PRAA SANDS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB: Members were whirled away in Tommy’s coach on a blustery autumn day for the last outing of the year – to Lanhydrock.

The grounds were touched with colour and the grand Victorian mansion was tinged with red creepers as we approached the gate house. The house was welcoming, interesting and dressed in all the details of Victorian living. As always, the elegant dining room set for a grand meal and the huge beamed kitchen with gleaming copper pans and alarming racks and spits in the hearth, stole the show, but the carefully appointed nursery suite was charming. From those rooms we saw views to the Fowey valley, wooded slopes and the prestigious yew topiary of the gardens.

It was a happy visit, from morning coffee (with the signature club cake eating!) to the restaurant lunch, with a well stocked National Trust shop for that early Christmas bargain, a second hand book shop, a plant centre and the obliging buggies – they all contributed to a very successful visit in the good company of members enjoying the autumn sunshine.

The garden outings of 2014, planned by Anna Harry, have been outstanding all the year with good weather, fine planting and kindly hosts. Our driver, Tommy, has chosen interesting routes to take in the Cornish, and Devon, views and we will not forget his extra bluebell way thrown in to delight us.

CHURCH OF ST GERMOE: Canon Michael Porteus presided at the parish eucharist service on Bible Sunday, assisted at the altar by Sue Rayment and Gwynneth Willett with the chalices and servers Rita Russell and Jan Semmens. Lessons were read by Geoff Helmore and Sue Rayment; Muriel Somerfield led the intercessions; the organ was played by Jay Helmore; Mike Rayment and Diane Whitehead were sidesmen and the sacristan was Geoff Helmore.

If you wish any of your loved ones to be remembered on All Souls’ Day please sign the book at the back of the church.

The messengers are ready for collection at the back of the church. Please note that subscriptions are now due for the next year.