The Friends of Lanteglos Church have sufficient funding to start the window restoration to protect the rare and valuable medieval stained glass at St Julitta's, Lanteglos-by-Camelford Church.

St Julitta's is a Grade I Listed medieval Cornish church in the parish of Lanteglos by Camelford. Parts of the building date back to Norman times and there are a number of important heritage features such as its 15th century glass.

The Friends will be holding an event today (March 5) to celebrate and provide more information about the restoration project.

The special event, an open afternoon, is part of the Lottery Heritage restoration at Lanteglos Church’s stained glass windows.

There will be a special workshop in the morning with a locally renowned stained glass artist before the open afternoon from 3pm to 5pm.

Find out more about the historic window and ancient stained glass restoration. Come and see the exhibition and the ancient stained glass.

Hear from Jack Clare of Holy Well Glass, the leading specialists in medieval glass restoration. There will also be a talk by historian Dr Stuart Bradley, who knows more than anyone about the link between Lanteglos Church, the stained glass and the Archbishop of Canterbury John Morton at the end of the 15th century.

Light refreshments will be available.

For more information visit www.lanteglosbycamelfordchurch.com

If you see a marine animal on the beach STOP! That was the key message being passed to members by our 2 speakers from the BDMLR: Michelle Clement and Michaela Gilbert-Smith. They are both volunteer Marine Mammal Medics, currently working along the North Cornwall/Devon coastline. Extremely helpful advice was given on the do’s and don’t’s when finding these animals.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) was formed in 1988 when a few like-minded divers got together in response to a mass mortality of common seals in the Wash area of East Anglia. The aim was to do what they could for the rescue effort in response to a virus epidemic resulting in thousands of deaths. Since then, they have been involved in the rescue of all marine wildlife after every major marine disaster.

In 1997 the charity created and ran the first Marine Mammal Medic course held in the UK and began forming its national volunteer response network. The network of Marine Mammal Medics is trained in first aid, health assessment and rescue techniques for sick and injured seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and turtles. The teams are equipped with specialist rescue equipment such as whale flotation pontoons, seal bags, dolphin stretchers and more to aid the casualties, and are in regular contact with veterinary consultants for advice and care. Calls to the BDMLR surpassed 3,000 for the first time in a single year in 2021.

The BDMLR works alongside other similar charities worldwide and in 2013 set up the UK’s first and only specialised Large Whale Disentanglement Team to rescue entangled whales at sea, with training provided by the Center for Coastal Studies and International Fund for Animal Welfare in the USA.

Seal rescue has remained a major component of the charity’s work, with medics rescuing animals in all seasons around the UK. In 2017, with funding from the Seal Protection Action Group, the BDMLR designed and created the UK’s first Mobile Seal Rescue Unit – a horse box converted and customised into a fully equipped temporary holding and treatment facility. Later, in 2021, it opened its first custom-built seal hospital in Cornwall to help cope with the high influxes of seal casualties affected by storms linked with climate change.

Seals: Do not approach, it is normal for a seal not to be in the water. Do not make a noise, seals are easily disturbed. Do not let dogs near even on a lead, they will alarm the seal. Do watch for signs of the mother, she may be away feeding and will return. Do call BDMLR with location if it is ill, injured or separated from the mother. Do stay if you can to help medics locate the seal.

Dolphin/whale: Do not put it it back in the sea–it needs to be checked by medics. Do not pull, stand over or next to its tail, the tail will hurt if it hits you. Do not attempt to interact, it may be distressed. Do call BDMLR immediately, every second is critical for medics. Do keep it upright-if you can turn it on its belly, careful with fins. Do keep it wet with water (not in blowhole) or seaweed. Do stay quiet and keep crowds and people away.

Turtle: Do not put back in the sea, it could kill it due to hypothermia. Do not warm it up immediately, it needs specialist care. Do call BDMLR immediately, they can organise specialist care and transport. Do wrap it up (eg dry towel) to maintain its temperature.

Emergency helpline is 01825 765546.

Despite the strong winds and heavy rain a good number attended the coffee and cake event at Pancrasweek hall on Friday, February 21.

North Devon Hospice was the chosen charity and £220 has been sent to them.

The organisers really appreciate the support which is given for these events. The next one will be on April 11.

At the second February meeting member Jim gave a presentation on ’Confidence with Computers’.

This was a follow up on an earlier talk on practical use of computers and focused on computer security. Jim pointed out that a lot of the information also applied to smartphones and tablets. He also emphasized that the meeting was not a training session, but rather an opportunity to be aware of some aspects of computer use. Also it was important not to try to do too much with computers at one go, and understand operations one at a time as the need arose. Jim said he would distribute his notes to members to act as an ‘aide memoir’.

Jim highlighted that there were three areas of vulnerability with computers - someone hacking into your machine, a third party taking over control of your machine, and giving information to a scammer.

One can minimize risk by using a combination of a firewall, a good antivirus programme. and a VPN programme. He explained that using VPN was similar to a World War II scrambling system. It helped stop your message being intercepted or your machine traced. Only the intended recipient of the communication could read it. However it was important to frequently update these, as new computer viruses are constantly appearing.

Jim stated that additional precautions would include never saving passwords on the computer or phone you use to go onto the the internet - a hacker could access them. He personally kept his on a separate disc. He pointed out that you should never open attachments or apps you are not sure about. He commented that you should always trust your instincts - if something doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t.

He answered a number of questions from members ranging from how to open zip files and which programme to use.

Chairman Chris thanked Jim on behalf of members for giving them a guide into the safe use of modern technology. The meeting was followed by a buffet lunch and drinks,

Our first March meeting will be a talk on Tavistock Canal by member David. Probus meet on the second and fourth. Monday of each month, with a speaker followed by an optional buffet lunch. The club is primarily for retired or semi-retired people, providing a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on entertainment.

For further information on past and future activities of Probus, including talks and visits, visit the website at probusclub.net/launcestoncornwalluk or the Facebook page ’Probus Club of Launceston - Cornwall’.

The choir of St Mary Magdalene, Launceston sang a service of choral evensong for the last Sunday before Lent recently under its choirmaster and organist Dr Sean Sweeney.

The service was led by the vicar, Rev Dr Mike Dobson, who also preached and acted as cantor in the Responses.

The anthem was the Tudor anthem, “Call to remembrance” by Richard Farrant.

The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sung unaccompanied to a setting by Orlando Gibbons in Ab from the Short Service.

The choir also sang part of psalm 89 and the lessons were read by Sharron Wormald. At the end of the service Dr Sweeney played Postlude in D minor by Stanford.

The next choral evensong at St Mary’s will be on April 6 at the usual time of 5.30pm.

Twenty-nine members of the Lezant Lunch Club were welcomed by Ken Scoble at Trebullett Hall on Wednesday, February 26.

Members enjoyed a delicious meal of cottage pie, served with fresh vegetables, followed by apple crumble and custard. This was cooked by Jo Rider and Sue Oatey. A vegetarian alternative of mushroom and cream cheese tart was prepared by Mary Synott. Service was provided by Ruth Burden, Cynthia Jewell and Mary Bridger.

During coffee, members put their heads together to match 20 words to their definitions in a quiz. An example: what is the sick feeling you get after eating or drinking too much? Answer below.

The Lezant Lunch Club meets on the last Wednesday of each month. The next meal will be held on Wednesday, March 26. The cost to members will be £5 for two courses plus coffee. Phone Ruth on 01566 782286 to book a place.

Quiz answer: crapulence.

On Sunday, March 9, the Unity Methodist morning service will be held at 10.30am.

At St Ive Village Hall, this will be led by Rev Stuart Reed, with Holy Communion.

Fellowship and light refreshments will follow on from the service. All are welcome.

Callington and St Ive Wesley Guild will hold their AGM on Monday, March 10, at Callington Methodist Church, this will then be followed by a meal.

This will finish this session of Guild meetings. Held from October through to March. Advance notice.

Lent Lunches will be held at the church on the following dates.

To be held on Fridays, March 14, 28 and April 11.

All will start at noon, with homemade soup. All welcome.

Weekday service held only on a Monday at 10am.

Sunday, March 9 - Holy Communion at 11am.

At the end of a service at St Melor’s Church in Linkinhorne recently it was a sad farewell.

to Lay Minister, Gaynor Sutton, husband Nick and their dog Hector who also attended the services, as they move to Norfolk to be nearer family. On completion of her training she has secured the position as curate there.

At the end of the service on January 26 there were light refreshments and a presentation on behalf of her friends from St Melor’s and St Paul’s, Lay Minister, Roy Cooper presented Gaynor with a silver Celtic cross with thanks for her friendship and help in the parish with good wishes for her new ventures. She will be greatly missed.

Sunday, March 9 — Informal worship at 10am.

The Beavers had an active few weeks when they have talked about the ‘Science Badge’ which can be achieved, enjoyed games, made a teddy zip wire — no teddies injured! They also made volcanoes.

The Cubs have been learning the various knots and their uses whilst the other groups have started on their Mechanics Badge, and supervised games for the younger ones. Report by Sarah Doney PRO.

The chairman, Cllr Andy Walker, welcomed those attending the parish council meeting on the evening of Monday, February 17.

Four parish councillors, district Cllr Hepple and district Cllr James were present, with apologies for absence being received from Cllr Fursdon, Cllr Penny, Cllr West and county Cllr Morrish. Three members of the public were present on this occasion.

Councillors were saddened to receive a letter of resignation from Cllr Angus McConchie and recorded thanks to him for his service to the parish council & in particular for his work on the parish footpaths.

Invoices totalling £1,026.46 were approved for payment. Councillors discussed the parish play areas, footpaths, maintenance and community speedwatch.

Another community speedwatch session is scheduled to take place in Chilsworthy shortly to coincide with the peak times of speeding into the village, however the speedwatch team would welcome new volunteers to come forward to help with the project, especially from Chilsworthy. Full training is provided, so if you’re interested in joining the team, contact the parish clerk.

Recently the speed camera in Chilsworthy was reversed because it is used to gather data of vehicles entering or leaving the village. Unfortunately, on two occasions, an unknown person(s) has turned the camera back round the other way.

Interfering with the machine compromises the data, risks damage to the machine or solar panel and potential harm to yourself, if the machine were to come off its brackets, so do not adjust the camera yourself.

Five planning application consultation requests from Torridge District Council were considered: 1/1044/2024/FULM (Proposed agricultural shed at Rhude Farm, Chilsworthy), 1/0052/2025/FUL (Part retrospective application for the reinstatement of existing barn and change of use from agricultural to domestic use at a Barn at Grid Reference 235303 105734, Holsworthy), 1/0031/2025/FUL (Erection of a general purpose equestrian and hay barn for private use and associated works on Land at Fairfield Farm, Soldon Cross, Sutcombe), 1/0065/2025/REM (Reserved matters application for Access, Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale for the erection of three dwellings pursuant to 1/0372/2020/OUT at Kernow House, Chilsworthy) and 1/0081/2025/FUL (Extension and internal alterations at Moorview, 15 Staddon Road, Holsworthy). All relevant documentation, including the parish council’s comments, can be viewed at the following link: publicaccess.torridge.gov.uk/onlineapplications

Potholes in the parish’s roads are reported every month to Devon County Council by the parish council, but parishioners can also report problems or defects themselves as well if they wish to at the following website: /www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-trans port/report-a-problem

There are now two vacancies on the parish council, so this is your chance to make a difference in your area and to get involved with future local projects. If you are interested in becoming a councillor, then please contact the Parish Clerk for an informal discussion and more details about the process and what is involved.

The parish council is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a parish clean-up event again this year and would welcome volunteers to come and assist in cleaning up both sides of our parish. If you are able to spare an hour, then please do come along to help us to pick up litter, clean signs and play equipment and to tidy up your local area. Food and drink will be served afterwards for the willing volunteers from both areas in the village hall.

Councillors would like to remind parishioners about a welfare fund operated by Torridge District Council to which anyone who is experiencing financial difficulties or struggling to pay household bills can apply to get help. Eligible applications include help with bills for energy and water, food, essentials linked to energy and water, wider essentials and housing costs. For more information and the application form, please visit the following website: www.torridge.gov.uk/householdfund

The next meeting will take place on Monday, March 24, at 7pm in Chilsworthy Village Hall. All are welcome to attend.