On Saturday, March 29, St Stephen’s Church were delighted to host the ‘Clio Duo’ for a superb concert evening filled with a wide range of music played by Inis Oirr Asano on viola and recorder, accompanied by Alexia Eleftheriadou on our new Bechstein grand piano, which enjoyed its first public performance. The piano is a generous lifetime loan from Val Reed of Bideford, to be cared for by St Stephen’s Church and used by musicians locally to the benefit all.

During the concert, rising stars Inis Oirr and Alexia delighted us with a superb and daring 20th century programme of music by Benjamin Britten, Frank Bridge, York Bowen, Gordon Jacob and Rebecca Clarke. Part of the Metronome International Concert Artists Series, Inis Oirr’s tremendous skill on both recorder and viola thrilled us all and introduced the audience to the incredible versatility of the descant recorder: if you ever thought this was simply an instrument for small children adjust your thinking now! The audience were amazed during an exciting performance of “Campdown Races”, featuring both descant and treble recorder, Inis Oirr proceeded to play both instruments simultaneously, with equal skill! Safe to say, there was delighted laughter all round at such an astonishing feat. Despite being told to “expect a big surprise”, no one was quite prepared for that!

Launched last summer, St Stephen’s continues to enjoy a variety of top class performances from a range of instruments. Already booked for October 25 is Marco Cannavo, who will perform a concert with fellow musicians on a range of ancient instruments including hurdy gurdy and pipes. Save the date! Marco and friends will also host a music workshop during the day for all interested in learning more about heritage instruments, giving you an opportunity to try playing these rare and beautiful pieces. We also have a “Young People’s Performance” on June 25, to showcase local school pupils’ musical talents. To learn more about how to take part in this concert, please email [email protected]

Our vision with these concerts is not only to provide a venue for world class musicians to perform in the beautiful acoustic of St Stephen’s church; our vision is to inspire future musicians and one day to be able to provide funding for disadvantaged children to access music which would otherwise be out of reach. If you would like to contribute towards this dream, go to our GoFundMe page gofund.me/73da42ca

The Holsworthy History Society met on Thursday, April 10, and were absolutely riveted by the talk from Rev Paul Fitzpatrick – The Royal Navy.

Paul took us on a journey of 20 years of his being in the Royal Navy. His first three vessels were submarines where he had the most incredible, funny and enlightening stories to tell. His talk culminated in his being on the Island of South Georgia where he became a Christian which changed his whole life. A truly fascinating talk.

The Society will next meet at 7pm on Thursday, May 15, in the Manor Suite of the Holsworthy Memorial Hall. The talk will be about the Holsworthy Court Leet and will be given by Richard H Brown.

All are welcome to join us.

The re-launch of the Embrace Women's Group, embracing God, one another and ourselves was held in the Stable at the Methodist Chapel on Saturday, April 5. The Stable was beautifully decorated for the occasion when Afternoon Tea was shared with the opportunity to sow seeds for the new season ahead.

Rev Meg Slingo led the Holy Communion service at the Methodist Chapel on the fifth Sunday in Lent.

Karen Shepherd led the opening devotions and dressed the Lenten Cross with the purple robe and the Crown of Thorns.

We worshipped the Lord by singing: ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God’, ‘I will offer up my life’, ‘To be in your presence’, ‘All I once held dear’, ‘Behold the Lamb’ and ‘Love Divine’.

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

Lessons were read by Ruth Bealing and Ros Watson.

Rev Meg administered the Holy Communion with Mary Care acting as Communion Steward.

There was a large congregation and fellowship continued after the service when coffee and biscuits were served.

Our village shop which has been trading for just over a year is proving to be very popular not only for selling produce but also as a hub for friendship and meeting up with people which is just perfect.

There are coffee tables inside and seating outdoors to encourage people to stay a little longer and both are well used. The three main organisers Sheila, Georgina and Kevin tell us that over 1,000 boxes of lovely eggs have been sold during this time and there are nearly 5,000 different items for sale - it really is a brilliant addition to our village - saves both petrol and time and proving very popular to villagers, cycle clubs, groups using the village hall and van drivers etc.

Run by a friendly team of volunteers there is a request that if you can spare a few hours a week to help out please pop into the shop and leave details.

As Bridgerule doesn't have a round postbox in the village for displays of crochet items - as it sometimes happens in other towns and villages - our own village crocheter has decided to buy two traffic cones from eBay and use them for various displays at our new village shop. 'Bridget' - named by staff at the shop after our church St Bridget - was made to encourage people to shop locally and carried a shopping bag of items you could buy here. Recently Bridget has been replaced by an Easter Bunny and holding a basket of crochet eggs and tiny Easter cards to wish villagers a lovely time this Easter. Rose is now busy working towards a crochet soldier and poppies for Remembrance Day all to be displayed on a traffic cone and to be seen at the village shop in November. More ideas of what she could crochet would be very welcome.'

The Bude Branch of the Women’s Institute held its annual meeting on April 8 at the Bude Methodist Hall.

There were three retiring committee members Ruth Pearce and Elizabeth Barker who had served for several years and were presented with gifts to express gratitude for their dedication from our WI president Mrs Cynthia May.

Competition winners; ‘Flower of the Month’ was Geraldine Edwards and monthly competition winner was Sue Cox.

Ruth Petherick Trophy, presented by Ruth Petherick to Bake-Off winner Sue Cox. Certificates and trophies were given to them on the night.

Well done to all and thank you.

Pam Colwill of Whitstone led the service at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop on the fifth Sunday of Lent, with the theme of the service being: 'Do we seek God's face with passion?'.

Colin Tape was organist for the hymns: ‘Come let us sing of a wonderful love’, ‘Seek Ye first’, ‘Master speak Thy servant heareth’ and ‘Shine Jesus shine’.

The Merrytones Praise Group sang: 'Just a closer walk with Thee'.

Pam gave everyone paper with the smell of Anointing Oil from the Holy Land as part of her Reflection.

The projector was controlled by Stuart Ash.

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

Mondays - morning prayer at 10am.

April 18 - Good Friday reflections at 10am.

April 20 - Easter Sunday Holy Communion at 6pm.

April 17 - Bring & Share Agape Supper Service at Rilla Mill Village Hall at 6.30pm.

April 19 - Messy Church at the Retreat Centre, Rilla Mill at 9.30am to noon.

April 20- Easter Celebration with Holy Communion at St Paul’s, Upton Cross at 10am.

Sally Gisbourne reminds those interested in entering the Annual Horticultural Society Show this year to plant a few seeds.

The tallest sunflower competition is always popular too.

This year a new competition too - The tallest beansalk!

There is also a new potato competition - The most potatoes (by weight) that you can grow in a standard bucket from one potato seed. You will be provided with the seed potato and bucket for £2 and can be obtained from Sally ([email protected])

Also in the show this year is a Garden Pond class which will be visited and judged by Sarah Doney and Louise Hopes.

Heavy bombing from Russia still continues in Ukraine so food is still needed.

There is a weight limit to the amount of stock the vans can carry, so food in pouches or cardboard rather than tins is appreciated.

Your donations can be left at St Paul’s Church in Upton Cross or direct to the Callington collection point at Unit 2 Tinners Way. Check the Facebook page for times of opening.