Broadcasting chief

speaks at meeting

THE Rev Robert Oakes and 12 members of St Mary's Church, Callington, attended a meeting at Saltash Wesley Church organised by local MP Colin Breed.

The speaker was Ernest Rea, Head of the BBC's Religious Broadcasting unit. Although Mr Rea has some influence over religious broadcasting, he is not consulted over the content of other programmes. However, if 30-40 people over the whole country wrote or telephoned the television company following a particular programme, it would instigate a review of that programme.

If you find broadcasted entertainment distasteful, or good, then say so! You have the power to influence programme producers. For BBC programmes write to: The Director General, BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, London W12 7RJ. The Independent Television Commission, 70 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1EY, regulate independent television.

Ivan celebrates

104th birthday

SALTASH resident Ivan Stormer celebrated his l04th birthday this week. Mr Stormer has lived at Marray House residential home, in Saltash, for several years. He was born in Putney, London, and did not attend school until he was eight years old due to chest trouble - but soon made up lost time and is a great reader and Scrabble enthusiast.

He played the piano until recently but his eyesight is troublesome, although he still manages reading large print books.

During the last war he was an air raid warden in London. He used to regularly attend services at Saltash Wesley Church until about two years ago, and now tapes of the service are sent to him.

A party was held for his birthday on Wednesday, where Saltash deputy mayor Eve Storey joined him for tea.

Bus meeting

SALTASH town council has received a reply from the First Western National bus company stating that a representative from the firm will attend a public meeting in Saltash. The council decided, at their monthly meeting, that the meeting should be held on November 13 at 7.30pm at Saltash Guildhall when it is hoped many members of the public using the bus services will attend.

Racial justice

SALTASH Methodist Circuit is celebrating Racial Justice Sunday on Sunday, November 5, with a special day of worship, discussion and thought. The day will consist of a morning service with guest speaker Bev Thomas, director of evangelical christians for racial justice. This is followed by a racial justice panel. The panel includes local MP Colin Breed, Zimbabwean guest Chancellor Gwanzuri and Saltash circuit superintendent minister the Rev Ian Souter. A faith tea and evening worship with guest speaker Rev Tim Woods of Salisbury will follow.

Crime up 14%

THE police report, given to Saltash town councillors at their recent meeting, showed there had been 525 offences committed locally in the past year compared to 460 in the previous 12 months - an increase of 14%.

PC Morris said robbery was down, as well as theft of vehicles and cycles. Shoplifting had decreased but there was a 23% increase in damage to motor vehicles.

Street market

THE subject of a street market was raised at the recently monthly meeting of Saltash town council.

Eric Lewis asked why the matter had been raised again after a consultation feasibility study costing £3,000 in 1996 had recommended that Saltash was not a suitable place for a street market. Stephen Tait said the proposed market had been for the street with a closure for traffic, but the latest suggestion from the Chamber of Commerce was for a market in the car park at Belle View.

Fashion show

MARIANNE'S Fashions in Saltash staged a charity show this week to raise funds for an appeal by the Saltash division of St John Ambulance to raise £40,000 to buy a new vehicle.

The store held the show on Monday at Saltash Guildhall.

Vandalism

DUE to increasing vandalism and disturbance in Victoria Gardens, Sue Hooper suggested, at the recent town council meeting, that the gardens be locked at night. After discussion the council felt that this would not be a recommended course of action, but that the police be notified of the problem.