THERE was a boost for Callington Town Band recently when the training band entered the Saltash Festival for the first time and was awarded a distinction.

The band, which has members from the ages of 10 to 76, was complimented by adjudicator Caroline Diffley with the cornet playing of Evie Lightbody getting a special mention.

Following the death in November of the band's president, Edward Woodward, the musicians were delighted to learn that Edward's widow, actress Michele Dotrice, has agreed to take his place, thereby continuing the warm relationship that had been formed.  Band members look forward to welcoming her at future concerts.

In March the band will be returning to Callington Primary School, firstly to play to the whole school and then, on a Saturday, to hold a workshop with the Year 5 pupils who are learning to play brass and percussion instruments.  This event last year led to four of the pupils joining the training band and being part of the successful Saltash Festival entry.

Later this year members of the band will join Callington and District Twinning Association and fly to Barsbuttel in Germany where they will play at twinning events and hope to join with German musicians to perform a concert.

With a busy year in prospect the band would welcome new members of any age or ability.  For more information phone musical director, Bill Leith, on 01579 351198, or chairman, Shirley Morse, on 01579 350336.

l Pictured with their award are training band members (back row, left to right) Matt Thomas, Malcolm Szuplewski, Evie Lightbody, Greg Graves, Lauren Clatworthy, (front row) Shirley Morse, Matthew Robinson, Nikita White, Lauren Rossiter, Eleanor Brown and Joanna Graves.