Saltash Fore Street was packed on Saturday for the 30th annual May Fair in glorious sunshine. Councillor Peter Stephens, chairman of the May Fair committee, welcomed the mayor and mayoress of Saltash. Joe and Clare Ellison, along with hundreds of young people from the town's youth organisations who had marched from Victoria Gardens behind the mayor and mayoress, led by Laira Youth Band of Plymouth. Wearing his red ceremonial robes the mayor was accompanied by the town clerk Marilyn Small and John Small, the town mace bearers, Malcolm Matthews and town sergeant Steve Down, and May Fair Princess, Abi O'Brien, with attendant Lisa Harris. Opening the May Fair the mayor said that it was good to see everyone in town raising money for local charities and traders, and the fantastic parade of all the youth groups. He thanked the very small May Fair committee for putting on the event and stressed the need for more volunteers for next year's May Fair. After inspecting the Parade of Youth, which involved more than 300 young people, the mayor announced that the Young Citizen of the Year was Eliot Thorne, a pupil at saltash.net Community School, member of K2 Youth Club, Saltash Youth Action Group, Caradon Youth Forum, and recently elected member of the National Youth Parliament, who gained the highest number of votes in Cornwall. The Peter Stephens Cup for the best entertainment group went to Saltash Ladies Choir and was received by Cicely Sharp (secretary), Linda Eastlake (musical director) and Helen Burke (chairman). The Citizen of the Year award will be announced at the mayor choosing on May 29 as the recipient is away on holiday at present, and unable to attend the May Fair. Peter Stephens, May Fair chairman, thanked Saltash Town Council for their donation of £1,000 to help finance the fair, from the town's festival fund. After the march past of the Parade of Youth, Laira Youth Band conducted by Anthony Hollick entertained in the arena and later the Wreckers Morris Dancers and Street Talk attracted a crowd. Alan and his magic kept the children mystified, and stalls and sideshows did a roaring trade all day throughout the town. There was a balloon race in aid of Cornwall Air Ambulance run by Saltash and District Ladies Circle, along with plenty of places to relax and enjoy food. Half marathon and fun run On Sunday morning the mayor, Joe Ellison, sounded the horn for the start of the half marathon when 232 runners took part. The race started in dull weather conditions but the sun soon came out. There was only one minor casualty during the race, which was dealt with efficiently at the medical post at the Guildhall. The race was sponsored by Active Alarms. Starting 15 minutes after the half marathon, the annual fun run, sponsored this year by Cotton's Taxis, attracted 170 competitors, slightly down on last year. The first home in the half marathon was Neil Holmes of Erme Valley Harriers, in the time of 1hour 18mins 43secs, who also qualified as the first male veteran home in the 40-44 age group. This is the first time he has won the Saltash half marathon.. The first lady home was Anne Luke of Tamar Trotters, in 1hour 30mins 13secs. This is the second year running Anne has been first female in the race, who also qualified first in the veterans 50 -59 age group.
