FALMOUTH

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE CARRICK: U3A is a group with many activities, educational and recreational for retired people.

Tony Herring, chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. The notice's table at the front listed forthcoming events.

Philip De la Haye presented this month's prizes for the draw. Marion Tapp gave out the latest group changes and new groups being formed. Pat Butt gave details of the coach trip to Saltram house. Mike Tapp said time was running out to book the Tenby and Bournemouth holiday trips and needed additional take-up.

The invited speaker, Brenda Hooton, chairman of Launceston U3A, gave a talk about being an expat living in Indonesia and of volcanoes and many islands and showed samples of local wares.

At Truro Town Hall on June 17, chairman Tony Herring, welcomed members, especially new members. The sound problems experienced at the hall have been rectified and the look forward to continuing meetings here. On this occasion Paul Drayton, Duchy Opera director of music, talked about the life of George and Ira Gershwin and of their music and played many of their compositions on the piano.

There were many lists on the notice board including trips to the Minack Theatre and a coach trip to Saltram House. Meetings: July 2, 10am, Perranwell Village Hall, Bernard Deacon, Cornwall: Celtic nation or English county; July 16, 10am, Falmouth St Mary's Hall, Brenda Hooton, Living in China; July 22, 2pm, Truro Town Hall, Roy Heath, Cornwall Food Programme.

THE CHURCH OF KING CHARLES THE MARTYR: There will be a service of Holy Communion (1662) at 10.30am on Thursday. On Thursday afternoon Charlie's Angels, KCM's group for toddlers and babies, accompanied by their carers, will meet between 1.30 and 3pm. Everyone is welcome to this friendly group to which admission is free.

On Sunday there will be the usual services. The Rev Stephen Tudgey will celebrate Holy Communion (1662) at 8.30am and Sung Eucharist at 10.30am when there will be a Baptism. Mr Tudgey will preach at Sung Evensong at 6pm.

The annual Forecourt Sale will take place between 9.30 am and 12 noon on July 5. Non-perishable items ie groceries, bric-a-brac, etc, but no electricals please, may be left in the Baptistry, while it would be appreciated if perishables, ie cakes, plants could be left in the Choir Vestry from July 3.

PARISH OF PENWERRIS: The two churches in the parish of Penwerris have been kept open for services on Sundays (St Michael and All Angels church) and Wednesdays (the church of the Holy Spirit) during the long interregnum since April 2007, by the dedication and support of the Rev Ian Froom and the Rev Beverley Thompson (to whom we are eternally grateful), and the hard work of the church wardens, officers and members of the parochial church council, and congregation. It has been a long, hard struggle, but there is light at the end of the tunnel as the Rev Mark Terence Mesley SSC has been appointed priest-in-charge of the parish of Penwerris and ports chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers. The church looks forward to the celebration of a new ministry as Father Mark is licensed and installed on Monday, July 7, at 7pm at St Michael and All Angels church.

n Merchant Navy: On Friday, June 27, the final epitaph evening for the calling of the roll to merchant seamen who have no known grave but the sea, was held and performed by chairman Mr S Beer. Also included were members who have crossed the bar from our own branch over the years. The David Roberts Chapel, where this event is normally held, was unavailable so the alternative venue of the residents' lounge was utilised. The Rev Barrington-Bennetts, branch padre, performed a very moving and poignant service and branch patron councillor M Davies read the poem Heroes, a soliloquy remembering all merchant seamen lost in conflicts over the years.

Amongst a large attendance were family and friends of the branch, members past and present. The mayor of Falmouth and his consort were present as were the deputy mayor and consort of Penryn. Many councillors were present from both towns and it was with great pleasure they were welcomed "aboard" by the chairman, vice chairman and treasurer. Fellow service organisations were represented by the Association of Wrens, Royal Navy Association, RFA and representatives of local branches of the Royal British Legion, viz Penryn, Constantine, Truro, Gwennap, Redruth and Camborne.

Following the service the guests were given a "tot" of special punch and invited to partake of the buffet and raffle.

As this was the final service regarding the veterans, there were some second world war Merchant Navy personnel aboard, namely: Keith Burton, Bill Sweet and Stan Beer. Other veterans had tendered apologies due to ill health. The veterans present on the night had all suffered being torpedoed at the age of 15-16. Not many people were aware that when a merchant seaman's ship was sunk, his pay stopped, he lost his possessions, pay and livelihood in one fell swoop. No other branch of the forces ever suffered such draconian methods of employment. Hence a tribute once a year has been held.

MOTHERS' CLUB: The group was very pleased with the £656 made at their recent coffee morning for Children's Hospice South West Precious Lives appeal, a most worthwhile cause with a hospice now to be built in Cornwall. Sincere thanks go to members, family and friends who so generously gave and then came to buy it all back again. There was a lovely atmosphere on the morning with everyone including the mayor and his consort enjoying each other's company.

Thank you one and all for your continued support. It is much appreciated, we could not do it without you all.

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH: The sung parish mass on Sunday celebrated the feast of St Peter, Prince of the apostles. St Peterstide is traditionally the time when the Anglican church ordains its deacons and priests. It was highly appropriate therefore that the president of the mass was Father Stewart Turner (curate), who, as he reminded the congregation, was ordained deacon two years ago at this time at Truro Cathedral and at the same time last year "priested" at All Saints. The mass began with the processional hymn Onward Christian Soldiers. Fr Steward then greeted the congregation before leading the prayers of penitence and confession. Jim Hall read the first lesson from the book of Ezekiel chapter three vv 22-27. The prophet tells of his meeting with God and being rendered speechless as the result. Jan MacLennon then read the second lesson from the epistle of Peter chapter two vv 19-25. The apostle reminds his readers that whilst he acknowledges their suffering, Jesus suffered unjustly also, never retaliating to the abuse. Fr Stephen Drakeley (priest-in-charge) proclaimed Matthew's Gospel, chapter 16 vv 13-19. Jesus questions his disciples as to who they thought he was. The reply came from Peter: "Son of the living God." Jesus in return promises Peter that he was the rock on which he would build his church. Fr Stewart in his address reminded everyone of the background from which Peter came, before going on to explain what led him to become a priest which was a long drawn out process, and asking for remembrance for those being ordained at this time. Fr Stephen was the intercessor before Fr Stewart celebrated at the eucharist. The chalice bearers were Barbara Jenkins and Claire Drakeley. Servers for the mass were David Fittock, Claire Drakeley and Anthea Bancroft. Sidespersons were Paul Jenkins and Jane MacLennon. Organist was Roger King.

On Friday, July 4, the church will be open from 6.30pm. Any gifts for the continuing work of the ministry at All Saints will be gratefully received at that time.

The summer sale will be held on Saturday, July 5 commencing at 10am.

Services on Sunday, July 6 will be low mass at 8am and family parade mass at 10am.

ST MARY'S CHURCH: Sunday, June 22 was the last occasion when Sunday morning mass was offered at St Edward's, Mawnan. Prayers were said for the six young people making their first communion at St Mary's, Helston. Evening prayer was said in St Mary's Falmouth. During the week, parish groups held their regular meetings. Parishioners who wished to attend the celebration of the 150th anniversary in September were asked to give in their names. There would be a draw for the three places available to the parish. Future plans included the continuation of the Bible study group in the autumn.

On Friday, Osmond Falero and Suhassini Patel were married in St Mary's church. Congratulations to them from the parish and prayers for their happy life together. On Saturday, men were invited to join the ecumenical men's big breakfast at the County Arms, Truro. The parish fun day and fete was held in the grounds of St Mary's from 11am-2pm. Plans included a variety of enjoyable activities as well as stalls selling different kinds of goods. Fortunately the excellent weather made it possible to hold a very successful event, indoors and outside. Father Jon Bielawski with the three parishioners from St Mary's school, Matthew Higham, Paul Hayes and Rob Dunford, formed a relay team to enter the Classic Quarter Ultra Marathon, which was run along the South West coastal path from the Lizard point to Land's End. The aim was to raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care, which is 92% funded by the public. It is the lowest publicly funded hospice organisation in the SouthWest.

Sunday was the feast of St Peter and St Paul with red vestments symbolising their martyrdom in Rome under the emperor Nero. All parishioners attended mass at St Mary's on Saturday evening or Sunday morning because there was no weekend mass at St Edward's, Mawnan. The collection was taken up by the Brownies, and there was a further appeal for Hospice Care. After mass, the stall for religious items in the hall offered a wide range of books, cards, rosaries and medals. Congratulations to Jennifer Karenza Mary Lowena Houghton who was welcomed into the family of the church in Christian baptism on Sunday.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE: The entertainment evening was a success with music and movement by "Reflections". The four ladies were dressed for the occasion in glittering outfits and their programme was based on some of the old songs, the words to which everyone knew. The voices were strong and pleasant to listen to and the solo items were particularly impressive.

A medley started things off, followed by a reading to raise a laugh. More songs and poems followed giving a nice variety of items to be appreciated. Hilda Barnett thanked them on behalf of the audience.

For a complete contrast, this week's meeting was a promotion by Oakhouse Foods, who deliver frozen meals which only require heating in microwave or oven. There was no long-term commitment required and no minimum order, so this would be ideal for anyone wanting an occasional "ready" meal with the option of home cooking still available.

Two sample meals were prepared in the microwave for the audience to taste and the general opinion was that these were very good quality. As a treat, some delicious chocolate eclairs and other desserts were passed round. An altogether enjoyable and interesting evening with thanks by Muriel Barnett.

The competition was won by Kathy Lewis, runners up Maureen May and Ros Farley.

PENRYN

ST GLUVIAS CHURCH: Father John Harris was the celebrant and preacher at the Solemn Eucharist celebrating the Feast of St Peter the Apostle. The first reading taken from the book of Acts chapter 12 v 1-11 was read by Father Christopher Firth and the second reading, Peter 1 chapter 2 v 19-25 by Richard Hopper. The gospel according to Matthew chapter 16 v 13-19 was proclaimed by Fr John and the prayers of intercession were led by Gillian Wright. Chalice assistants were Fr Christopher and John Hodge and the organist, Daniel Shermon.

Evensong was said at 6pm. A retiring collection for the earthquake victims of Burma and China raised £200 and was donated to the ShelterBox Appeal.

Holy Communion is celebrated on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8am, Wednesday 9.15am and Friday 12.15pm; the Tapestry Group meets in church every Wednesday at 2pm; Friday July 4, 2pm, wedding of Alistair Mackenzie and Lindsey Calvert and at 5.30pm parishioners are partaking in a boat trip "Up the Creek" with Peter Gilson; Saturday July 5-19, 10am-4pm Embroidery Exhibition.

Services on Sunday, the Eighth Sunday after Trinity: 8am Low Mass; 10am Parish Mass; 4pm A Celebration of Marriage Service; 6pm Evensong.

METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday's service was led by Sheila Taylor with Myra Bennett providing the accompaniment for the hymns.

Mrs Taylor chose as her call to worship, verses one and two of Psalm 92.

Little Thomas Pollard was six-years-old this week so the congregation sang happy birthday to him.

Cynthia Prior read the lesson which was taken from Psalm 34 verses one to seven.

Mrs Taylor's sermon had the title of praise, which, according to the dictionary, means "to express admiration or approval to a human being", also "to express thanks and worship to God" and Mrs Taylor added "to our living God." She chose to speak about people who praised God in many ways. From the Old Testament, King David in the Psalms and Deborah the fourth Judge to govern Israel who was leader also of the army and a priestess; from the New Testament, Paul and Silas who praised God both in their good and bad situations.

The church will be open every Tuesday and Saturday from 10am-noon until the end of August. Anyone who feels that they would like to come in for a time of quiet or even a chat over a cuppa, would be made most welcome.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE: Unable to pay a planned visit to Trevarno gardens, Penryn WI held a poetry session when members each contributed favourite poems to exchange and recite. This proved to be a most enjoyable and successful meeting, prompting several members to suggest holding another in the future.

At the following weekly meeting, Andrew Beasley attended to present his talk "confessions of a press photographer." This proved to be a most interesting subject, showing an extraordinary life and exciting experiences. Mr Beasley's anecdotes both amused and astonished members, relating the occasions he had met celebrities during his career of chasing the news.

Penryn WI celebrated its 79th anniversary with members attending at the Green Lawns Hotel to enjoy an excellent luncheon. Knowing of her love of flowers, members presented the president, Dot Wickham with the gift of an exquisite orchid plant bringing a very happy afternoon to a close.