Falmouth & Penryn Parish News

11:07am Wednesday 7th May 2008

FALMOUTH

THE SUPPORTERS OF WESTOVER AND WOODLAND SURGERIES: A very successful coffee morning at Bay Court on April 29 was held. Despite the awful weather the sum of £242.31 was raised. Joan Burford was as usual presiding over the many raffle prizes and Claire Winsor was in overall charge. The committee members and helpers manned the stalls, and served coffee and biscuits to all.

Much discussion on the foul weather viewed from the windows overlooking the sea, happy laughter and chatter from all around the residents lounge showed that all the hard work had once again been appreciated.

Brenda Grieve, secretary, thanked everyone for attending and drew the raffle.

METHODISTS CHURCH: Ascension Day. On the first Thursday of the month, the Falmouth Methodist Church have a communion service at 10.30am and on May day, this coincided with Ascension day, a feast day not traditionally celebrated by the Methodist church.

The Rev Rose Westwood led the service and read the Ascension account from the Acts of the Apostles, followed by St John's account of the coming of the holy spirit. Rose said that when her daughter learnt to drive and had a car, she found it really scary driving alone for the first time.

How scared the disciples must have been when they saw Jesus lifted up and the clouds hid him from their sight. How startled they must have been to see two people dressed in white who told them to wait for the promise of a comforter, the holy spirit. Jesus walked with and taught his disciples. He had died by crucifixion but was resurrected to life.

Jesus had told them that a comforter was coming that would stay forever. Jesus had to go so that the holy spirit could come to all people, at all times. In the Old Testament, Elijah had been full of the holy spirit and Elisha wanted half of it. David's wife was embarrassed when he danced but he said the holy spirit made him dance.

The holy spirit of the New Testament is not for one or two, but for all. No matter how little we know, the holy spirit brings us to faith working within us, and others will help us. The holy spirit makes the church move forward through the Father, Son and holy ghost, fulfilling the commission to reach out to all people.

This is not through our strength, but the good news of Jesus, and we should teach and pass it on. It is said a leopard cannot change its spots, but a prisoner on death row was pardoned and released, found Jesus and is now a pastor in the USA.

The good news can change a leopard's spots, changing old habits and forgiving sin, it makes people different and if we preach and teach and live our lives for God, we will see changes in ourselves and others as we and they are transformed by God's love.

CHURCH OF KING CHARLES THE MARTYR: On Sunday Erica Dawn Hancock, whose parents had brought her over from Australia, was baptised during the 10.30am service of Sung Eucharist.

This week there will be a service of Holy Communion (1662) at 10.30am on Thursday when the celebrant will be the Rev Stephen Tudgey. In the afternoon Charlie's Angels, KCM's group for babies and toddlers and their carers, will meet from 1.30 to 3pm. This is a friendly and welcoming group. To join come to the green door to the left of the main porch.

On Sunday, Whit Sunday, there will be a service of Holy Communion (1662) at 8.30am when the celebrant will be the Rev Barrington Bennetts. Mr Tudgey will be the preacher at the service of Sung Eucharist at 10.30am. Evensong will be at 6pm when the preacher will be Mr Tudgey. We extend a warm welcome to anyone wishing to join us at any of our services.

The church floodlighting is being sponsored for two weeks from May 4 by Peggy Oliver in memory of her dear husband whose birthday was on May 13.

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION: In the absence of the Chairman on compassionate grounds, the monthly meeting was chaired by Vice Chairman Stan Kirkbride. Members stood in silence in memory of Chairman Mike Stevens' father, who had recently passed away. Treasurer Alan Polley had obtained a copy of Tennyson's poem 'Crossing the Bar', and this was read to the meeting.

Secretary Ron Burdekin read the minutes of the March meeting, and in his monthly report he confirmed that the Branch would be hosting a long overdue return visit by St Ives Branch at the May Branch meeting on 28th May.

Liskeard Branch have been allocated a stand at the Royal Cornwall Show on June 5th, 6th and 7th. Further details to follow, but Liskeard had requested assistance in manning the stall over the three days, and volunteers would be welcome.

Despatch of invitations for Sea Sunday on July 20th are now well in hand, and since the meeting it has been confirmed that a warship, probably a type 23 frigate will visit Falmouth over that weekend, and that members of her ship's company would participate.

The Treasurer reported a healthy financial situation, and also said that he was ready to receive advance payments for the proposed boat trip to view the Tall Ships prior to the start of the race in September.

Wearing his other hat as Social Secretary, Stan Kirkbride announce the following forthcoming arrangements for Branch meetings: Wednesday May 28th: Visit of St Ives RNA; Wednesday, 2th June: a representative of 771 squadron, RNAS Culdrose, speaking on the work of the Search and Rescue squadron; Wednesday 23rd July: demonstration by Helston-based charity Shelterbox (still to be confirmed); Friday, September 12th: Boat trip to view Tall Ships. Numbers limited to 100, priority to members and families, then if space available, members guests and members of RNA Area 4 Branches.

During 'any other business' Standard Bearer Bill Marshall thanked Stan for deputising for him at the dedication service for the new Gwennap & District RBL at St Day.

Since the last meeting, the Secretary has received the sad news that our oldest member, "Chippy" Carpenter has crossed the Bar. He was one of the first members when the Branch was re-formed in the 1980's. He would have been 95 in May of this year. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised, but his family have said that it was his wish that the Branch Standard be paraded at his funeral, and that Branch members should form a Guard of Honour.

The next Branch meeting will be on Wednesday, May, 28, when it is hoped that as many members as possible will be present to welcome our visitors from St Ives Branch.

ST MARY'S CHURCH: On Sunday, April 27 parishioners enjoyed an afternoon at Penwarne Gardens, Mawnan Smith, which were open in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care. As well as a tour of these fascinating gardens, there was tea with home-made cakes and other enjoyments. In the evening they were able to join the united ecumenical service for the Hope 2008 event. This special occasion was held in the United Reformed church, Berkeley Vale.

Since Falmouth and Helston parishes have amalgamated, they have a shared programme. Mass was said at St Michael's, Mullion, on Monday and Friday, at Culdrose on Wednesday and at St Mary's, Helston on Tuesday and Thursday. Father John Richardson has continued to give help in Helston, which is much appreciated.

Daily mass has continued in Falmouth with the regular parish activities.

On Tuesday, junior circuit training was begun for the age group 11-16 after school. Following this the adults held their training from 6pm. Young people were able to go to the Youth 2000 prayer group in Truro.

On Wednesday, prayers were said all day in the church including the rosary as usual. Mass was said in the evening, followed by choir practice in the church, while the group studying the Catholic faith met in the presbytery.

On Thursday, St Mary's parishioners led the monthly service at Treverne New Unit, Falmouth. In the evening the folk group held their regular practice.

Friday was the great day for St Mary's, Falmouth. Bishop Christopher Budd came to confer the sacrament of confirmation on 15 young people. With the support of their families, they have been preparing for the great occasion for over six months.

Sunday, May 4 was the celebration of the feast of Ascension. Readings from the book of Acts and St Matthew's Gospel told how Jesus gave his final instructions to his apostles and was taken up to heaven. Father Jon Bielawski in his homily suggested that this might be described as "mission accomplished". Now the task for all believers was to observe all the commands that Jesus had given, to the end of time.

PENRYNWOMEN'S INSTITUTE: Mr Kingsley Rickard, a retired pharmacist, paid a welcome visit to Penryn WI early in April giving a fascinating talk entitled "pharmacy of the past". With him he brought a large selection of pharmaceutical instruments together with bottles, containers and equipment of various shapes and sizes, some of which older members recognised from their earlier years. Mr Rickard showed members how different medicines were made and measured, also how various weights were arrived at to make appropriate doses. An afternoon of floral art followed at the next meeting when Elizabeth Doidge demonstrated her ability and flair with several floral arrangements of clever designs which were much appreciated by everyone present. During the week, Penryn WI were privileged to receive a visit from Christine Sheffield who brought with her exhibits of her favourite hobby, viz quilting, so many unbelievable combinations of colours blending so well into her various designs. The Enys group of WI members held their spring group meeting at the town hall, Penryn on Wednesday last; Penryn WI being the hostess institute, welcoming Falmouth WI, Mabe WI, Cusgarne and Frogpool WI. The meeting commenced with the singing of Jerusalem which the speaker commented that she had never heard sung so well.The president of Penryn WI, Dot Wickham, then introduced Yvonne Toms, county adviser, who brought county news and forthcoming events taking place within the county and requesting as many members as possible attend at the Royal Cornwall Show and visit the WI marquee. Dot Wickham then welcomed and introduced the guest speaker, Mrs M Draper, who gave a most impressive resume of her life and work as a foreign diplomat and consequently as a diplomat's wife; having to learn numerous foreign languages during her absorbing career. She was warmly thanked by Mary Hubber, Mabe WI president. Announcing the results of the competitions Dot Wickham congratulated the successful winners: Floral art: 1, P Thomas, Mabe; 2, Lydia Curnow, Penryn. Cookery: 1, S McCrossman, Cusgarne and Frogpool; 2, Jean Winnan, Falmouth. Embroidery: 1, Cynthia Prior, Penryn; 2, P Thomas, Mabe. Grace Bradford, Falmouth WI president proposed a vote of thanks to Penryn WI for a most enjoyable and successful group meeting.Refreshments were served by the members of Penryn WI bringing a very happy occasion to a close.METHODISTS CHURCH: The Penmeth Singers, with their musical director Myra Bennett, were warmly welcomed at Playing Place senior citizens' club on Monday, April 28. A varied programme of music, readings and a sketch was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. The club leader Jean Moyle thanked the group for a lovely afternoon's entertainment and said she hoped they would return again next year. The afternoon ended with everyone sharing tea and biscuits. The service on Sunday morning celebrated Sunday club anniversary and was led by the Rev Arthur Cowburn with Myra Bennett accompanying the hymns chosen by the young people from Mission Praise. The service in its entirety was carried out by the Sunday club young people. It was based on the story of Joseph. Those taking part in readings from the Bible, and dramatic readings about Joseph and his brothers together with songs, were Jenna, Lisa, Emma, Nicole, Megan and Bethany, under the leadership of Sharon and Phillip. The birthday song was sung by everyone and a card given to Caroline Condy who was celebrating her sixth birthday. Prizes for attendance during last year were presented by Mr Cowburn and Sharon and Emma were given a team Bible and Caroline her first Bible. Coffee and cake were served by the young people after the service in the church parlour.ST GLUVIAS CHURCH: St Gluvias Church celebrated their Patronal Festival last Sunday and the church was beautifully decorated for the services. The celebrant at the Parish Mass was Father John Harris and the preacher the Ven Roger Bush, Archdeacon of Cornwall. The first reading was taken from the book of Wisdom chapter 4 vs 10-15 and was read by Eleanor Maxted. The second reading Corinthians 2 chapter 4 vs 7-15 was read by Norton Clothier. The gospel according to John chapter 12 vs 24-26 was proclaimed by Fr John and the intercessions were led by June Furlonger. Chalice assistants were the Archdeacon and Fr Christopher Firth. During the giving of communion the anthem Holy, Holy, Holy, by Schubert was sung by the St Gluvias Singers directed by John Winter. The organist was Daniel Shermon. After the service Fr John presented Jo Lawrence with a gift and flowers in recognition for her many years of dedicated work as the treasurer of St Gluvias Church.Holy Communion is celebtrated at 8am on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Wednesday at 9.15am and Friday at 12.15pm. The Tapestry Guild meets on Wednesday at 2pm in church and the Womens Guild are holding their AGM in church on Thursday at 2.15pm.Friday May 9th Monthly Coffee Morning and Mini market, Temperance Hall Penryn 10am-12noon. All welcome.Services next Sunday The Feast of Pentecost 8am Low Mass; 10am Procession and Solemn Eucharist with Holy Baptism; 12noon Holy Baptism; 6pm Solemn Evensong and Benediction.Advance notice: Sunday May 18th at 4pm a Celebration of Baptism - a joyful act of worship for everyone, specially those Baptized in recent years. This will be followed by tea and cake. Memorabilia wanted, any photographs, artefacts etc of St Gluvias and Penryn for an exhibition of our local history to be held in the church during mid June.

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