On Saturday 5 April, at 7.30pm at Launceston Central Methodist Church, Launceston Choral Society will be performing works including “Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast” by Samuel Coleridge Taylor who was born in Holborn, London 150 years ago this year.

Coleridge Taylor was born to an Englishwoman from a musical family: his grandfather, though a farrier by trade, played the violin. His father was born in Sierra Leone and had studied medicine in London but returned home without ever knowing of Samuel’s birth. Thanks to his family, Samuel gained a place at the Royal College of Music when he was 15

The choir will be performing “Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast” the most famous of his 3 settings of American poet, Longfellow’s epic poem “The Song of Hiawatha” , once up there with Handel’s “Messiah” and Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” as one of the works most often performed by choral societies. Tastes change and the fascination with the native American life waned so the work is rather neglected. It contains however a wonderful musical evocation of a skilled dancer, a lovely tenor solo and sound picture of the tribe’s traditional story-teller.

Jonathan Wood will be the tenor soloist, David Green will accompany on the organ and the concert, which will contain other works by Coleridge Taylor, will be conducted by musical director, Jonathan Mann.

Tickets are available from David Parish, Menswear, on the door or by telephoning 01566 772701. At the end of the concert there will be a retiring collection in aid of the RNLI.

On Saturday, March 8, the volunteers from Launceston & District Cats Protection held their first event of the year at Lifton Community Centre.

Crowds of people turned up early in anticipation of another fabulous jumble sale and they were not disappointed in the least.

As ever, the hall was filled with a range of bargain-priced goods that were eagerly being snapped up left, right and centre.

A huge thank you must go to all of the lovely people who came to support us and help raise an amazing £1091.11. We really couldn't do it without you!

Thanks also to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly beforehand, as well as on the day, to make the event such a success.

All of the money raised helps our local branch of Cats Protection to continue the vital work of caring for cats and kittens.

We look forward to seeing you at future events which can be found listed on our website www.cats.org.uk/launceston or on Facebook Launceston-District-Cats-Protection-Branch.

North Cornwall N Gauge Society have been invited to attend with Model Railway Layout of Shillingstone Station in Dorset on Saturday, March 29, Tavistock Model Railway Exhibition in Tavistock Methodist Church Chapel Street Tavistock 10am to 4pm ,there will many other model rail layouts in N Gauge and OO 3 Rail and OO 2 Rail etcetera.

Later this year The N Gauge Society Launceston North Cornwall will be holding model railway meetings in Launceston.

For more details contact Les Whaley area contact for the N Gauge Model Rail Society in the UK on 07972 333202.

Activities that are practical and develop new skills are always very popular with the Coad’s Green W.I. This proved to be the case when president, Linda Willan, introduced speaker, Sarah Bradley, to teach members the intricacies of Macrame. Sarah had a big frame in front of her, from which eight thick strings were hung. The frame was used for her demonstration and for the explanation of the craft.

Each member was given a key ring and four strings. There was a great deal of concentration in the room as Sarah showed weaving and knotting techniques that the group followed. Some had tried Macrame before but for most it was a new skill. The perseverance was very rewarding as everyone was able to produce an attractive fob to be attached to the key ring. It proved to be a very engrossing activity with a very satisfactory outcome.

Ann Parsons thanked Sarah and said that she had been an amazing teacher. Sarah had challenged the members and each one of us had made something to take home.

Birthday flowers were presented to Rosemary O’ Brien, Margaret Hopes and Linda Willan. Vicky Fuge won the draw.

Linda Willan won the monthly competition with Alison Gribble in second place and Vivienne Daniel in third. Linda also won the flower-of-the-month competition, with Vivienne in second place and Alison in third

Refreshments were served by Anne Parsons and Rosemary O’Brien.

Orangutang share 96.45 per cent of human DNA and can live up to 45-50 years old.

This is what we learnt at our March meeting from Vet Nigel Hicks and his wife Nurse Sara Fell Hicks who have been working in the UK for over 50 years. In 2009 they went to Borneo with an English charity working with orangutans for 5 years, 6 months at a time, in government rescue centres. However, they realised that there was no chance of those animals being re-wilded. Through their experiences they also recognised a need for the provision of veterinary equipment, medicines and practical veterinary mentoring to orangutan rescue groups and rehabilitation centres in Indonesia and Malaysia. The south of the Island of Borneo belongs to Indonesia and is all deforested (ready for palm oil planting), very poor and with no support for the centres which are still rescuing animals every week. Orangutans are a critically endangered species and are only found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. There are three species with only 75,000 left in the world having decreased from a population of 300,000 in 1900.

Initially, through friends, they raised funds to enable them to buy equipment which they personally took out to Indonesia. It soon became obvious that a more formal structure was needed and in early 2014 Orangutan Veterinary Aid (OVAID) was established. OVAID is a zero salary, voluntary run charity, registered in Launceston and so far has donated half a million pounds. The charity supports vets working at the front line of orangutan rescue whether this is from illegal pet homes, human orangutan conflict, deforestation, habitat loss or illegal wildlife trade. These vets and their teams are often working in difficult, demanding and dangerous conditions with minimal equipment.

Recognising the importance of practical help Nigel and Sara both spend as much time as possible each year volunteering at and assisting Indonesian rescue centres and established a scholarship programme to allow Indonesian orangutan vets to travel to the UK to further increase their knowledge and skill sets. However, the scholarship programme ceased during the pandemic so the charity paid for in situ training in the centres. This has proved to be better as students pass on their knowledge to other locals. This training has recently seen an emphasis on dentistry which has become an important tool in improving the general health of the animals. More courses are also being held online. Information and donations for OVAID can be found at www.ovaid.org.

The members of Holsworthy Hamlets Flower Club enjoyed a workshop for their March meeting. It was led by Heather Braunton from Barnstaple.

She showed members how to make an Easter nest and Kokedama and gave other ideas for spring. Those attending either came equipped with bowl, twigs, spring flowers and foliage for the nest or plant, soil, string and wire for making the Kokedama. What a variety of arrangements were made! Kath Durling thanked Heather for leading the first workshop for 2025 and for such an enjoyable evening.

Notices of forthcoming area meetings and shows were given. The demonstrator for the next meeting on April 8 at the Methodist Hall at 7.30pm will be Charlotte Dawe.

Everyone welcome.

Over forty people enjoyed the Community Breakfast for March which was served in The Chapel Stable on Saturday, March 15.

Thank you to those who hosted the full English Breakfast and to all from Chilsworthy and beyond who attended.

Andrew Pitt of Bude led the service at Chilsworthy Methodist Chapel on Sunday, March 16. The theme of the service was ‘Soul Shelter’.

Ruth Bealing led the opening devotions and spoke of Jesus washing his disciples feet. Ruth left a bowl and towel beneath our Lenten Cross to signify this part of the Easter Story.

We worshipped the Lord by singing: ‘As we are gathered’, ‘Be still for the presence of the Lord is here’, ‘Living under the shadow of His wing’, ‘The Lord is my light’ and ‘My Jesus, my Saviour’.

The singing was led by Dionne Bere on the keyboard with Maxine Whenmouth and John Cleave as vocalists.

The lessons were read by Linda Broome and Sue Banks. The tech desk was operated by Ros Watson. Coffee and biscuits were served at the close of the service.

THE service at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop on Sunday 16th was led by the Merrytones Praise Group.

The theme of the service was: 'God wants everyone to be saved'.

Bill Cleave gave the welcome and led the prayers of adoration, thanksgiving and confession.

Colin Tape was the organist for the hymns: ‘With gladness we worship’, ‘As the deer pants for the water’, ‘How sweet the name of Jesus sounds’ and ‘The Lord's my Shepherd (I will trust)’.

The lessons were read by Ken Boundy and Jill Johns.

The Merrytones Praise Group sang: 'Blowing in the wind' and 'A Little Peace'.

Freda Olde read a poem entitled: 'Through a stormy way'.

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

Pork cooked in cider with a vegetarian option was served to the March Luncheon Club at the Chapel in Shop on Wednesday 19th. Rev Richard Ward-Smith said Grace. The hot meal was followed by delicious desserts, teas and coffees. Thank you to Rob and Dawn Leighfield for preparing such a delicious meal and to the team for serving. Thanks also to those who brought a huge selection of desserts, cleared the tables, washed up and set up the Chapel for worship the following Sunday. Profits from the Luncheon were for Chapel funds and the St Petrocs Homeless Charity.

Barry Bryne of Stratton was in the chair at the Annual General Meeting held at the Chapel at Shop on Thursday 20th. There was a good attendance and events for the coming year were planned as well as all offices being filled.

Weekday service on Mondays — morning prayer at 10am.

Sunday, March 30 — Mothering Day, morning prayer at 11am.

No service, but join the United Mothering Sunday Service at Stoke Climsland Church

A great evening was enjoyed on Saturday, March 15, which was organised by committee member, Julia Bath when 60 people were entertained by Rob Barratt who delighted the audience with his comical poetry.

An interval was taken to enjoy the great variety of delicious refreshments and a raffle was held. Many thanks to Sue Davies for her scrumptious cakes, to Sandy Dale for her help in the kitchen and Ian Bath for organising the raffle.

Thanks to all those who gave raffle prizes and helped in any way, and to all those who attended to help raise over £400 for hall funds.

The next event is the Easter Bingo on April 12, doors open at 6.30pm for eyes down at 7pm.

The Beaver Colony have made bows and arrows, DIY projectors and visited Pentiddy Woods.

The Cub Pack have done one word stories and also written short stories of their own. The older members of the group have been to the woods and star gazing on the moors. Report by Sarah Doney, PRO.

HEARTWOOD - All the way from North America!

This singing group will be appearing in the Parish Hall on Sunday, March 30, with a workshop and story telling musical, "The Well Tree."

The workshop will take place from 2.30pm to 4.30pm with a shared meal (optional). The Well Tree 7pm to 9pm approx.

Contact Anne Hughes on [email protected] or by message to 07710 348789.

Members of Liskeard’s Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) rolled up their sleeves to help out at Corserv Care’s The Echo Centre.

Volunteers brought all the tools, equipment and vehicles needed to make short work of tough tasks in the centre’s garden.

With a greenhouse due to arrive soon, the young farmers cleared vegetation and removed a large concrete platform so that another area can be reseeded with grass.

The Echo Centre is a day opportunity centre for people with physical disabilities and is managed by Corserv Care. Around 30 people with a range of neurological conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s and Stroke currently attend throughout the week, taking part in activities to support their rehabilitation and their physical and mental wellbeing.

Team leader Lorna Searle said: “We are so very grateful to the Young Farmers Club for giving up their time on a Sunday and for their hard work. Thanks too to Hugh Pendray of Looe Valley Rotary for suggesting the working party.

“Clients at the centre are really looking forward to being able to use the new greenhouse provided by Liskeard Rotary Club. After some success with summer veg last year, we’re excited about all the other things we’ll be able to grow, and extending the growing season.”

Club leader with Liskeard YFC John Wills said: “First and foremost, we like to help other groups because Liskeard Young Farmers is itself a charity. Each year the chair and secretary will select outside charities to support: we’re currently fundraising for the Farming Community Network and the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

“We’ve had good weather today and many hands make light work. We were aware of the centre, but we weren’t entirely sure of its role within the community and what goes on here, so it’s been good to find out more.”

Spring Biowatch is being launched at Saltash Town Council Library Hub on Thursday, March 20, at 11am.

The event includes a presentation Making Space for Nature by Cormac Urban Ranger Kelley Strange who works across East Cornwall, and Manager Melissa Ralph. Local Sustrans project officer Ashlea will also be supporting the launch.

An Autumn/Winter Biowatch update by Dr James Buckley from the University of Plymouth School of Biological and Marine Services is also planned, as well as an updated on the ongoing work at Tincombe Park by Friends of Tincombe Park Chair, James Jenkins.

The Biowatch event will be followed by a guided walk around Tincombe Park which has recently received updated signage and interpretation boards for the Park thanks to Urban Green Shoots funding.

Lent Lunches will take place in the church on Friday, March 28, and Friday, April 11, from noon till 2pm.

Come along and enjoy the home made soups, bread with cheese and crackers.

On Mothering Sunday, March 30, there will be a United Service held at St Ive Parish Church. A time over tea/coffee and chat will follow after the service. All are welcome.

A concert will be given by The Polperro Fisherman's Choir, also The Polperro Wreckers, at St Ive Parish Church on Friday, April 11, starting at 7pm.

Entry by donation, including a pasty. All are welcome.