22 Madeiran Schools Participate in Fruit Heroes Project

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)

The national project ‘Frutas Heróis (Fruit Heroes),’ developed by the Portuguese Association Against Childhood Obesity aims to increase the number of fruits and vegetables consumed by children, started today in 1,430 educational establishments and 3,649 classes across the country.

According to information from the educational institution, 22 Madeiran schools are participating in the project.

Lisbon has the highest number of registered schools (287), followed by Porto (217), Setúbal (132), Braga (108), Faro (93), Leiria (80), Santarém (74), Aveiro (7 Coimbra (62), Viseu (47), Viana do Castelo (42), Beja (36) and Évora (36), Azores (28), Castelo Branco (24), Portalegre (22) and Madeira (22), Vila Real (20), Guarda (15) and Bragança (13).

Fruit Heroes was officially launched in 2011, and aims to promote the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables in schools.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com