Teacher David retires

AFTER teaching for 34 years David Ashton has retired from the staff of Brunel Primary School.

Thirteen of his teaching years were spent at Brunel and one of its founding schools - Saltash junior school.

Mr Ashton was described as a popular member of staff, both with adults and children.

He was well-known for his rendition of stories about Winnie the Pooh, and he received an embroidered picture from the children of Brunel, which depicted all the characters from the book.

The embroidery was worked in cross stitch by Linda Chapple, a learning support assistant.

The staff held a retirement buffet at the Manor House Inn, Rilla Mill, to mark the occasion and were joined by ex-colleagues.

Mr Ashton is hoping to return to his painting in retirement, and was presented with an easel, paints and brushes, together with a cheque.

The presentation was made by Keith Howdle, head teacher of Brunel primary school, on behalf of all his colleagues past and present. He said Mr Ashton's ability to weigh up situations and deliver succinct one-line comments had encouraged many staff, and had helped to blend the two founding schools together.

Mr Howdle thanked him for all his contributions to school life, especially his organisation of activities afternoon, and his tireless fundraising for the Macmillan Nurses.

Coffee morning

A COFFEE morning was held at the home of Mr and Mrs Fred Sommer at the end of July, organised by their two granddaughters, Rachel and Emma who were on holiday.

Local residents and members of the Fourth Forum, of which Mr Sommer is chairman, supported the event and £75 was raised for the Gable Farm cats and dogs home, Plymouth.

Summer fayre

SHADO at Saltash is to hold its summer fayre on August 22 from 2-4pm. The eventis to be opened by Saltash mayor, Eve Storey.

School reunion

FORMER Saltash School pupils are gearing up for a reunion, to be held at the school on September 8 at 7pm.

Tickets are at £8 each or £15 per couple, with enquiries to be made to Kaye on 01752 849233.

Admission is by ticket only, and there will be a bar, buffet and disco.

Tickets on sale

TICKETS for Saltash Partnership's boat trip to Calstock on August 23 are on sale at the town clerk's office at Saltash Guildhall.

The outing is a social event for anyone interested in taking part.

Brodie is top show dog

DOGS of all shapes and sizes entered the annual dog show, organised by the Royal Naval Association on Sunday afternoon at the Kimberley Stadium, Saltash.

Show secretary, Bill Dent, said dog owners had come from various parts of Cornwall and Devon, despite a wet day with fog.

Show judge, Mrs J Lang, said the dogs judged were in very good condition, and were obviously well loved and cared for - the best rescued and re-homed dog class demonstrating this point.

The Champion of the show was judged to be 'Brodie', a labrador, with 'Chelsea', a cocker spaniel as reserve champion.

The results were: Exemption: AV puppy 6-12 months Tasha (labrador) Mr Burrows; AV sporting Jack (bull terrier) Tina Marsh; AV non-sporting Rob (rough collie) Mr M O'Hara; AV open Emma (cocker spaniel) Tony Madge; champion classes 1-4 Tasha.

Family: Best veteran 7-10 years Jenny (labrador) Sally Penfound; 11 years and over Bengie, Jane Griffiths; best cross breed Rhys, Sue Hodgkinson; most appealing eyes Bridges, Lee Sargent; best long coat Sunny (rough collie) Jane Lacroix; best short coat 'Brodie' (labrador) Nicolla Baharie; handsomest dog Blue Spence, Andrew Spence; prettiest bitch Chelsea (spaniel) S Madge; best six legs Gypsy, Martin Lloyd.

Fancy dress Lara, Sandy Jones; Best mover dogs under 12" Choi (peke) Jane Lacroix; dogs over 12" Cola (German shepherd) Tina Sampson; most attractive pair Brooke and Brodie, Nicolla Baharie; best rescued/rehomed dog Beejaye (mini dax) Jill Riley; most obedient Cola, Tina Simpson, best dog from outside Saltash, Brooke, Nicolla Baharie; best dog from Saltash, Pip (Jack Russell) Derren Nute.