Holsworthy Hamlets Parish Council hosted its annual litter pick event on the morning of Saturday, March 8.

Many thanks go to the 10 volunteers from Chilsworthy and the five volunteers from Chasty and Staddon Road who gave up their time on Saturday morning to come out and help to clean up the parish by picking up litter.

The weather was dry and the volunteers collected a huge amount of litter which had been discarded along the roads and hedgerows of our parish.

The volunteers were provided with high viz jackets, litter pickers and bin bags and they collected litter from both sides of the parish. The picture shows many of the volunteers who came to help, along with the bags of rubbish that they collected.

Following their efforts, the volunteers met up for well-earned refreshments and conversation in Chilsworthy Village Hall. They were treated to hot sausage and bacon rolls which had been prepared for them, with many thanks going to David and Christine Campbell for doing the cooking.

There was no service at the Methodist Chapel on Sunday, February 23, as the Chilsworthy congregation joined in with worship at Bodmin Street Methodist Church in Holsworthy.

The Café Style service was led by Cath Paddon and Ruth Bealing and the pianist was Christine Tratt.

Chilsworthy Chapel welcomed Peter Green as the preacher on Sunday, March 2, with the theme of the service being “Making the most of Lent?”. The welcome and announcements were by Ruth Bealing.

We worshipped the Lord by singing: ‘I Cast My Mind to Calvary’, ‘Jesus Shall Take the Highest Honour’, ‘Oh to See the Dawn, of the Darkest Day’, ‘Before the Throne of God Above’ and ‘May the mind of Christ my Saviour live in me from day to day’.

The singing was led by Dionne Bere playing the keyboard with Marlene Heard, Pamela Newton and John Cleave as vocalists.

The prayers were led by Linda Broome. The lessons were read by Mark Shepherd. The tech system was operated by Tim Watson.

Refreshments were served after the service.

The monthly ‘Village Coffee Morning’ for March was held in The Millard Room of Charlotte's Bar of The Social Club at The Village Hall on Thursday, March 6. Thank you to Lesley Coxon and Lorraine Marshall for hosting this month on behalf of Hall Committee and Chapel.

A nursing home was filled with the sight, sounds and tastes of Wales as residents and staff came together to celebrate St David’s Day.

Hatherleigh Nursing Home near Okehampton, was filled with the colours, flavours, and sounds of Wales as family members (residents) and team members came together to celebrate St David’s Day.

Tamsin, an administrator at the nursing home, assisted with the help of family member Alice, carefully arranged daffodil centrepieces for the tables, while hand-crafted napkins, folded into delicate floral shapes, added an extra touch of charm. The dining room was transformed with a vibrant display of red, green, and white, proudly reflecting the colours of the Welsh flag.

No celebration would be complete without traditional Welsh food, and Faye, the chef, prepared a delicious menu featuring a hearty lamb cawl, a classic Welsh stew, and a comforting bread and butter pudding for dessert.

As family members gathered to enjoy their meal, the Welsh Male Voice Choir played on the home’s Amazon Echo in the background, adding to the nostalgic and celebratory atmosphere.

The Devon nursing home’s celebration of St David’s Day was not just about the food, but about embracing diversity, sharing traditions, and creating a true sense of community and inclusion within the home.

An organisation which provides support for serving and ex-navy personnel has closed its branch in Launceston, writes James Davies.

The Royal Naval Association’s Launceston branch has announced its closure after not enough volunteers came forward to run its committee.

The Royal Naval Association (RNA) is a free to join, rank blind membership organisation primarily for serving and former serving Royal Navy personnel and their families.

The organisation aims to help members through life’s highs and lows via peer support, welfare signposting and organised activities and events.

Established in the aftermath of WWII, the mission of the RNA is to’ foster comradeship to our membership through events, communications and welfare support, thereby enhancing our Naval Family’.

However, this week it was announced that Launceston was set to lose its branch due to a lack of volunteers to help run the group.

The RNA chief of staff has said that the organisation is saddened to hear of the closure, but those seeking support from the organisation can benefit from a number of other groups near by.

Chris Trevethan, Royal Naval Association chief of staff said: “The Royal Naval Association (RNA) is saddened that the Launceston branch has had to close due to lack of volunteers to run the committee. RNA Launceston members remain part of the RNA family and will be encouraged to join a neighbouring branches of Liskeard, Saltash, Bude, or join the online membership if they are unable to attend branch meetings.

“The RNA is a diverse and inclusive organisation which welcomes everyone with a naval story, be they serving, veterans or families. With over 25,000 members it provides comradeship and support to all its members throughout the UK and the rest of the world. For any enquiries or concerns, contact the RNA Central Office [email protected] 02392 723747.”

Age Concern (Bude and District) were delighted to receive a donation of £500 from the Bencoolen Wreckers. Gifts like this help the local charity in their mission to provide transport services for older people in Bude and the surrounding villages.

Transport can be arranged for medical appointments at all the local hospitals, doctors and dentists plus transport for shopping trips and mini bus excursions. Donations are particularly welcome in the quieter months when the income from the charity shop in Princes Street Bude is much reduced.

If anyone would like to donate, or leave a legacy in their Will, contact [email protected], or there is a donation pot in the shop in Princes Street.

The Bude, Stratton & District Old Cornwall Society held its AGM on Monday, February 24, at the Parkhouse Centre, Bude.

The president Michael Heard, opened the meeting, and welcomed everyone present.

There was a minutes silence to remember those members who were no longer with us, followed by a brief address.

Apologies were received from a few members.

The minutes of the previous AGM were read, and accepted as a true record.

The chairman, Alan McIntosh gave his report for the past year and future forthcoming events to be arranged.

He mentioned that the Archives on display were from the late John Stedwill who had donated a vast amount of records and photographs of the canal and Bude’s Maritime History.

These were available for the public to peruse at leisure in the afternoon and after the AGM.

The treasurer, Malcolm Warren , gave his financial report, and explained the queries raised.

There were also amendments to the constitution, which were proposed and accepted.

With the exception of a newly elected secretary, the remaining committee were elected enbloc.

Alan then thanked all the officers and committee for all their help and assistance during the year. He also welcomed Nev Meeks, the president of the Old Cornwall Society in attending the meeting

Den Balsdon the proceeded with the raffle, and Rose McIntosh served the refreshments, which brought the evening to a close.

The next meeting is on Monday, March 31, at 7pm: A talk by Carole Wakefield - Bude from backwater to up and coming resort in one century.

The Morwenstow Community Centre Big Breakfast held on Saturday, March 1, raised an amazing £836. Thank you to everyone who came along to support the event and have a lovely sociable breakfast time together. Many Thanks are expressed from the Morwenstow Community Centre Committee to all who helped in any way with the event and to all who supported it.

The service at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop on Sunday 23rd February was led by the Merrytones Praise Group with the theme being 'Forgiveness'. Bill Cleave led the prayers of adoration, thanksgiving and repentance.

Colin Tape was the organist for the hymns: ‘Jesus is Lord’, ‘Forgive our sins as we forgive’, ‘Lord for the years’ and ‘To God be the Glory’.

Lessons were read by Terence Olde and Ken Boundy and the prayers of intercession were led by Jill Johns. Freda Olde read a poem entitled 'The Farmer'. The Merrytones Praise Group sang 'Any dream will do' and 'I love you because you understand Lord'.

Rev Graham Slingo led the Holy Communion service at the Chapel on Sunday, March 2. As this was the first service Rev Graham had taken at the chapel, he was introduced with warm words of welcome from Bill Cleave.

Colin Tape was the organist for the hymns: ‘Holy, holy, holy’, ‘Immortal, invisible’, ‘Be still for the presence of the Lord’ and ‘Christ triumphant’.

The lessons were read by Janet Ash and Jennifer Vanstone.

The Holy Communion was administered by Rev Graham, assisted by Bill Cleave in the form of intinction. Thank you to Colin for playing such appropriate music on the organ during the time of Communion.

The projector at both services was controlled by Stuart Ash and both services were followed by coffee and a chance to chat in The Wesley Room.

North Hill Parish Council held their monthly meeting on March 3 at North Hill Village Hall.

Several planning applications were noted for information PA25/00117 – Hirundo, Lime Tree Way, Coads Green, PL15 7LW - Proposal Exception notice for works to a lime tree – closed, advice given. PA25/00526 - S52/S106 and discharge of condition apps - The Bull Pen, Tolcarne Road, North Hill, Launceston, PL15 7PE - Proposal Submission of details to discharge condition 3 in relation of Decision notice PA21/06576 dated 27.01.2022. Planning applications discussed included PA25/00884 – Land adj Landreyne Barn, Penhole Road, Coads Green – Reserved matters application for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the construction of one dwelling – a site meeting took place on the 15th February 2025 where it was resolved that North Hill Parish Council had no objection to the application and felt that the plans were sensitive to the surroundings. Also, PA25/00982 – The Shippen, Lower Newtown Farm, Coad Green – Construction of new garage within the existing parking area, Installation of new PV solar panels, a site meeting took place on the 25th February 2025 where it was resolved with all in favour that North Hill Parish Council had no objections to the application.

Other planning matters raised for information during the meeting included:

PA24/08849 - Berrio Cottage North Hill Launceston Cornwall PL15 7NL - Listed building consent for proposal to remove and relay the existing roof which is suffering from nail fatigue and allowing water ingress – Approved. PA25/00348 - Land South East Of Moorfoot Mill Lane Bathpool Launceston Cornwall PL15 7NW - Application for Permission in Principle for the construction of up to 1 dwelling – one further complaint had been received.

Other matters discussed included the ongoing development of the emergency management planning primarily directed towards more vulnerable members of the community. Examples of potential incidents that would require this included loss of power for extended periods of time or access to fresh water. An overview of the plan to date was considered and would be returned again to the next meeting for further discussion. Consideration was given to the nomination of any potential land that could be put through for development as requested by Cornwall Council however no members of the Council were able to identify any particular areas. The meeting considered an offer by Devon and Cornwall Police for a cyber awareness presentation and agreed that this would be highly beneficial to many residents of the community. The clerk was asked to arrange a date for it to take place at North Hill Village Hall. A further potential site was also identified for a second presentation at Coads Green Village Hall. Information will be available on the website and adverts will be placed on the Parish boards nearer the time once a date and venue has been confirmed. The ROSPA annual play area inspection for North Hill Play area was debated and it was agreed to allow this to proceed, this would take place at some point in April. The deteriorating conditions of the roads in the Parish were discussed, pot holes were reported regularly by the Parish Council however members of the public were always encouraged to report them direct to Cornwall Council Highways on the website. It was agreed to request signage stating ‘unsuitable for HGV’s’ to be placed at each end of the route, Kingbear corner to Blackcoombe crossroads due to several complaints following larger vehicles becoming stuck in the narrow road. Finally, the Chairman welcomed the Co-option of one new Councillor following consideration of her expression of interest and felt that she would make a positive contribution to the parish council.

The next meeting is due to take place on April 7 at 7.30pm, members of the public are always welcome to attend and encouraged to contribute their views.

Weekday service - Mondays only at 10am.

Sunday, March 16 - Evensong at 6.30pm.

Saturday, March 15 - Messy Church at Rilla Mill Retreat Centre 9.30am to noon.

Sunday, March 16 - Methodist Communion at St Paul’s, Upton Cross at 9.15am.

New chairman, Sally Ellicott and committee have discussed to implement a new project for the whole community ‘Legacy 25 - Our story’.

On Saturday, March 1, members of the community were able to speak to Simon Parker (journalist and writer) for interview techniques, Chris Barnard (professional photographer) and Jack Harries (videoing techniques). The vision is to produce a series of 25 interviews by a cross section of locals who have lived here all or most of their lives, to record a wider range of thoughts, memories and anecdotes from the wider community of those who have chosen to settle here in Linkinhorne parish.

For instance - a photographic competition of the images best representing the parish. eg. places of interest & events. Twenty-five will be chosen for an exhibition at Sterts in Upton Cross in the Autumn. The deadline is 1st June please.

Walks are planned:

Sunday, March 30 - Photographic safari walk with Chris Barnard along the River Lynher from Rilla Mill, meet at Rilla Mill Village Hall at 2pm.

April 13 - History of St Melor’s Church, Linkinhorne at 2.30pm with Andrew Doney.

May 8 - At Rilla Mill Village Hall at 7.30pm Peter Sharp will reveal the men and their stories who are listed on the War Memorial at Upton Cross.

June 1 - “Rising of the Phoenix Mine through the Ages” with Iain Rowe - meet at the Hurler’s car park at 1.30pm.

June 8 - A Circular Walk with Mark Camp in Henwood, Sharp Tor and Bearah Tor. Meet at Wardbrook at 1.30pm.

June 15 - Picnic at Tregarrick Tor for a romp around the moor and picnic on the Tor. Meet at the Hurler’s Car Park at Minions at 11.30am.

For further information to register an interest or send any material email [email protected]

A much loved community pantomime group has said it is grateful for all those who helped make this year’s performance a success.

Four successful and acclaimed performances were held at Bodmin Methodist Church, with crowds flocking to the venue to enjoy the traditional entertainment created with love by amateur dramatics.

This year’s event was made possible by donations and support from a number of organisations and businesses as the community came together to help the group make it happen.

A spokesperson for the Bodmin Community Pantomime group said: “Thats a wrap for this year. We’d like to thank you every single person who came to our pantomime of cinderella at Bodmin Methodist Church after four awesome performances.

Thanks so much to the people of Bodmin Methodist Church for letting use their church for this great pantomime. We love the venue and the people are so lovely and come to see us in their church. Well done to all cast and crew who were all flawless again. We have had so much positive feedback from our devoted public.

“Many who came to see us last year but some who didn't and said they will be back, which is why we do it. Thanks to the Bodmin community for their ongoing support.

“We had donations from Bodmin MAD community bingo, Bodmin Fireworks Committee as well as Proper Cornish and we borrowed the stage from the Beat and some equipment from Bodmin Theatre Company.

We also borrowed an important piece of prop from Martin and Budge Menswear. Thanks very much to everyone we are so very grateful.

“We will see you all next year so keep a look out for our future announcements.We are always looking for new cast and crew to come and join our pantomime family for the next performance.

“One other thing - we might see you at the carnival.”