Camelford rocked to "The Sound of Music" and other popular music on Friday evening.

The (other) SAS - the Seriously AwEful Symphonia - played an interesting mix of music to an appreciative audience at Camelford Bandstand as part of Camelford Town Council's popular Summmer Sessions.

"The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba", Dvorak's "Largo", and "Jupiter" from Holst's Planets Suite were amongst the more formal pieces performed alongside the more contemporary: "In the Mood" ; "Liberty Bell" (aka Monty Python), which has been adopted as the SAS unofficial theme tune); "Star Wars"; "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables and music from "The Proms" - "Pomp and Circumstance"; "Home Sweet Home".

The SAS is a band of amateur musicians who play music for the fun of it. They are conducted by their enthusiastic and talented musical director, Fergal Donnellon.

You are welcome to visit rehearsals - Monday evenings at 6.30pm at St Thomas' Church. Bring an instrument if you have one, or just come and listen. We'll be back there in September after our summer break.

Phone Andrea 07796 528902 or text Kath 07788 900530.

The League of Friends of Launceston Hospital & Community held its summer fete on Saturday, July 12, despite what organisers believe were the hottest conditions since the annual event began in 1971, the sweltering temperatures couldn't dampen the community's enthusiasm, with locals turning out in force to support the charity's fundraising efforts, generating £1,500 for patient care and essential medical equipment at the hospital.

The Town's Mayor Cllr. Nicola Gilbert officially opened the fete, kicking off an afternoon packed with traditional favourites. Visitors enjoyed classic attractions including tombola, cake sales, and raffles, while seeking relief from the blazing sun in designated shaded areas thoughtfully provided by organisers.

"We're so grateful to everyone who braved the heat to support us," said Lisa Dymond, Chair and trustee of the charity. "The money raised will make a real difference for patients, and it was heartening to see such a strong turnout despite the weather."

The fete showcased the best of local talent with over 30 craft stalls, while families enjoyed face-painting, colouring competitions, and the popular "Guess the Weight of the Cheese" game. Special attractions included Nina the owl, visits from Cornwall Blood Bikers and Cycling Without Age, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Organisers had planned carefully for the extreme conditions, providing plenty of opportunities to cool down with ice creams and cream teas available throughout the afternoon. The thoughtful preparation helped ensure the scorching weather enhanced rather than hindered the community atmosphere.

"It was one of the hottest days of the year, but the generosity and enthusiasm of our community never wavered," Lisa added. "We're absolutely delighted with the result."

The League of Friends extends heartfelt thanks to all the local people and businesses who generously donated prizes for the raffle and tombola, as well as goods for the various stalls. These donations were essential to the day's success and demonstrate the wonderful community spirit that makes events like this possible.

The £1,500 raised will directly benefit patients through improved ward facilities and the purchase of much-needed equipment, demonstrating the community's continued commitment to supporting local healthcare services.

In keeping with tradition, the League of Friends rounded off the weekend by treating hospital patients to strawberries and cream while they watched Wimbledon—a thoughtful gesture they've maintained for many years.

Woburn Residents’ Association chose a most pleasant day on July 13 to hold their annual cream tea on Woburn Green.

Everyone agreed it was a most enjoyable afternoon which brought residents and their friends together for a tea and a chat. On top of that all the profits made will be going to Gunners Kids and a presentation of the cheque will take place early next month.

The committee would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the afternoon.

Peter Parsons led Rehoboth Singalong on Sunday, July 13, on the theme of "miracles".

He presented the view of C.S. Lewis, that miracles are not the suspension of the laws of nature, but rather the employment of laws of which we know little or nothing. He examined some of the miracles of Jesus, and some recent miracles.

Barbara Uglow played the organ for the hymns. The interesting evening concluded with a supper prepared by the ladies of the chapel.

The charity box continues at the back of the chapel.

Marhamchurch WI were lucky enough to welcome Al from Trigon Farm to their July meeting.

Al, Mariana and their son, Seb a small triangular shape farm (hence the name) near Holsworthy. They purchased the farm in 2020 and work the land with a no dig policy.

Al and Mariana worked out the lay of the land in the first year or so discovering which parts were wettest and which parts had better access etc in order for them to divide the farm into appropriate zones.

Zone 1 is the veggie plot, Zone 2 and 3 belong to the pigs and goats and zones 5and 6 are for the wildlife, wild flowers and hay which is only cut 2 or 3 times a year making a noticeable difference to the bees, beetles, butterflies dragonflies and all manner of wildlife which were almost totally absent when the project first started

Realising that both plants and animals needed shelter from the North Devon winds Al and Mariana planted 1,500 trees two years ago starting with willow-known as pioneer trees for thei ability to provide nearly instant shelter.

No tilling meths involves covering ground with wood chip or cardboard to stop light from getting to the weeds and thus suppressing them and then covering with compost, Al told the meeting that compost needed to be at leats 10cm deep for effective growing. This method is used to grow vegetables and flowers on the farm. All chemical free.

There is also a Mandela shaped herb garden and a poly tunnel where along with the usual salads and flowers they also surprisingly grow Garlic which has prospered well from the protection, a tip for next year for the gardeners at the meeting to try.

Al had brought slides to show members the transformation he and his wife have made to the 7 acre plot in such a short space of time. They have relied on the experiences of their upbringings and passion for creating a sustainable way of agriculture.

So inspired by the development of Trigon farm members hope to visit Al, Mariana and Seb. Visits to the farm are possible as there are open days, a [petting area for ducks, hens goats and pigs, gardening courses, Preserving and flower arranging courses which can all be enjoyed and topped off with a Pizza night.

All agreed it had been an instructive, interesting and entertaining afternoon and thanks were given to Al for coming to visit and giving of his valuable time.

Molte grazie e buona salute!

This was the toast to our hosts at our ‘Summer Social Evening’. As a change to our regular monthly meetings with speakers, in the summer we all get together with guests so that we can meet socially and enjoy wonderful food and drink.

On this occasion Micheline and Stephen were kind enough to host the evening – we were hoping to be in their garden but, unfortunately, the weather was not kind to us. The entertainment committee planned an Italian theme and provided excellent food washed down with Prosecco and red wine. Several other members provided an incredible offering of various desserts (it was the WI). After a speech of thanks by our President, Sue Dickenson, she raised a toast to our hosts and thank you gifts were presented to both the hosts and members of the entertainment committee for all their hard work. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all and the committee have been left wondering how they can top this for the next event!

There will be break for the summer and the date of the next regular meeting is Thursday, September 12, at 7pm for a 7.30pm start which will be held in the Methodist School Room. The speaker will be David Thorn from Spencer Thorn who will be “Sharing the History of Bude” with us.

Anyone interested in finding out more about our WI can contact Roberta Jones, Secretary on 07788 548875,