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September 2011 - Issue 230

Dental CheckMost of us see our dentist for

an annual check-up.

Hearing TestMost over 55’s have NEVER had a hearing test

- although you should. And they are FREE.

Do you tick ALL the boxes?

Mostofthepeoplereadingthiswillnot!

EyetestMost of us see our optician for

a routine check-up.

Why is this? Because in the main, unlike toothache, the effects of hearing loss are not painful. And unlike poor eyesight it is not visible. But “after a certain age” it can silently creep up on you.

You may keep asking people to repeat themselves, or have the TV turned up too loud. That sort of thing.

Take the first step now. For free advice or a FREE HEARING TEST, call RegionalHearing Services today!

Trips to your dentist or optician don’t always mean something has to be done. But like all annual checks, the hearing test gives you peace of mind and hearingtests cost you nothing.

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There are a large number ofindividual students whoachieved outstanding grades.These include Charlotte Colewho achieved 4 A grades inMaths, Further Maths, Physicsand General Studies and a Bgrade in Chemistry; LydiaButler who secured 4 A gradesin Geography, ICT, EnglishLanguage and GeneralStudies; Laura Randall whogained 4 A grades inSociology, Media Studies,English Language andPolitics; and Christie Rosserwho achieved 4 A grades inEnglish Language,Psychology, Art & Design andGeneral Studies. CharlotteCole was particularlydelighted to have achieved herA grades as it means she isnow eligible for a Bursary tostudy Maths at Leicester.Also to be highly commendedare Pollyanna Boucherat whogained 3 A grades, RebeccaTaylor who secured an A* inArt & Design as well as an Aand a B, and Jordon Hirst,Becky Wray, Philippa Yellopand Tom Riley who all gained2 As and a B. Tom Riley is tobe particularly commended ashe managed to achieve top A

ANOTHER GREAT YEAR FOR SALTASH.NET COMMUNITY SCHOOLA Level Results 2011

In a year where the pressure on 6th Form Students nationally to achieve highly has never been more intense,saltash.net community school is delighted that its students have been very successful across all subject areas.With an overall pass rate of 98%, and 67% at the higher grades of A*-C, the overwhelming majority of the 100

students in Year 13 who wish to progress to university this year, will be doing so thanks to the excellent tuition,guidance and support they have been given over the last two years by their 6th Form teachers and pastoral team.

Level grades whilst at thesame time, as an incrediblytalented athlete, competing ininternational basketballcompetitions. Tom is nowproceeding to the Universityof Bath to undertake a degreein Sports Coaching andSports Development, anexcellent opportunity for him

in the lead up to the 2012Olympic Games.Alongside Year 13 students,Year 12s were alsocelebrating some superbresults, including OliverTamblyn and Charlie-RayMann who have both securedA* grades in A Level Maths ayear early as part of the fasttrack Maths course offered ats a l t a s h . n e t .Commenting on the students’considerable achievementsthis year, Head of 6th Form,Nick Scantlebury said, “Icongratulate all students ontheir well deserved success,especially in such competitivetimes. I am especiallydelighted for those studentswho have managed toovercome considerablechallenges and personaldifficulties to achieve thislevel of success”.Headteacher, Isobel Bryce,added her owncongratulations to the

students saying, “We are veryproud of all our young peopleand wish them the very bestwith future plans. I wouldalso like to take thisopportunity to thank the staffhere at the school for all thesupport they have given andalso acknowledge the key rolethat parents and other familymembers play in helping theirchildren achieve the best thatthey can”.MORE PICTURES ON PAGE 8

Saltash & District Observer - September 2011 - Page 2

CORNWALLCOUNCIL

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VOTERREGISTRATIONVoter registration formsshould have been droppingthrough your letterboxesand if they haven’t donealready they soon will. Youneed to return the forms assoon as possible to makeyour voice heard in futureelections. The updatedelectoral register ispublished on 1st Decemberand only people whosenames are on the registerwill be able to vote at localor national elections in thefollowing twelve months.

250,000 householdsacross Cornwall will be sentthe form. Anyone who hasnot received a form can getone by contacting theelectoral registration teamon 0300 123 1115 or print aform from the About myVote website.

If your household detailshaven’t changed you canalso reply by text, phone orInternet. Registeringelectronically is not only thequickest and easiest method,but it also helps the Councilto save taxpayers money.

CORNWALL PRIDEI spent a day in Augusthelping to man the PoliceAuthority stall at CornwallPride in Victoria Gardens inTruro. In these days of cutswe were asking the publicwhat they thought the mostimportant priorities were forthe Police to spend theirbudget on. It was a busy dayand there was a lot ofinterest in our questionnaire.

Devon and CornwallPolice were also there withofficers and staff from theequality and diversity team.

Cornwall Council alsohad a large presence,inviting people to find outabout Council services andjoin in CornwallConversations, an initiativewhich asks people to tell theCouncil what they valuemost about Cornwall andwhat they want to seeimprove life in Cornwall.

There were firefightersfrom the Cornwall Fire andRescue Service talkingabout recruitmentopportunities and theRegistration Servicepromoting its support onoffer for those who may beplanning a civil service inCornwall

LORD LIEUTENANTBy the time you are readingthis, Lady Mary Holborrowthe Lord Lieutenant ofCornwall will be nearingretiring or have retired fromthe post. Lady Mary is theQueen’s representative in

the County and has alongand distinguished service inthe post. There are fewplaces in Cornwall, whichshe has not visited, eitherwhen we have had a Royalvisit or in some othercapacity. I have had thepleasure of meeting LadyMary on numerousoccasions; she is anincredible ambassador forour County with an interestin many areas, which makeCornwall the best place tolive. She has had a particularconnection with the Policeand attends many awardsceremonies and is especiallyinvolved with the SpecialConstabulary.

Her last duty I believe forDevon and Cornwall {policewill be to present the LongService and Good ConductAwards to Officers andCivilians at two ceremoniesat the China Fleet Club inSaltash on 1st September atwhich I shall be attendingwith the Chairman of thePolice Authority and theChief Constable. We shallalso be hosting a farewelltea for her at the CarlyonBay Hotel and CornwallCouncil will be making apresentation to her at theirCouncil meeting on the 6thSeptember.

Lady Mary will be a veryhard act to follow, but thenew Lord Lieutenant isEdward Bolitho the presentHigh Sheriff of Cornwallwho will, I am sure carry onthe traditions of thisimportant appointmentsplendidly.

SALTASH.NETACADEMY SCHOOLFinally hearty congra-tulations to the students andstaff at our saltash.netAcademy School on theexcellent results at bothGCSE and A level. When wehear so many bad stories inthe national press aboutyoung people, many of themblown up out of allproportion, it is wonderfulto be able to salute theachievements of youngpeople in Saltash. None of itcould of course be possiblewithout the excellentteachers and the leadershipof the Headteacher IsobelBryce. All the Governors ofthe school are very proud tobe associated with such adynamic school.

CECILY BAKERCHARITY

Registered No 280830Contact number

07855628154

In August, Parliamentwas recalled for asecond time and I had

to cancel or postpone anumber of ConstituencyEngagements including avisit to talk to the SaltashRotary Club. I would liketo offer my sincereapologies to theOrganisation and ampleased that the visit hasbeen rescheduled.

I hope they willunderstand that it would havebeen irresponsible to ignorethe request to return whenParliament was recalled todiscuss two very importantNational issues, the riots andstate of the world economy.Whilst my Constituency wasnot directly affected by riots,many Officers from Devonand Cornwall Policetravelled to London andBristol to help deal with thetrouble and I would like topay tribute to our PoliceOfficers who placedthemselves in the front lineto stave off the trouble.

Around 80 MPs wanted tocatch the speaker’s eye tocontribute to the debate.Unfortunately I was notsuccessful and could not makemy short contribution. Had Ibeen called I would have toldthe House about my recentvisit to the Democracy ActionDay in Torpoint where Irealised that we politiciansmust listen to the youth oftoday because they comeforward with some very goodissues.

This criminality we hadseen in our Cities is not theway we act in our society. Iwould have praised the youthparliament and otherdemocratic bodies in showingthere is a better way. Not allyoung people are bad.

I have seen the massivedevastation that took place inthis constituency throughflooding. Like those inLondon after the riots, Igrabbed my broom and joinedthe residents to help clean upthe businesses and propertiesthat were ruined. After theflooding Insurance companiessprang into action and theynow need to again after theseriots. They need to be payingquickly with assistance given

to anyone who is havingissues. I was also pleased tohear from the Prime Ministerthat we have resources forthose who did not haveinsurance. We learnt theselessons from the flooding.

I would like to praise thepeople from the communitieswho are coming together to dotheir bit to restore some sort oforder to the devastation causedby this criminal behaviour.

I hope we will give supportto our Police so they can takepositive action knowing theGovernment is backing themwith clear, unambiguous rulesof engagement.

The lack of detention placesshould not be a hindrance toarrests. Enough places, even ifthey are temporary in nature,should be made available.Turfing known rioters back onthe streets should not be anoption whilst problemscontinue. Even if this meansthey are put in places whichare not near their homes.

People do not always seethe good work carried out byour Police. Before the recall Iwas fortunate to join SgtDavid Carney Howarth atDevonport Police Station tolearn about OperationEncompass. This project hasbeen set up to providesupport for children whohave witnessed incidents ofDomestic Violence in theirhomes.

Through earlycommunication between thePolice and a trained contactat the school, it is possible toensure the young people whohave often witnessed atraumatic domestic incidentin their home are providedwith support. This project iscurrently restricted to thelocal area of Devonport butthere are plans to expand itand I believe it should be anationwide initiative.

I will be makingrepresentations to the HomeSecretary to ask her toseriously consider rolling outthis project across the nation.The present system, wherebureaucracy often delayscommunication with schoolsfor months, sees young peoplewho have witnessed DomesticViolence in their homes notget the support they need.

THE ESSA FILES…

The headlines at thestart of August weredominated by the riots

in London, Birmingham andelsewhere. Merryn and I werestaying near Birmingham atthe time (to see the cricket,not for the riots) and sawsome of the damage ‘themorning after’.

What struck me is thateverybody seemed very keento give their own sweepingstatement of what caused theriots – a breakdown indiscipline, soft sentences,spending cuts,unemployment, poor policingetc.

What they all seemed tomiss is that the 4,000 or soarrests represent 0.006% ofUK the population – actuallyabout the same number ofpeople as live in Essa Ward.More to the point, massiveareas of the country, includingthe whole of Cornwall, had notrouble at all.

This certainly isn’t becausewe have no unemployment orspending cuts, nice ideathough that would be.However we have been luckyin Saltash to have hadexcellent community policingover the last few years –obviously crimes get throughand not everyone will ever behappy, but crime in Saltashhas been dropping month onmonth for several years. Weknow our police and regularlysee our PCSOs out patrolling.

Yet this communitypolicing is already in dangerfrom cuts – our police stationfront desk has closed, we have

been joined in a police areathat stretches up to Bude,some of our officers have beenforced into retirement, andmore of our police responsescome from Plymouth.

What concerns me is thatthe demands for solutions toprevent these riots all,naturally, cost a great deal. Itwould be a terrible shame ifwe got even further cuts,including to our communitypolicing, to solve a problemthat we didn’t have. The moreprisons you build, the less youcan spend on schools andhospitals, and the morespecialist riot police squads(whom we don’t need seem toneed particularly often inSaltash, or indeed all ofCornwall) that you create theless you can spend oncommunity policing.

Of course we should notignore the riots or the need toprevent them in the future, butwe also need to think aboutnot hitting the areas likeSaltash where there was notrouble.

Adam Killeya

COLIN’S CAREER OF SERVICE TOSALTASH AND BEYOND

Having dedicated his working life to the sick and injured during his career as a Para-medicambulance man, Colin Russell dedicated much of his retirement to the sick and disadvantaged ofIndia before losing his own private battle with cancer at the age of 63.

Many will have fond memories of Colin from the twenty-six years in which he was based at SaltashAmbulance Station exercising his quiet and patient kindness on those involved in trauma while practisinghis paramedic skills.

His retirement in 2001 gave him and his wife Sue the opportunity they wanted to devote more time toworking for the welfare of their Saltash community and later worldwide. Since 1998 they had beenfundraising for the Shree Bhairav Eye Hospital at Bisalpur in Rajistan India. This led to a deeper

involvement and Colin and Suehave spent much of the last fewyears visiting and working withthe medical staff in the sightsaving work. This in turn led totheir increasing involvementover the past five years with anHIV orphanage in Goa. Theyboth fund raised and gavepractical aid to the HIV infectedchildren, making frequent visitswhile staying in India.

His former career encouragedColin also to organise the gift ofan ambulance filled withmedical equipment to a deprivedtownship in Cape Province,South Africa.

Colin and Sue spent much ofthe last few years in Indiaamong their many friends there,but they were at their Saltashhome this June when Colin wasfirst diagnosed with terminalcancer. His died at his home andfor the funeral, held in a packedSt Stephens Church, he wasborne in by former colleaguesfrom the Ambulance Service.

He leaves three children, twostep children, and fourgrandchildren in whosecompany he delighted, as wellas his widow Sue. Sue intendsto continue travelling to Indiaand carrying on the work for thedisadvantaged of that country towhich Colin was devoted.

Saltash & District Observer - September 2011 - Page 3

Observer Telephone Nos07971484872 or01579 345699

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I hope you have enjoyed theSummer and have been able tosee the wonderful flowerdisplays in Fore Street and thefloral boats, what a lovelywelcome to Saltash. We arefortunate to have had bothSaltash Rotary and SaltashLions, sponsoring the displaysthis year, many thanks for allyour hard work.

Marilyn and I have beenpartying at St.Annesresidential home. The homecelebrated its 20th birthdayand we were entertained withmusic, dancing and a deliciouslunch. We had the privilege ofmeeting many of the residentslast year when we attended asdeputies and it was lovely tosee them all again. We alsoattended a Diamond WeddingAnniversary for Betty and RonPardoe at the Ploughboy andwere joined by friends andfamily from Canada.

Marilyn also attended the StStephen’s Church silentauction and came home with abag of goodies that she hasbought, I am not letting her outagain on her own! Seriously,though, she really enjoyed itand it was a great idea to raisefunds for the church and thenew community hall.

We have been quite luckywith the weather andengagements although it wasraining heavily when weattended the ChurchtownFarm Awareness day. All wasnot lost though, as a very kindlady lent Marilyn her welliesand socks and a kindgentlemen lent her anumbrella. How’s that forcommunity support?

Talking of getting wet, Iwas asked to open the SaltashWesley Church Fun Day and Iwas delighted to accept. Howlovely I thought, wanderingaround and meeting everyone.Chris Clark, the childrens andfamilies worker was pleasedthat I was able to attend andthen casually mentioned thatthere was a “catch”. I was,apparently the ideal person tosit in the stocks and bepounded with wet sponges.Well, all in a days work for aMayor, I thought, so I did it.Actually, it was a lot of fun andthe youngsters queued up fortwo hours and yes, I wassoaked to the skin but had agreat time and so did they.

Saltash May Fair has beena long established event in ourTown and many of you willhave read, I am sure, that theCommittee were planning onstanding down this year. Thismeant, of course, that MayFair may not go ahead nextyear, or indeed may notsurvive at all.

As President for this year, Iwas asked to attend the AGMrecently and I am pleased toreport that the problem hasbeen solved. The Saltash Lionshave come to the rescue andalong with some of the originalmembers who agreed to stay,have taken it on board and wewill once again be able toenjoy this much loved event.

I would like to say apersonal thank you to all thosewho have been involved overthe years, for all their hardwork and support. When Icame to Saltash in 1986, MayFair was one of the first events

that took place in the town andI thought it was a fantasticopportunity for the communityto get together. I wish theSaltash Lions and the MayFair Committee, the very bestof luck for the future and Iknow that we will all enjoy theMay Fair now for many yearsto come.

Having seen the recent riotson the news and thedestruction of buildings,homes and livelihoods, I feelthat we are extremely fortunateto have such a wonderfulcommunity in Saltash. BeingMayor, I have had theprivilege of seeing, first hand,how many organisations thereare in Saltash and the workthat they do, there really issomething for everyone.

When I became Mayor, Iwas asked to choose a charityor charities which I wanted tosupport and I chose twocharities to be the mainrecipients, the League ofFriends of St BarnabasHospital and Saltash.netAcademy Trust. My reason forchoosing these charities wasbecause I felt that the hospitalwas available to anyone inSaltash and the majority of ouryoung people, would beeducated at the school, thereencompassing the wholecommunity.

I also wanted to concentrateon the community theme andto encourage young people toget more involved with theolder generation.

I am delighted to say that Ihave received some verypositive feedback fromSaltash.net Sixth Formstudents, who are discussingways in which to help ourelderly residents, many ofwhom live alone. If any otherorganisations would like to getinvolved, please leave detailswith the Guildhall and I willcontact you.

Enjoy the remainder of theSummer and I look forward toseeing you at future events.Cllr Colin OakesTown Mayor

Having spent a week ofthe Summer holidays as

secret agents, Saltashchildren came together toenjoy a Family Fun Day.

The activities were organisedby Saltash Wesley Church as aholiday club to entertainyoungsters while welcomingthem and the parents into churchactivities. The ‘secret agents’had fun while interviewingwitnesses and reporting back tothe ‘Pharisees’ to establish thetrust of the gospel.

The Family Fun Day on theSaturday welcomed all childrenand their parents to a variety offree activities. The morningweather meant a change ofvenue from Longstone Park tothe indoors of the church but this

MAYOR SOAKED WITH SPONGESIN FAMILY FUN DAY

did not appear to effect thenumbers or the enthusiasm of thechildren who came to bounce onthe castle, sumo wrestle, andenjoy a wide variety of gamesand activities. The favouriteactivity was clearly “soak theMayor” with long-suffering Cllr.Colin Oakes, for the second timein his mayoral career finding

himself in the stocks and this timepelted with wet sponges. Morepeaceable activities included facepainting and glitter tattooing.

A special outdoor service onthe Sunday to celebrate the event,with again all children, parentsand others welcome, concluded abusy week for Wesley volunteersand young people.

STREET WASH INSEPTEMBER

Saltash pavements shouldgleam after a pressure washdue to commence inSeptember.

Chewing gum as well as thedirt of decades shoulddisappear from Fore Street aswell as Wesley Road andAlexandra Square thanks to aninitiative to improve the lookof the Town Centre by theGateway CommunitiesInterest Company. This issubject to a licence fromCornwall Council anticipatedto be granted in August.

Car Parking Ticket Confusion

Adriver parking in the Co-op car park just after 3 pm andpurchasing a ticket for an hour’s parking from themachine was concerned to note that the ticket apparently

expired at 9.11 am. She was worried about leaving her car andthe risk of a penalty fine notice being attached to it.

In fact the ticket authorisedher to leave the car until 9.11am the following day, and acloser inspection showed thenext day’s date upon it.

Since parking is free from4 pm she was authorised topark up until then and, toensure she got her fullmoney’s worth for a furthereleven minutes after parkingcharges started to apply thenext morning at 9 am.

For those unaware of thelate afternoon free parking orwho do not check out the date

on the ticket there is evidentreason for them to showconcern at the apparentinconsistency of the timingshown.

One of six sixteen seat easyaccess Mercedes minibusesequipped with wheelchair taillifts acquired by CornwallCouncil has been offered toSaltash. This is subject toevidence of an adequatebusiness case for communitytransport in the area. The busexactly fit the requirements ofthe Community TransportProject set up in January thisyear following a transportneeds survey undertaken in2009. Families of youngpeople in villages within the

COMMUNITY BUS EN ROUTE

Residents in villages around Saltash keen to shop in thetown and in particular young people anxious to attend K3and Livewire Youth Clubs should benefit from a

community bus offered to the Gateway Community InterestCompany.

PL12 postal area showed aspecial strong interest intransport into the town foryouth service events,especially those organised bythe Town’s two youth clubs.

The bus would have to bepre-booked and theCommunity Interest Companyis currently looking into howadministrative costs, the majoroverhead, could be realistic soas to persuade Cornwall toprovide the free bus and offer aservice to local ruralcommunities.

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Saltash & District Observer - September 2011 - Page 4

VanEssa Menswear Saltash - Cornwall - PL12 6AFTel: 01752 844434

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A variety of Styles Designs & Sizes to suit everyone

A glance around VanEssashows an amazing varietyof clothing and accessoriesso different from thatstocked in a standard chainor department store. As alocally and independentlyowned business she is ableto offer an exclusive andpersonal service to eachcustomer. For the man whowants something that bitdifferent, whether it is theheight of elegance or funand casual, there issomething to suit all.

Silk TiesCasual wear ranges fromsmart T shirts and jeans to acolourful choice of ties andbow ties. Attractingparticular interest is alimited edition choice of silkties as worn by thenewsreaders on TV! Forthe smart look a matchingtie and handkerchief can beco-ordinated, if required,with all manner ofaccessories. includingcummerbunds and whitegloves. Cuff links, tie pinsand manicure sets as wellas pyjamas and underwearare all carefully selectedfrom top quality stylists andmanufactures at reasonableprices by Vanessa to ensurethat her appreciativeclientele can dress toimpress within a reasonablebudget.

Livening, whilesmartening up her maleclientele when they go tofunctions has become aparticular specialisation ofVanEssa. With Christmasand New Year not so far

VanEssa has The Ultimate in Formal Hire Wear ......for Every Special Occassion

For the well dressed man who likes to feel suitably turned out for every occasion, be it casual,business or formal, VanEssa of Saltash can cater for each and every requirement. In her firstyear of seeking to serve the discerning Saltash male, Vanessa has taken note of her

customers’ wishes and requirements and has expanded her range accordingly, catering for anincreasing number of men of all ages, from teens to seniors, who have come to depend on her forall their clothing and accessories. She has also expanded upon her range of formal wear and hasnow introduced a wide selection to hire for that special occasion.

away she is already buildingup her range of formal attireto hire and buy. Vanessa isintroducing a savings clubto ease the financial burden- ask for details.

Classic styles of trousersin stock include renownedGerman cuts from Gurteenand Meyer, also Douglas &Grahame and Oakman fromthe UK.

Vanessa’s recentlycreated Ultimate FormalHire showroom holdssamples of a wide variety ofdesigns, styles and sizes, tosuit all from teenagersattending a school prom(highly popular thisSummer) to businessmenor wedding guests of anyage. A diverse range ofthirty five plain or colourfulwaistcoats with co-ordinated neckwear areamong the stock availablefor hire. There are dinnerand dress suits, as well asAscot top hat and tails -indeed something for everyoccasion.

Personally orderCustomers can call in for afull measurement andfitting, and then select adesign in a preferred style.Vanessa will thenpersonally order the chosendesign which can becollected in a perfect fitready for the big day. Thehire can be for overnight ora weekend when attendingan event such as a formalwedding, gala dinner, Royalgarden party or any otherspecial occasion.

Alternatively Vanessa’scustomers are increasinglytaking advantage ofextended hire for suchevents as holidays,functions abroad, includingoverseas weddings, orglamorous cruises.

With such a selection offine attire for everyoccasion and with Vanessaand her friendly assistantsalways ready to help andadvise, if required, there isno reason for the Saltashmale not to be dressed athis best for every occasion.

Quality ProductsVanessa believes thatSaltash is an up andcoming town and as suchwants to play her part byproviding quality productsand a first class service toencourage more people toshop locally. As she entersher second year ofbusiness in Fore Street,with renewed confidencegiven by so many satisfiedcustomers, Vanessa wouldlike to thank everyone whohas supported her in so

Sheryll MurrayMPAddresses

SaltashChamber on

support for localbusiness

Small businesses in towns such asSaltash should be given a boost bythe government’s Localism Bill,anticipated Sheryll Murray MPwhile addressing the SaltashChamber of Commerce andIndustry.

In her first meeting with theChamber since being electedmember for South East CornwallMrs Murray stressed heravailability to seek to helpbusinesses as well as individualswhatever their problems. To thisend she had opened an office inLiskeard where anyone with anyissue can walk in with noappointment needed. Her localstaff with local knowledge arethere to help and to refer issues toherself for action when she isabsent.

Small businesses should havethe red tape which they have toovercome greatly reduced by thesoon to be enacted Localism Bill,she promised. In particularbusiness rate relief would beautomatic and no longer requirecomplicated claiming.

Declaring herself opposed toCornwall Council’s policy ofstandard parking chargesthroughout the County shesuggested that once the act is inforce, local groups such as theSaltash Chamber could use theAct’s powers to call for areferendum seeking that the TownCouncil use part of its precepttowards reducing parking fees inSaltash. She offered to take uplocal parking issues direct withSecretary of State Mr Eric Pickles.

Planning issues would also beaffected by the Localism Bill, sheexplained, with property ownersbeing given the right to grant theirown planning approval subject to alocalised vote giving a substantialmajority in favour and subject alsoto a proviso that no communitycould expand by more than 10%over ten years.

Asked about the Big SocietyMrs Murray describedgovernment plans to cut publicspending by encouragingvolunteer groups and also how theBig Society Bank was being set upto fund new projects – she offeredto provide full details of this.

Chamber members expressedanger that Saltash had beenpromised that the Town would bethe first in Cornwall to receivesuperfast Broadband. Now theRedruth based provider is puttingSaltash not in the first tranche butlast in East Cornwall, aiming forAutumn 2012. Mrs Murraypromised to look into this.

As to the general need to bringbusiness back to Town Centreshops, Mrs Murray acknowledgedthat there was a limited amountthat she or central governmentcould do, though legislationlimiting new supermarkets towhere there was a proven needshould help. However, she wasdoing all that she could to promoteTown Centre businesses, such asinvolving herself in a recentsuccessful fashion showpromoting shops in Saltash. Sheagain stressed that she wouldalways be willing to help promotelocal businesses in any practicalway if asked so to do.

Chamber Chairman, WilliamCotton thanked her warmly for herattendance and for responding sofully to questions and issues raisedby Chamber members.

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Tom Tees Off to Golfing Future withSaltash Support

team and end up half apoint below the overallchampion.

This year has seen himtake the Cornwall CountyAmateur ChampionshipTrophy and add to histriumph at Tehidy bywinning the Holmans’Climax Cup. This he didwhile achieving a courserecord previously held bysuch renowned golfingnames as Peter Alliss andStuart Little. He alreadyheld the course record forhis ‘local’ China Fleet Club.

Recent experienceplaying against Walker Cupteam competitors andexperiencing the hallowedgreens of such clubs asRoyal Lytham St Annes andRoyal St Georges has sethim up with high hopes forhis next major match. theregional South West versusMidlands game at WragBarn in October. “TheEngland selectors will bewatching that match withinterest.” he anticipates.

Still aged just twenty hehas high hopes ofimproving his game furtherto become professional andfully involved in the game,including continuing toshare his enthusiasm with

Though hardly out ofhis teens, Saltashgolfer Tom

Fox has beenplaying in theCornwall mens’team since agedsixteen and hasbeen achievingcourse recordswhile representingCornwall and theSouth West. Nowwith the help oflocal sponsorshipfrom supporterAndrew Carmichaelof the ‘HearingRoom’ he hasachieved two majorgolfing awards andlooks forward to an a t i o n a lchampionship atwhich the Englandselectors will bekeenly appraisingthe players.

Tom, who has livedin Saltash all his life andattended Bishop CornishSchool then SaltashCommunity School, firstdeveloped his golfinginterest aged 12 when hisfather took him on the rangeat the China Fleet Club.From then on he washooked.

“I spent all my schoolholidays playing golf” herecalls, the result being thatwithin a year of that firstexperience he was playingfor Cornwall under 14’s,aged 15 he played for theunder 18s, and aged 16 hewas playing alongside menof all ages and experience.He went from school toDuchy College on a two

year golf foundation courseachieving a national diploma.

His golfing career reallytook off when he met withAndrew Carmichael,managing director of theHearing Room, who alsomanaged the football teamfor whom Tom’s brotherplayed. Tom asked if Andrewwould sponsor him, andAndrew agreed “I would nothave been able to continueto pay out accommodation,travel, entry fees and otherexpenses to further mygolfing experience withoutAndrew’s sponsorship,” saysTom.

After a year developing hisskills a second year of thissponsorship has seen Tom

go on to develop ahandicap just short of‘plus two.’ This hasenabled him torepresent Cornwallagainst othercounties throughoutBritain and join theprestigious SouthWest Men’s Team.

A gruelling twelverounds of golf in sixdays during theSouth WesternChampionships sawTom get the bestresults in the Cornish

U3A Saltash U3A iscontinueing to grow, andour increasedmembership has forcedus to look for largeraccomodation or divideand form a second U3Agroup.

Our July meeting inSaltash Guildhall wastherefore our final meetingat this venue, and thanksand presentations weregiven to the Caretakersand Receptionists whohave been so helpful in thepast.

Notices were read outand nomination forms fornext years committee werecollected.

The Walking Group isforming an advancedsection with longer andmore strenuous walks, anda Computer Study Day hasbeen suggested formembers who feel theneed for more computertuition. The Garden Grouphave planted up the boaton the green at Waterside(which was florishing untilthe swans developed ataste for begonias ) and theWriting Group is ready foranybody wanting to join.

The talk this month wasby Martin Overy, whospoke on “Birds andGardens”,giving some ofthe reasons why somespecies are thriving butothers are in decline.

After much searching fora larger meeting hallagreement has beenreached for us to useWesley Church for a trialperiod, where the extracapacity will allow thegroup to keep growing andstay together. Membershipis open to anybody nolonger in fulltime paidemployment, and wewelcome any one to a“taster meeting” beforedeciding whether to join.Our next meeting will bethe AGM on September 8that 2pm and will be inWesley Church.

Those who chose to walkto Carkeel in order touse the Recycling

Centre are refused admittanceto do so.

Only those who have carsand prefer to burn petrol inorder to ‘go green’ are allowedto enter and deposit their itemsin the appropriate recyclingbin.

The standard reason given,“Health and Safety issues” isgeneral SETA policy, TownCouncillors were informed,due to vehicles moving aroundwithin the site being asupposed hazard topedestrians.

“This is absolute nonsense,

as drivers have to park theircars, then they have to walkbetween the various recyclingskips,” Councillors agreed.“There is no excuse for sayingthat it would be any moredangerous for pedestrians towalk within the site thandrivers.” If there was concernover pedestrians entering theCarkeel site through the gate, aseparate pedestrian entrancewould be the obvious answer.It was agreed that a letter bewritten to SETA to this effect.

Meanwhile, those whoreally choose to go green, or donot have a car, will continue tobe refused permission torecycle in Saltash.

‘Green’ Residents are RefusedRecycling Facilities

Copper andLead Stolen

Summer has seen anincrease in thefts of copperand lead from emptybuildings, garages androofs.

Eight such offences hadbeen reported locally over amonth, PCSO Kim Van Pelttold the Town Council’sAugust meeting.

Overall crime has fallenslightly to seventy-oneoffences reported in theSaltash area as againstseventy-three during theequivalent month last year.

There had been twelvethefts of insecure itemsincluding five from thefestival at Port Eliot. Threehouse burglaries had beenreported, three thefts fromshops and four thefts frommotor vehicles. There hadbeen a further five criminaldamage to motor vehicles andsix criminal damage todwellings.

Thousand HomeProjected for Town

Up to a thousand new homes for Saltash couldbe built within the next twenty years,Cornwall Councillors had decided.

These are from a total offorty thousand projected forthe County – a reduction fromthe sixty, later reduced to fiftythousand previously putforward.

The thousand homes are amaximum number, localCounty Councillorsmaintained. They alsoemphasised that this figurewas subject to economicgrowth. If jobs becameavailable then houses up tothis number should be built.They should not be built in

anticipation of jobs becomingavailable for their occupants.

The total figure of fortythousand homes for Cornwallis not to house an influx ofincomers, County CouncillorColin Riches advised. This isto cater for local residents aswell as Cornish people whohave lived away and now seekto return to their home county.

other young people. Hehas already becomeinvolved in the juniorsection of the China FleetClub which his parents hadrun. At his relatively youngage there seem high hopesthat Saltash may yet have abudding Ballesteros orwould-be Woods in themaking. With golf set likelyto become an Olympicevent by 2016 theopportunities seemlimitless.

This would not bepossible, Tom acknow-ledges with thanks, withoutthe support of his parentsMark and Kathy, the ChinaFleet Club and his coachthere Dominic Reehag. Inparticular for helping it all tohappen, his thanks go toAndrew at The HearingRoom.

The Hearing Room hasbeen a keen supporter oflocal sporting talent ingeneral and as well ashelping Tom realise hisdream was activelyinvolved in supporting theSt Mellion VeteransTournament this Summer.

They are also to supportthe Bude Golf Club Senior’sTournament this Sept-ember.

Saltash & District Observer - September 2011 - Page 6

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INNER WHEEL CLUBOF SALTASH

We havehad fives h o r t

term Presidentsduring the year andoutgoing PresidentJanet Underwoodhanded over theChain of Office toNancy Davy whowill preside overthe Club in our 51st year. Janet said she hoped the next 50 yearswould be as successful as the past 50.

Fundraising efforts this yearincluded a very successful andpopular “Snow-dropWeekend”, by courtesy ofNancy and Herbert Davy whoopened their garden for thetwo days. Also, a “ SoupKitchen”, held at SaintsNicholas and Faith ChurchRooms, organised by CarolCouch.

These events enabled us todonate to a number ofcharities, including Children’sHospice South West, PreciousLives, Maurice Huggins RestRoom, Saints Nicholas andFaith Church, Give a child aSmile, and St Luke’s Hospice.Overseas charities supportedwere The Kaliko Trust,Impact, Aqua Box, OperationSunshine and Shelter Box.50th Anniversary A dinner tocelebrate the 50th Anniversaryof the Charter Presentationwas held at CartwheelsRestaurant, Merrymeet.President Nancy Davywelcomed Chairman of InnerWheel District 129, MaryDoody, President of SaltashRotary Club John Smith,Former Inner Wheel memberBarbara Palmer, Founder

member June Davey, Clubmembers, Rotarians andGuests. The venue wasdelightful, enhanced by alovely summer evening. Westarted with PIMS on thepatio. An excellent Mealfollowed. The Loyal Toast wasgiven by President Nancy,after which our DistrictChairman spoke, wishing us avery Happy Anniversary andgood luck for the next 50years. She then presentedNancy with the new chain ofoffice, which has our SaltashInner Wheel jewel on it. Thisjewel was originally presentedto the club by the SaltashRotary Club. Cutting of theBirthday cake by PresidentNancy and founder memberJune Davey followed andRotary President John Smithresponded on Behalf of theguests. A basket of flowers, acertificate and a gift bearingthe Inner Wheel logo werethen presented to foundermember June Davey.

President Nancy ended theevening with a few words,emphasising that “Friendship”within our club was whatmade us such a happy andsuccessful club.Earlier in the week, Nancy andJune visited Founder PresidentMuriel Bellingham in St Ann’sHome, presenting her with abouquet of flowers andshowing her some mementos’of earlier days, when she wasPresident.

Our July meeting was “atrip down memory lane”,when members perused oldalbums and photos of eventsover the years. Nancy Davychaired the meeting and Gracewas given by Carol Couch.

Labour Shortage DelaysRoad Works

Since major road works began in Callington Roadbefore Easter little progress has been made andmotorists are frustrated at delays caused by

continual traffic lights.

01752 840835THE HEARING ROOM111-113 Fore Street, Saltash PL12 6AE

In fact with about fourkilometres work to be doneon gas mains, this has stillhardly been started, CountyCouncillor Derek Holleyadvised. He has receivednumerous complaints fromresidents of his ward and hastaken the matter up with thecompany carrying out thework for the gas board.

The delay in doing thework is due to a “resourceproblem” he was told. Oninvestigating further he wasadvised that there is a locallabour shortage of skilledmen able to do the work.Almost all of the labour forcecomes from the North ofEngland, travelling down onMonday, going back home onFriday and leaving a shortworking week to actuallymake progress. Hence localdrivers are frequentlyfrustrated at being delayed bytraffic lights for long lengthsof road where nobody isactually working. Withoutlocal labour being availablethere appears to be no answerto speeding completion ofwork along Callington Roadto the top of Fore Street. Anassurance, however, has beengiven to Councillor Holleythat no other work in the

Town will be commenceduntil Callington Road iscompleted.

Other complaints havecome from bus passengerswho have found that busesrefuse to stop to let them off atSt Anne’s Home while work isunder way. More seriouslythose waiting for buses at thatstop have seen buses speedpast and ignore them. TheTown Council is to write toFirst and Citybus accordinglyobjecting to the practice offailing to stop at an authorisedbus stop.

Cornwall Council has beenpaying local bus companies75% of the standard fare forthe over 60’s and the disabledwho show their bus passesand obtain free travel after9.30 am. However, Centralgovernment has now reducedits grant to 40%. CornwallCouncil’s threat to reducepayment to local buscompanies by a similaramount has led to WesternGreyhound advising that itwould have to considerwithdrawing the majority ofits routes in the Countyaltogether and cutting back itsservice on the few remainingroutes. Western Greyhoundoperates three servicespassing through Saltash fromPlymouth, both well used bylocal residents.

One takes Saltashpassengers to Looe andPolperro, another toLiskeard, Bodmin, andconnects to Newquay. Bothservices are operated bysomewhat elderly buses andWestern Greyhound had

planned to replace them with a more modern fleet. Suchplans have been scrappedwith the bus company’swhole future being in doubt,since management states thatthe concessionary paymentproposed by Cornwall wouldmake most services, on whicharound 50% or morepassengers have passes,uneconomic to run. The thirdservice is a link to Bude, onthe Atlantic coast, viacallington and Launceston.

While many, possiblymost, concession holderswould be willing to paytoward their travel, asconfirmed by a barrage ofletters from anxiouspassengers fearing a total lossof bus services, legislationwould be required for achange to be made.

“Some bus drivers aredemanding a contributionfrom concessionary passholders we have heard, butthis is totally illegal,” CountyCouncillors warn. “Do notagree to pay it.”

Bus Pass Changes‘Inevitable’

The current concessionary bus pass scheme withinCornwall is unsustainable, Cornwall Councillorshave told the Town Council.

DiscoveryDay Down

on the FarmThe splendour of Saltash’scommunity nature reserve wasthe focus of a Discovery OpenDay at Churchtown Farm whichattracted many townspeople ofall ages.

Children in particularenjoyed a variety of activities,games and quizzes, manybecoming actively involved inleaf printing, making a cobweband creating paint from clay.Adults too were fascinated withthese activities provided bySaltash Environmental Action(SEA) as part of their display.

Other local environmentaland natural historyorganisations had their owndisplays and activities for youngand old.

A special highlight of the daywas the falconry display inwhich a falcon, hawk and anIndian owl, all bred in captivity,were put through their paces,the hawk and falcon soaringdramatically before diving overthe heads of the watchers backto their handler.

Those unfamiliar withChurchtown Farm’s variedhabitats of meadow, woodland,marsh and mud flats, allattracting a wide variety of floraand fauna, could enjoy a guidedtour of the reserve.

The Friends of ChurchtownFarm, who organised theDiscovery Open ~Day, alsoorganise monthly guided walksfocusing on such varied aspectsof wildlife as spring flowers,winter waders, butterflies andmonths, and tracking smallmammals.

Saltash & District Observer - September 2011 - Page 7

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Sheryll Murray, MP forSouth East Cornwall,was pleased to attend the

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to act on immigration

(L to R): Oliver Colville MP, Damian Green MP, Jane Farleigh (UK Border Agency RegionalDirector for Wales and the South West) and Sheryll Murray MP.

Immigration Minister DamianGreen MP this week.

In a statement following theopening of the offices Sheryllsaid, “Securing Britain is a toppriority of mine and I welcomethis new base in the South West

which I am assured will help usget control of the issue. Thereis little point in having a secureborder in Kent and then notinvest enough in Devon &Cornwall to secure our borderas well. I will continue to pushfor adequate funding for theSouth West to ensure that wedo not become a gateway forillegal migrants andsmuggling.”

Damian Green said in hisstatement, “UK Border Agencyofficers in Devon and Cornwallare at the front line inpreventing illegal immigrationand stopping drugs, contrabandand other harmful goods fromreaching Britain’s streets. Weare radically reforming theimmigration system andenforcement action plays a keyrole. The teams based inPlymouth have been verysuccessful in tracking downpeople who should not be inthe UK and removing themfrom the country.”

PENTILLIE REVISITED BYLITERARY AND ARTISTIC SISTERS

Two talented sisters who have combined to produce a book celebrating the Tamar Valley inwords and pictures come to Pentillie Castle during the Literary Festival organised by SaltashBookshelf’s Jill Male, and for one it was a return to the place of her birth.

“I was a Pentillie babe,”explained Virginia Spiers toSaltash Observer reporterMartin Lister. “I was one ofthose born in the castle when itserved as a wartime maternityhospital, and one of many whocame back to enjoy a recentreunion of the Pentillie babes.”

Virginia now writes a well-loved countryside column forthe “Guardian,” reflecting thepassing seasons in the TamarValley. “It serves as a relieffrom the gloom on the editorialpages.” she says, explaining itspopularity, though it is far fromidyllic, covering the downsideas well as the ups of a farminglife.

She certainly has theknowledge to do so, beingmarried to an agriculturalexpert and coming from afarming background herself.She and her sisters were raisedin St Dominic and her youngersister is the renowned artistMary Martin.

They have previously puttogether a book on the appleand cherry orchards that not solong ago bedecked the TamarValley, worked in many casesby part time miners.

The sweet scent of theorchards vied with the tin andcopper mines to add a bouquetunique to the Tamar Valley.

Mary Martin, who went onfrom Callington GrammarSchool to spend several yearsstudying art, ending at theRoyal Academy, regularly sellsout when she holds localexhibitions of her Tamar Valleyinfluenced work.

When the Tamar Valley Areaof Outstanding Natural BeautyAuthority suggested that thesisters combine their writingand artistic talents to celebrate

fifteen years of the AONB theywere delighted to comply. Theresult is ‘Silver River,’ amagnificent tribute to thebeauties of the Tamar and itsvalley, on sale in SaltashBookshelf.

Their revisit to PentilleCastle was not the first one,both recall dodginggamekeepers as they enteredthe estate especially for a

traditional midwinter visit tothe gloomy supposedlyhaunted mausoleum.

On the showery June day ofthe Festival however, they werehonoured guests as theymingled with readers andlooked down from the terraceon the winding river that eachhad endeavoured to portray intheir latest literary and artisticachievement.

Shelter forFore Street

A bus shelter at the foot ofFore Street on the south sideof the road is a possible sitingfor one of several to beprovided for the town.

Further shelter installationis planned for September andlocal consultation was to takeplace on those proposed forBroad Walk and CallingtonRoad. One by the St Anne’s Home, thecontractor suggests, should beon the bus bay side, outsidethe home, and the shelter nearthe Fire Station would bereplaced.

STATIONBUILDINGCLEAN UP

The increasing number ofpassengers using the enhancedtrain service from SaltashStation have been growingincreasingly concerned at thesad state of the former stationbuilding.

Its increasing state ofdereliction, many feel, presentsa terrible first impression ofCornwall to rail passengers.

Waste dumping and verminactivity have added to theproblems, Cllr Mrs Sue Hoopertold the Town’s IndustryCommerce Transport andTourism Committee. Sheconsidered the building to be apublic health hazard especiallysince the fencing had brokendown allowing access to thebuilding.

A meeting between theMayor, Town Clerk,Councillors and representativesof the owner of the buildingsubsequently resulted in anagreement that urgent action betaken. It was suggested that thebarriers around the building,erected due to the danger offalling slates, could be removedif scaffold boards were erectedto catch the slates this helping toimprove the look of thebuilding. A promise was giventhat the remedial work wouldcommence within seven daysand at the August full councilmeeting it was noted that it wasalready under way.

The considerable gapbetween train and platform onthe “up” Plymouth bound sideof the station was also discussedin Town Council Committee.Children, the elderly and thedisabled in particular have aconsiderable climb to boardtrains and a long jump to leavethem. A petition seeking thatNetwork Rail raises theplatform level is beingorganised Saltash Rail UsersGroup member Cllr RichardBickford.

Meanwhile the ‘down’platform has been enhanced forlocal rail users and thosepassing through by a newlyreplaced boat full of flowersadjacent to the platform.

The first Cornishman toascend the highestmountain in the world

and plan St Piran’s flag on thesummit of Mount Everest hasreturned to his Saltash home,where a champagne celebrationorganised by his relieved butproud parents added £800 to hissponsorship funding.

Ed Buckingham achievedthe ultimate in mountaineeringendeavour in aid of the BritishHeart Foundation, his fatherDes having suffered a heartcondition.

Funds raised so far arearound £2,500 with more stillcoming in. “My employersRoyal Mail have beenfantastic,” says postman Ed.“They not only gave me timeoff but have promised to matchmy sponsorship money.”

Ed gained his love of theoutdoors during family walksaround the Cornish coast pathbut it was only when in histwenties that he decided toclimb Kilimanjaro, Africa’shighest mountain. Since thenhe has continued climbing theworld’s six highest mountainsand contemplated the ultimatechallenge, Everest for fiveyears. At last, at the age of 38and having fully read-up on theexploits of other climbers hedecided that he stood a realisticchance of success.

He flew to the Nepalesecapital of Kathmandu where hemet up with the other climbersin his multi-national group ofseven.

They had elected to ascendthe north face, accepted as theharder, and to follow closely thepath of Mallory, who isgenerally believed to have beenthe first to reach the summitback in 1924, though heperished, it is believed on hisreturn. The first climbers tosuccessfully reach the summitand return, Sir Edmund Hillaryand Sherpa Tenzing, took the“easier” south face route.

There was a week to wait forvisas to enter Tibet and thegroup spent it acclimatising onthe South side. There was atotal of eight weeks spentacclimatising to the high

altitude, going higher each time,before the final ascent.

This was made in the dark,leaving the highest camp at10.30 pm and feeling the way tothe summit by means of head-torch. Then, as the sun rose, by7.30 am they were on the roofof the world with a perfect clearview of lesser peaks spread outbelow.

“It felt good to be there onthe highest point in the world,highly satisfactory, but we didnot celebrate as the job wasonly half done,” Ed told theObserver Reporter MartinLister, “Most accidents occuron the way down.”

Once the Cornish flag hadbeen planted amid the variousnational flags and prayer flagsbedecking the summit theymade their way down bydaylight. In doing so they couldnow see the grim remains ofthose who had failed to make it.The overnight “dash” to the topis done because climbers shouldbe away before 10 am afterwhich winds whip across thesummit adding to its dangers.

Descending from twenty-nine thousand feet back to

Kathmandu Ed was one of 216British climbers to haveachieved this ambition.

Parents Jean and DesBuckingham were “so proudthat he had done it,” as well asrelieved to see him “looking as ifhe had been to the Bahamas, notthe roof of the world” that theythrew a champagne reception attheir Saltash home attended byaround seventy family, friendsand other guests. Photographsand kit were on display as Ed puton his “lethal lookingcrampons.” “A good day with alovely atmosphere,” the familyagreed.

Ed would like to thank allfamily, friends, work colleaguesand others who have supportedand sponsored him, andespecially parents Jean and Desfor organising the reception. Hiswebsite, for those still wishing tosponsor or just to see picturesand read more of the exploit isstill open onwww. jus tg iv ing .com/ed-buckingham.

He has, at least at present, nofurther mountaineeringaspirations. Well, how do youtop that?

Ed Planted Cornish Flag on World’sHighest Mountain

Saltash & District Observer - September 2011 - Page 8

The Saltash & District Observer l Hendra Manor l Higher Tremar l Near Liskeard l Cornwall l PL14 5HJ l Phone/Fax: (01579) 345699 l 07971 484872Saltash & District Observer - Published by Mary Crawford (01579) 345699 - Printed by Harmsworth Printing Ltd, Plymouth - All original artwork copyright Saltash Observer, no unauthorised use permitted

The views expressed in the Saltash and District Observer are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor. The Saltash Observer cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or consequential actions arising from any inclusion, whether editorial or advertising in this newspaper.

For a Prospectusor for more information

please contact:

saltash.net community schoolWearde Road

SaltashCornwallPL12 4AY

Tel: 01752 843715enquiries@saltash.cornwall.sch.uk

www.saltash.net

Our Open Evenings for 2011 will start at 6.30 p.m. on

Wednesday 28th

& Thursday 29th

September

saltash.net community school is a thriving, highly successful 11 to 18 mixed, community comprehensive school. On April 1st 2011, the school achieved Academy status, another significant milestone in its history.Becoming an Academy means the school can continue to strengthen and develop all areas of the curriculum, including its specialism of Science, Maths and Computing.

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beautyour school secures high levels of academic success as well as many outstanding sporting and other extra curricular achievements. It offers excellent ICT facilities, state of the art science labs and has an on site farm with world famous pigs and chickens!

The school works very closely with its seven partner primary schools to ensure Year 6 students have a smooth transition to secondary school.

We strive to provide the highest quality education for all children in our care.

We are proud of what our young people achieve and

we look forward to welcoming you to our school soon.

Keeley Seymour - 9 A* & 2 AsRhoda Frost - 7 A* & 4 As + Ain AS Level MathsJake Allan - 7 A* & 4 As + A inAS Level MathsHumphrey Shotton - 6 A* &5 AsChessen Clook - 5 A* & 5 AsCharolotte Yellop - 4 A* & 7 As

A total of 22 studentsachieved 7 or more A* & Agrades.

SALTASH.NET COMMUNITY SCHOOL

In its first year as an Academy, saltash.net community school is extremely proud to announce that its GCSE studentshave achieved an absolutely stunning set of results, the best ever in the school’s history. Students from Years 11,10 and 9, who sat a very wide range of GCSEs, Diplomas and Vocational examinations, performed extremely well

across all areas but it was at the top end this year that the students excelled themselves giving saltash.net its highestever proportion of A* and A grades. Exceptional performances came from the following students who secured outstanding GCSEresults throughout Years 10 and 11, with some also achieving A grades in AS Level Maths at the same time:

In keeping with the school’scontinuing upward trend inresults, the overall 5 A* - C ratefor the year 11 students was88%. Last year, saltash.net wasnamed by the Specialist Schoolsand Academies Trust as one ofthe most improved schools inthe country on the strength of itsoverall A* - C figure. Thisyear’s figure of 88% is 4percentage points up on lastyear’s, demonstrating that thequality of education received bythe students combined with anappropriate and relevantcurriculum offer at Key Stage 4is definitely reaping rewards andproviding life changingopportunities for the youngpeople of Saltash.

Both English and MathsGCSE results showed animprovement helping theschool’s overall 5 A* - C withEnglish and Maths figure rise atleast 5 percentage points fromlast year, from 53% to 58%. Theschool is still awaitingconfirmation of some results sothis figure may increase stillfurther.

The school’s other specialistareas of ICT and Science arealso celebrating an excellentyear of results. 5 studentsachieved straight A*s across allseparate Science subjects. Lastyear the school was the highestperforming for Science in theCounty and it is encouraging tosee that results are stillimproving.

Speaking on results day,Headteacher, Isobel Bryce said,“I am so very proud of all of ouryoung people and I know thattheir families and staff will wantto join me in congratulatingthem on their exceptionalachievements this year. Some ofour students faced extremelydifficult circumstances this yearand their particular bravery andcourage in the face of adversityshould be recognised andcommended.”

Head of Year, Dave Stokesadded, “The students and staffall worked so hard to helpachieve these results and itshows that the range ofinterventions put into place tohelp guide, support andencourage the young peoplereally paid off. Well done to allinvolved!”

Chessen Clook & Mum

Jake Allan

Keely Semour & Mum

Natasha Moss Abi Willcocks & Lee Stevenson

…Best Ever GCSE ResultsAnotherGreat Yearfor A-LevelResults

Becky Taylor & Mum

Connor Brady, Robin Bailey & Dan Roberts

Christie Rosser

Lydia Butler

Linda Griffin

Congratulationsto all our hardworking students(More Photos continuedfrom page 1)