Visitor centre given go-ahead

Planning permission has been given for Saltash Town Council to turn an unused railway station building into a heritage and visitor centre.

The centre, which will focus on the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, will involve the complete refurbishment of the traditional style railway building, including reinstatement of the platform's canopy.

The project also includes a cafe and a retail area. Normal use of the platform and the railway line will be unaffected by the development.

Retention appeal

An appeal has been lodged following a decision by Caradon Council to refuse permission for the retention of use of agricultural land for the stationing of vehicles for residential purposes. The land in question is at Trevollard Lane, Saltash, and the appeal has been made by M Mentis. It has been requested that the matter is heard at a public inquiry.

Easter performance

Saltash Wesley Methodist Church is to be the venue for an Easter performance of Stainer's 'Crucifixion' to be presented by the Saltash and district augmented choir.

A total of 70 choristers from South East Cornwall and Plymouth have practised over several months to give one of Easter's most popular works during Holy Week on April 19 at 7.30pm. The choir will be conducted by Phil Taylor, soloists will be tenor Ray Gilley and bass Brian Green and the organist Kenneth Pethick of Callington. Admission is free and a collection will be taken in aid of local charities.

Ladies Sunday

The ladies of Burraton Methodist Church celebrated their Ladies Sunday with Mothering Sunday services. The invited preacher was Rev Anne C Curnow of Liskeard.

Concert at school

Sir Robert Geffery School, Landrake, was the venue for a concert arranged by the school's deputy head teacher, Frank Stevens.

Mr Stevens, who conducted the school choir, is also deputy conductor of Burraton Male Voice Choir who were the guests. The programme was introduced by headteacher Peter Rosser. The compere was Rev Martyn Smith .

There were humorous sketches by girls from the choir - Shirley Gibbins, Emily Noszkie, Sarah Pickup, Katie Maguire, Claire Maitland and Rebecca Kellagher. A piano duet was played by Frank Stevens and his sister, Val Platt. The male voice choir was conducted by Phil Taylor and accompanied by Muriel Nicholson. Proceeds went to the Derriford children's cancer ward. Male voice members will be taking part in the Exeter male voice praise festival on April 15.

Weekend away

The Saltash Methodist Circuit held its third weekend away staying at the Treloyhan Methodist Guild guest house at St Ives. Most churches were represented for the weekend, organised by circuit stewards Bob Austin and Joy Delbridge. Themes were led by circuit staff Supt Minister Rev Ian Souter and Rev Martyn Smith and lay pastors Marguerite Smith and Pat Stickland. Prayers at the Sunday morning service were led by lay preacher Donald Cooke and the young people.

Citizen awards

Nominations are being requested for Saltash Citizen of the Year Award 2000. Each nomination should be accompanied by a letter describing the work done in the community, and reasons for the nomination. Those whose names are put forward should be Saltash residents. The nominations should be sent to Saltash town clerk, Marilyn Small, at The Guildhall, 12 Lower Fore Street, Saltash by April 21.