THE meeting on April 17 was a little more special as members took a moment to surprise and acknowledge lifetime member and guest presenter for the evening, Bernard Mills, on 60 years of presentations to Launceston Railway Circle.

Bernard first presented at LRC in December 1965 and he is famed for presenting at every Christmas meeting since then — treating members to spectacular images from his year of travels and spotting.

Bernard rounded off the evening with an entertaining presentation, with shots showing locomotives surrounded by the striking scenery of the West Highland Railway, taken over sixty plus years.

THE Launceston Stamp Club held its May meeting at Ladycross recently.

The secretary David Richards opened the meeting in the absence of the chairman and welcomed members and the dealer for the evening Rex Eccott. There was no speaker but a one to three page members competitive display using the letters D, E and F. The display was judged by the members. There were six entries.

The first off the rank was Viv Sandercock with ‘Dick’s Engines of Fire’ which showed covers, a postcard and stamps all with a Richard Trevithick theme. Next was Terry Mounce who displayed a passport from 1818 which was issued to a Diplomat for travel in Europe as a Free pass. A fine piece of history. David Richards followed with a specialised showing of farthing stamps and covers, including a photocopy of one he missed out on at a recent auction, from Dominica in the West Indies which he entitled ‘Dominica’s Elusive Farthings’. Brian Whyte displayed a selection of French stamps which featured French stamp designers and engravers. To satisfy the letter requirement he had selected stamps which showed stamps either designed or engraved by Decaris, Eve Luquet and Forget

an ingenious combination. It was pleasing to see Paul Lloyd entering a display for the first time with a selection of items on boats more particularly Dhows, Elizabeth (the Queen) and Flying boats. Paul’s items included items on the Queen Elizabeth and the Dornier Do X flying boat. Last but not least came Dave Hatwell with a postcard of Delabole Quarry written in 1915 by a steam roller driver to his mother regarding the washing he had sent home. Readers may remember that steam roller drivers used to be away from home for extended periods and would tow a caravan behind the roller from place to place. The writer amusingly spelt ‘Delabole’ as ‘Dilybole’.

After all the displays were finished the members voted with the following result - 3rd Dave Hatwell, 2nd Paul Lloyd and 1st Viv Sandercock. Viv was presented with a small gift by Rex Eccott.

Launceston Stamp Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Yeolmbridge Methodist Chapel Hall Ladycross at 7.30pm (May to October) and 2.30pm (November to April). Visitors and prospective members always welcome. Next meeting June 4.

ON Wednesday, May 13, 11 members of Launceston Old Cornwall Society made an evening visit to Michaelstow Parish and St Teath.

The quest to discover more about the wonderful history, treasures and antiquities in the churches of St Michael and all Angels and St Tetha.

The society were met by Mr button who gave us an interesting history of the grade one listed church which is of great architectural and historic interest. The Celtic Cross stands majestic at approximately 10 foot high in the churchyard and there is a 12th century housing of the holy well in the grounds and the list of Rectors begins with William Le Brun in 1280. Also on the north wall is a George the second Royal coat of arms dated 1727.

Many 15th century pews with Medieval carvings on the bench ends, and so much more to see not least the grounds with magnificent trees , and wildflowers. A veritable wildlife haven. From there we went on to St Tetha, another grade one listed church dating from about 1380 although it was built on the site from a previous Norman church. There is a large Celtic cross standing in the cemetery said to be the third tallest in Cornwall.

The church land is in the shape of a circle which may indicate that there was some kind of place of worship there in Celtic times. On a windowsill of the South aisle rests a knight effigy an early 15th century recumbent stone said to depict an armoured knight of Cornwall who is traditionally believed to have died in battle. Another fascinating point of interest is the plaque on an outside wall. It is about a cattle sale and cricket match at St Teath published in the 18th century in the Sherborne Mercury newspaper dated June 18, 1781.

The evening was capped off with a relaxed drink in the cozy historic surroundings of The White Hart, St Teath. Launceston Old Cornwall Society meet once a month on the second Wednesday.

THE Holsworthy History Society met on Thursday, May 14, and visited the Holsworthy Museum.

There were hundreds of artefacts to see, many relating to the Second World War. There were also many old kitchen appliances on display such as a 1940’s electric kettle and toaster and irons dating back to the 1800’s.

This was a fascinating visit which gave an insight to a bygone age and was greatly enjoyed by the society’s members.

The society will next meet at 7pm on Thursday, June 11, in the Manor Suite of the Holsworthy Memorial Hall when David Kendrick will give a talk on Nelson Mandela. David has previously given many presentations to the Society, all of which have been extremely interesting.

All are welcome to join us.

MEMBERS of the Holsworthy Hamlets Flower Club welcomed ‘The Plantsman’ Alan French, to Bodmin Street school rooms for their May meeting.

He gave an interesting talk, enlightening the audience on how to care for the large variety of plants he had bought along. These included beautiful shrubs, bedding plants and perennials. At the end of his presentation many ladies left with something new to introduce to their gardens.

Kath Durling thanked Alan for coming to Holsworthy with his plants, and for giving us so many useful tips on how to look after them.

The next meeting will be on June 9 when Julia Harrison will be demonstrating, her title is, ‘Backwards & Forwards’.

THIS year’s Stratton Hospital Fete will be held at NHS Stratton Community Hospital as usual in its car park.

To be held on Saturday, June 20, from 2pm there promises to be a raffle, tombola, cake stall, bric-a-brac, soft toys, plant stalls, hampers, and fresh flowers available.

There will also be a delectable array of cream teas, and a sausage sizzle available.

A highlight feature will be the Stratton Bake Off and musical entertainment will be provided by the local singing group The Seagals.

Funds will be raised in aid of Stratton Hospital League of Friends.

TO raise funds for Launcells’ St Swithin’s Church flower festival in June, the team will be holding a “Beetle Drive” on Friday, May 29, from 7pm for 7.30pm at Launcells Parish Hall.

Entry is £5 with raffle prizes, coffee, tea and biscuits on offer.

A spokesperson said: “You are welcome to bring your own wine. It is great fun, you will be laughing all evening.”

For more information contact Sandy on 07974 117865 or Sharon on 07840 291754 — if no answer, leave a message.

VOLUNTEERS behind the award-winning Calstock in Bloom initiative have received a major boost after securing a Community Fund grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The group has previously achieved gold status in the prestigious Britain in Bloom programme and says the latest funding will help support the ongoing maintenance and development of displays throughout the village.

Over the past five years, the volunteer-led team has transformed several neglected and overgrown areas into colourful, wildlife-friendly spaces designed to provide year-round displays for residents and visitors.

The project has also focused on celebrating the Tamar Valley’s horticultural heritage while adapting planting schemes to meet the challenges of a changing climate.

The group says the grant will provide significant support towards the rising costs of maintaining planting schemes, equipment and public spaces across the village.

However, members were also keen to thank other organisations, businesses and residents who have continued to support the initiative over many years.

Among those recognised were Great Western Railway, Calstock Parish Council, Calstock Social Club, Calstock Bike Show, the Tamar Inn and numerous local residents and visitors.

Calstock in Bloom has become well known locally for its striking floral displays and environmental work, helping brighten public spaces while encouraging biodiversity throughout the village.

The team is also planning a major fundraising event later this year as it looks to continue expanding projects and maintaining the award-winning displays that have become a feature of the riverside community.