Jon plays

flamenco

ABOUT 35 people attended the first concert of the New Year in Saltash library on January 6, when Jon Salfield, the country's leading flamenco guitarist, presented a lively and sensitive concert.

Jon was introduced by his brother, Ben, and his programme consisted of many pieces Ben had composed himself, and others that he had arranged. Jon has played with his brother, but on this occasion gave a solo performance. His reputation for being a lightening fast player was demonstrated in the performance which included 'Rumba Lanina', 'Tango Nuevo' and 'Baile Caribe'. Jon was well received and played a well deserved encore.

The next concert will be in February and for more details contact Saltash library.

Couple married

50 years ago

A COUPLE married at St Nicholas and St Faith church, Saltash, on 23 December 1950 celebrated their golden wedding with a dinner for their children and eight grandchildren at their present home in Stourbridge. Gerald and Doris Willetts returned to St Nicholas church in September 2000 for the wedding of their nephew, Clive Chenery, and to meet family and friends. Gerald was born in Stourbridge and joined the Royal Navy, coming to Devonport where he met his future wife and went to the local cinemas to see a Bud Abbott and Lou Costello film.

After their marriage ceremony, they had a one day honeymoon visiting

Paignton Zoo. They lived in Albert Road, Saltash, until Gerald left the Navy and went to live in Worcestershire. He worked in the steel works there for 40 years.

Doris, who was born in Saltash, attended the local schools and worked at Daw's Creameries. Gerald and Doris had three sons and one daughter; Alan, Robert, Glen Willetts and Mrs Terree Wood.

Success for

a musical duo

RACHEL and Richard Waters of Saltash have again successfully auditioned for national orchestras.

After four years with the National Children's Orchestra (where the retirement age is 14 years), Rachel has gained a place for the second year in the National Children's Chamber Orchestra. Meanwhile, Richard has won a place in the National Children's Orchestra for the fourth year. He will also play with the National Children's String Sinfoniette after two rigorous auditions. Courses and concerts this year will be held in Yorkshire, Nottingham and Hertfordshire. Rachel and Richard are among the many young people who have benefited from the Saltash music, speech and drama festival.

Entries up for

the festival

THIS year entries are up in all sections of the Saltash music, speech and drama festival, which opens on January 29 with the speech and drama section.

Members of the public are welcome to attend any sessions to listen to the competition. The price of admission to each session will be 50p, with a day ticket (three sessions) costing £1 and a weekly ticket £5. Members of the public can pay at the door but there will be no admission during an actual performance. Stewards will be on duty to guide people in during breaks at suitable intervals. The music section begins on February 5 and lasts till February 9, and the cost of tickets for the festival concert, to be held on February 10 at 7pm and which members of the public can attend, will cost £2.50 from members of the committee or on the door.

Pupils

entertain

PUPILS of St Stephen's primary school at Saltash entertained the residents of Chichester House just before Christmas with carols and music.

The Abbeyfield home, in St Stephen's Road, welcomed guests to the event and refreshments were served afterwards. Eric Distin, chairman of Saltash Abbeyfield committee, thanked the children and the staff of the home for an enjoyable evening.

Appeal - and

a revised plan

FOLLOWING Caradon council's decision to refuse a planning application for 55 elderly persons' flats at the Old Railway Yard, Culver Road, Saltash, an appeal has been lodged, and a new proposal submitted for 32 residential apartments.

A public inquiry will be held in respect of the appeal, at which a government inspector will hear the cases from either side, and from anyone else who asks to speak either for or against the proposal.

No definite dates have been set, either for the inquiry or for when the recently-received revised application will be considered by Caradon's planning committee east.