Down Your Way – West Briton

Balwest Methodist Church

Morning Worship with Communion at Balwest Methodist Church last Sunday was conducted by the superintendent minister, the Rev Stephen Bales. The accompanist was Mrs Christine Cumber.

Paper bank

The paper bank will be back at Balwest this Saturday, March 3. There will also be the usual coffee morning.

Ashton Church

The parish curate, the Rev Sharon Chalcraft, led the service of Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes in Ashton Church on Ash Wednesday. The readers were Trefor Bowen and Doreen Green, with the Rev Sharon reading the gospel.

Tomorrow, Friday, March 2, the monthly service of Holy Communion will take place at 9.30am.

Breage

St Breaca

On the first Sunday of Lent, the congregation was not large, but what was missing in numbers was made up with spirit.

The Rev Sharon Chalcraft took the service, aided by Jane; Jane also read, as did Kim.

Malcolm said the prayers; and Penny gave another very well-devised sermon, telling her listeners that as Lent is a time of preparation it is better to look forward than back.

The prayers from Breage House were read by Roger, helped by Sharon.

Sadly the Traidcraft stall is to close, but the charity will continue to be supported in the supermarkets.

Another Taizé service will be announced soon.

The bric-a-brac sale raised more than £500, rather more than stated last week.

Giz the church dog is well and enjoyed himself this Sunday; Lent has not started for him yet, as he seemed to receive a treat from a member of the congregation.

Breaney Chapel

On the last Saturday in February at Breaney Chapel, most of the diners at the luncheon ate chicken and broccoli bake, followed by a wide choice of desserts.

Pastor Bill Reed made a return visit to Breaney Chapel last Sunday morning to conduct the service.

The organist was Paul Jenkin; Peter Benney was on drums, and Mary Louise Combellack played the flute.

As it was the first Sunday in Lent, Peter and Stephanie performed the Lenten cross presentation.

Children's Talk Time had the children listening attentively. The offering was taken up by Anna Harrington. Mark i, 9 to 13, was read by Jeff Roberts; Nigel Ferris read Mark i, 14 to 20.

Following the prayers of intercession, the preacher gave his message about the early days of the Messiah's earthly mission and the choosing of the disciples.

Morning worship ended with Holy Communion.

The preacher in the evening, Ken Rule, came from the Camborne-Redruth area; he always says how much he looks forward to visiting the Breaney Fellowship.

His chosen reading from the Holy Bible was from Acts vi, 8 to 15, and covered the death of Stephen, the subject for the sermon.

The organist again was Paul Jenkin. A time for prayer followed the conclusion of the service.

Chynhale Chapel

It was good to be able to hold a service this Sunday morning, owing to the difficulties with electricity last week, causing the chapel to close.

The Rev Beverly Turner conducted the service, with John Gilbert playing the organ and Shirley Mildren the last hymn on the piano.

During the service, Beverly presented the chapel's two organists, John Gilbert and Shirley Mildren, with long playing service certificates.

John received a gold certificate in recognition of playing the organ for more than 40 years at various chapels.

Shirley received a silver certificate in recognition of her playing for more than 25 years.

They were both warmly congratulated at the close of the service.

The vestry steward, Alfie McDonald, warmly welcomed Beverly and read the notices at the commencement of the service; the door steward was Jean James, who welcomed the congregation.

The flowers were provided by Sally Dale.

Beverly administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at the close of her service.

A faith supper had been organised to follow, and a delicious spread was enjoyed by everyone who stayed.

More than £109 was raised for Christian Aid.

Cury Methodist Church

The Rev Steve Swann conducted the service at Cury Methodist Church last Sunday morning, telling how John was asked by Jesus to Baptise him.

The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was also celebrated.

The offering was taken up by Christopher Trounson and the accompanist was Sybil Benney, who also provided the flowers.

This Friday, March 2, at 2pm, Women's World Day of Prayer will be celebrated in Mullion Parish Church.

Next week, March 4, at 11am, is the family service with Julie Swann, to which all welcome.

The next chapel coffee morning is on Thursday, March 8, from 9am to 11am, in the village hall; alongside the post office facility, which runs in the hall every Thursday from 9am until 12.30pm.

Cury Village Hall

The Gulls Theatre Group will be back at the hall at the end of the month with the Victorian melodrama, East Lynne.

There will be performances today, March 1, and tomorrow, March 2. Doors open at 7pm; the performance starts at 7.30pm. There will be refreshments and a licensed bar.

Tickets, priced at £6 adults, £5 children, are available from Mullion Post Office.

Germoe

Church of St Germoe

The Rev Penny Prince officiated at the Parish Eucharist service on the first Sunday in Lent.

She was assisted with the chalices by Joan Chapman and Dennis Howes, and the servers were Grete and John Imbrey; Andrew Bell and Tony Greet read the lessons; the intercessions were led by Carol Macleod; Dennis Howes, Mike Rayment and Dennis Osbourn were sidesmen; the sacristan was Geoff Helmore and Gwynneth Willett played the organ.

The congregation was swelled by friends and relations of Lizzie and Andy Nash, who had all come to witness the baptism of their daughter, Lily-May, on her parents' wedding anniversary.

Evensong this Sunday, March 4, has been cancelled, as at that time Harold Matthissen is being presented with the Cross of St Piran at Perranzabuloe.

Methodists

Last Sunday was the first Sunday in Lent; Jacqui Milner laid the bread and wine at the cross and gave a short reading.

The preacher was Paul Benney, from Polladras, whose theme was Grace. He was helped a lot by his son, Treve.

There was an arts and crafts time, during which thoughts were about the world and everyone was involved in making a prayer board collage.

Lent Course

Every Picture Tells A Story – Exploring Salvation is the title of the Churches Together in Helston and Wendron 2012 Lent course.

Four sessions remain, all held in the Wesley Hall at Helston Methodist Church, from 7.30pm to 9pm, on Tuesday, March 6; Monday, March 12; Tuesday, March 20, and Monday, March 26.

The course will be based on discussion of some of the pictures depicting passages from the Bible, which will be on display during Lent at Truro School. Dates and times of this display will be advertised.

Schoolchildren, church groups and the general public will be able to view them, but it is not necessary to see the pictures to attend the course.

Everyone is welcome. Come along and see if you would like to join in.

Helston Methodist Church

The Rev Andrew Hill took the Communion service last Sunday morning, which included the annual Commissioning of the church's pastoral visitors.

The Rev Andrew said we must all be good disciples and help our neighbours. However little it might seem could make such a difference to someone else's life.

He referred to Joan Treloar and Ethel Collins, two members of the congregation who had died recently, and said that although they were completely different people, one outgoing and the other quietly in the background, each in her own way had cared for and made a difference to the lives of the people around them.

Nigel Dower played the organ.

The evening service was led by Mrs Ann Moyle.

St Michael's Church

On the first Sunday in Lent, Parish Communion was celebrated by the Rev Dorothy Noakes.

The preacher was Betty Booker, lay reader, speaking about the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, preparing himself for his ministry, at the end of which he was tempted by the Devil.

Jesus rejected all the temptations, including that of jumping from the pinnacle of the temple, which would have made him a "superstar", though at the cost of defeating God's purpose.

Betty invited her listeners to follow Jesus this Lent and give themselves to God.

Michael Thomas read the lesson, Diane Barlow led the prayers and the organist was Richard Berry.

A very small junior church enjoyed learning about the Old Testament character, Daniel.

Community choir

The Helston Area group of Cornwall Community Choir is practising new repertoire this term, preparing for concerts in the spring and summer.

If you enjoy singing, whether you've sung in a choir before or not, then do go along.

You will be made to feel very welcome, especially if you sing tenor or bass.

Rehearsals takes place at St Mary's RC church hall, on Mondays in term-time, from 1.30pm to 3pm.

To find out more about Cornwall Community Choir visit www.cornwallcommunitychoir.co.uk or call Neil and Kate Shepherd on 01736 759944.

LUMC

The sudden and unexpected passing of Mrs Shirley Quintrell has shocked all at LUMC.

Prayers are asked for her family, husband George, son Richard, daughter Katie and grandson Andy as they mourn her passing.

Shirley's background was in the Salvation Army but since joining LUMC she has been a tireless worker, holding office as church council secretary, recently taking over as church fellowship secretary and always an excellent local preacher, ready to take on extra services when her health permitted.

Shirley's passing leaves a big hole in the church at Leedstown.

Shirley's funeral will be held on Friday, March 9, at Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Camborne, at 1pm.

There will then be a service of thanksgiving, which will be held at Leedstown Methodist Church at 2pm.

Also sadly, Mrs Marjorie Blackledge's funeral was held on February 27. Marjorie had previously held the post of church treasurer at Leedstown; the congregation sends sincere condolences to her family.

Leedstown CP School

World Book Day is today, March 1, and will be celebrated by the children in fancy dress as a character from another time or place.

The £1 per person cost and profits from the second-hand book sale will go to Book Aid International.

The school children and families, are busy collecting the 1,500 clear pop bottles needed for Sodexo, which regularly supports the school with gardening equipment, to build the school a greenhouse from recycled materials.

The last week of term will be International Week. The children will learn about European countries, and on Friday, March 30, the last day of term, everyone is welcome to come along to sample tasty morsels from the European café and view the famous Leedstown artists' European Art.

Celtic market

There is still time to book a stall for the Celtic market on Saturday, March 17, at Leedstown Village Hall.

To book, contact Ann Trevenen Jenkin on e-mail at pellgowser@btinternet.com or telephone 01736 850332 with your booking. Please pay when you book.

Cheques are to be made payable to An Guntelles Keltek Kernow. See you on St Patrick's Day at Leedstown Village Hall!

Duke of Leeds

Tina and Robin Kerswell, at the Duke of Leeds, welcome everyone to this month's events.

Tomorrow, Friday, March 2, there will be live music from The Cuts, with Guy Rosewall and Frankie Abbott performing an acoustic revue with original and classic blues, folk and rock.

Sunday, March 11, is quiz night, starting at 8pm for teams of up to four people at £1 per person. The winners take all.

Sunday, March 18, is Mother's Day with a special lunch on offer to show mums they are appreciated. Phone 01736 850273 to book your places.

On the evening of Sunday, March 18, by popular request, bingo is back, with eyes down at 8pm.

The Lizard Methodist Chapel

Last Sunday, the morning service was led by Margaret Flinders, from Helston.

Members of the congregation were invited to read from the Bible as part of the Sermon entitled Heaven? Perhaps! Maybe! Almost Definitely! I think!

The Bible tells us that there is a place called Heaven and provides a vivid description of it in John's vision in Revelation. Faith is often about believing the unbelievable.

As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said: "We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven. God has a soft spot for sinners. His standards are quite low".

This Sunday at 11am, the preacher will be the Rev Graham Kitts.

Mullion Old Cornwall Society

Mullion Old Cornwall Society's February meeting was attended by more than 60 members, including four newcomers. The chairman, Priscilla Oates, welcomed everyone, especially Terry Knight, chairman of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, and his wife, Anne.

The speaker for the evening was Brian Sherriff. His talk was entitled Shipwrecks In This Area.

First Brian spoke of his voluntary work at the Bass Point lookout, and how the renovation of the building after the drowning of two Cadgwith fishermen had led to the forming of the National Coastwatch Institution.

Photographs were on show of all the Cornwall Coastwatch groups receiving the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Using a double screen and slides, Brian then took the meeting on a tour around the coastline, showing many of the hundreds of wrecks in the last two centuries.

He told how lives were lost, cargoes destroyed, and ships sold for scrap or small amounts of money.

The invention of the breeches buoy by Henry Trengrouse after the wreck of the Anson, off Loe Bar, helped to save many lives, and the lifeboats' role was vital.

Priscilla thanked Brian for a fascinating talk. He then answered questions and showed artefacts rescued from some of the wrecks.

Tea was served, the raffle was drawn, and much discussion ensued.

The next meeting will be the annual dinner on March 12, at Mullion Golf Club. To book, phone Mary Gilbert on 01326 240203.

Porkellis

Trinity Methodist Church

Last Sunday, it was good to have Nigel Bishop leading the service after being out of circulation owing to ill health.

Catherine Jenkin and John Tyler helped by reading the lessons.

The beautiful table arrangement was give by April Combellack. Ivy Johns played the organ.

Last Friday, the coffee morning at Trinity in aid of the Bible Society realised £115.

The preacher this Sunday will be the Rev Andrew Hill.

Apostolic Church

An action-packed time was had by all last weekend, as several events took place.

A group of ladies from church attended the Oasis Ladies' conference, this year held at the Porthminster Hotel, St Ives; they joined more than 70 ladies from Cornwall and beyond for worship, Bible teaching and lots of fun. A great time was had by all.

The speakers were Lesley Searle from Porthleven, and Hannah Giddens, from Truro; worship leader and guest singer was the talented Cath Woolridge, from Wales.

Cath and her husband Dai were in Porthleven on the Sunday morning, when Cath led the worship beautifully, and Dai performed Tentmaker, a one-hour long dramatisation of the life of the Apostle Paul.

It was passionate, gripping, humorous and powerful and well-received by the all-age congregation filling the church.

Events this week include the Toddler Group meeting today, Thursday, at 10am; a prayer meeting at 7.30pm; and the Rock Solid Kids' Club at 5.45pm tomorrow, Friday.

The charity shop is supporting the community event at the Lifeboat Gallery between 11am and 3pm this Saturday, March 3, raising funds for new playground equipment at Porthleven School.

For all other information, please visit www.apostolic-church-porthleven.org

St Bartholomew's Church

Last Sunday's service, for the first Sunday of Lent was taken by Father Harry Pugh.

The first lesson and the Psalm were read by Esther Brown and the second lesson was read by Maureen Williams. Andrew Woods was organist.

This week's services will be on Thursday at 10am, Holy Eucharist; and Sunday at 9.30am, Solemn Eucharist, and 6pm Evensong.

Women's World Day of Prayer will be celebrated on Friday at 2.30pm at St Bart's.

Lent envelopes in aid of St Julia's Hospice, Hayle, are available in church.

Porthleven Methodist Chapel

A special open meeting of the Porthleven Wives' Club, held in the chapel last Friday, raised £135 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance, following a presentation by Susie Smith, one of the fundraising volunteers, who was welcomed by vice-chairman Dorothy Pountain and thanked by club member Elsie Balme.

It being the first Sunday in Lent, Sunday morning worship began with the ceremony of the Lenten Cross, led by Tony Fairless.

The item brought to the cross was a towel, symbolising the humility of Jesus when He washed the disciples' feet.

The guest preacher was Mr Bodilly, from St Just, who took as his theme the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. David Philp was the organist.

Evening worship was led by the minister, the Rev Beverly Turner, and included Holy Communion. The subject of the sermon was the story of the Prodigal Son, and its implications for us. Paul Benney was at the organ.

Praa Sands

Praa Sands Community Centre

The next Carn to Cove event at the community centre will be a showing of archive film from the local area on Saturday, April 14.

The healing clinic takes place every Tuesday, from 11am to 1pm, with the last treatment at 12.40pm.

A minimum donation of £3 per treatment is requested to help cover the cost of the hall rental.

For more information, telephone Sally on 01736 719062.

Zumba fitness meets on Tuesday mornings at 9.25am. Get fit and come and join the Latin fun.

For further details, contact Catherine Cambell on 07528 135146 or 01736 711926 or catherinenut@hotmail.com

The 200 Club winners for the third quarterly draw were Mrs Mahon, winning £10 with ticket number 154; Mr and Mrs Mules, winning £20 with ticket number 118; and Mrs Rayment, winning £30 with ticket number 15.

The community centre is holding an open evening from 7pm on Monday, March 12, with wine and cheese, for all those interested in activities that happen at the centre and anyone who could give a little time to help run the centre.

Praa Sands Gardening Club

Ann Clegg, a member of the Friends of Godolphin, was welcomed at the February meeting.

She explained the history of the house and gardens, recent restorations with its associated problems, and current works in progress.

The gardens are 14th century and grade one-listed. The garden does not have plants from overseas, as no plant hunters went from Godolphin and the present planting dates from 1925.

The present gardener is Juliet Turner, appointed last September, previously working at Coleton Fishacre.

Beds for colour are being planned for the King's Garden; however walls are falling down and need repairing, but due to the grade one listing everything has to be given permission. This even includes putting wooden barrels for filling with water to avoid volunteers carrying watering cans vast distances to water beds by the King's Room; and moving compost heaps on to hard standing to combat phytophyra. Fruit trees are to be replanted with permission, hopefully with local varieties, and ideally with at least some of the original varieties that were at Godolphin.

The National Trust bought the house in 2007, and restoration started, but there were big problems with the beams over the colonnade.

There was death watch beetle in the beams, above which was the drawing room which had been sub-divided into bedrooms; and the north sidebeams had been eaten away by damp.

The Tudor beams in the east wing had to have running repairs underneath, but the large voids need to have fire breaks, and because a colony of pipistrelle bats lived in the area, flaps from section to section had to be inserted. The speaker gave an account of further restoration work planned.

Other club news included the distribution of a planned outings pamphlet the first proposed excursion is to Boconnoc Spring Flower Show on Saturday, March 31.

The ShelterBox table will resume on March 5, when the speaker will be Angela Kain, who will give a talk on spring flowers.

Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 2pm in Praa Sands Community Centre. Visitors and new members are welcome.

St Sithney Parish Church

On Shrove Tuesday, a pancake lunch was held at Mellangoose Farm and £104 was raised for the Friends of Sithney Church.

Father Harry Pugh thanked Paul and Elizabeth Schofield for their hospitality.

Many raffles were won.

Holy Eucharist with the Blessing and Imposition of Ashes was held on Ash Wednesday, at which Father Harry officiated.

Trewennack Methodist Church

Early Morning Communion on February 9, was conducted by the Rev Andrew Hill, who then led morning worship.

The Baptism of Frederick Charles Wearne took place during the service. The Bible reading was from Mark ix, 2 to 9.

The Rev Andrew continued his theme of discipleship by defining a disciple as someone who listens to Jesus and wants to follow Him.

Music was led by the singing group with Nicola Hale at the piano.

The family service on February 26 was conducted by Sarah Fuller and was based on the story of Samson.

Members of the congregation took part in a dramatised version of the story, with Jonathan Pascoe as a Tom Jones-style, singing Samson; and Morwenna Triggs as Delilah.

Matthew, Timothy and Andy Wingham were very tough Philistines, with Geoffrey Thorpe and Wendy Peake as Samson's simple-witted parents.

Tom Phillips translated the meaning of Samson's name into a bold drawing of the sun. Bible readings, from Genesis i and 2 Corinthians xiii, were given by Paul Brown and Claire Pickering.

Mrs Fuller stressed that it wasn't the haircut that led to Samson's downfall, but the loss of his dedication to God.

It is important that we keep our attention on God. Music was provided by David Wingham at the piano and Connor Campbell on drums.

Tea and coffee were served in the hall after the service.

Wendron

Wendron Parish Church

The celebrant and preacher at the service of Holy Communion at Wendron Parish Church last Sunday was the Rev Peter Bradford.

The epistle was read by Anne Veneear. The gospel was read by Gillian Bowles, the parish licensed reader. Ray Spencer led the intercessions. The Communion elements were presented by Henrietta Sandford and Bevan Osborne. Sidespeople were Mary Cowley and Janet Parker. The organist was Anne Veneear. The Sanctus bell was rung by Max Barnett.

This Sunday, March 4, there will be a service of Holy Communion at 10.30am.

The celebrant and preacher will be the Rev Peter Bradford.

Penwith-Kerrier Ramblers

Cornwall area chair, Graham Ronan, discovered for himself last Tuesday just how true the reports were that Newquay Ramblers monthly social evening was a super and friendly way of keeping up and dealing with Rambling matters.

He paid a surprise visit to present the group, represented by its membership secretary, Carol Wright, with the handsome trophy awarded to the Cornish group with the largest percentage increase in membership for the year.

Not only did Newquay win with a 6.76 per cent rise, it also recruited a new member at the event.

Runner-up for the trophy was Caradon with a 2.03 per cent increase. It was a super evening and thanks to everyone who made it such a happy occasion.

Another wonderful day to report this week concerns the activities of REACT (the Ramblers Environmental Action Clearance Team).

Members congregated at Mithians to complete work on Perranzabuloe Footpath 10. What a lovely footpath it is and the Ramblers hope that the people of the parish and their visitors enjoy using it.

It was a delight to find three beautiful stiles, thought to have been lost and therefore in need of rebuilding, but under the soil and overgrown vegetation, the structures were discovered, subsequently cleared and signposted. Enjoy.

The next REACT is at the end of March in Kenwyn parish. It is another lovely path and will need tender loving care from the Ramblers' expert engineers, carpenters, builders and gardeners.

Last Sunday's walk brought out a good crowd comprising old and new members including a family with a six-year-old, who seemed to skip around the circular walk.

From the centre of the village of Mawnan Smith they headed west to Boskenso Farm, admiring the recently renovated house.

They turned south to Higher and Lower Penpol, crossing a very large field and climbing the stile, where they were assisted with a swing on a rope down to the other side. Then, they pressed on to Anna Maria Creek to walk the narrow lane to Trenarth Bridge, and out to Trenarth House; to High Cross using the fields with a boardwalk and stepping stones, then Drift House and farm at Treworval, passing the old mill with leats at Tregarne.

Spring flowers were in abundance along the route in fields and hedgerows.