On a hot and sunny Saturday, Lewdown Victory Hall was once again host to another excellent produce show, with more than 80 sections to choose from.

There were more than 400 entries and the hall looked stunning with the wonderful vegetables, fruits, flowers, jams, cakes and crafts on display.

There is always quite a buzz when exhibitors are setting up and the presentation of cups is such a happy occasion. We finished off with the usual auction of produce.

A spokesperson said: “Thank you to everyone who took part and for making it such a great day.”

Holsworthy Hamlets Flower Club resumed following their summer break on September 17.

Sue Neale was accompanied by her musically gifted husband Stuart. Sue’s demonstration was called “Natures Beauty” and she certainly fulfilled the title.

Her first design was constructed in a large terracotta urn. An abundance of material was used including hostas, fatshedera, autumn coloured spirea, skimmia, manipulated phormium, fataia leaves, orange roses, red germini and craspedia. Stuart played Benedictus by Karl Jenkins on his key board while Sue put the finishing touches.

The following two arrangements were assembled in a large unusual shaped basket and a natural wooden rectangle box decorated with log slices. An array of foliage filled the receptacles, myrtle as well as eucalyptus, choisya sundance, elaeagnus and apple tree branches were complemented with beautiful yellow spray carnations, green chrysanthemums, yellow alstroemerias, orange roses, yellow gladiolus and craspedia.

Various shades of pink filled a hand tied frame constructed using a wreath ring bound with cornus.

The final piece was a waterfall design assembled on a miniature pedestal. Sue chose Soft flowing foliage including amaranthus, euonymus, eucalyptus and rosemary. White spray carnations, cornus berries, eryngium, white alstroemerias, white and pink chrysanthemums, and gypsophilia completed the arrangement while Stuart played “Summertime”.

Jill Lapham thanked Sue and Stuart for an excellent demonstration, beautiful music and for Sue sharing her love of the countryside with us.

The flower club are hold in a fundraising quiz at the Magpie RBL club on Saturday, September 27, at 7.30pm.

The next meeting is the AGM followed by a foliage workshop on Tuesday, October 14, at 7.30pm.

Mondays weekly- Morning prayer at 10am.

Sunday, September 21 — 3pm, annual walk to the Holy Well for short service; 4pm, Teddy Tumble from church tower; 5pm, tea; 6.30pm, Patronal Festival Evensong.

Brian Norris reports that every five years the parochial church council (PCC), who are trustees of the local church buildings and affairs, are required to have an annual inspection of the church fabric by a qualified architect. The latest inspection of St Melor’s identified a number of areas that need attention. The most significant being stripping and re-slating the part of the church roof. There is also repair work required to lead and stone at high levels.

The PCC is applying for grants to fund repair work but most of these require match funding with locally raised funds. This will entail raising in the region of £33,000, in addition to the £23,000 given each year to meet the normal repairs and running costs of the church, primarily given by church members.

Help will be most welcome and donations can be given to the Linkinhorne PCC. Other ways to help is to support fundraising events run by the PCC, by organising an event or by helping with grant applications.

St Melor’s is a very valued church for weddings and other life events, and needs your support to ensure that it can be passed on to the next generation in good order.

Sunday, September 21 — the congregation is to join the combined harvest festival communion at Stoke Climsland followed by a shared lunch. Bishop Hugh presiding.

Next event — Wednesday, October 1; Harvest Supper at The Retreat Centre, Rilla Mill (previous Methodist Chapel). People are asked to arrive at 6.15pm for 6.30pm. Everyone welcome. Book with either Michelene Norris 01579 363515 ([email protected]) or Sarah Doney 01579 362602 ([email protected])

The weather would not dampen the spirits of Pensilva WI; plenty of events and activities on the agenda to attend over the coming weeks (even Christmas was mentioned!) and two big ones being hosted: Horticulture show, September 13; the Macmillan Coffee Morning – Saturday, October 4, at St John’s Church from 10.30am to noon, all welcome. Plenty of coffee, tea, refreshments and cake, a raffle and bring and buy stall.

Tonight was also a chance to celebrate 110 years of the WI by having a cream tea (any excuse!). We sang ‘Pack up your troubles’ which was written in 1915 (the same age as WI!) ably led by our entertainer Rachel Best. She walked us back to happiness, told tales of some of the venues she visits, got us up dancing and delighted members by singing their requests including Doris Day and Tina Turner. Ladies guessed the year of the songs Rachel sang – can you remember which year Sandie Shaw won Eurovision?

Birthday posies were handed out to Rachael Palmer, Irene Elliott and Mary Lake, all celebrating a September special day.

Competition winners were:

My favourite song: 1st Jenny Rendle; 2nd Mary Yates.

Flower of the Month: 1st Frances Tucker; 2nd Verna Dawe; 3rd Alison Grimes.

Pensilva WI are still Continuing to collect used stamps for CFWI. We are always happy to receive more.

Next meeting on Wednesday, October 8, 7.15pm, will be the harvest auction and bring and share supper. Friends and family welcome.

The congregation of St Sampson’s Church, South Hill, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a £200,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to safeguard the future of the Grade I listed building and increase public engagement with its rich heritage.

This transformative funding will enable urgent restoration of the church’s roof and ceiling, which have suffered extensive deterioration. With 50 per cent of the roof and ceiling now set to be repaired, the church takes a major step towards being removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

St Sampson’s Church is one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in the region. Without this funding, its structural decline would have continued, threatening both its physical stability and the history and community stories it holds.

In addition to vital structural repairs, the grant will support the refurbishment and rehanging of the church’s ancient bells—an enduring symbol of community and tradition. A new digital trail and tower tour will also be developed, offering interactive and educational experiences for visitors and helping to share the story of St Sampsons with a wider audience.

This project reflects The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s investment principles by: Saving heritage, preserving a Grade I listed building and its historic bells; Protecting the environment: following sustainable restoration practices; Inclusion, access and participation: creating a digital trail and volunteer opportunities and hosting community events; Organisational sustainability: strengthening the church’s role as a community hub.

Church leaders, local residents, and heritage supporters are united in their gratitude for this support. This award not only preserves a cornerstone of local history but also increases engagement with the church’s remarkable legacy.

Reverend Andy Atkins, vicar of St Sampsons Church, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can now protect the future of St Sampsons Church and share its story with the wider community.”

Look out for upcoming events to view the stripped-back ceilings and follow the progress of the bells project. Visit our website for updates and opportunities to get involved.

Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir are pleased to be hosting their special guests Launceston Male Voice Choir, for a joint concert at St Eustachius Church, Tavistock on Saturday, September 27, at 7.30pm.

Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir will be under the baton of their musical director Sarah Gard and Launceston Male Voice Choir under the baton of their musical director Jonathan Mann.

The programme, compered by John Chapple, will include traditional male voice choir pieces, songs from the shows, folk songs and songs from the "pop scene".

The concert is in support of Children's Hospice South West.

Callington Young Farmers proudly passed on a donation of £1,500 to Derriford’s Primrose Foundation.

The money was raised from the annual dung sale, and a tractor run.

“The club donates money to charities every year,” said a spokesperson for the group. “The Primrose Foundation was chosen because its unit at Derriford Hospital has provided care and support to families of those involved with the club, during breast cancer treatments.”

A spokesperson for the Primrose Foundation said: “Thank you so much to Callington Young Farmers for all their wonderful fundraising and fantastic £1,500 donation which our trustee Theresa was very grateful to receive on behalf of the charity!”