On Saturday, April 12, Launceston and District Cats Protection held their Easter Fair in Lifton Community Centre. From the start there was a steady flow of customers, eager to discover what was on offer. With over 25 tables displaying goods for sale at affordable prices, from books to craft, toys to plants, jewellery to bric-a-brac, cat goods to clothes, tombola to cakes and of course, a super raffle!

Our grateful thanks to all those in the local community who kindly donated raffle prizes including a large Lindt Easter Egg from Shelly at Tesco, three £30 vouchers from Alchemy Nails, Cream Tea for two from both Homeleigh Garden Centre and Tre, Pol & Pen, Gift Pack from Hogs Bottom Preserves, Artwork from Lyn at the Lifton Art Group & a Fire Dog Faraday Pouch from GoDark Faraday Bags.

We’re delighted to reveal that an incredible £1,360 was raised on the day, thanks to our generous supporters and dedicated volunteers who jointly contributed to the overall success of the event.

Continued support for our branch means that we’re able to make a substantial difference in improving the lives of many cats and kittens in our care.

We look forward to seeing you next time!

Keep an eye out for future events listed on our website www.cats.org.uk/launceston or on Facebook Launceston-District-Cats-Protection-Branch

A full St Mary’s choir under the direction of Dr Sean Sweeney sang a service entitled “The cross by music” on Good Friday before a service including a full gospel narrative of the Passion at St Thomas and a communion service at St Stephen’s.

They began by singing Bob Chilcott’s beautiful arrangement of God so loved the world in which the soloist was Amber Newton before Rob Tremain read the story of God’s test of Abraham from Genesis followed by In the departure of the Lord by Tudor composer John Bull.

Kate Hancock read the second lesson from the letter of Paul to the Hebrews before the congregation joined in reciting the Benedictus and the Creed before the address by the vicar, Rev Dr Michael Dobson who also led the service.

The choir then sang In Paradisum from the Fauré Requiem before the cross was brought through the church to the sanctuary and the choir sang The Reproaches and then Stainer’s well known arrangement of God so loved the world from Crucifixion.

The two congregational hymns were Take up thy cross and In the cross of Christ I glory and the final choir item was The shortened litany in which the solo cantors were Bernard Pink, Amber Newton, Andy Dunning, Sharron Wormald and Bill Robinson.

A peal of bells greeted worshippers for the communion service on Easter Day which was led by the vicar who also preached. Rob Tremain read lessons from the Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

After the reading from John’s Gospel and his address the vicar invited the congregation to renew their baptismal vows before the celebration of the Eucharist. The choir sang as an anthem The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah to applause and additional percussive effects from the congregation.

After the service Dr Sweeney played Carillon de Westminster by Louis Vierne before the children went on an Easter Egg hunt.

On Sunday, May 4, at the usual time of 5.30pm there will be a service to commemorate VE Day in place of choral evensong.

Launceston Choral Society’s recent concert featured exclusively music by one of Britain’s unjustly forgotten composers, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth in London. Illegitimate and of mixed race, Coleridge Taylor was born into a working class musical family. He died very young in 1912 but in his short life produced sacred music, parlour and popular songs as well as beautiful piano pieces played with brio by David Green who also accompanied the choir on the organ using the orchestral score to bring a dazzling variety of musical effects to the main work of the evening.

This was “Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast” Coleridge Taylor’s setting of a section of Longfellow’s epic poem “The Song of Hiawatha” which enjoyed immediate and immense popularity with choirs and would have made its composer’s fortune had he not sold the rights to his publisher for 15 guineas. We hear of the wonderful food at the feast as well as the entertainment provided by Paupukeewis, the handsome athlete and dancer who wowed all the women but whom all the men thought was a bit of a waste of space. A song is demanded of Chibiabos, Hiawatha’s friend and musician, brought to life superbly at the concert by the tenor soloist Jonathan Wood who was more than equal to the soaring music written for the part. Finally there is a musical picture painted of the old storyteller, Iagoo known for “his immeasurable falsehoods”. The guests go home in their finery and Hiawatha and his bride are left alone.

The poem and the work have fallen out of fashion but the choir warmed to the works in rehearsals and gave a spirited and sensitive performance conducted by its musical director, Jonathan Mann, like Coleridge Taylor, a graduate of the Royal College of Music.

The society is extremely grateful to local business, David Parish Menswear, for selling the concert tickets. A retiring collection was taken for RNLI and raised nearly £320. Launceston Choral Society’s next concert will be its popular light summer concert on Saturday, July 12.

Launceston Stamp Club held its annual stamp fair at a new venue at Lifton Community Centre on March 1 with several dealers present and an estimated attendance of 70 to 80. It was generally thought the new venue was a step in the right direction.

Shortly after the Club held its first auction of 2025 when over 300 lots were offered by auctioneer Rex Eccott. Well over 20 potential bidders were in the room and with absentee bids sales realised over £1,000. Des Kent, Treasurer organised the auction assisted by Viv Sandercock, David Richards and Mike Tooley.

At the April meeting, chairman Barry Mudie stepped in at short notice to deputise for the scheduled speaker who was unwell. John Brown was the dealer for the afternoon. Barry’s display was entitled ‘Great Britain Pre-Decimal Commemoratives’ and was accompanied by Barry’s excellent commentary on the items shown. Throughout the display there were unusual items including varieties, colour shifts, missing colours and perforation abnormalities. Many were shown in large blocks, some with traffic lights, which enabled the position of the variety to be obtained and also assist with the identification of missing colours. Barry suggested a note of caution with missing colours when he showed a spectacular example but alas the missing colour had faded after the stamp had been left in the sun! Another note of caution with the ‘missing gold heads’. These could apparently be removed after printing.

Rex Eccott proposed a vote of thanks and presented Barry with the Club’s Certificate of Appreciation.

The chairman reminded members that the next meeting will take place on May 8 (this is a week later than normal because the venue is required for the elections) commencing at 6.30pm (start of evening meetings). There will be a members one sheet competition to be judged by the members. Visitors and prospective members always welcome. Further information from the honorary secretary on 01566 786826.

Little Isaac Reynolds was dedicated at the morning service at Rehoboth Chapel on Sunday, April 13.

A large congregation, along with Isaac's parents Jonathan and Van, and James Broad the Godparent, promised to bring up little Isaac in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord". Pam Daniels played for the hymns.

A fine lunch followed the service, which featured an exquisitely crafted celebratory cake, which drew many comments of admiration, expertly prepared by Mrs Ann Johns.

The evening Singalong at 7, which took the form of a service of Sacred Remembrance of the death of Jesus, included four pieces of sacred song by the Canworthy Minstrels, who rendered the beautiful piece "O Saviour of the world" by John Goss, as well as the moving hymn "Just as I am" which features in the delightful oratorio "Olivet to Calvary" by John Henry Maunder.

Penny Barclay played for the pieces and the hymns. A splendid supper concluded the memorable and delightful day.

A Service to Commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day will take place at St Julitta’s Church, Lanteglos by Camelford on Thursday, May 8, at 5.30pm.

Prior to the service wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial at the Church by The Mayor of Camelford and a representative of The Royal British Legion followed by a two minute silence.

After the service the church bells will be rung from 6.30pm until 7pm in conjunction with other churches throughout the country.

Mondays weekly — morning prayer at 10am.

Sunday, May 4 — Evensong at 6.30pm.

A service was held at St Melor’s, Linkinhorne at 10am when tower ringer, Sally Gisbourne tolled a bell 33 times representing the 33 years of the earthly life of Jesus.

The service was led by Lay Minister, Roy Cooper who explained that the point of the service was not only to enable the worshippers to maintain and increase their relationship with God, but also for those who are searching for a purpose in life to find a way forward.

Being Anglicans we believe that the spirit of God is with us, now and always, therefore we need to act accordingly.

The service was based on the Gospel of John, chapters 18 and 19, interspaced with readings from Psalm 22 by Brian Norris, Judy Cooper, Nigel Drew, Andrew and Sarah Doney, and Kim Howat.

The ‘Service of the New Light’ took place on Easter Day at 6pm on April 20 at St Melor's which was led by Lay Minister Andrew Doney. The service began with the new Pascal Candle, representing the risen Lord as the Light of the World, which was processed to the chancel by a member of the congregation, Zena Jones. It was then placed in the Sanctuary by Andrew.

A welcome was given to Canon Pat Robson who administered the Eucharist. During her sermon she guided us through the last days of Jesus’ life from Palm Sunday to his Resurrection via a map of Jerusalem which she had given us.

The Gospel was read by Lay Minister, Roy Cooper, the Epistle by Russ Hanson, the Offertory was taken by Sarah Doney and the organist was Roger Webster.

Many thanks to everyone who had decorated the church so beautifully.

Sunday, May 4 — All Age Service at 10am.

Once again outdoor activities have played a large part of group meetings. The Beaver Colony have made pancakes in the Jubilee Field at Upton Cross, have been on the moors & down in the woods to toast marshmallows, looked at St. Paul’s church with Scout Chaplain, Andrew Doney and looked for the oldest gravestone in the churchyard there.

The Cubs and Scouts have also been on the moors and down in the woods den building. They have continued to work towards their Mechanics Badge too. Report by Sarah Doney.

The Working Bees will be busy in the woods again on Saturday, May 3, from 10am. Anyone wishing to join them please contact [email protected] 01579 348464 or 07977206777. New members always welcome.

A very successful evening of Bingo organised by committee member Julia Bath took place on Saturday, 12th April when over 70 people attended to help raise £500 for the hall funds. Thanks were expressed by Chairman, Andrew Davy to committee member, Julia Bath for organising another very successful event, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers.

He also thanked everyone who had helped in any way, especially Sue Davies for her wonderful variety of delicious cakes for the refreshments, to Sandy in the kitchen, to everyone who had donated raffle prizes and everyone for attending once again.

The next event will be held on May 10, to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with a Coffee Morning from 11am to 1pm, Afternoon tea from 2pm to 4.30pm in the hall, then live music in Parson’s Meadow with Company B at 8.30pm (gates open at 7.30pm) There will be a bar and hot food available. Get tickets from [email protected]

The next committee meeting will take place on Wednesday 30 April at 7pm to make final arrangements for the forthcoming VE Day Celebrations on May 10, plus the annual carnival and summer fayre including the annual Duck Race on July 12.

At our Annual Meeting this month two important matters were approved by members.

Firstly, heartily endorsed by all, Sue Dickenson will remain as President for another year. The second was voting on the resolution that will be put to the meeting of the National Council of Women’s Institutes in June. The resolution is “Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers” – meaning knowledge of CPR and defibrillators by non-professionals. Living in a village so far from any hospital and ambulance cover, many have experienced the concern of needing urgent medical support. There are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests a year in the UK and less than one in ten people survive. Early CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillating can more than double the chances of survival and the WI hopes to work towards increasing public confidence and training in the delivery of CPR and defibrillators alongside local organisations. Watch this space.

Following the business meeting members were treated to a talk by one of our own members, Sandy Smith, who did the MoonWalk alongside her husband, Martin.

The annual MoonWalk is the flagship event for Walk the Walk.org, a grant-making breast cancer charity. Sandy and Martin took part in the Walk which took place in London on 18 May last year. Over 12,000 walkers collected at 9pm in Clapham Common and the walk started at 11pm. Everyone was wearing outrageous costumes – especially the bras. There was a sea of pink everywhere with all the London landmarks that they passed on the marathon lit up in pink and with hundreds of volunteers. The walkers ranged in age from 14 to 85 years of age including men and women. The full marathon is 26.2 miles long and it took Sandy and Martin seven and a half hours. This excellent time was the result of four months of training up and down endless hills gradually increasing the length up to 30 to 40 miles a week through very wet winter (and spring) weather. Altogether they raised £2,190 which included an amazing £385.09 from the collecting tin in the Community Shop.

Walk the Walk.org was started in 1996 in New York by Nina Barough who came up with the idea of power walking a marathon in a bra as a way of raising money for breast cancer. Little did she know that weeks later she would also be diagnosed with breast cancer but this did not stop her developing the idea and the organisation and, to date, this charity has raised in excess of £140-million. It has made grants to funds: for research, particularly secondary breast cancer; to help provide emotional and physical support for those living with cancer; and prevention. Science has now shown that lifestyle and being active are key contributors to preventing not only breast cancer, but all disease. One person, including men, is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes. Walk the Walk specialises in all things walking – organising many different challenges and events, as well as promoting the now proven benefits of walking for health and well-being.

On Palm Sunday the service at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop was led by Bill Cleave.

Colin Tape was the organist for the hymns: ‘Come thou long expected Jesus’, ‘Man of sorrows, what a name’, ‘Ride on, ride on in majesty’ and ‘And can it be’.

The service included the performance of a short Passion Drama entitled 'Sunday Morning Live'. John Cleave took the part of Simon the scribe and Valerie Tape took the part of Thea.

The lesson was read by Ken Boundy.

The Merrytones Praise Group sang: 'Island in the Sun' and 'My forever Friend'.

During the singing of the final hymn Valerie Tape gave out Palm Crosses to all.

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

The monthly luncheon for April was held at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop on Wednesday, April 16. Roland Nancekivell, a local farmer from Kilkhampton was in attendance on behalf of the Farming Community Network. Roland spoke about the history of the FCN and its continued work, giving his own personal testimony. Grace was said by Rev Meg Slingo.

Thank you to Rob and Dawn Leighfield for preparing such a delicious Roast Lamb meal and to all the team, which included young people which was lovely to see. Delicious desserts, all given by the people of the Chapel followed with teas and coffees and After Eight's. Thank you to everyone for laying up beforehand and for helping with the washing up, clearing up and setting up for Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. Profits from this months Luncheon were for Chapel funds and the Farming Community Network.

The Palm Sunday morning service at the Methodist Chapel was based on the Lent Course theme: 'Soul Songs' and was led by the Music Group.

The welcome and notices were by Ruth Bealing who also led the opening worship which included: ‘All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel', 'Ride on Ride on in Majesty' and 'Cornerstone'.

Ruth laid palm branches beneath the Lenten Cross. '10,000 Reasons' was introduced by Pam Newton.

Bible readings were by Mark Banks: 'Above All Powers' was introduced by Avril Glessing which she sang as a solo.

Prayers of intercession were led by Ros Watson. Sandra Shepherd gave a reflection on Psalm 118:1-2 and 19-29. Ruth Bealing gave a reflection on Luke 19: 28-40. 'This is Amazing Grace' was introduced by Maxine Whenmouth.

Singing was led by Christine Tratt and Sandra Shepherd on keyboards. The closing prayer was by Ruth Bealing.