Only 10% of Cherry Production Saved

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

During a recent Madeira Assembly meeting, Rafael Nunes, (Juntos Pelo Povo – JPP), stated that of the 415 farmers who farm 64 hectares of land devoted to cherry and sour cherry production, only 27 tonnes of fruit will be harvested this year, equating to 10 percent of the annual projected harvest. Furthermore, some farmers crops have been totally decimated this year. In conclusion, he said that 2020 will go down as the worst ever year for cherry production in the region.

The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) representative voiced his opinion that the regional government should conduct a survey as to why 2020 has proved so disastrous for cherry and sour cherry producers, and recommended that an ‘extraordinary programme’ be established to help all those affected, especially those located in Jardim da Serra, Curral das Freiras and Serra d’Água.

A PSD representative stepped in and said that help should also be afforded to the island’s apple and pear farmers.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com