ST CORENTYN’S CHURCH: The bells of St Mellanus Church, Mullion rang out across the valley on Saturday to welcome a full church to what was a very successful day for the "Celebration of Bells" to celebrate the launch of the Bell Tower Restoration Fund.

The welcome and prayers were given by Father Shane Griffiths and a reading "Summoned by Bells " by Sir John Betjeman was read by Marian Jennings. Bell songs and the history of the six bells in the tower was given by the children of Cury C of E School with head teacher Miss Jean Whetham.

“This Bellrope” entailed a bell rope from number four bell called Prayer being carried by Priscilla Oates from the tower and presented to Philip Greet who in turn passed it on to the future eight-year-old Ben Forbes.

Mr Ted Venn, chairman of the Western District of the Truro Diocesan Guild of Ringers, wished the project team all the best in their fund raising and asked for more people to come forward to learn Campanolgy.

The song “He’s got the whole tower (with apologies)” was sung and Colin Cooper was organist.

The service closed with “The Bells Ring Out” played by the Mullion Handbell Ringers under their musical director, Val Stephens.

Members of the congregation included members of the Truro Diocesan Guild of Bell Ringers president, Ian Self and general secretary Robert Perry. Ringing master of Western Division Michael Wycheray and bell ringers from Helston, Truro, Mullion, Manaccan, Kenwyn and St. Anthony in Meneage.

The sound system was kindly provided by Phil Greet of Nightchasers Disco and Brenda Lawrance arranged the Floral Bell.

After the service everyone was invited to the village hall for the Tower Fair, where a variety of stalls manned by The Lizard Lifeboat, Treleigh Crafts, Viv, Helen Leper, Cury School, Tiny Tug Preserves and David Lugg and side-shows run by Reg and Sylvia Freeman, Don and Fran Bettle and Tombola run by Marian and Brenda and Pene waited for them. The National Coastwatch Team gave a demonstration of how they can track ships in the bay, the Junior Samba band played as did the Mullion Handbell Ringers, the barbecue was run by Ken Rosevear, Carol Richardson and Gerry and Brenda Gunn and refreshments served by Norma Bayliss and friends. Marilyn Greet ran the raffle and Phil provided the sound system and did a running commentary on events.

After a very busy day it was satisfying to hear that £1,602.91p had been raised. The church collection being £92.86, fair £310.05 and donations £1,200 towards the target of £70,000. The next event for the fund will be a Book Fair on Saturday August 1, 10am to 4pm. More books and stallholders still needed please. This will be held at the hall.

Finally thanks must go to Priscilla Oates, Project Team Leader, for organising these events.

CURY CHAPEL: Despite the atrocious weather on Thursday the Great Cornish Cream Tea for St Julia's Hospice took place organised by Don and Fran Bettle.

The cake and bric-a-brac stall was run by Brenda Lawrance, Side-shows run by Sue Sharpe, Mike Aston and Christopher Trounson with Mick Sharpe selling the tickets for the cream teas all helped to make a splendid total of £415.78.

The delicious cream teas were served by Josie Trounson, Sybil Benney, Margaret Richards, Anne Gendall, Fran Bettle and Christine Burton.

Thank you to everyone who supported this very worthwhile cause.

The service on Sunday was conducted by the Rev Geoffrey Thorpe whose theme was the Hymns of Charles Wesley 1707 - 1788. The hymns that were sung were written by him except for the last one which was “Born in Song” by a more modern day composer Brian Hoare. The lesson was read by Pene Oates and the collection taken by Christopher Trounson. Sybil Benney was accompanist.

On Sunday the appointed preacher is Michael Tiddy from the Lizard. The children's Anniversary Service will be held on Sunday, August 2 at 11am led by Michael Trounson.

VILLAGE HALL: Unfortunately the Mr & Mrs Evening has had to be cancelled for this year, it was due to take place on July 30 but hopefully will be back in May, 2010.