IFCN Talk Beetles

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 Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), has started a general public awareness-raising action in Porto Santo.

Manuel Filipe, President of the IFNC, explained that the objective is to explain how the palm beetle (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus or Red Palm Beetle) has attacked so many palm trees in Porto Santo so that the general public can help the IFCN identify stricken trees. Palm weevil larvae can dig holes of up to one metre long, thus weakening the tree.

Support can be provided through an inventory of possibly infected palm trees, in addition to those who have palm trees growing in their gardens to be aware of the devastation caused by the beetle. The aim is to eradicate the beetle from the island.

Manuel Filipe said that the objective is also to continue to talk to the population, enable them to understand early infestation signs, identify the type of beetle they are dealing with, and play an active role in limiting, controlling, and eliminating the deadly bug.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

Photo: JM

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