A CROWD of 65 people of all ages gathered in Launceston Castle green last Thursday evening, to witness the Cornish Flag of St Piran lowered from the castle flag pole, as 'Trelawny' was played by Rob Strike on his Cornish bag-pipes — all to mark St Piran's Day.

Launceston Town Crier, and Bard, Rob Tremain retold the story of St Piran. Those present then followed the piper out of the castle and up into the town square, where the town crier once again spoke to the crowd.

In his speech Rob said, "You may have noticed a bit of the Cornish language used at the beginning of the proceedings this evening. This is despite the UNESCO report that it is a dead language — extinct even. I've used a word or two in Cornish in my Town Crier proclamations for 30 years, and of course there are folks here tonight who speak it fluently. Evening classes are held in Lanson every Thursday in the Central Methodist hall. Cornish is alive and

growing.

"We were all saddened to see the extent of the recent bush fires in Australia, and the tragic loss of life. Our thoughts are with those Cornish communities in the part of the world."

He continued: "Well it's count down now — 26 days to go — for the new Cornwall Council coming into being on April 1. As I have said before, it's not the Cornish Assembly we wanted but we must all now join together to ensure that it works, and we in Lanson and district get the best deal we

possibly can.

"How good it is to see the Welcome to Lanson — Dynnargh dhe Lanstefan granite plaque finally fixed to the boulder at Pennygillam to match the Pages Cross plaque. We extend our thanks to Lanson Forum, the Councillors, and David Gynn our craftsman stonemason. Special thanks to my wife Pat Tremain and Pam Davey who with Tim Hambly worked hard to get the Cornish Language translation included. Thank you 'one and all' for coming along this evening and joining our celebrations. Kernow bys vyken."

The procession re-formed and made its way to Harvey's Bar where an excellent evening of Cornish music, and song continued.