HELSTON: DARBY-JOAN CLUB: The president, the mayoress (known to most as Debbie) gave a very interesting talk on the history of Helston and the mayoral chains.

She said that Helston was one of the oldest boroughs in Cornwall, dating back to 1003. In 1066, William the Conqueror confiscated all the defeated King's land and William's brother lived in the manor of Helston.

The Black Prince was the first Duke of Cornwall and the first mayor was elected in 1585. Debbie then went on to talk about the mayor's chain, describing each shield, which dates from 1894 to the present day.

Until 1954 Helston had a town crier, the last one being Thomas John Julian, who was remembered by most of the members. His bell and armband can be seen in the museum; the armband gives a date of 1600. Debbie had certainly done a lot of research to give such an interesting talk, which was very much appreciated by the members.

ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH: The celebrant and preacher at Parish Communion was the Rev Dorothy Noakes, assisted by Betty Booker, lay reader, with Peggy Woodcock reading the lesson and Mike Thomas leading the prayers.

In her sermon, the Rev Dorothy talked about values and the difference between making life's goal material wealth and Jesus' way, which is the more that is shared, the more that is gained. As a modern example of this, the Rev Dorothy quoted Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who, filled with love, saw the image of Jesus in every poor person she helped.

Junior Church had a book of promises to help them learn to trust in God.

METHODIST CHURCH: The church was beautifully decorated by the ladies for the harvest festival services, both of which were led by the Rev Margaret Roskilly, one-time minister in Helston, who recently retired from Camborne centenary chapel.

Members of the congregation read the lessons, and Nigel Dower was the organist in the morning, Margaret Bilkey in the evening. On Monday, flowers and produce were taken out to members and friends of the church family who were unable to be there.

LOWERTOWN: METHODIST CHURCH: Sunday's Fellowship was led by Barbara Hill, with lots of participation from the congregation.

The theme of the service was "Who will Jesus love?" and comparisons were discussed concerning the outcasts welcomed by Jesus and how we, as Christians, should welcome those who may be shunned by others today.

On Sunday, Lowertown hosted a Family service for Harvest at 9.30 am.

The Family Service for Harvest was led by David Pascoe, with Janet Hearn as organist. The theme for the sermon was "Giving" and the younger members of the congregation contributed by drawing some lovely harvest pictures.

The service was followed by a buffet lunch for our organists and their families, to thank them for their support through the year.

DEGIBNA: METHODIST CHURCH: the Sunday morning service was conducted by Muriel Wood of Mullion. John Lucas read the lesson. The organist was Joyce Oliver.