For their August gathering, President, Rob Tremain conducted an interesting walk around the town, starting at the Castle Gate in Guildhall Square and through the Green to the prisons at Doomsdale, telling of the many people who were jailed, which included Cuthbert Mayne, the Roman Catholic Priest, who was captured at Golden Manor and brought to Launceston Jail, and who was later taken to Launceston Square, where he was hung, drawn and quartered for his faith and also George Fox, founder of the Quaker movement.

He also told about several local people, imprisoned for minor crimes and who were hung in the Castle Green. The group of over 20 members and friends then went on to Castle Street, with the history of Eagle House Hotel and the Launceston Museum, before the party wended their way up the steps of Northgate Street, where Dukes Lane, Harvey’s Lane and Ram Alley entries were pointed out as was the site of the Jubilee Inn. Opposite the Central Methodist once stood the stables of the Bell Inn which is the oldest remaining public house in Launceston. Rob also spoke of the history of the Central Methodist Church and explained many interesting factors about St Mary’s Church and the tower, before setting off down Blindhole, where parts of the old town wall could been seen.

Rob explained the history of Southgate Arch and of the many historical buildings, including where Philip Gidley King was born in Southgate Street and of the Golden Boot, home of the well known Robbins family, whose sons became national journalists and were knighted. In the square, Rob spoke about the old Mayor’s House and of the reservoir which is situated under the Square and where once stood Pillory Row and the Old Butter Market which was demolished to build the war memorial. After this wonderful walk, John Ellacott thanked Rob for his excellent talk.

On Sunday week seven members attended a service in St Petroc’s Church, Bodmin in commemoration of the Prayer Book rebellion of 1549, annually organised by Bodmin Old Cornwall Society. The Team Rector Rev Paul Holley welcomed the many people present and the hymns were sung in both Cornish and English. Stephanie Thomas of Bodmin OCS read the history of the Rebellion. Under the direction of Priscilla Oats of Cury and Gunwallow OCS there was a parade of over 20 Old Cornwall Banners, with the Launceston Banner being carried by Andrew Lethbridge.

In July, 16 members visited Temple Church and Cardinham Church on Bodmin Moor. In September, the Society will hold their annual meeting on the second Wednesday at the Royal British Legion Hall in Tower Street. Anyone interested in Cornish History are welcomed and information can be obtained from John Ellacott on 01566 776142, Membership is £10. You do not have to be old or Cornish to join.

The August meeting was recently held with 21 members present. The chairman Barrie Mudie opened the meeting by welcoming members and our dealer for the evening Neil Sargent who was also going to be our speaker for the evening. Barry outlined to members the details of the September Members Display competition and then invited the speaker to present his display – British Airlines and Airmails. Neil explained that following the end of World War One, aircraft and flying developed very rapidly with many small airlines starting up and failing and amalgamating. The potential for the use of flying to expedite the mail had been recognised following the success of the first British airmail flights in 1911 to commemorate the Coronation of King George V when special envelopes and postcards were flown between London and Windsor.

After the war numerous small airlines such as Provincial Airways and International Air Lines were formed and Railway Air Services – a joint venture by the 4 main railway companies – won a contract from the Post Office in 1934. In 1928 Imperial Airways flew special flights between Liverpool and Belfast. Other airlines included Portsmouth, Southsea & Isle of Wight Aviation, North Eastern Airlines, Blackpool and West Coast Airlines, Atlantic Coast Airways, Irish Airlines to name a few. Some flew mail legally, others illegally and some never carried mail but all played an important part in the development of civil aviation in this country and the carriage of mail by air. Airlines were formed to service the islands and more remote areas of the country such as Jersey and Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Lundy and the Scottish Highlands and islands.

A particular aspect which enhanced the display was the inclusion of a wide range of ephemera such as timetables, correspondence, original press photos, baggage labels as well as examples of flown covers. It was also noted that many of the airlines produced their own labels to prepay carriage or for publicity which was frowned upon by the Post Office who required them to be withdrawn.

The chairman, on behalf of the members, congratulated Neil on his excellent display and presented him with the Club’s Certificate of Appreciation.

Launceston Stamp Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Yeolmbridge Methodist Chapel Hall, Ladycross, PL15 8TN at 6.30pm (May to October) or 2.30pm (November to April). Visitors and potential members always welcome.

Thirty five members travelled to Dartmouth for their August outing, where a day in beautiful weather was enjoyed.

Following lunch several took a boat trip up the River Dart to Dittisham and back, before going out to sea.

Later in the month 17 members enjoyed lunch at Louie’s at the base of Kit Hill, which was greatly enjoyed. The September trip is to Torquay. Information 01566 776142.

People gathered at the Lanteglos war memorial on Friday, August 15, at 6pm.

The commemorative service was similar to Remembrance Day with prayers followed by two minutes silence and the names of departed read out.

Wreaths were laid by the Camelford and the Tintagel British Legion branches.

This was followed by a service in St Julitta’s led by the Rev Jeffrey Terry who has been appointed as the official Priest for the British Legion in the local area. At the end of the Service the restored Lanteglos bells were rung.

Bude-Stratton Town Council organised the VJ Day service, which was led by Deacon Debbie Marsh. As part of the commemoration, the Union Flag was raised on Shalder Hill and both the Storm Tower and The Castle were lit up as a mark of respect. The service details were also shared publicly to encourage attendance.

We are aware that a member of the public kindly reached out to local veterans and military connections to extend a personal invitation to the service, which added to the occasion.

Rev Stephen Skinner of Woolsery led the service at the Methodist Chapel on Sunday, August 17, with the theme of the service being: “Resilient and Pioneering FAITH”.

Ruth Bealing gave the welcome and announced key notices.

The opening prayer took the form of a poem entitled: “Pioneering Spirituality”.

We worshipped the Lord by singing: ‘Blessed Assurance’, ‘Cornerstone’, ‘Great is Thy faithfulness’, ‘Living Hope’, ‘He will hold me fast’ and ‘Be Thou my vision’.

The singing was led by Sandra Shepherd and Christine Tratt on keyboards and Mark Shepherd on guitar with Marlene Heard, Maxine Whenmouth and Avril Glessing as vocalists.

The lessons were read by Vicki Bluett and Lesley Coxon.

Rev Stephen led the prayers of intercession and they were entitled: 'Faithful Service'.

The closing prayer and blessing was entitled: 'Summer Spirituality'.

Refreshments were served after the service.

Pastor Albert Sloman of Kilkhampton led the service at the Methodist Chapel at Shop on Sunday, August 17.

Bill Cleave gave the welcome and the Call to Worship.

The theme of the service was: 'In the boat or on the water'.

Colin Tape was the organist for the hymns: ‘Morning has broken’, ‘Will your anchor hold’, ‘Jesus calls us o'er the tumult’ and ‘O Thou who camest from above’.

The lessons were read by Jennifer Vanstone and Freda Olde and Pastor Albert led the prayers of intercession.

The Merrytones Praise Group sang: 'No time at all'.

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

The Callington Cluster of Anglican Churches held a Holiday Club Roadshow during August at four different locations - St Paul's Church at Upton Cross, St Mary's Church in Callington, St Sampsons South Hill and the final stop was at Stoke Climsland Methodist Church.

Headed up by Claire, Cluster Family Worker with support from the local Methodist Church the theme was Animals of the Bible.

Thanks were expressed to everyone who came, all the willing volunteers and the Callington and Upton Cross Open the Book Teams.

Daniel and the Lions joined the themed day at Stoke Climsland Methodist Church.

Join Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir for a “Taster evening” onTuesday, September 2, from7.30pm at Callington Methodist Church Hall.