The August meeting of the Launceston Stamp Club was held recently at the Methodist Church School Room, Ladycross.

The chairman welcomed the dealer for the evening Neil Sargent who was also our guest speaker. Neil is also the chairman of the Cornwall Philatelic Federation and in that role he made a presentation to Barry Mudie one of our members who participated in a National Inter-Federation Competition at York recently being awarded a Large Gold medal for his ‘Channel Islanders Internee Mail’ entry. Barry was congratulated by all present. Barry’s entry was one of the three submitted by the Cornwall Federation which overall came a close second in the competition.

The chairman then introduced Neil in his role as speaker for the evening. Neil’s display was ‘The Countries that Made Rhodesia and Nyasaland’. At the beginning Neil outlined the history behind the countries involved beginning with the British South Africa Company up to a short lived federation and its breakdown followed by independence in Malawi and Zambia and the turmoil of Southern Rhodesia. The whole of Neil’s display comprised postal stationery of all classes and rates There were examples of postcards, envelopes including registered ones of several sizes. reply paid cards and airletters both unused and used. The display amply demonstrated Neil’s expertise and passion on postal stationery.

An excellent display and a vote of thanks was given by Viv Sandercock who presented Neil with the Club’s certificate of appreciation.

The club meets on the first Thursday of each month at Yeolmbridge Methodist Church at Ladycross at 6.30pm. New members and visitors always welcome at the next meeting on September 12.

On Saturday, August 10, Cats Protection Launceston and District held their Summer Bazaar in the Parkhouse Centre, Bude.

A steady flow of customers came along to see what was on offer, pick up some bargains and chat about all things cat related.

The hall was laid out with over 30 tables displaying goods to suit all tastes. From books to craft, toys to plants, jewellery to bric a brac, cat items to clothes, local interest to home-made cakes & preserves plus of course, a super raffle!

We were happy to be joined on the day by the local scouts running their own tombola.

Thanks went to Emma at Jolly Little Gifts for her kind donation of some lovely raffle prizes.

An amazing £918 was raised and all proceeds from Cats Protection tables go directly to our local branch to provide for cats and kittens whilst in our care.

To all who participated in making the event so successful, your support is much appreciated as we absolutely couldn't do it without you.

Remaining 2024 events are listed on our website: www.cats.org.uk/launceston or on Facebook Launceston-District-Cats-Protection-Branch.

We look forward to seeing you next time!

A chance find of a bookmark led to Marhamchurch WI member Penny Hazeldine contacting Tessa Sillifant to see if she could come along as a guest to a WI meeting. Tessa said she would be delighted but there was a snag - Tessa lives in New Zealand!

Undeterred the pair managed to sort a date and so Marhamchurch WI were pleased welcome Tessa to an extra extraordinary August meeting.

Tessa is a local girl brought up on a farm in Morwenstow and has memories of the Marhamchurch Revel she has live in New Zealand for some 20 years but Marhamchurch WI were lucky enough to catch her on a family visit.

When she was 19 Tessa moved to Exeter but quickly realised that minimum wage jobs were not going to cut it for the life she wished for. Spending a deal of time in the library (free warmth) Tessa indulged in her love for all things Australian. Working four different jobs Tessa finally made enough money to head off on a tour. Lots went wrong with arrangements and illness but eventually going it alone as the tour was cancelled Tessa adventures began.

Taking a trip to New Zealand whilst in the area Tessa fell in love with the country and its people and now has New Zealand citizenship.

Tessa has travelled and worked all over the world-Cyprus, Poland, Italy, Croatia and Hong Kong to name a few and this has made her decide to write a book not just about her experiences but also as a resource for other young people especially women who are longing to travel.

Members were treated to extracts from Tessa’s book, sometimes poignant but often funny and also useful information such as the best place to buy hot chocolate - no contest, its Beijing.

So it was a huge thank you from Members both to Penny for finding the bookmark and to Tessa for spending the afternoon entertaining Marhamchurch WI. Members will be adding ‘THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF A TRAVELLER’ by Tessa Sillifant to their must read list.

Next month Marhamchurch WI will be welcoming Cornwall Air Ambulance to the meeting on September 10. Visitors always welcome.

MARK Shepherd recently led a service at the Methodist Chapel, during which, Sandra Shepherd presented Ben and Emma Rowlands with Bibles.

It has always been customary at Chilsworthy to present children with Bibles once they have reached the age of ten. Various reasons have made it difficult for Ben and Emma to receive their Bibles, but we are delighted that this has now been done and we will continue to pray for them both.

The August community breakfast, held in the Chapel Stable was a great success and was attended by a good number of Villagers and others from further afield. Community breakfasts continue to be held in the Stable on the third Saturday of each month.

Ruth Bealing led the service at the Methodist Chapel on Sunday, August 18, with the theme of the service being 'Worship'.

We worshipped the Lord by singing: ‘Here I am to worship’, ‘Holy forever’, ‘Living hope’, ‘Cornerstone’ and ‘Heart of worship’.

The singing was accompanied by Sandra Shepherd and Christine Tratt on keyboards, Mark Shepherd on guitar and with Maxine Whenmouth and Geoff Broome as vocalists.

The lesson was read by Ros Watson and the prayers of intercession were led by Mark Shepherd.

The tech desk was operated by Tim and Ros Watson.

Coffee and biscuits were served after the service by Chris and Elaine Smith.

Morning prayer will be held at 10am on Monday and Wednesday. There will be Evensong at 6.30pm on Sunday, September 1.

There will be an all age service in St Paul’s Church, Upton Cross, from 10am on Sunday, September 1.

Linkinhorne member, Maxine Browne reports - Do you know the safest way to pay for items purchased on-line? Could you recognise a scam email if you are sent one? The ladies of this institute are much better informed on these and other cyber security matters, following the July meeting when Mick Harrison explained the pitfalls, both verbally and with the use of some entertaining and thought provoking videos.

If you have the chance yourselves if an opportunity occurs please do attend a meeting where he is the speaker. Maxine says she leaned so much and recommend other groups to invite him to speak to them. He works on behalf of the police and his contact details are: [email protected]

In the business part of the meeting we reviewed a report from the National Federation WI 2024 Annual Meeting held in London, which included summaries of speeches given and the debate on this year’s resolution relating to the need for more NHS dentists.. On a lighter note we then made plans for more meals out. By the time you read this Viv and Marion will have held their annual fund-raising garden party at Viv’s.

The monthly competition was won by Avril Hall and the flower challenge by our president Kim Sudell.