CREDITON mayoress, Natalia Letch, gave a most interesting talk on her life in Russia to members of Sandford Good Companions at their November meeting.

Natalia explained that she was born in Russia in the late 1950’s and told of life there after the Stalin era. Her father was a top aircraft constructor, but was sent to the Gulag (prison) in Siberia, where the temperatures dropped to minus 60 degrees. She said he was lucky to survive.

Her grandfather was also imprisoned. Her mother was an engineer and worked hard to keep Natalia and her brother, but times were hard for them all.

Natalia went to University when she was 16, to study engineering, the third generation to do so in her family. She later worked in television in Moscow, in the Technical Support Team and did 24-hour shifts, her mother looked after her two children, when she was working.

Natalia has always loved singing, and got a group together, who used to entertain at charity events. She was then given a spot on radio, and from that, her career, as a singer and guitarist, on television commenced when she was 37 years old.

She met her husband Frank when on holiday in Egypt, and after a long-fought battle, eventually got a British visa and the couple were married 10 years ago.

She still has a brother in Moscow, but her daughter lives in America. She concluded her talk, by playing and singing romantic Russian love songs, and even got the members to join in.

A truly great afternoon. If any group would like to hear more about Natalia’s life in Russia, her telephone number is 01363 775739.

At the meeting Margaret Phillips said she had bought a Poppy Wreath for the Remembrance Service at the Church. The Companions Christmas Party afternoon will be held on Thursday afternoon, December 1.

Margaret Tucker