Helston
11:08am Thursday 1st May 2008
HELSTON
ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH: Parish Communion on the sixth Sunday of Easter was celebrated by the Rev Dorothy Noakes. The Rector, Canon David Miller, introduced the service and led the prayers.
The preacher was Betty Booker, lay reader, speaking about Ascension Day, which falls on Thursday. She emphasised that Jesus in apparently going away, was in fact staying in the person of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within any faithful disciple. Janet Jones read the lesson.
Junior Church was very busy - and having great fun - making the world, or, at least learning about God's work in creation.
Following Parish Communion, the Annual Parish Meeting was held in the Andrew Hall.
SERPENTINE GROUP: "The valley of dreams" was the title Gordon Channer chose for his talk to the meeting at Helston. He spoke of how to realise his dream of starting up a caravan park in Cornwall he had to give up a high profile career in building design, designing such buildings as the Bank of England in Newcastle and the Constitutional Club in Trafalgar Square, London.
However, he took the plunge, sold his large house and car and uprooted his wife and three young children, bought a ten foot caravan and mini van and, after 15 hours' driving, they arrived at a piece of land with hundreds of tons of mining waste on it at Relubbus near Hayle.
After several years of hard work by the whole family, a successful caravan park evolved. Gordon has written several books on the family's achievements and they have also been put into talking books for the blind.
Mr Channer was thanked by Mrs Frances Johns, president of Cury Women's Institute.
The results and presentations of the prizes for the competitions were given by Mrs Edna Wood, president of Helston WI.
Results: Three decorated fairy cakes: 1, Mrs V Stephens, Mullion; 2, Mrs Frances Hosking, Mullion; 3, Mrs Pat Collins, Helston.
Spring flower arrangement in a teapot: 1, Mrs Jill Wild, Helston; 2, Mrs Edna Wood, Helston; 3, Mrs B Lawrance, Cury.
A home made dream catcher: 1, Mrs B Cullen, Mullion; 2, Mrs M Evans, Mullion; 3, Mrs Carol Padgeth, Helston.
The cup for the WI with the most points: Mullion.
The shield for the WI with the most entries: Helston.
Mrs Marilyn Leggatt, county treasurer, gave out the county notices telling of all the events that are taking place countywide during the year and hoping that members will take part. She also thanked members on behalf of the county chairman for their ongoing support during her illness.
After a delicious supper, the ladies were in for a musical treat with Dave Clark playing lots of familiar songs on the keyboard.
The ladies of Helston WI and Mr Clark were thanked by Miss Margaret Tomlinson, president of Mullion WI.
METHODIST CHURCH: The fellowship service on Sunday was led by Edna Angove. Barbara Hill read a story to the children and said the prayers of intercession, and Sally Blaber ran a short quiz on the Bible and led the opening prayers.
Mrs Betty Pascoe read from St John's Gospel. The organist was Mrs Margaret Bilkey.
The congregation were joined by others from around the area for the monthly circuit united service in the evening. The service was led by the Rev Andrew Hill with the theme "What is our mission here?"
Mission has been defined by one author as "to bring love where love is not" and it was on this that the sermon was based. Avis Richardson and Barbara Hill read from the Bible and Nigel Dower played the organ.
The Rev Amanda spoke of a Hope 08, Love Cornwall event happening on September 20, under the scheme "Adopt a Beach", when the beach at Kennack Sands would be cleaned, and some of the items found would be sent to the Marine Conservation Society. More details of this event would be available nearer the time, and it was hoped that non-churchgoers would join the circuit members on this occasion.
ASSOCIATION OF WRENS: The West Cornwall Branch met at the Culdrose community centre, Helston at 2pm on Monday, April 21.
The speaker was Peter Greenslade, RNLI of the Lizard Lifeboat, who gave a picture of the past, present and future of the rescue service in the Lizard area, beginning with the original need for seven stations from Porthleven to Coverack in the days of wooden lifeboats relying on oarsmen, to the gradual development of mechanised craft to the present self-righting vessels with all the latest devices.
The Lizard station has plans to renew the building in preparation to receive the very latest vessel (that alone will cost well over £2 million!). This will give them greater speed, all the very latest devices for safety, navigational aids and communications, also a capacity to carry sufficient fuel to enable them to cover the distance of 100 miles out to sea and back. There is also today's training: all personnel must have written proof of proficiency in navigation, electronics and first aid, etc. No bills are ever issued for rescue; the ethos is saving lives at sea. Everyone on board is a volunteer. The RNLI is maintained by voluntary contributions, gifting and special events.
The next meeting will be on Monday, May 19 at 2pm in the Culdrose centre when guest speaker will be the Rev Andrew Phillips of the Culdrose chaplaincy. All ex-personnel are very welcome.
DARBY AND JOAN: The Rev Dorothy Noakes gave a very interesting talk on a holiday she spent in Madeira. With the help of books and photographs, she explained all the beauties of the Garden Isle, which is famous for wonderful flowers, handicrafts and wine.
The books and photographs were passed around for all the members to look at, which provided a very interesting afternoon and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The afternoon ended with the usual tea and biscuits served by Joyce and her willing helpers.
DEGIBNA
METHODIST CHURCH: The service on Sunday was conducted by Phillip Bridgewater, of Ponsongath. The organist was Ivy Johns.