on the youth clubs in Saltash was given at the recent annual meeting of Saltash Town Council.

Mrs K Riches spoke on the Live Wire youth club, while Peter Stephens reported on the K2 youth club. He said it was so successful that Thursday membership had risen to l80 a night, and more voluntary help was needed. He added there were still problems with under-age drinking on the campus, not related to club members.

Other reports to the meeting included that from Sue Hooper and Mona Tomaszewska on the Mabbott Hayward charity, and how the money had helped various causes.

The council agreed to invite Bill Bawden to meet the council to consider various Objective One projects and funding.

Members also decided to support a letter of objection about litter and dog faeces in the Wearde Farm area to Caradon council.

Forum Four holds annual meeting

The annual meeting of Saltash Forum Four was held at the Guildhall, Saltash, when chairman Zella Devivo presided.

Secretary John Drew said the Forum's programme had included a variety of speakers, outings, shopping trips and a Christmas lunch. Treasurer Janet Parsons also gave her report.

The election of officers result in: chairman Zella Devivo, vice chairman Fred Sommer, secretary John Drew, assistant secretary Marjorie Drew, treasurer Janet Parsons, registrar Doreen Davy, assistant registrar Jim Parsons, and sick visitors Sheila King and Pauline Shearman. Teas were served by Fred and Sandie Sommer and raffle winners were Kath Parsons, Jack Bowhay, Dorothy Davey, Betty Bailey, Eveline Swinhoe and Win Thicke.

The object of the forum is to bring together retired and semi-retired people in Saltash and its surrounding area. Those wishing to join can attend any of the meetings held every other Friday in the Lower Guildhall at 2.15pm. Details and the programme for 2000-01 can be obtained from Mr Drew on 01752 843263.

Crime figures show rise in burglaries

The latest police report was given to Saltash town councillors at their monthly meeting by Inspector Parlour, who said burglaries in homes were up by 38 per cent.

He added, however, that the recent figures also show violent crime is down by 22 per cent and theft from commercial vehicles has dropped by 30 per cent. However, theft from vehicles is up by six offences in 11 months.

In reply to a question as to why the police station had been closed on a certain day, Inspector Tucker said sometimes it had to be done at short notice.

New club for blind and partially-sighted

A new club has been formed in the wake of the closure of the Saltash visually impaired club, which ceased after organiser Kath Palmer retired at the age of 80.

The new club will be known as the Saltash Blind and Partially Sighted Club or BAPS for short. Shirley Noulson is the main organiser and the group will meet at the SHADO centre, Plougastel Drive, each week on Tuesdays from 2pm-4pm.

So far members have enjoyed quiz afternoons, a 'name that tune' session and trips by minibus.

Anyone interested in joining, or who knows of someone partially-sighted or blind, should contact Mrs Noulson on 01752 851523.

Mozambique plant sale

A plant sale was held at the Saltash home of Mrs Johnson to raise money for the flood victims in Mozambique. A total of £200 was realised, which will be sent through the Save the Children fund. A bring and buy stall was also held.

Saint's day

St Stephen-by-Saltash Parish Church celebrated St Patrick's Day with a supper in the church. About 50 attended with entertainment afterwards.