Singing sisters record new album

SISTERS in Song is the title of a new album from Peggy Toy, Betty Gilert and Valerie Wallace and that is just what they are- sisters who have been singing since a very early age.

Born in Porthleven, the sisters started singing at Sunday School and later for the chapel choir.

Peggy and Betty hae been singing duets since the age of eight and Valerie can remember her first solo when she was five.

Through their teens, Peggy and Betty were known as "The Hosking Sisters" and made a broadcast of the "Star for a Night radio programme.

It caused great excitement amongst family and friends who at that time, patiently awaited the broadcast and tried to get the best possible reception.

Well-known locally, the sisters have performed throughout West Cornwall in various chapels and have been guest artists at many concerts, including male voice choir events. The majority of their duets and trios are their own arrangements.

Valerie also sings as guest soloist with choirs and had gained further experience through her association with amateur operatic societies.

The trio have used their talents throughout the years to raise money for various charities.

Many times people have asked: "Why don't you sing together?" – well, at last they have.

The album consisting of trios, duets and solos, includes such songs as "The Sunshine of Your Smile", "Let there be peace on Earth" and "Piu Jesu".

Photographer swept out to sea by wave

A PROFESSIONAL photographer had a narrow escape on Monday, after he was swept out to sea at Porthleven.

Mr Lionel Coates, 47, who is through to live locally, was taking photographs of the surf but failed to notice a ten foot swell which swept him off his feet and carried him out to sea.

The alarm was raised immediately and the Search and Rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose arrived at the scene in minutes.

Naval diver Chief Petty Officer Dave Wallace jumped into the sea from the Sea King helicopter and the two men were winched back up.

CPO Wallace, who has appeared on "This is your Life" and is the holder of the George medal, said: "He had started to get very tired, had swallowed a lot of sea water and was suffering from hypothermia."

Mr Coates was flown to Treliske Hospital, Truro and was said to be "extremely comfortable" on Tuesday.