St Swithin’s Church, Launcells, had their annual craft fayre, from Wednesday, September 11, to the Saturday, September 14.

There was a vast variety of stands, displaying jewellery, wood turned items, cards, paintings, knitted toys, pottery and lots more. There were also stands representing other charities; animal charities, Mothers Union, The Arc Angel, and Derek Cole’s wood turning stand, donating a large percentage to ‘Macmillan.’

This year we had in place our card reader which helped tremendously, saving time and making the purchasing much easier.

Light lunches were served each day, including salads, sandwiches, pasties, quiches and very popular jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings, coronation chicken being a favourite. Each day a different soup option was served, plus a selection of delicious cakes and sweets, and the usual coffees, teas and fruit juices.

Stall holders this year (some braved having with two stalls) were in order: Janet Grant, Debbie Gowing, Julie Potter, Rose Squires, Rose Harwood, Eileen Harris, Amanda Burden, Lorraine Jackson, Esme Denslow, Barbara Atkins, Eileen Harris, Derek Cole, Debbie Gowing, Sue Proudfoot, Geraldine Kenyon, Jill Bolton, Mothers Union, Ark Angel, Lorraine Golding, Derek Snelling and Yvonne Burgess.

A spokesperson said: “Without you all, there would be no craft fayre, so thank you for your commitment in coming each year, it’s a lot of work but we hope everyone enjoys themselves, has a bit of fun and remember, it all helps our beautiful church.”

Lots of lovely people came and helped, served, did the waitressing, also provided the homemade food each day.

The list is long but we hope no one has been forgotten: Margaret Bond organised the Craft Fayre, with Rose Harwood and Caroline Tape running the kitchen, coordinating and supplying part of the menu.

We also thank: Helen Barnes, Sandy Cheshire, Margaret Cleave, Maggie Cooper, Ann Farbrother, Janet Grant, Fiona Hargreaves, Beryl Kendrick, Clare Munro, Susan Nunn, Sue Proudfoot, Rose Squires, Chelsea Tape, Nicky Vereker, Lynn Wingard, and Jane.

Particular thanks to Lansdowne Bakeries for their sponsorship and kind donation.

As usual, thanks to Lilian Quinn, Megan Dalglish and Mary McBrinn who ran the brica brac stall and the raffle. Adam was our floor walker, Barbara Atkins and Jill Bolton manned the tills and took note of every single purchase. Sharon Jenkins and Anthony Bishop set up their electric railway and train for a bit of light relief, from deciding what to buy.

The spokesperson added: “Brian and Nathan Pollard carried and set up all the stands, took them down again and as they do each year, took them home to store until next time. We are always so grateful to them both for taking the time to do this! Matthew Stokes and Ken Heard put up the sign boards and also helped Brian and Nathan. Jan Hunt dealt with all the finances. Sandy designed and printed the posters and if there is anyone who has been forgotten, sincere apologise, you are all valued and we couldn’t do it without you!

“We look forward to doing it all and seeing you again this time next year.”

Twenty-eight members of the Lezant Lunch Club were welcomed by Ken Scoble at Trebullett Hall on Wednesday, September 25.

Members enjoyed a delicious meal of chicken pie served with potatoes, peas and carrots, followed by lemon cheesecake. A vegetarian alternative was available.The main course was prepared by Mary Tucker. The dessert was made by Marilyn Davey. Service was provided by Irene Nash, Diana Anderson, Helen Judge and Judith Smith. During coffee members were entertained by a nature themed quiz.

The Lezant Lunch Club meets on the last Wednesday of each month. The next lunch will take place on Wednesday, October 30, at Trebullett Hall at 12.30pm. The cost is just £5 for two courses plus coffee. Phone Ruth Burden on 01566 782286 to book a place.

It’s been an action-packed week for some members of Launceston & District u3a, rounding off activities on Saturday 28 with a ‘Town Walk’ lead by Cllr Rob Tremain, writes u3a chair Georgie Adams.

The morning stroll around historic Launceston town began at the Castle entrance, opposite the Town Hall, for an enjoyable, ear-and-eye opening experience for our group of twenty-two members. Rob’s entertaining and informative guided tour took us through the Castle grounds, out past the dreaded dungeon, along Castle Street by Eagle House Hotel and Laurence House Museum, before a steep climb up Northgate Street to Central Methodist Chapel and St Mary Magdalene Church, stopping to note sites of interest along the way. Then along Market Street and eventually to the Square and War Memorial, before Rob brought our Town Walk to an end.

Earlier in the week, members had marked National u3a Week (September 21 to 29) with an invaluable and useful CPR training session, given by Launceston Voluntary First-Aid Service; a morning’s walk with u3a Strollers group around the lanes and bye-ways of Launceston, finishing with a packed lunch in the Castle grounds, and on Friday, September 27, at our monthly coffee morning at Central Methodist Hall we raised an amazing £485 for Macmillan Cancer Support from the sale of cakes and raffle tickets.

At Launceston & District u3a we aim to engage with our local community and encourage those no longer working full-time or raising a family to live life to the full, develop their interests and make new friends. New members are always welcome!

For further information see the website: launceston.u3asite.uk visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/launcestonu3a.org.uk or call 0300 102 1380.

Probus had a full and varied timetable in September.

Our thanks to Graham and Daphne who treated members to a visit to their farm and refreshments for our first meeting. The walk gave us the opportunity to see a prize winning flock of Devon Longwool sheep.

Graham gave a talk on the breed, and led a walk around the farm to show the different ages of the breed.

This was followed by a pleasant pub lunch at Lewannick.

All members who attended agreed it was an interesting ‘open air’ morning.

‘Swim for sixpence’ was the intriguing title of the talk given by club member Colin at our second meeting .The origin of the title referred to the time when, as a seven year old, and not yet having learnt to swim, Colin had to dive into the deep end of his local swimming pool in North London to retrieve his sixpence entrance fee. This held him in good stead as he went on to dive competitively.

With hindsight he realised this was an important lesson in life, you often have to go out on a limb to achieve things.

Colin later joined the Air Cadets, the highlight of which was being given the opportunity to take the controls of a Meteor jet.

As an adult, he didn’t initially follow his father into the motor trade, but joined EMI as an engineer.

However, after getting married, he teamed up with a neighbour to build up a car dealership.

The dealership was successful, enabling them to consider moving home. Colin went to view a house, but was gazumped and instead bought a commercial kennels, much to the surprise of his wife! As part of this business they ran a quarantine kennel, with several high profile customers.He told us of the time a British Ambassador’s dog escaped from a crate at Heathrow Airport and Colin got a call to come and sort out the situation.

However they moved on when his wife bought into a vintage car business, which they built up, employing 40 people. A significant part of their trade was in continental Europe, particularly Germany. Colin mentioned that once he was taking a car in a trailer, using a vintage Alfa Romeo as a towing vehicle when the Alfa broke down. With the help of the French police he swapped the vehicles over, putting the Alfa in the trailer and continued on his way.

The vintage market declined and Colin and his wife moved to Cornwall However they still retain their interest in vintage cars.

The talk concluded with Colin answering a number of questions from the floor. He was thanked by members for his talk, which was followed by a light lunch.

Our first October meeting will be on ‘confidence with computers’ a discussion led by club member Jim.

Are you interested in becoming a Probus member? We meet regularly on the second and fourth Mondays to be entertained by a speaker followed by an optional lunch.

For further information on past and future activities of Probus, including talks and visits, please visit our website at probusclub.net/launcestoncornwalluk/ which also gives details on how to contact us.

COFFEE morning's continue to run successfully in the village each Thursday, alternating between the Methodist Church and the Church of the Holy Name.

They are held in the Methodist Church on the first and third Thursday of the month and in the Parish Church Hall on the second and fourth. Should there be a fifth Thursday in a month a further coffee morning is hosted in the Methodist Church. All will be made most welcome.

Harvest festival celebrations commenced in the Methodist Church on Friday, September 4, commencing with a Harvest Tea, followed by a service which was led by David Pett of Pipers Pool. Celebrations continued on Sunday morning, September 6, and were led by Jeremy Ward of Week St Mary.

THANKS were given to Rob and Dawn Leighfield and their team for the delicious hot luncheon at the Methodist Chapel at Shop on Wednesday, September 18, This was the first monthly luncheon at the Chapel since the summer break and it was good to have our new Minister, Rev Meg Slingo and her husband Graham with us. It was a pork meal with a vegetarian option, followed by delicious desserts, teas and coffees. Thank you again to Rob, Dawn and the team for preparing and serving and to all those who had laid the tables, cleared up, washed up and set the Chapel straight for worship on the Sunday. A donation from the proceeds will be sent to Cornish charity 'Active8'.

Rev Meg Slingo led her first service at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop on Sunday, September 22, with the service including Holy Communion.

Colin Tape was the organist. The Bible readings were by Jennifer Vanstone and the projector was operated by Stuart Ash.

Rev Meg administered the Holy Communion assisted by Bill Cleave in the form of intinction. Thank you to our organist Colin for playing such suitable music on the organ during the time of Communion.

The service was followed by coffee and a chance to chat in The Wesley Room.

Harvest thanksgiving was celebrated at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop on Sunday, September 29. The previous Friday a team of people decorated the chapel for the occasion with beautiful floral arrangements in the windows and on the communion table, grasses, corn and a mass of apples. The platform area was decorated with a huge display of fresh fruit and vegetables on hessian, plus a table groaning with non-perishable food items, all of which was given by members and friends of the chapel. The service on Sunday morning (September 29) was led by Rev Shirley Henderson of Woolsery and she welcomed everyone, especially those who had travelled to be with us from various places beyond the parish of Morwenstow. We were also joined by our dear friends from the nearby Chapel of Woodford. Colin Tape was the organist for the hearty singing of harvest hymns.

The lesson was read by Debbie French. The Merrytones Praise Group sang: 'I will love you all my life'.

After the service within a few minutes the chapel team quickly transformed the chapel into a dining area and the Harvest Celebration Feast was served from the Wesley Room. There was cold beef and ham, boiled potatoes, beetroot, chutneys, salads, coleslaws and bread rolls. Delicious desserts followed together with teas and coffees.

The flowers from the windows were given to various ladies

The following day all of the fresh produce and non-perishable food items were taken to Bude Food Bank, where it was gratefully received.

Thank you to everyone who gave in so many ways and to everyone for supporting a successful celebration of harvest.

THE village monthly coffee morning for September was held in the Social Club. Thank you to Lesley Coxon and John Cleave for hosting this month.

The local arrangement service at the Methodist Chapel was led by Ruth Bealing and Karen Shepherd. Karen gave the welcome and Ruth read verses from the Bible.

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

Prayers of intercession were led by Karen. The lesson was read by Sue Banks.

Ruth gave an interesting PowerPoint presentation on literacy, showing that many hundreds of years ago, people suffered in their endeavours to translate the Bible from Latin into English.

Mary Care spoke on the benefits of literacy. The closing prayers were by Karen.

Our new Superintendent Circuit Minister, Rev Meg Slingo led her first service at Chilsworthy Methodist Chapel on Sunday, September 15. Karen Shepherd highlighted notices for the week and welcomed everyone to the service of Holy Communion.

The singing was led by Dionne Bere on the keyboard and Mark Shepherd on guitar and with Geoff Broome as vocalist. The lessons were read by Lesley Coxon and Ros Watson.

The Holy Communion was administered by Rev Slingo and Karen Shepherd, with Mary Care acting as Communion Steward. The tech desk was operated by Tim Watson.

The September Community Breakfast was held in The Chapel Stable on Saturday, September 21. Thank you to those responsible for preparing and serving the Breakfast. Community Breakfast's continue to be served in The Stable on the third Saturday of each month, There is no need to book and all are welcome.

Paul Wreyford cycled from Bude to Chilsworthy on Sunday, September 22, to lead the service.

The welcomer was Pam Johns and the opening devotions and notices were by Ruth Bealing and Karen Shepherd.

The singing was led by Christine Tratt playing the keyboard and with Pamela Newton, Marlene Heard and Avril Glessing as vocalists. The prayers of intercession were led by Ros Watson. The tech desk was manned by Tim Watson.

There was no service at Chilsworthy Chapel on Sunday, September 29, as we are joined with our friends at Bodmin Street Methodist Church in Holsworthy for their Harvest Festival service.

Muddy Church was held in the Barn at Pooh Corner on Sunday afternoon by kind invitation of Mark and Sandra Shepherd. There were various activities and games, barbecued food, stories, songs and friendship. Thank you to the Muddy Church team for carrying on with the event in such weather.

The CVM Men (Christian Vision for Men) met in the Barn at Pooh Corner on Sunday evening.

Sadly closed since the beginning of the pandemic, Cornwall Heritage Trust in conjunction with Cornwall Council have announced that they aim to establish solutions to the issues with the building which could potentially result in its reopening.

The group had no meetings in the summer holidays, although the leaders met and planned the next few months. Volunteer helpers are needed, also members to make a committee and a treasurer! If anyone is interested contact one of the leaders, (contacts can also be found in the parish magazine, The Link on page 54 or Sarah Doney PRO on 362602.)

Morning prayer will be held at 10am on Monday and Wednesday.

On Sunday, October 13, there will be harvest communion at 11am.

Informal worship will be held in St Paul’s Church, Upton Cross, at 10am on Sunday, October 13.

Member, Vivian Jackson reported at a recent meeting, speaker, Lindsey Tayler from ARA (Addiction Recovery Agency), who offer free counselling support for those in needing help with gambling addiction.

She explained how the brain reacts to the buzz of chance winning by releasing dopamine. A chemical in the brain that gives pleasure, satisfaction and motivation which eventually becomes addictive to the gambler.

Her talk was to explain ARA’s main aim to reduce gambling related harms in young people.

With the ease of online gambling, the problem is growing. Stark information shows the millions that gambling companies earn from this excessive game of chance!

The next committee meeting will be held at 7pm on Thursday, October 10.

The next event will be the Annual Bonfire and Grand Firework Display on Saturday, October 26, in Parson’s Meadow. More details later.

Note: Unfortunately the evening with Johnny Cowling will not now take place on October 25 but has been postponed until Friday, February 14, 2025.