DiscoverEU Initiative

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 European Commission today opened applications for the 2025 DiscoverEU programme, which offers almost 36,000 train tickets to 18-year-olds across Europe. The deadline ends on the 16th of April.

Selected candidates have the opportunity to travel free of charge by train for 30 days, between the 1st of July 2025, and the 30th of September 2026.

The competition is open to candidates born between the 1st of July 2006 and the 30th of June 2007, residing in the EU and in countries associated with the Erasmus+ programme.

Selected applicants will usually travel by train, but the initiative offers alternative modes of transport, such as ferries and buses, where necessary, and takes into account environmental, time, and distance considerations.

In exceptional cases, and when no other means of transport are available, those travelling will be able to travel by air.

Furthermore, young people living in remote areas or on islands, such as the Azores and Madeira, will also have the opportunity to participate in the DiscoverEU initiative.

Applications can be made through the https://youth.europa.eu/home_en portal. All applicants must register by 12:00 (11:00 Lisbon time) on Wednesday the 16th of April.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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