FROM READER TONY BANBURY

Dear friends,We were in Exeter this morning. The sun was shining and I was standing on the pavement waiting for Marion to emerge from a shop. Across the road was a jewellers and the sun was shining full into the window. My eye was caught by a multitude of bright sparkles and flashes as an assistant removed a tray of, I presumed, engagement rings from the window to show to a customer.The sparkling stones reminded me of the song that says, ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!!’ They are usually cut and set to attract attention - and they certainly do!!!! Whether they are small or large; on an engagement ring, a brooch or the Queen’s crown; reasonably priced or hugely valuable, they all sparkle and shine in the light; often as though lit from within. Apart from attracting attention by the light that they reflect and radiate, diamonds have another function, one that is of, perhaps, greater use. They are amongst the hardest materials on earth and are used to cut, bore and tunnel through ‘softer’ materials to fashion jewellery of intricate design or bore through a mountain to provide transport links. So, beauty of form and function are to be found in a diamond!The month of June is in the middle of the year – the sun will shine, people will be on holiday, students will be sitting exams, the hours of daylight will be at their longest and we’ll all complain about how hot it is !!!!!!! In St John’s Gospel, chapter 8, verse 12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Wherever he went throughout his ministry crowds flocked to him. They were attracted by his ‘sparkling’ personality, his words, his works and the light that seemed to shine from within him. He could shine ‘softly’ when dealing with the poor, the sick, the outcasts and those who listened and heard Him. He could also be ‘hard’ when dealing with the self-seekers, the proud, the hypocritical and those who would not listen – those who would not be guided by the light.We all need light to guide us through our daily tasks and through our lives generally. When we are deprived of light we stumble and often fall as we attempt to move forward. We need a guide, or for the light to be restored. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” As well as being guided by Jesus, we need to let his reflected light shine from us so that others may be attracted to his way and his love by our example.So sparkle like a diamond and shine on !!!!

Yours in ChristTony Banbury Licensed Lay Minister (Reader)

To all members of the 8am Eucharist congregationsat St Mary’s & St John’s

8am Services for June 2014

Sun 1st June Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s

Sun 8th June NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s

Sun 15th June Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s

Sun 22nd June NO Service at t Mary’s Service at St John’s

Sun 29th June Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s

LOOKING BACK OVER A CENTURY OF DIOCESAN NEWSLooking through past editions of Church of England Devon, and its pre-decessors as far back as the Diocesan Gazette of 1902, it's apparent that however much the publication has changed over the years the message has remained the same. In the very first edition Bishop Herbert wrote “the Gazette will become the means by making more generally known the work that is being done among us”; this has remained its driving force and will continue to be, even as we embrace a different format from now on. That first edition celebrated the completion of the church hall at St Simon's in Plymouth ahead of the new church building. In 1916, the newsletter contained lists of clergy leaving their parishes to go to the front. In 1932 it praised

the whole city of Exeter for funding the much needed St Loyes' Church. And in 1980 it joyfully reported that the diocesan clergy cricket team, captained by the Revd Nick McKinnel, had finally beaten their Truro rivalsl Throughout the last 112 years, the Bishop's letter has provided a commentary on the challenges facing our churches and the wider world, some more seriously than others. Bishop Philip Pasterfield replaced his letter with a poem in 1980 reflecting on the challenges of travelling in a large rural diocese:

Tomorrow I'm in Filleigh: I must be there willy nilly,And on Friday to Uplyme I'll be inclined,Rather Iess precipitation would reduce a man's frustration,Make his journeys less a burden on his mind.

Some challenges are perennial! This month is the last 16 page issue of the ‘Church of England Devon’. From next month, it will be circulated via email for parishes to print out. It will be shorter (four sides of A5 or two sides of A4) and will be available in colour, black and white, and as a word document for parishes to select items to include in their own magazine. All PCC secretaries will be sent a copy but we will also send copies to those who wish to subscribe personally. Please Email: communications@exeter.anglican.org if you would like to be on this list. Copies will be sent on or around the 15 th of each month.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE PARISH OF PLYMSTOCK AND HOOE

The beautiful sunny evening seemed a perfect day to welcome the Rev’ds Dave and Jennie Appleby to be licensed as Team Vicars and the Installation and Induction of the Revd Steve Payne as Team Rector. St Mary’s & All Saints was filled nearly to capacity when we welcomed the Rt. Revd Nick McKinnel, the Bishop of Crediton, and The Ven. Ian Chandler, Archdeacon of Plymouth, to perform the legal requirements of office. The Institution of Team Rector was completed when The Rev’d Canon Martin Poll, representing the Dean and Chapter of Windsor, presented Steve to be instituted as Team Rector and the Archdeacon confirmed that Steve had made the declarations and subscribed the oaths required by law. The Archdeacon laid the hand of the Rector on the handle of the main door, and the tolling of the bell announced the installation. The Service moved on to the licensing of the new Team Vicars. This was conducted as part of the celebration of the Eucharist. With a loud clear voice, sometimes together and sometimes separately, Dave and Jennie made their oaths to the Queen and to pay obedience to the Lord Bishop of Exeter and his successors. Then the whole congregation shared the breaking of bread and giving of the communion as the Service finished with the hymn, ‘I, The Lord of sea and sky’ and its chorus of:

Here I am, Lord, is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.I will go, Lord, if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.

The congregation then moved across to St Mary’s parish hall for refreshments and the sharing of the cake.We warmly welcome Dave and Jennie and hope they will be very happy in our Parish.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A UNITED SERVICE

at St John’s Church

PENTECOST SUNDAY ~ 8th JUNE 2014

10.45am.

St John’s invite you to a ‘Bring and Share’ Parish picnicto be held in St John’s Paddock, or the hall if wet, to celebrate Pentecost.

Note: There will be no 9.15am Services at Good Shepherd and Holy Family and no 10.45am Service at St Mary’s.

There will be an 8.00am Service at St John’s and ‘Worship @ 10’ at St Mary’s.

HOOE SCHOOL VISIT ST JOHN’S

The visit to St John’s Church, Hooe, by two classes of Hooe Academy was much enjoyed by children and members of the church alike. The children were given time to explore the church and had to research the meaning of several symbols. Then the children were given time to write down their findings and draw pictures of the inside of the church. The highlight for many of the children was to be allowed to play the pipe organ and hear its power and variety of sound. Question time followed with one child asking “Why do you wear your collar back to front?” to which Steve explained it has been a symbol of office since the days of the Romans and enables him to visit hospital patients even when it is not visiting time or when someone is very ill. Another child asked, “What is the difference between God and Jesus Christ?” Again Steve answered the question in a way that the children understood. “How old is the church?” The answer was when it was built-1855- and later the young boy worked out the answer correctly. All too soon it was time to return to school with many questions left unasked and the children left to think about the church and its meanings.

EVENSONG at St John’s

SUNDAY 29th JUNE 2014

at 4.00pm.

ST JOHN’S CHURCH

MIDSUMMER MARKET

SATURDAY, 28th JUNE 2014

10.30am to 1.00pm

Come and join usVarious Stalls ~ Grand Raffle

Lunches & Refreshments

FROM ST JOHN’S PARISH REGISTER

FUNERAL OFFICE:We remember those who have lost loved ones and commend to God the souls of:

BARBARA MCDONOUGH, wife of Brian (dec’d), mother of Linda and grand-mother to Matthew and Lauren. Barbara was born on the Barbican, one of 7 children. The family moved to live in North Prospect and during the war she was evacuated to live in Cornwall. Following the war the family lived in Honicknowle and West Park.Barbara began her working life at Berkatex. The sewing skills she learnt there were put into good use in making clothes for the family.She met Brian at Ballroom Dancing lessons and they went on to share 54 years of married life. They were an extremely happy and devoted couple,living at various times in St Judes, Whitley and Laira with their final move to their dream home on Hexton Hill in Hooe where they lived for 25 years.They enjoyed in their retirement their holidays and trips to National Trust properties.Barbara has been described as an exceptionally kind and gentle lady who was very unmaterialistic and humble. She enjoyed family parties when she and Brian could call upon their ballroom dancing skills they had learnt when they met.For these last years as she became unwell she has been cared for at St James Lodge in Stoke. The family is very appreciative of all the care she received from the staff there. Brian faithfully visited Barbara every day until his death last year. She is now reunited with him.The Funeral Service took place at St John’s Church on 29th April, the Revd Steve Payne officiated.

KATHLEEN DARE-WILLIAMS (9.2.24–16.4.14). The wife of Ernie (dec’d) and mother of Keith, Jill and Cheryl. A loving grandmother and great grandmother.Kath was born in Surrey and met Ernie when he was in the Army.The Funeral Service took place at St John’s Church on 29th April. The Revd Steve Payne officiated.

DAVE SYMONSDave was born in Yealmpton but grew up in Plymstock with brother Den and sister Mary. He began his working life in farming which he didn’t enjoy so he went to work in the Quarry, then on to lorry driving. He also worked in the Cement Works for a time but went back to driving which he enjoyed. When he was 25 he suffered a major accident in Torbay from which he never fully recovered.He met Mercia here in Plymstock and they were married in 1961 and had their two sons, Dale and Lee. They were married for 51 years.Dave had many interests, he enjoyed sport and played in his younger days for Yealm United for whom he was their leading scorer. He enjoyed visiting classic vintage truck shows and was interested in steam trains. He enjoyed socializing and was a member at the Mountbatten and Blue Circle Cement Social Clubs. Dave had a dry sense of humour and a quick wit.He loved his family and they all enjoyed holidays in their caravanette in the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, Scotland and London.The Funeral Service was held at St John’s Church on 6th May. The Revd Steve Payne officiated.

CORRECTION to last month’s Funeral Office, this should have read ~PEGGY ELSIE GRACE FOSTER (nee Holloway).

7. YOUNG @ HEART

For our May meeting we had another visit from Jim and Barbara McMullin from Plymstock.

Jim brought along his accordion as usual and began his programme with a lively melody ‘Searchlight Tattoo’ written many years ago. An Andrew Lloyd Webber song ‘I don’t know how to love Him’ from ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ was the next number. ‘I’d do Anything’ from Lionel Bart’s show ‘Oliver’ got us all humming and ‘Hello, Young Lovers’ from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘The King & I’ was a popular follow-up.

We remembered Maurice Chevalier when ‘Thank Heaven for little Girls’ was played and music from ‘Can-Can’ made us all feel like dancing (but, thankfully, we didn’t!) This was followed by ‘Cruising down the river’, well known to us all.

An old favourite ‘Love letters in the sand’ was followed by ‘The green, green grass of home’ sometimes sung by Tom Jones. A Billy Cotton number ‘Friends and Neighbours’ had us joining in. We then enjoyed ‘Younger than Springtime’ from ‘South Pacific’ reminding us of the lovely film as well as ‘I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy’. Another well-loved choice was ‘Climb every Mountain’ from ‘The Sound of Music’. ‘Pennies from Heaven’ from a show with the same name brought back happy memories.

We listened to ‘The hills are alive’ another piece from ‘The Sound of Music’ then ‘Can’t help falling in love’ was followed by a Ukrainian Love Song, a waltz, thinking of two friends of Jim and Barbara who live in Kiev and also play accordions.

‘Lover man, where can you be?’ comes from the Deep South of America and is a blues number. ‘All the nice girls love a sailor’, then an old favourite ‘Cockles and Mussels’ from Dublin had us all singing along. ‘We’ll meet again’ brought the entertainment to a close.

Jean Medway thanked Jim and Barbara for coming and we then enjoyed a pleasing selection of refreshments before leaving.

-Sylvia CookeNext Meeting~

Tuesday, 3rd June 2014 at 2.00pm in St John’s Hall.All Welcome.

JIMMY  HANNAFORD

Jimmy Hannaford died suddenly on Monday, 12th May, in a Home in Peverell, aged about 65 years. For many years Jimmy lived in Hooe and suffered from many problems. He was often seen wandering around the area. Nine years ago he was taken into care where he has had a very happy life.  Funeral arrangements will be in the Herald in the near future.

8.ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING, PARISH OF PLYMSTOCK & HOOE

In an attempt to make this year’s annual meeting on April 30th just a bit more cheerful I asked Margaret Ayres from Plymstock if she could produce one of her famous poems. Here is what she produced at very short notice for the meeting. Thank you Margaret!

I was given a challenge last ThursdayTo come up with one of my poems,To be read at a Church Council Meeting -

The request it came over the phone.

 “I want to lighten the evening”Said this voice in serious tone,

“Cos sometimes it gets a bit tedious And the people just want to go home!”

 We've got to elect some new wardens,Three or four as I understand.So this should be fun, pay attention.Please don't bury your head in the sand!

We've also some ‘minutes’, they have to be readAnd quite often they get a bit boring,So if you nod off - do it quietlyPlease don't interrupt with your snoring!

I'm sure there'll be matters arising, St Johns has a new path and drains!So who cares if the weather is changingWe're all quite prepared when it rains.

Now finance is often a problemAs we, and the buildings get old.To raise money is very importantAnd to get it we have to be bold.

There've been film shows and raffles, and meals at St JohnsAnd Table Top sales, just a few,To sell plants, cakes and nic nacs.and jigsaws and toys.Just pay by cheque – that’ll do.

So thanks must be given - you know who you are -There are just too many to name.So please carry on - keep up the good workBecause next year will be just the same.

The PCC is an overarching committee that oversees and orders the procedures and practices of the Mission Community known as ‘The Parish of Plymstock and Hooe’.

Each of our four separate churches – St Mary’s, St John’s, Holy Family, Good Shepherd – has its own District Church Council, a DCC. Representatives of the four DCC’s are elected to form the PCC.

At the above meeting the following were appointed to serve on the PCC from April 2014 to April 2015:

One Parochial Church Warden per church:

Derek Organ, Mary Skilton, Bob Davidson, Robin Osborn.

Two DCC Reps per church:

Richard Harvey, David Minter; Mike Nicholas, Tim Provost;

Ruth Davidson, Jill/John Downer; Linda Miller, Janet Miller

One Deanery Synod Rep per church and one extra:

Alan Forrester, Margaret Rowe, Bob Davidson, Graham Lea, Carron Pearse

PCC Treasurer: Basil Hulatt

Electoral Roll Officer: Sid Rees

Readers and Clergy ex officio on PCC:

Jean Medway, Tony Banbury, Graham Dee

Steve Payne, David & Jenny Appleby

Margaret’s poem certainly did make the meeting slightly more chirpy. We also heard some limericks.

Thank you to all who attended. Richard Harvey, PCC Secretary

(A full report available at back of churches).

ST LUKE’S HOSPICE

Saturday, July 19th ~ St Luke’s Midnight Walk.

This year this event will be starting and finishing at the University of St Mark & St John Sports Centre. This is its 8th year.

To register: www.stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk or pick up a form from your local St Luke’s Charity shop or Tel: 492626.

JUMBLE SALE

SATURDAY, 7th JUNE, 2014

10am to 12 noon

Plymstock St Mary & All Saints Parish Hall, Church Road.

A Date for your Diary ~

CANDLELIT VIGIL AT ST. MARY’S

''The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.’’

These were the poignant words spoken by Sir Edward Grey, Britain’s Foreign Secretary, on the eve of the Great War.

A candlelit vigil of prayer and penitence will be held at St Mary’s on Sunday 3rd August 2014 at 10.00 pm - finishing at 11pm – the moment World War 1 was declared

one hundred years ago.

All will be most welcome to attend.

FROM THE REGISTERS

During April we welcomed into Gods family through Baptism at St. Mary’s:

13th April  ISAAC MICHAEL CRAMPTON, the son of Joanne Crampton. 

27th April JAKE STEVEN LANE, the son of Ryan and Lucy Lane.

BRIAN TAVERNER passed peacefully away at Hayes Park Nursing Home in Leicester on 28th April. There will be a Requiem Mass at St Mary’s, date to be announced. Brian’s son, Timothy, wishes to thank all those who prayed as individuals and for the intercessional prayer in our churches. Policing Newsletter

Plymouth East Community Police Cadets Initiate the Purchase of 6 Life Saving Mobile Defibrillators for Plympton & Plymstock

Plymouth East Community Police Cadets and local councillor’s from Plympton and Plymstock have joined forces to purchase 6 defibrillators for the communities of Plympton and Plymstock. It is an appalling statistic that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA - when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating), kills over 2000 people a week in the UK alone. 80% of these arrests occur out of hospital. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. The only effective form of treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is prompt (within 4-6 minutes) defibrillation using an automated external defibrillator or AED as part of the chain of survival. A heart defibrillator helps restore the natural rhythm of the heart when a person is experiencing dangerous arrhythmia or cardiac arrest. With average response times of the emergency services being greater than 10 minutes without an AED close at hand, the chances of survival are almost zero. Research shows that for every minute that the first shock is delayed, the chances of the patients survival diminishes by 10%. In short, it is better to use a defibrillator than not. AED’s are special defibrillators that untrained bystanders can use. You should only consider using an AED on someone who is not breathing. These defibrillators are programmed to give an electric shock if they detect a dangerous arrhythmia. This prevents giving a shock to someone who has fainted and is not having a sudden cardiac arrest. Anyone can safely use an AED - even the untrained layperson or an emergency first aider who witnesses a cardiac arrest, or who is nearby and can respond more quickly than the ambulance service. The minutes saved are crucial and this strategy has been responsible for saving many lives. The AEDs which have been purchased are semi-automatic and very easy to use. These particular devices turn on automatically when the lid is opened. There are then clear and concise ‘voice prompts’ which tell you exactly what to do, every step of the way for both CPR and defibrillation. It is impossible to shock someone who does not require it, as the device only shocks if the person is in fibrillation. In reality you cannot make this condition worse. Although there have been a few cases in the United Kingdom where a claim has been brought against a ‘rescuer’, there have been no reported cases where a victim has successfully sued someone who came to his aid in an emergency. The use of AEDs has been so successful in some locations that the potential liability for NOT having one available has been questioned. It has been reported that in the USA, airlines have been sued for just this reason!As a former nurse whose parents both died of coronary thrombosis, Councillor Wendy Foster, Radford Ward has supported this initiative and purchased two defibrillators at a cost of £858 each with part of her Community Grant. They will be sited in Plymstock, one at Boots the Chemist on the Broadway and the other is awaiting allocation. Plympton Councillors Dr David Salter and Glenn Jordan have provided the funds to purchase 4 defibrillators for Plympton. The Co-Op stores at Chaddlewood and on the Ridgeway have agreed to one being located at each of their stores and so has Chaddlewood Garage on Glen Road.

PCSO’s Lee Edmunds and Elaine Hesketh, Unit Leaders for the Plymouth East Community Police Cadets are making enquiries with other retail outlets, including Sainsbury’s, with regard to the installation of the

remaining defibrillators. Staff at these locations will have some familiarisation with the devices but will not be responsible for their deployment, upkeep or use. The cadets raised £1,267 in 2013, funds which have paid for a mobile defibrillator for the neighbourhood policing team and the cadets and will pay for the installation, promotion, training, upkeep and maintenance of the defibrillators in the future. The cadets will continue to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause. Katie Fleming - P.C.S.O. 30359

THE CINNAMON TRUST This is the national charity for the elderly and terminally ill and their pets. We seek to keep owner and pet together for as long as possible with the help of a national network of volunteers who assist when day to day care poses a problem.Our aim is to relieve the owners of any worry concerning the welfare of their pets both during and after their own lifetime making us unique amongst charities.We are looking for dog walking volunteers to help a resident of Plymstock and wondered if you would be able to help us publicise our need for local volunteers.All volunteers help in the ways that are most appropriate to them. Teams take it in turn to visit housebound owners, to take dogs for daily walks, volunteers foster pets as one of their family when owners face a spell in hospital, they take pets to the vet, clean the budgie's cage out. We take any problem posed in day to day care of pets. Contact Sally direct on 01736 758707 or email sallycollins@cinnamon.org.uk .The volunteers can gain access to our volunteer page on our website or www.cinnamon.org.uk or by emailing us atvolunteer@cinnamon.org.ukAny help you are able to give will be very gratefully accepted.Sally Collins, The Cinnamon Trust (01736 758707)

SERVICES TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF WOMEN PRIESTS

In April 1994 the first women in the Church of England were ordained into the priesthood, so this year there are celebrations and thanksgivings in most dioceses.

The biggest celebration was on the 5th May at St Paul’s Cathedral where 700 women priests were given a 20 minute standing ovation and where a women priest presided at the Eucharist with the Archbishop of Canterbury serving as her deacon.

Exeter Diocese had its thanksgiving in the cathedral on the 18th May, which was a celebration of Evening Prayer with everyone holding lighted candles for the first part of the Service. The preacher was the Archdeacon of Wells, the Ven. Nicola Sullivan, and there was a video message from Bishop Robert, our Bishop-elect.

At the end of the Service ‘momento’ photos were taken of robed clergy with Bishop Nick, outside the west front of the cathedral. Four clergy were able to go from our parish and the celebration was brought to a close with tea, cake and reminisces in the Chapter House.

WATERFRONT REPAIRS

Winter storm damage to Plymouth’s Seafront is expected to cost £2million to repair.

Repairs will be needed to the Mount Batten breakwater, steps and wall at Spinnaker Quay, steps to Mount Batten beach, the access to Jennycliff beach and the quay at Oreston.

Work to repair the landing stage at Mount Batten cost £35,000 which had been at risk of coming adrift. The promenade will need to be repaved and the void in the sea defences repaired. Please respect fenced off parts of the waterfront until repairs are carried out.

Access to Mount Batten beach should be restored by the end of May – weather and other circumstances permitting.

THE LICENSING SERVICE AT ST MARY’S ON THURSDAY, 15th MAY 2014.

Photos by David Parnwell and David Demellweek

Thank You!

Jennie and Dave would like to thank everyone for the welcome they have received to the Parish.Thank you for all the cards and your kind words of welcome. Our prayer is that God will equip us for the work he has called us to here amongst you.

God Bless you all,

Jennie & Dave

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, ORESTON

COGS KIDS CLUB

COGS KIDS club was recently presented with a cheque for £300 from Plymouth City Council Community Grant Scheme. This was presented to the club by Councillor Ken Foster. The money will be used to purchase new equipment & craft items for the club.COGS Kids is an after school club for age group 5-11, who meet in the Church of the Good Shepherd Hall, Oreston, on Wednesdays 3.30-4.45pm (term time only).

For more details please contact Sue & Allan Jones on tel 480568. -Allan Jones

FOOD BANK

Through the generosity of our Congregations on Wednesdays & Sundays at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Oreston, we are able to take a sizeable package to St. Mary’s each week. We all feel these donations are worthwhile. Thank you to all who donate & please keep up the good work!!

-Hazel Osborn

PLYMSTOCK GARDENING SOCIETY

The next meeting is on Monday, 30th June, 2014, 7.30pm, at Plymstock United Church Hall, Plymstock Road, Oreston, when ~

Mr Griggs will talk on the 1940’s Wartime Garden.

(Annual Membership £4.50 ~ Senior Citizens £3.Non members welcome ~ £1 per meeting)

Enquiries: 01752 403652.

Saturday 7th June - Sunday 15th June 2014

Churchyards are special places:They often contain a rich diversity of plant and animal life.They are important places for archaeology and history.They often have distinctive and veteran trees.The stonework and boundary walls provide a home for a mosaic of mosses, ferns and lichens.

They provide a tranquil place for quiet reflection.They are a resource for inspiration and community learning.

A-Z of Churchyard Conservation

This A-Z of churchyard conservation should inform and inspire others. It is reproduced with the permission of 'Caring for God's Acre’, the charity dedicated to the conservation of burial ground for more information and advice. 01588 673041, info@cfga.org.uk"A" is for ANT MoundsChurchyards have become a refuge for the harmless Yellow Meadow Ant, Lasius flavus, because it lives in permanent pasture which has become a rare habitat. The Yellow Ant builds mounds of earth full of passages and galleries in which they rear their brood, feeding them on large numbers of insects. The nests, which can be up to 100 years old, are like icebergs, as much below the ground as above. They are often built against a gravestone, facing the sun, and do not cause any damage.

We would always advocate to leave these nests which add character and diversity to the churchyard. However, should you want to remove them the nest can be moved. If it is just the mound that is in the way then cutting it off at ground level in the winter (not mowing over it in the summer!) will level the ground but not harm the ants who are all in the soil below at that time. If you want to move the whole nest this should be done in summer, in August, after the winged young males and females have left the nest. It should be moved into a sunny spot and not destroyed.Next month: "B" is for Burial & Bees.

SUMMER BUS TO BOVISAND The No. 54 runs to the popular beach of Bovisand, overlooking Plymouth Sound – and this year the season has been extended, giving families even more chance to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.Operated by Target Travel and financially supported by the City Council, the ‘Beach bus’ will run from Saturday, 24th May until Sunday, 14th September. It will run every day during the half term and summer school holidays, with a weekend service during term time.Buses will depart from the A9 stop on Royal Parade every hour from 10am until 6pm (except at 2pm), returning from Bovisand hourly from 10.30am until 6.30pm (except at 1.30pm). 

AS IT WAS . . .

South End of Hooe Lake circa 1955.(Courtesy of Plymouth and West Devon Record Office).

Picture below, as it is now. (photographed by Robin Blythe-Lord)

The concrete posts and railings around the lake were installed in 1940 as part of the road widening by the American forces. Before that the pavement was unguarded.From the left: Hooe Post Office has its blind down while next door to the right Mr Stevens is running his butchers shop. Next door to him is the Mount Batten Social Club. One can see up the road to the Victoria Inn and there are no trees on the roadside bank of the school.There are no houses in the fields behind Hooe School, these belong to Hooe Barton Farm which was at that time run by Jack Ford who leased it from Edith Sherrell.The public toilets were in operation, these had been built in 1950. The pedestrian crossing was opposite the main entrance to Hooe School but would be moved.The picture was taken from Barton Road, then a fairly rough private quarry road, but lined with wild flowers and bushes.Picture 2 ~ South end of Hooe Lake May 2014 from the same position.The dramatic difference is the 1964 infilling of the South end of Hooe Lake to create Hooe Green. Trees have obscured many of the views but one can see the old Post Office, now a private residence. Stevens butchers shop is a guest house and the Mountbatten Social Club has been demolished for housing.One can still see up Hooe road to the Victoria Inn, now closed, and the public toilets are also closed and hidden behind the water treatment pumping station. Many trees soften the area around Hooe School, which has been extended several times now and become a very successful Academy. Behind it the fields of Hooe Farm have been clad in housing. As farmers used to say “Bungalows are an excellent cash crop, but you can only get one harvest per field.”The D-Day memorial stone was a project initiated by Sheila Coleman, George Harte, John Wilson and June Whyte. It was erected by Terry and Alan Roisetter, Builders, on 13th Feb 2004. The plaque on it was made by Eagle Signs, Pomphlett.

-Robin Blythe-Lord

OUT & ABOUT

June 13-15th Barbican International Jazz & Blues Festival alongside the Solitaire du Figaro yacht race.

June 12th Plymouth Area Police Choir. Grand annual concert at Central Methodist Hall. Tickets 01752 510934 & at the door on the night.

June 14th Lord Mayor’s Day. This year’s theme will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the merging of the Three Towns – Devonport, Stonehouse & Plymouth. A spectacular walking parade will leave Plymouth University at 1pm walking through the streeets of the City Centre to the Piazza.

June 15th Dragon Boat Racing is a battle on the water at the Mount Batten Centre. Spectators welcome for a day filled with fun, a BBQ & entertainment.

June 22nd Race for Life. Thousands of ladies are expected to take part in Cancer Research UK’s big annual event.

June 28th Armed Forces Day. Plymouth Hoe from 10am to 5pm. Land, Sea and Air displays. Children’s play area. Youth music and stage entertainment running until 10.30pm featuring a range of acts including the Military Wives Choir.

HELP WANTED URGENTLY 23.by Hooe & Turnchapel Community Association

It is most likely that Terry Stear who for several years has run the Friday night Bingo in the Community Hall will be retiring in June.

A team of about four/five people must be found in the next few days or the Bingo will cease.  There has been a regular Friday night Bingo session in the hall since it was opened in the early 1980’s and it is very much part of the community life in Hooe and Turnchapel. 

HOOE & TURNCHAPEL LADIES GROUP

We meet at the Hooe & Turnchapel Community Centre on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8.00pm. ALL ladies welcome.

Our programme for JUNE 2014 is:-

JUNE 3rd THE DONKEY SANCTUARY - Bob Venn

JUNE 17th MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD - Roz Jones

For further information please contact: -Diane McCarthy (Sec) Tel: 311931

PLYM VALLEY HERITAGE

Next Meeting ~ Thursday 19th June 2014 at 7.30pm in St John’s Hall.

All Welcome. Non-members £3.00.

GUIDED WALKS AT MOUNT BATTEN

Many people turned out for the guided walks that were given by Graham Naylor in May on a Guided history walk of the Mount Batten peninsula. The walks which started at the Mount Batten breakwater covered all aspects of the peninsula from the building of the Mount Batten artillery tower in the 17th century, through shipwrecks, fish factories, pleasure beaches and of course the long period when the peninsula was taken over by the Royal Naval Air Service and then the RAF.The walks which were over two hours long were part of the History Festival which was being held throughout the month of May covering the City.

H ooe’s Place Community Café Thursdays

Open to all Morning Coffee 10.30-11.30am Freshly cooked lunches 11.45am-1.30pm

St John’s Church, Hooe Open every Thursday 10.00am – 2.00pm

Local News

PlymotionThe Plymotion team will be visiting households in Plymstock from Tuesday 27 May as part of the Plymotion on Your Doorstep personalised travel planning programme. The team will initially be working in Turnchapel and Hooe. Before starting work in the community a postcard will be delivered to all households in the area to let residents know the team are ‘on their way’. The postcard gives people the option to opt out of the programme if they don’t want to be involved. Every property in Plymstock, will be visited, excluding those properties who have opted out of the programme or who display a ‘no cold callers’ sticker. Residents will be invited to have a conversation about how they currently travel to see if there is any information or support that can provided on all the journey options available to them.Plymotion will also be holding drop in sessions in the community where people can come and talk to the Plymotion travel advisors

‘Have Your Say’ MeetingsElburton and Dunstone and Goosewell residents will have an opportunity to discuss concerns and local matters with Council representatives, ward councillors and police at neighbourhood meetings in the *Methodist Church in Springfield Road, Elburton on Tuesday 3rd June 2014 at 7.00pm. *New Venue. The Goosewell meeting will be held in Goosewell Primary School on Tuesday 10 June 2014 at 9.30am.

Summer Bus ServicesService 48 Plymouth - Plymstock - Wembury (plus journeys on to Burrator on Sundays)During the summer season (from 25 May until mid September in 2014) one service 48 trip a day will extend from Burrator to Exeter on Sundays and public holidays. This additional journey will see the frequency from Wembury to Burrator changed to run roughly 2 hourly, but will give better travel options for customers. This is at the request of Devon County Council and Plymouth City Council.Service 93

Plymouth - Plymstock - Modbury - Kingsbridge - DartmouthSunday and public holiday timetables are back for the summer season from Sunday 25 May to Sunday 14 September 2014.

Lord Mayor’s DayThe celebrations will take place in the city centre on Saturday 14 June and will be a chance for residents and visitors to celebrate Plymouth's history and meet the new Lord Mayor, Councillor Michael Fox, and to enjoy the carnival atmosphere and entertainment at the city centre piazza.This year's theme will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the merging of the Three Towns - Devonport, Stonehouse and Plymouth.

Sky Ride local rideOn Sundays 29 June, 3 and 31 August from the Propeller Statue, Mount Batten at 2pm.The ride begins with the water taxi from Mount Batten to The Barbican, taking in the Plymouth Hoe then back along Notte Street. The route then continues along the northern edge of Sutton Harbour before proceeding along Sutton Road to link up with the South West Coast Path. The route then crosses the River Plym via Laira Bridge, availing of the cycle path all the way to Radford/Hooe Lakes. After crossing the dam, the route continues along a tree-lined dirt path until it emerges in the Hooe area of the city. From here, the route enters its final, hilly stages through Turnchapel, and on to the finish at Mount Batten.Information on how to take part in the ride it is necessary to register on Sky Ride webpage.

Potholes Again!Amey, Plymouth City Council’s highwaycontractor, is dealing with a backlog of 6,500 potholes after the adverse winter weather. Their first priority has been to repair roads on the city’s strategic network, followed by defects on secondary routes and those reported by members of the public.Alongside these ongoing repairs, work will soon get under way on this year’s full resurfacing programme, which – thanks to funding being brought forward by the Council and extra funding recently announced by Government – will be the most extensive to date.To report a road defect fill in our online form, call 01752 668000 or email plymouth.watchman@amey.co.uk.

The Trading Standards Buy with Confidence approved trader scheme is growing steadily and now has almost 200 members. Businesses range from legal services to gardeners, taxi services to home helps, chiropodists to handymen, driving schools to decorators…in fact the list covers just about every service you might want.

Spring is here and we are all looking to refresh our homes and gardens, please think twice about hiring someone who simply knocks at your door asking for work, consider contacting Plymouth City Council and ask for an up to date list to be sent out to you instead.

Every firm on the list has undergone a rigorous audit of their business including making sure that all employees are CRB checked, insurances are up to date and any complaints are dealt with swiftly and professionally.

Look out for the new logo; you can be sure that anyone displaying the Buy with Confidence logo is trustworthy and willing to go the extra mile for a customer.

For an updated list Call: 01752 304141 Email: trading.standards@plymouth.gov.uk

Note: The deadline date for items for July 2014 Magazine is June 15 th 2014. Our thanks to the Advertisers who sponsor this Magazine.

Advertisements and service quotes do not imply recommendations on the part of the Church.Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor.

Printed & published by St John’s DCC, Hooe, Plymouth UK. © Plymstock & Hooe PCC 2014