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)

Man O War Washed Up on Beach

By Samantha Gannon on 8th April 2025 9:00 pm

Last updated on 9th April 2025

Dozens of Portuguese man-o-war have been washed ashore at Prainha in Caniçal.

The presence of Portuguese man-o-war has been punctually sighted in recent weeks off the coast of the archipelago of Madeira, but this time, there are a significant number of these jellyfish on local beaches.

The venom of the Portuguese man-of-war is identical to that of the Black Widow Spider, causing severe pain and possible third-degree burns. This can cause scarring and the damage can be permanent.

This type of jellyfish uses its gaseous vesicle to move about. This allows the creature to rise approximately 15 cm above the surface of the water therefore taking advantage of prevailing winds and ocean currents to move about. They are distinguished by their colour which usually is a bluish pink, or purple. Its tentacles can reach up to 50m.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

Published in Atlantic Ocean, Community, Madeira, Nature and NEWS