Funchal Marine Biology Station Open Night

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 Funchal Marine Biology Station will hold another Open Night on Friday, the 28th of August.

The event, the second Open Night to be held this year, will include a lecture beginning at 21:30 entitled Five Million Years of History in 60 Minutes – A Look at the Origins of Madeira and Its Biodiversity.

The lecture will be presented by biologist Manuel Biscoito, head of Funchal City Council’s Science Division and curator of the Funchal Natural History Museum.

According to Funchal City Council, the presentation will explore the volcanic origins of the Madeira archipelago, the age of its islands and the principal elements of its fauna. It will also examine endemic and introduced species, the origins of the islands’ wildlife and its distinctly European affinities.

Before the lecture, a guided tour of the Funchal Marine Biology Station will take place at 20:00. Booking is required by emailing your interest to: ebmf@funchal.pt.