The Werrington Ladies’ Circle began 2025 on a fascinating journey through the neolithic and bronze age with the inspiring Peter Herring, landscape archaeologist and historian.

Peter (Cornwall’s Archaeology Society president) began his lecture within our very own area, Werrington and Ladywell and moving onto Bodmin, captivating the hearts of the ladies awakening past school geography and history lesson memories.

Peter has particular interests in Cornwall, having been raised here, characterisation, agriculture, perception and future-oriented historical research. He is a post-graduate with research on prehistoric and medieval Bodmin Moor. He has written many papers to which have inspired the like minded, and talking of inspiration the one hour session clearly was not enough for the ladies and left them wanting more with many questions. Part two to be organised with great glee and anticipation.

If anyone would like to join these eclectic, fun loving ladies from all walks of life within a community, please contact Susan Desmond (President), tel 01566 773768. Meetings are held the last Tuesday each month, in the winter at 2.30pm and summer 7.30pm at Yeolmbridge, Methodist Community Hall, Ladycross, PL15 8TN. Annual subscriptions of £15 and guests £3 per meeting.

We look forward to welcome new members on February 25 at 2.30pm for tea, cakes, friendship, giggles and so much more including a talk on Butterfly conservation.

The choir of St Mary Magdalene, Launceston sang a service of choral evensong for Candlemas recently under its choirmaster and organist Dr Sean Sweeney.

The service was led by the vicar, Rev Dr Mike Dobson, who also preached and acted as cantor in the Responses which were sung to an arrangement by 17th century composer Richard Ayleward.

The anthem was the beautiful 16th century unaccompanied six part “When to the temple Mary went” by Johannes Eccard.

The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sung to a setting by Walmsley in D minor.

The choir also sang psalm 132 and the lessons were read by Bill Roberts. At the end of the service Dr Sweeney played sonata number two by Edward Elgar.

Earlier in the afternoon the choir had sung the John Rutter anthem “Look at the world” at the civic service. The next choral evensong at St Mary’s will be on March 2 at the usual time of 5.30pm.

North Hill Parish Council held their monthly meeting on February 3 at North Hill Village hall.

Two members of the public attended to offer access to the plans for an application shortly to be submitted. The council found this most helpful, giving them good insight into the pending application. One other planning application was discussed - PA25/00348 – Land South East of Moorfoot Mill, Mill Lane, Bathpool – application in principle for the construction of up to 1 dwelling. No site meeting took place due to new government rules on housing suggestive that the use of existing sheds/barns will automatically be granted permission - North Hill Parish Council discussed the application and agreed to approve as it was considered to be infill within the two properties that exist already. Cornwall Council decisions were also noted for information including PA24/08898 - Land South East Of Drogeada Close, Drogeada Close, Coads Green, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7LU - Proposal Prior notification of agricultural or forestry development for new fodder and machinery store - Prior approval not required. PA24/08792 - Potok House North Hill Launceston Cornwall PL15 7PQ - Proposal Proposed roof alterations/extension, removal of existing chimney, replacement doors and windows, Air Source Heat Pump, and PV solar panels - approved. PA24/08862 - Tregood Farm Bodmin Road Congdons Shop Launceston Cornwall PL15 7PN - Proposal Prior approval for change of use of two agricultural buildings to 2no. dwellinghouses – withdrawn. PA24/08417 – Trebartha, Barton, North Hill, Launceston, PL15 7PD - Proposal Listed Building Consent for construction of a new agricultural livestock building, creation of a new agricultural access and removal of an outdated livestock building – approved.

Other matters considered included full agreement that a bench seat with inscription would be purchased in memory of the recent passing of Cllr Brian Ruby who contributed many years to the Parish Council. One other councillor had also recently resigned due to poor health. This currently leaves two vacancies for North Hill Parish Council which they would be pleased to fill with members of the community who have a genuine interest in their local parish and would like to make a positive contribution to their local area. It was further resolved that North Hill Parish Council would invest £40 per annum into the upkeep and maintenance of the bleed kit now accessible inside the defibrillator cabinet at Bathpool. A recent safety inspection of the play area identified no significant risks however did raise that the steps to the slide needed maintenance. It was agreed that this work would be prioritised. Councillor Adrian Parsons forwarded a brief report detailing updates from Cornwall Council, full details are available in the minutes.

The next meeting is due to take place on March 3 at 7.30pm, members of the public are always welcome to attend and encouraged to contribute their views.

Cleerway Community Church is meeting on Sunday morning at The Memorial Hall, Well Lane, St Cleer PL14 5EA at 9.45am for breakfast.

Our communion service starts at 10.30am. All are welcome, irrespective of belief or church background.

Thirty-one members of the Lezant Lunch Club were welcomed by Ken Scoble at Trebullett Hall on Wednesday, January 29.

Members enjoyed a delicious meal of beef and dumpling casserole served with fresh vegetables cooked by Jo Rider and Sue Oatey. A vegetarian alternative of brussel sprout, parsnip and potato patty was prepared by Mary Synott. Service was provided by Ruth Burden, Helen Judge, Janet Honey, Mary Bridger and Rebecca Gentry.

After coffee, musical entertainment was provided by David Crocker and Ray Stanning performing Swann and Flanders songs, many of which evoked fond memories and were much enjoyed. A vote of thanks was given by Ruth Burden.

The Lezant Lunch Club meets on the last Wednesday of each month. The next meal will be held on Wednesday, February 26. The cost to members will be £5 for two courses plus coffee. Phone Ruth on 01566 782286 to book a place.

It was a very cold and frosty evening for our meeting on February 6, and we only had eleven members and one visitor. The president welcomed everyone and thanked them for turning out on such a chilly night. Apologies were received from six members.

The secretary Helen Khan had advised the president that her partner had passed away last week, and she would be away with family for a while. Condolences were given to Helen, and a card had been given to her from all of us.

The President, Kate Sibborn, then welcomed Pat Mallett, one of our regular people, to show us how to do “decoupage”. Pat gave a brief explanation of what is involved and had already prepared all the utensils we would need to have a go, and we all set to. We had a choice of shapes to decorate with some lovely fine paper, very like tissue paper, and it was amazing at the various results achieved just using different paper patterns and colours. It was lovely to have something we had made to take home at the end of the evening, and Pat was given a very sincere vote of thanks by Tricia Allen. The competition this month was for a decorated box which was judged by Pat, and was won by Kate Sibborn, second was Victoria Anderssen, with Chris Evans third. The raffle was won by Victoria Anderssen, all were congratulated.

We then had refreshments and moved on to the business section of the meeting. The Minutes of the January meeting having been previously circulated were approved, with no matters arising. Tricia Allen gave the financial report, confirming that the cheque to the RNLI with our donation of £439 from the Christmas Hamper raffle, plus the sales from the WI Christmas Coffee Morning, had been cleared at our bank on January 2, although we had not received anything from RNLI to confirm receipt.

Under correspondence the president advised that the WI annual meeting this year would be a “Virtual Meeting”. The new WI Advisor is Helen Kestle, and the Resolutions for this year were read out. Details of other forthcoming events were read and will be available for members to peruse at their leisure later. Our next meeting will be held on March 6.

Mark Shepherd led the service at the Methodist Chapel on Sunday, February 2.

We worshipped the Lord by singing: ‘Name of all majesty fathomless mystery’, ‘A thousand generations’, ‘This is my desire’, ‘Water You turned into wine’, ‘Be Still for the presence of the lord’, ‘Lord I come, I confess’ and ‘When I was lost you came and rescued me’.

The singing was led by Christine Tratt and Sandra Shepherd playing keyboards and with Maxine Whenmouth, Avril Glessing and John Cleave as vocalists.

The prayers of intercession were led by Ros Watson and the lessons were read by Geoff Broome.

The tech desk was operated by Tim Watson.

Coffee and biscuits were served after the service.

The plough service was held at St Pancras Church on Sunday, January 26.

Rev Alison Hardy led the service, the first part took place outside the Lychgate where the tractor and plough were parked, which Roger Vanstone had brought.

Adults and children took part in the readings outside and in the church. The plough is the foundation of our work and labour.

The children who carried toy farm vehicles and adults with their gardening and other tools to represent their work were all blessed.

Then everyone went back into church for the final part of the service which included the blessing of the soil and the singing of hymns.

The lesson was read by Julia Warren, and the organist was Barbara Cole. Refreshments were served at the close.

Residents are being called upon to make their voice heard at the upcoming town council elections.

Bude-Stratton Town Council is calling on residents to step forward and make a difference in their community by standing in the 2025 Town Council Elections.

On Thursday, May 1, residents will be able to cast their vote and decide who will sit on the town’s council for the coming term.

A spokesperson from the council said: “As a town councillor, you’ll have a unique opportunity to influence the future of Bude and Stratton, working on projects and decisions that directly impact the local community. From supporting community facilities like the library, The Castle and green spaces, to addressing the challenges of our coastal location, town councillors play a vital role in shaping the quality of life for residents.

The council has expressed its desire to encourage those from all walks of life, ensuring the body is able to reflect the diversity of the area’s communities and hear the voices of younger residents, parents, retirees, and underrepresented groups..

“No other role gives you the chance to make such a meaningful difference to your local area,” said Tatiana Cant, town clerk for Bude-Stratton Town Council. “We need people with a passion for Bude and Stratton, who want to help shape its future and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.”

No prior experience is necessary to become a councillor, as full training and support will be provided. If you care about your community and want to take action, this is your chance to get involved.

In order to stand in the election, nomination papers must be submitted by hand at the Cornwall Council offices by 4pm on Wednesday, April 2.

More information about local elections can be found on the town council’s website.

After some changes behind the scenes, the fourth Bude Literary Festival goes ahead from May 14 to 18 when national, regional, and local authors, actors, musicians, comedians and workshop leaders will once again converge on the North Cornish coast to celebrate the written and spoken word, via a packed programme of diverse events, readings, performances and workshops to suit all ages and interests, throughout Stratton and Bude.

The organisers are delighted to announce that Raynor Winn, author of the international best seller ‘The Salt Path’, has agreed to become the Patron of Bude Literary Festival and will be performing in Bude on Sun 18 May in ‘Saltlines’ with The Gigspanner Big Band. A special screening of the about-to-be-released film of ‘The Salt Path’ will also take place at The Rebel Cinema, Bude and will include a Q&A with Raynor.

Authors are still being added to the line-up, which includes the author of ‘Tracy Beaker’ - Jacqueline Wilson, Cornwall’s Petroc Trelawny, comedians Marcus Brigstocke, Jo Caulfield and John Shuttleworth, The Times bestseller – Emma Gannon, the poet - Pascale Petit, the rewilder – Derek Gow, the inimitable Alex Gibbon, plus Sasha Swire, Lisa Woollett, Chris Ryan (the pen name of SAS sergeant Colin Armstrong), Veronica Henry, Sam Horton, Holly Watt, Charlotte Bradman, Madeline Dyer, Siobhan Daniels, Folksy Theatre, The Last Baguette and Bude’s very own Sam Horton, Paul Wreyford, Ellen Hawley, James Dixon, Gary McCausland and Martin Dorey MBE.

More names are being added all the time and events are gradually going on sale online via wegottickets.com/budeliteraryfestival Paper tickets for festival events will be available at the Festival Box Office at Bude Library on Saturdays 10am to noon from Saturday, March 1.

The festival will also include a diverse range of free literary workshops in local schools, special sessions for Home Educated children at Bude Library and hand-picked literary workshops for the users of The Pearl Exchange. More than 40 ‘Bookworm’ volunteers will step up to cover a range of tasks from stewarding to selling tickets to offering hospitality for artists.

Established four years ago by Bude-Stratton Town Council, the festival is now run as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (C.I.C.)

Festival programmer Richard Wolfenden Brown said: “We appreciate how the budget constraints faced by the council made it difficult for them to continue to fund the festival via a core grant and provision of council staff time, as in previous years. However, after 3,500 people engaged with the festival in 2024, we were determined to see it continue and to build on the council's hard work of establishing the festival over the past three years.

“The council have kindly agreed to support the festival via a community project grant and the new CIC hopes to attract wider public funding and essentially some sponsorship from local businesses and individuals. The 'Bookworm' volunteers will be vital to the success of the festival and new 'Bookworms' are warmly welcome, as are suggestions for authors, artists and workshop leaders, as we begin to write a new chapter for Bude Lit Fest.”

The festival can be contacted via [email protected]