Archdeacon Bill was carrying out a parish visit and at the commencement of the parish eucharist service he blessed the new green Chasuble, stole and sanctuary furnishings, which had been skilfully made by Anna Harry.

The Rev Peter Johnson presided at the service and was assisted at the altar with the chalices by Gwynneth Willett and Grete Imbrey who also was a server with her husband, John. Lessons were read by Diane Whitehead and Eve Cox; Andrew Bell led the intercessions; the gospel was read by Canon Michael; Archdeacon Bill preached; the sacristan was Geoff Helmore; Katie Phillips and Mike Rayment were sidesmen and the organ was played by Jay Helmore.

Sunday will be the pet’s service and Harvest Festival. If you do not wish to actually bring your pet but have a photograph, bring that. Goods for the Foodbank and toiletries for the Women’s Refuge will be collected as the harvest offering. In the evening there will be a united harvest evensong at Sithney Church, followed by harvest supper. All are most welcome.

The modern version of the ancient ceremony of Crying the Neck was carried out earlier in the week. On a beautiful, dry evening people gathered in the stubble field at Ninnis farm with Rod Lyon, Cornish Bard, as Master of Ceremonies and Cornish speaker with Mr Johnson saying the prayers in English. Mike Jacka cut the final stand of corn with his scythe, made it into a ‘Neck’ thus capturing the corn spirit and cried it to all corners of the parish ensuring everyone knew the harvest had been successfully completed. Everyone then went back to the church for a short service followed by tea and pasties. The neck is kept in church to ensure a good harvest next year and the previous year’s neck will be ploughed back into the field.