Saturday in the Park

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 Municipality of Funchal, through the Funchal Ecological Park, presents a new initiative ‘Aos Sábados no Parque,’ (Saturday in the Park), a monthly programme that will run from April to December, which aims to raise the general population’s awareness of the municipality’s natural heritage

“The sessions, led by technicians and researchers, will address topics linked to biodiversity, geodiversity, and local ecosystems.”

The first session will take place on Saturday, the 12th of April, from 10:00 – 13:00, under the theme ‘Hidden Survivor: The Fascinating History of the Eel and Its Ecosystem – A Peixe Nativo da Madeira.’

“This session will feature the participation of researchers Inês Órfão (MARE–ARDITI) and Aracelis Rajnauth (OOM-ARDITI), who will address the biology and the challenges of conservation of this native fish.”

Programme:

10:00 a.m. – Presentation on the eel and the ecosystem of the streams

11:00 am – Visit to Ribeira das Cales and analysis of water quality parameters

12:00 p.m. – Observation of samples in the pedagogical laboratory

With an interactive format, ‘Aos Sábados no Parque’ promotes discovery and enhancement of local ecosystems, intending to provide an outdoor educational experience for all ages.”

Admission to the project is free but places are limited to 25 participants. To join you must register your interest at: https://forms.gle/X5y9LmAT6J2VJ12a9

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com