A STANDING ovation was given to Saltash Town Band during its 30th birthday concert at saltash.net community college. Mayor of Saltash David Carter was welcomed by compere Mr Ernie Reynolds, who for many years played in the town band and also taught many of the young players. Ernie played the Bb bass in the band from late 1975 until recently. Robert Julian was the musical director of the band, with former musical director David Dobson also in attendance. Saltash Town Band was originally formed in 1919 after World War One at Saltash Working Men's Club and was active until the outbreak of the Second World War. The band was reformed 20 years after the war, with the first rehearsal held on June 18, 1975 – which is now regarded as the band's birthday – after fundraising had been ongoing for instruments for some time. The band recorded its first CD in 2001 and formed a youth band the following year. Not only does the band have a youth band but also a training band, and all three bands performed in Friday's concert. The concert opened with Olympic Fanfare and theme by John Williams and continued with the ever-popular Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Bass in the Ballroom by Roy Newsome featured Andrew Knight in drag costume as the soloist playing the Eb Bass. The band concluded the opening with the James Bond Collection arranged by Goff Richards. Celtic Song was composed by David's son, Simon. Special guest Mr John Honywill, who has been associated with the band for several years, played Nocturne Op 32, No 1 by Chopin followed by the ever poplar Dizzy Fingers by Zez Confrey. The band concluded with Mood Indigo, Jurassic park, and Evening Song when the soloist was Mrs Nicola Pascoe on the cornet. Mr Reynolds kept the audience amused during interludes and he thanked the band, and especially secretary Mrs Tina Fulcher, for organising the evening. Andy Knight, chairman, spoke about the band's progress and plans for future and thanked the treasurer, Avril Egeler, who had been with the band for 26 years. The band played an encore and Trelawny.