BANKING scams were explained at the April meeting of Coad’s Green Women on Wednesdays (WOW).

It was a pleasure to welcome Amanda and Sarah from Barclays Bank to the April meeting. They had been invited to talk about potential scams, which is a major concern for the many of us navigating our way through online banking and credit card use.

Amanda and Sarah began by introducing themselves and explaining their role within Barclays, based in Plymouth. They also operate, within an advisory capacity, from a banking pod within the Pannier Market in Tavistock.

The group learnt the extent of scamming and the increasing world wide threat to the public, through a series of quiz questions. It was surprising to learn that 18 per cent are likely to fall victim of a scam and that younger people are more susceptible to scams than older people.

The meeting soon opened up with many questions being put to the representatives and a sharing of very real concerns and experiences. The advice that was given and the reassurance offered was very welcome, although banking within the community and reduced use of cash has changed everyday life substantially.

Questions were asked about the future of banking in Launceston, if and when the last bank goes. The assurance was given that it would be replaced by a banking hub with each of the largest banks represented on certain day (s) of the week. On a different issue, cheque books will not be phased out for the foreseeable future.

There was very helpful and supportive literature available and everyone in the room took away ‘The Little Book of BIG Scams’, issued by the Metropolitan Police, which gave advice on avoiding fraud, how to stay safe on line and where to find help.

Janet Ham thanked Amanda and Sarah for their time. Both ladies remained present for individual questions during refreshments.

Daphne Tucker reminded the group that the next meeting, on Thursday, April 30th, would be an outing to the Willows, North Petherwin, for a bluebell walk . Shared transport would leave from the Coad’s Green chapel car park at 2pm.

UNITED morning service at St Ive will be held at the Village Hall, on Sunday, April 26, starting at 10.30am. A (LA) local arrangement, by members of the congregation.

Tea/coffee served after the service.

All are welcome.

Church services — St Melor's, Linkinhorne: Mondays weekly - morning prayer at 10am. Sunday, April 28 - morning prayer at 11am.

St Paul's, Upton Cross: Sunday, April 26 - Meet and Eat Breakfast at the Cross Link Centre, Upton Cross.

Drop In Cafe in St Pauls from 3pm to 4pm every Thursday during school term.

Women’s Institute — Maxine Browne reports that at the March Meeting we welcomed Graham Parkinson and Sally Roberts from the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre at Derriford Hospital.

Graham, a volunteer spoke first telling about the origins of the service and how Macmillan Cancer Research initially supported it financially when the new centre was opened at Derriford, on level 3.

Then Sally, a former Macmillan nurse but now an employed cancer support specialist with the team, told more about the help the centre provides.

The centre is a drop in initiative, open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. It provides a range of support services including information about cancer, emotional support and access to a lot of its support has been given over the phone.

Folk who can access the centre include patients, their families and friends. Specific therapies are normally by appointment. The Centre provides benefits advice (cancer related) counselling and various complimentary therapies e.g. therapy in nature.

Sue Morton gave the vote of thanks and the business section was quite short. Members are looking forward to visiting the Story of Emily Hobhouse at St Ive.

Launceston Wine Circle celebrated its 50th anniversary year recently.

The 50th AGM was held on Wednesday 8th April at St Cuthbert Mayne Church meeting room.

The meeting was celebrated with a champagne toast, Lanson Champagne, of course, followed by a blind tasting, of four different wines.

Members were challenged with naming the grape variety, country of origin and to identify which were the most expensive and which were 'bargain basement'. This resulted in much merriment and some surprises.

Several special events have been planned for the year ahead and the AGM set the ball in motion for a fun and social time.

CHAIRMAN Jim opened the first Probus meeting of April.

Club member David gave an illustrated talk on the life and work of Plymouth artist Beryl Cook.

David highlighted that Beryl was a great observer of life, and her characters were based on actual people going about their daily lives. There was a strong element of humour in all her paintings. She was self-taught, with a distinctive style, and despite her fame she principally painted for her own amusement.

It was commented that her paintings were like marmite, you either liked them or you didn’t. This led to a broader discussion of different genres of painting, from classical to abstract art. Chairman Jim thanked David for stimulating such interest and commented that the subject highlighted the wide diversity of talks at Probus meetings.

The next meeting of Men’s Probus is on April 27. Club Members will be entertained by a talk on old Lanson.

Mens’ Probus meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month and Ladies’ Probus on the third Monday of each month, with a speaker followed by an optional lunch.

The clubs are primarily for retired or semi-retired people, providing a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on entertainment. For further information on past and future activities of Probus, including talks and visits, visit the website at probusclub.net/launcestoncornwalluk or our Facebook page ‘Probus Club of Launceston - Cornwall’.

Master Luke Parsons, aged nine was the star speaker at Singalong on the 12th April, to a generous attendance. He preached on the crucifixion of Jesus, to great acclaim, with many requests to invite him to come again.

Barbara Uglow played the organ. A fine supper was prepared by the ladies of the Chapel, Barbara Uglow, Ann Bradley, Olive Prouse, and Hannah Cobbledick, assisted by Amy Cobbledick.

The charity box continues at the back of the Chapel.

St Mark’s – St Mark’s Church of England Primary School held their Easter end of term service in the Methodist Chapel at Shop on Wednesday, April 1.

Woodford - A very moving service was led by Rev Stephen Skinner of Woolsery at 4pm on Maundy Thursday at Woodford Methodist Chapel.

The annual Good Friday Concert at Woodford was well attended and was chaired by Sheila Cholwill of Bridgerule. Musical items were rendered by the Tamarside Singers who were accompanied by Georgina Bridle with Georgina also accompanying the congregational hymns. Other musical items were given by FINCH and the vote of thanks was given by Jonnie Hobbs. The concert was followed by a delicious savoury and sweet supper.

On Easter Sunday the Holy Communion service at Woodford was led by Rev Meg Slingo. Prior to Easter, Rev Meg had asked the Woodford congregation to create Easter Bonnets, which they wore to the service on Easter Day and Rev Meg awarded prizes to Elizabeth Hobbs and Robert Souch. The service was followed by coffee and biscuits.

Shop – Clive Smale of Bradworthy led the service on Easter Sunday at Morwenstow Methodist Chapel at Shop. Colin Tape was the organist for the hymns: ‘Christ the Lord is risen today’, ‘Thine be the glory’, ‘I am the new creation’, and ‘I know that my redeemer lives’.

The lessons were read by Jennifer Vanstone and Jill Johns and the Merrytones Praise Group sang: ‘God sent His Son’.

After the service there was a chance to chat in the Wesley Room when simnel cake and Easter biscuits were shared with coffee.

DO you love bringing music to life? Join the SAS (Seriously AwEful Symphonia).

The SAS is a friendly and enthusiastic amateur community orchestra in Camelford. We need a new Musical Director to help us continue our tradition of fun, high-quality music-making.

SAS are looking for:

• An encouraging leader who can blend professionalism with a fun and enjoyable rehearsal atmosphere.

• Someone who is willing to help us grow in numbers (there are about 16 of us at present) and in skill.

• Someone with the ability to work collaboratively with our committee.

• Someone with fresh ideas and a passion for community music.

Key details:

Rehearsals: Camelford, St Thomas’ Church on Monday evenings 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm

Concerts: Three to four concerts per year.

Interested? Come and talk to the group and see what they do. Rehearsals restarted on Monday, April 20.