The Dunheved Flower & Garden Group, our September Coach Trip was a day at Pinetum Gardens St Austell.

With ten gardens to explore throughout this 30 acre estate the day featured a wonderful mixture of plants and trees to walk in and around, the four acre Pinetum with more than 80 different conifers and mature oaks in this open park land with lake is reminiscent of Capability Brown’s English landscape style. Pinetum is home to several Champion Trees.

A Champion Tree has to have been officially measured by the Tree Register and is declared a champion for either being the tallest of their type or for having the largest diameter. The Skakkei Japanese Garden complete with authentic tea pavilion gave a chance to sit and take in the sounds of the water circulating the garden slopes, then be brave to cross the pond stepping stones and search out the various object d’ art.

The peace and tranquillity of the Arboretum, the Cornish Cottage Garden with its perennials and shrubs, the Courtyard Garden with its statue and Golden tasselled grasses, the Bridge Garden a home for the ducks, the Sunken Garden to soak up the sun, the Water Garden for its wildlife, the Winter Garden with spiralling paths to follow winding through the colourful display of leaf plants and trees all set in this coastal Woodland Garden location.

To round the day off a stop at Par Garden Centre gave a chance to have another cuppa and browse the shelf’s, even look at the very small and large tanks of fish, Tilley’s Coach driver was glad there were no purchases to transport water. Once again another Coach Trip was enjoyed by all.

The new priest at St Mary Magdalene Church, Launceston, Fr Michael Dobson, took his first choral evensong at St Mary’s recently.

He reintroduced a sermon, last preached by Rev. Jane Everett, and preached from St. Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy.

The choir sang part of Psalm 119. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were a setting of Tertius Noble in B minor which featured two tenor and two bass parts and the ferial Responses for a change.

The anthem was “God omnipotent reigneth” by Charles Wood which gave choir director, Dr Sean Sweeney on the organ and the basses, a chance to shine.

The lessons were read by Sharron Wormald and the service ended with Dr Sweeney playing a Toccata Giocosa by William Mathias.

Egloskerry Friendly Club held their harvest festival at the Central Methodist Church Hall, Launceston on Friday week, attended by more than 30 members.

Judy Bleay, chairman welcomed everyone and congratulated Tony and Christine Adams on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. She then introduced Rev Jess Lancaster from the Moorland Benefice, who conducted a short service to celebrate the Harvest. Jenny Bartlett played the piano for the hymns and two lessons were read by Bill Roberts and Olive Prouse.

Jess welcomed Yvonne King from the Launceston Food Bank, who spoke to members about the work of the Food Bank, based on the Newport Industrial Estate and said that during the last year they had given away parcels to over 1,600 families.

She spoke about the need some people find themselves in and asked members to tell pensioners, who could be entitled to pension credit to claim it, as throughout the country there are over 800 thousand entitled to claim, but do not do so, especially now where so many will not be able to get the winter fuel allowance. After the final hymn, Judy thanked Jess, Yvonne and Jenny as well as the members for bringing so much for the Food Bank. This was followed by a Bring and Share tea, served by members.

John and Vera Ellacott took monies and names for the Christmas lunch on December 6 at the Eagle House, as well as names for the Christmas shopping trip to Barnstaple on November 1. Information about the club can be obtained from Vera Ellacott on 01566 776142.

The October branch meeting opened punctually at 7.30pm with the exhortation, branch standard in attendance.

Regrettably the chairman then read out his letter of resignation for the sad reasons, given recent 'history' since his election in February 2024. This followed the previous resignation of the vice chairman on the day for similar reasons.

Our president then assumed chair of the meeting and expressed his deep regret. Honorary secretary was invited to express his overall assessment which was met with receptive and respectful silence. Full account of recent "history" had been lodged with Area 4 honorary secretary and also Area 4 chairman who is also the elected National Council Member, Area 4.

With several apologies, the meeting resumed its customary format. Branch finance was sound and social fund also, though both would be reduced via impending Trafalgar Night Dinner expenses and sponsorship for registered branch members.

"Volunteers" for November raffle are nominated as s/ms M Zoltan, S Adams, G Anderton, C Ball, S Cowling and voluntary contributions.

Chairman, honorary secretary and welfare secretary had attended the recent Area 4 general meeting in Camborne, when it was a pleasure to receive the "Recruitment Bowl" for Bude's 30 per cent increase in membership in 2023. Area funds were also very healthy.

The branch will stage a "Greet, Meet & Recruit" presentation at Sainsburys, Bude on Sunday, December 15. Proposed to create a "Longcast 2025" of branch events. Got an entry? Let the honorary secretary know. Confirmed via Area 4 chair/NCM 4 that the Branch Welfare/Wellbeing is an appointed member of a branch committee.

Following a voluntary contributions auction of items, the loyal toast was taken, meeting closed 2035.

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 Merrytones Praise Group sang: 'I will love you all my life'. The projector was controlled by Jennifer Vanstone.

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.

Who knew? Alice Brown welcomed our speaker, Ed Buckingham, him being the first Cornishman to scale Mount Everest which he did in 2011.

A truly inspirational and motivational man. He is the author of Seven Summits and is known for climbing the highest mountains on each of the seven continents before attempting Everest. He explained in detail the fitness regime needed to be in good shape, practising wearing all the gear on his back along the Cornish coast and running and swimming to prepare, then talked about the very special equipment needed to prevent frost bite in such cold conditions using a goose down coat which would be too hot in other situations and that the feet are what you protect most with special footwear.

Ed was climbing from the north side of Everest, Tebet. He started at the Everest base camp and took two or three weeks to get used to the climate before advancing up and down to the next camp then gradually you are strong enough to go on. He needed oxygen all the time. Left a bottle at each camp site. All very risky, if you travel on at the wrong time you die. Temperature the day he tried to get to the summit was -35 per cent. Eventually, after scaling lots of crevasses by crossing on wobbly ladders, he reached the top of Everest where he proudly left his St Piran’s flag.

Now equally difficult to make his way down. Ed now talks to schools and groups and promotes ‘Whatever you want to do, there’s always a chance. Go for it.’ He still maintains his regular job as a Postman. Naomi Finch thanked him for his 1st Class delivery!

Julie Dennis and Ann-Marie Soby then spoke about the recent cycle ride for the Children’s Hospice South West, Julie being the cyclist this time, building up to 40 miles, then 50 miles, then 60 miles a day before the ride began.

Ruth Burden invited the WI to make angels for the forthcoming Angel Festival in the chapel at Trebullett on December 5, 6, 7 and 8. Any size, any medium. Fortuitously the November meeting is a craft evening on making angels.

The recently reformed group meeting at Coad’s Green was discussed and much enjoyed by those who attended.

This month we were delighted to welcome David Thorn who shared with us some fascinating photographs from the archive of Bude photography curated by the business run by his ancestors.

David’s ancestor Harry Thorn, born in 1838, was a pioneer in photography and brought his business to Bude in the early 1860’s and developed the studio with the help of his brother Samuel and sister Sarah, both of whom appear in many of his images.

David shared many fascinating pictures with the group which charted the changes in Bude over the late 19th and early 20th century and documented many historical events in the town.

In his images of the numerous shipwrecks in Bude, local landmarks such as the barrel rock and original storm tower could be seen and there were many locals visible in the pictures. It was striking how well dressed the spectators were in what appeared to be their “Sunday best” with very smart hats and coats. The very early images of the wreck of the Bencoolen in 1862 showed the large amounts of smashed wood from the hull which were salvaged and used as timber for houses and workshops helping Bude to prosper in the latter half of the 19th century.

Another famous image shared by David was of the river and the Strand in Bude around 1871-1876. This can be accurately dated as the five gabled houses, now Greville Terrace, in the picture are listed as “under construction” in the 1871 census. The Globe Hotel in the centre right is just visible.

David also shared images of the new lifeboat house and lifeboat, the railway coming to Bude, the opening of the new sea pool and the Picture House where an advertising poster for a Charlie Chaplin movie was visible.

This was a fascinating historical talk and brought to life the history of Bude over the last 150 years and we were very grateful to David for his knowledgeable and enthusiastic sharing of the family story.

For anyone interested in learning more, a detailed historical account of the family, the photography business and many fascinating images can be found in his book “Thorns of Bude”. A treasure for anyone interested in local history in pictures.

Our next meeting will be on 10th October when Terry Faull shares his tales of Demelza’s people – “The Real Poldark Inheritance”.

For further details about the WI please contact the secretary, Roberta Jones, on 07788 548875.

MORNING prayer will be held at 10am on Monday and Wednesday in St Melor’s Church.

On Sunday, October 20, evensong will start at 6.30pm.

HOLY communion will be held in St Paul’s Church, Upton Cross, on Sunday, October 20, at 9.15am.

Messy Church will be held at Rilla Mill Retreat Centre at 3pm.

WITH the start of the new school year there were several families with enthusiastic children at the Thursday drop-in on September 12 at the Parish Hall in Upton Cross.

Used stamps please and to leave a good border around them. Items in bags - tie loosely so they are quick to undo.

Pringles - plastic top can go in the red kerbside recycling then flatten the tube.

Please continue to place items in the bins in the parish hall car park at Upton Cross as the money made comes from the manufacturers that sponsor the programmes. The most popular programme is crisps and snacks packets sponsored by KP. All items needed are listed on the bins for guidance.

The pens programme is now closed but please check updates on the website www.south-hill.co.uk/charity-recycling

Full list or any other info can be found here. Ali Humphreys Cornwall [email protected] 07305 044049 or Ursula Crouch 01579 262896. Thanks to all for great support.

At a recent committee meeting the final arrangements were made for the Annual Bonfire and Grand Firework display in Parson’s Meadow on Saturday, October 26, in Parsons Meadow, Rilla Mill. Gates open at 6pm, bonfire at 6.30pm and display at 7.45pm.

Altarnun Parish Council maintained its focus on National Highways proposals to cause chaos amongst our villages and communities.

The public engagement which took place at Lewannick Village Hall on September 26 did very little to allay our worst fears that in the attempt to improve safety and reduce accidents, the A30 between Kennards House and Five Lanes will have six crossings closed and the investment in a graded junction at Plusha, which has been called for since the turn of the century, will be out of scope due to financial constraints. The scheme presented at Lewannick by the National Highways team and so widely condemned, as cut price, by Cornwall councillor Adrian Parsons seems to be coming our way. National Highways seemed intransigent to local representation which gave the impression they hold in disregard the consequences of implementing their plans.

However, a very well informed and well organised action group apprised our meeting they have recently identified quangos and routes to officials who could be empathetic with our current plight and authoritatively interact with National Highways. Meanwhile the council resolved to try and achieve a face to face meeting with our MP to endorse all the work the action group has produced and provide sufficient information that will demonstrate the impact and devastation the National Highways plans will have on our community. Clearly there is a willingness born out of frustration to do what it takes to influence the outcome that is desperately wanted.

One panning application was tabled, relating to obtaining a certificate of lawful use for a barn erected in 2014 at New Hay Farm. The original permission was for a building half the size, but the larger unit was purchased and placed on site. Councillors were pleased that the applicant was now seeking to regularise the position and supported the application.

The clerk reported correspondence received from Devonshire Homes, keen to reengage with the Parish Council prior to submitting plans for the development of a further phase at Gratton Fields, Five Lanes. It is expected they will attend a future monthly meeting.

The November parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 6, at 7.30pm, in Altarnun Village Hall. All are welcome.

The Holsworthy History Society met on Thursday 10th October and were delighted with a talk from David Kendrick – Winston Churchill, The Parliamentarian. This was David’s second in his trilogy of talks about Churchill and was as interesting as his first presentation.

David gave a fascinating insight into Churchill’s career from 1901 to 1940. We learnt how he commenced his parliamentary career as a Conservative MP, then crossed the floor and became a Liberal MP and then recrossed the floor to once again to be a Conservative MP, finally becoming Prime Minister in May 1940.

The Society’s next talk will be at 7pm on Thursday, November 14, in the Manor Suite of the Holsworthy Memorial Hall and will be given by Christoher Smith. He will be speaking on ‘A Brief History of Bee Keeping’. This is likely to be a most instructive talk where we will learn things about bees that we never knew before.

All are welcome to join us.

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.

Harvest Café Church saw everyone having a great time at Chilsworthy Methodist Chapel on Sunday, October 6. Bacon baps and pastries were enjoyed, before we set to bread making. Lots of creative shapes were formed and sent off to the kitchen for baking. After a seed quiz, singing and message about the parable of the sower, we got messy with printing - leaves, apples and potatoes. We hope you enjoy your bread rolls.