Parish Activities With a congregation of some 130 adults and children attending Mass each Sunday, there are many significant events in the life of our parish. A few of the recent events are highlighted below.

November 2024: Crocus planting On Saturday 2nd November Tavistock Rotary and Parishioners planted a second set of crocus bulbs, to complement the 4,000 bulbs planted a year ago. The planting of crocus is a project operated by Rotary International to highlight their work in funding for the eradication of polio. These bulbs will create a glorious picture next Spring.

October 2024: Harvest Lunch On 12th October 45 parishioners met together for our annual Harvest Lunch, in aid of CAFOD. There was a wonderful aray of hot food, prepared by parishioners, together with desert. The hospitality team worked hard to clean up afterwards. The First Communicants, and other young people sang' read beautiful tracts and talked about the work that CAFOD does. A joyous occasion. The magniciant sum of £409.64 was raised for CAFOD.

October 2024: Walsingham Parishioners from OLA travelled to Walsingham on a 3 day pilgrimage in early October to worship at the National Shrine of our Blessed Lady. Our stay in the centre of this medieval village was celebrated each morning with Mass in the church of Our Lady of the Assumption before embarking on a walk called the ‘The Holy Mile’ to the Slipper Chapel and Basilica. Here, Mass was celebrated at noon followed by Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary and Benediction at 3.00pm. The weather was gloriously sunny and shone on us all to celebrate these 3 days of prayer, friendship and thanksgiving! Our Lady of Walsingham pray for us.

September 2024: Quiz night On 21st September 36 parishioners from both Holy Cross and Our Lady met at the church. The event was organised by Maria, and Graham was quiz master; thanks to both and to Kathy for organisisng teas and coffee. A most enjoyable evening and £239.00 was raised - a magnificent sum to add to the parish maintenance fund.

September 2024: Farewell Sunday 15th September was the day the parish (we the parishioners) said farewll to Fr. Cyriacus, who is moving to a new position within the Diocese. Fr. Cyriacus has been our priest for three years, actively involved in all aspects of the parish, especially the young people. Holy Mass Sunday was very special with Millie singing beautifully, a song composed by Maria. Following Mass the congretation met for a brunch held in the Meeting Room; the Hospitality Group having prepared plates of ham, cheese and fruit. This was followed by a wonderful cake made by Kathy. Fr. Cyriacus, we will miss you and your smile; and wish you well on your new mission.

September 2024: Coffee Morning On 12th September 25 parishioners gathered for a coffee morning hosted by Diane and Peter. It was a thoroughly sociable occasion and all were pleased that Fr. Cyriacus was able to join us; since this is the last event he will be able to attend as Parish Priest, before his move to Saltash mid-September. Tea and coffee were served and there were many cakes, an especially succulent strawberry cream cake made by Kathy. A raffel was held, the draw made by Fr. Cyricaus and the grand sum of £155 was raised.

July 2024: Coffee morning On Friday 5th July there was a coffee morning at the Knightstone Tea Rooms, kindly hosted by Lucy Hayes. The Tea Rooms is the location of the RAF Harrowbeer Archives Educational and Heritage Centre, these archives give the history of the aerodrome during World War II. Many parishioners attended, being served tea, coffee and cakes, and in addition Kathy brought along a wonderful sponge cake. Donations and the raffle brought in the magnificent sum of more than £200.00; thanks to all who attended.

June 2024: Cream tea On the afternoon of Saturday 15th June, Mary and Ian Bell hosted a cream tea for parishioners - thank you Mary and Ian. It was a lovely event attended by some 30 parishioners. The Hospitality Team and other helpers set up gazebos, tables and chairs, and most significantly removed them when all had finished. The scones were great, made by Kathy, Mary B., Mary S. and Ailsa. There was thick clotted cream and plenty of jam; and naturally tea was served. We were very fortunate with the weather; cloudy at first and then the skies cleared. Elsewhere locally there were sharp showers. The cream tea raised £200.00 to add to the growing fund for church maintenance and decoration.

May 2024: Talk On Tuesday 1st May Simon Dell MBE gave a fascinating talk about Conscientious Objectors of the First World War; with the emphasis on the use of Dartmoor Prison that housed them. More than sixty people throroughly enjoyed the talk, full of detail. Simon illustrated his talk with some interesting documents such as letters written by the men, and at times weaved the story around his family. Many thanks to Jane for organising the talk, and to the Hospitality Team for providing refreshments.

April 2024: Concert On Friday 26th April the Levown XII Chamber Choir gave a concert at the church. For the first part of the evening the choir sang Faure's Requiem and following the Interval there was a selection of many works. It was a wonderful evening with an appreciative audience of some 60 attending. During the Interval tea, coffee and wine were served. Many thanks to the Hospitality group for all their hard work.

April 2024 Choir Saturday 6th April the Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir performed at the church. They sang a wide variety of works that were much appreciated by the many parishioners and friends who attended.

March 2024: Easter We were so happy to welcome two new members into the parish. Rachel and Darren joined us during the Easter Vigil, and the picture shows them with parishioners celebrating on Easter Sunday.

March 2024: Lent lunch On Saturday 25th March some 40 parishioners gathered for lunch to socialise and to support the work of CAFOD. Examples of the work of CAFOD were explained and the support our fundraising gives to our brothers and sisters. There were eight delicious soups, all prepared by parishioners, together with french bread; plenty for second helpings. Then to follow there was cheese and buiscuits; teas and coffee. The even was organised by Gill and the hospitality team worked hard to set up (and take down) the tables and chairs. Much hard work contributed to make this lunch a wonderful event; and then there was the clearing up and washing of dishes and plates. The lunch raised a magnificent total of £423.47. Thank you to all who contributed.

March 2024 crocus Following the planting of some 4,000 crocus bulbs last October, on March 8th there was an awareness event to publicise the international work carried out by Rotary and its international partners, to eradicate polio over the past 35 years. Polio has been almost eradicated worldwide but continuous vaccinations are still necessary to ensure this remains the case. The disease is still prevalent in Pakistan, Afganistan and Nigeria. The event was presented by Tavistock Rotary, represented by President Christine Ellis and Rotarian Clive Fairchild and in memory of parishioner Kathy Fairchild. 30 people from Rotary, our church and Kathy's friendship groups attended. We were honoured that the event was supported by Tavistock Town Mayor Councillor Andy Hutton and his Mayoress Sue Hutton. The purple crocus is the international symbol of polio eradication and it represents the purple dye left on childrens' hands after they have been vaccinated. The crocuses will continue to grow and be with us for several more years.

February 2024 Our Sacristan, Damian will soon be leaving us after spending several months assisting Fr. Cyriacus and joining in Parish activities. Mary Bell knitted a number of Twiddle muffs. The picture shows Damian with a member of staff of Blackdown Nursing Home. We will miss Damain and wish him well.

December 2023 birthday celebration Parishioners celebrated Ian Kilpatrick's 90th birthday (13th December) after Holy Mass on Sunday 17th December. There was a lovely cake made by Kathy. Longstanding members of the parish, Ian and Liz arrived in Tavistock in 1965 when Fr. Daly was the Parish Priest.

December 2023 Concert On 10th December our church hosted a performance of Nine Lessons and Carols performed by the wonderful choir, Canoryon Lowen. The Readings were given by parishioners. More than 100 attended the concert, parishioners from Our Lady of the Assumption and Holy Cross, plus neighbours to the church.

December 2023 Over the past few months, the craft group that meet every Tuesday have been knitting hats, gloves and scarfs for adults and children. Some have been delivered to the group who will be part of the convoy travelling to the Ukraine. Others were donated to Blackdown Nursing Home; very much appreciated. Than you to Mary and all the Crafters.

November 2023: Harvest Lunch On 4th November the parish organised its annual lunch; with some 60 parishioners attending. The Hospitality Team had arranged a lovely assortment of ten hot dishes, served in casseroles, made by dedicated members of the parish. The children of the parish performed wonderful song and dance routines, organised by Gill, with all participants at the lunch joining in. In addition to parishioners coming together, the event was held to support CAFOD and its work with those less fortunate. We raised £477.00 - a magnificent achievement - and thanks to everybody.

October 2023: crocus On 28th October a team of volunteers planted some 4,000 crocus bulbs and many daffodil bulbs in the church grounds. The volunteers were members of Tavistock Rotary and parishioners. The crocus bulbs were donated by Tavistock Rotary, as part of their campaign to eradicate Polio, which is still prevalent in Nigera and Afganistan. The daffodil bulbs were generously donated by Ailsa and John Weaver; Anne and Ian Wood. The planting at our church was also a commemoration to Kathy Fairchild. Come Spring the flowers will make a georgous display.

2023 October: Social event For the first Social event for this Autumn, Fr. Kyriel gave a talk on the 18th October to 30 Parishioners. The talk was originally to have been given by Simon Dell MBE, the subject being Dartmoor Prison's Conscience Objectors of the Great War. At the last moment Simon Dell had to cancel as he was taken ill. Fr. Kyriel stepped in at the last moment; giving a talk as to how he became a prisoner of Christ - most interesting. There was a raffle and stalls, tea and coffee and a bite to eat. It was a lovely social event.

2023 September: Heritage Open Days On Saturday 10th and Saturday 16th September we opened our church as part of the HOD events. This allowed visitors from Tavistock and further afield to view our beautiful church.

2023 September Quiz Night On Saturday 9th September the parish held a Quiz night. The event was most successful with some 50 parishioners, fellow parishioners from Holy Cross church, and with friends attending. The Quiz Master was Graham Neal. Kathy, (aided by Jane) managed the teas and coffee at the interval; whilst Mary Bell organised the raffle. In total £305 was raised.

2023 August: Golden wedding On 27th August Maria and Graham Neal celebrated their golden wedding anniversary; with the parishioners joining in the celebrations. Kathy had made a beautiful and delicious cake, so following the Service all gathered for tea and coffee.

2023 Summer BBQ On Saturday 18th August Kathy invited parishioners to a BBQ at her house - thank you Kathy for hosting the event. Thank you also Maria and the team who organised, and to Sean for cooking an excellent meal that included home made burgers and Kebabs. There were more than 20 parishioners there who enjoyed the afternoon and the rain did not fall! Another successful parish event.

June - July 2023: Craft group The latest project has been the knitting of 'twiddle' muffs specifically designed for patients with dementia. The patients put them on their laps, place their hands inside, and as they move their hands the bells etc on the muffs make sounds. One of the team took the finished muffs, plus one lap blanket, to Spring House Care Home where they were received by the Deputy Manager and one of the nurses.

Tavistock Festival 2023 In April, as part of Tavistock Festival 2023 three concerts were held at our church; chosen because of its acoustic qualities. The first, on Saturday 22nd April featured Mount Kelly Choral Society singing Faure's Requiem and works of Vaughan Williams. On Wednesday 26th Calstock's Big Jazz Choir performed and on Friday 28th April Mount Kelly Chamber Choir (UK School School Choir 2019-2021) sang choral music from across the centuries.

October-December 2022 Every Tuesday a group of parishioners meet at the the church for a 'cuppa and a chat'. Whilst there work is done, for example knitting woolen hats and gloves for seament who visit our ports; working with Stella Maris. The previoue two Tuesdays, being Advent, there was a Christmas card session and this last Tuesday a wreath making session. The church of Our Lady participates in conjunction with other church in Tavistock, in the warm room exercise. This is where during this time of very high energy costs, people can come in for companionship and warmth.

November 2022: Quiz night On Saturday 19th November the parish hosted its first quiz night since the end of the pandemic. More than 40 attended and £420.00 was raised. Many thanks to Maria and Graham for organising, and to all who helped to make the evening an enjoyable event.

October 2022: Harvest Lunch On Saturday 15th October the parish held a lunch as a celebration and to assist in fund raising for CAFOD. It was a memorable event, with more than 60 attending, the parish being joined by members of our sister parish, Holy Cross. The hot food, prepared by parishoners comprised some eight different casseroles followed by deserts. Prior to the lunch, the young people of the parish gave readings, sang and led us in a prayer. Many, many thanks to all those of worked so hard to make the Lunch a success, from erecting the tables, to cooking the food through to washing up.

October 2022: Retreat at Buckfast Abbey On Saturday 15th October many parishioners from Our Lady of the Assumption and Holy Cross attended a retreat Day at Buckfast Abbey. The Retreat was an introduction to the life of St. Francis de Sales, led by a priest from the Cathedral. He discussed devotion in every profession and walk of life. We were made aware of the meaning of devotion.

September 2022: First Communion On 25th September two of our our young parishioners celebrated their first Holy Communion; a proud day for their parents. A large congregation attended Mass and applauded the celebrants. Kathy baked a wonderful cake which was shared by all.

September 2022: Confirmation Sunday 11th September, we celebrated the Confirmation of our young people of the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, Tavistock and Holy Cross Yelverton. There was a full church and we prayed for the children and their families as they continued on their journey in the Catholic faith.

September 2022: Heritage Open Days On the two Saturdays of 10th and 17th September the church participated in Heritage England's annual event. This enables listed properties not usually open to the public to be viewed. The church was open from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm and Parishioners welcomed visiors who wished to enjoy the beauty of this Grade II* Listed building. Refreshments were served. Amongst those visiting the church was a someone who in all probability has been a member of the parish longer than anyone else.

August 2022: Cream tea On Sunday 20th August, at her house Kathy hosted a cream tea for more than 20 parishioners. Earlier parishioners has erected a large marquis which provided welcome shelter when the occasional drop of rain visited us. The scones were wonderful, the jam was made by Kathy's grandaughter and there was plenty of clotted cream; all served by Kathy and her family.

August 2022: 15 years a priest On Thursday 18th August Mass was held at Holy Cross church, Yelverton to celebrate the 15th anniverary of Fr. Cyriacus' ordination; attended by parishioners of both Holy Cross and Our Lady of the Assumption, Tavistock. Following Mass there was a BBQ in the grounds of the church, where all had a great time. Thanks to all those who who provided food and worked hard to make the event so successful.

June 2022: Platinum Jubilee Our Platinum Jubilee celebrations were very well attended last weekend and we were very lucky to have lots of visitors joining us at Church. We had visitors from France and our local care home and everyone enjoyed refreshments after Mass. This was made extra special with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem and a Prayer to the Queen.

May 2022 Choral Music As part of Tavistock Festival 2022 a concert of Choral Music featuring Mount Kelly Chamber Choir and Levowan XII was held on Friday 6th May. More than 250 people attended a wonderful evening of singing.

April 2022 Walk for Hunger During Lent the two parishes of Holy Cross and Our Lady have been raising funds for CAFOD's specific appeal "Walk for Hunger". One special activity took place on Palm Sunday when parishioners from Holy Cross walked from Yelverton to Horrabridge; whilst a group from Our Lady walked from Tavistock to Horrabridge. The weather was just right for walking; everyone enjoyed themselves and as a bonus, a friendly lama appeared! Funds were collected using a JustGiving page. In addition a special collection was held and todate some £650.00 has been raised.

March 2022 Parish Lunch On Saturday 19th March a lunch was held by the parish. There were seven delicious soups, all prepared by members of the parish. In addition there was bread and cheese, plus desserts - all were well fed and there was soup to spare. In all nearly sixty people came and enjoyed the lunch. Our thanks to Gill for organising the day and to the hard work of her helpers. The children who are currently taking instruction for Confirmation participated and read prayers for those suffering in Ukraine.

March 2022 Stella Maris There are three small ports in Plymouth where Ann Donnelly, Stella Maris representative, visits as part of their support. Ladies in the parish have knitted hats and gloves for these seamen. Picture of hats and mitts that are soon to go off to Ann.

March 2022 Lenten lunch On Wednesday 9th March it was the turn of our church to host the event. There was a very good turnout - some 40 people attended from different local churches. Fr Cyriacus delivered a reflection on the significance of Lent and how we must all pray, fast and give alms to the poor. Obviously the people of the Ukraine were uppermost in people's minds. There was a collection that raised more than £300.00. This money will be added to the collections from the other Lent lunches; and will be split between the Catalyst worker at Tavistock College, Afgan refugees and Ukrainian refugees. It was a wonderful opportunity for those involved with TACT to meet together for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic and great to be able to open our doors for a large social gathering. Many thanks to Liz Moles and her team for organising the event, their hard work in preparing the room, serving the food and clearing up afterwards.

December 2021 Third Sunday of Advent On the third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Mark O'Toole celebrated Mass and then presented the Diocesan Medal of St. Boniface to Guiseppina Pelosi, known to all as Nina. Co-celebrants were Fr. Cyriacus and Canon Laurence Pelosi, nephew of Nina. Parishioners gathered following Mass and sampled a wonderful cake baked by Kathy.

November 2021: Parish Lunch On Saturday 6th November we held our Parish Lunch, with more than 40 parishioners attending. This was the first communal gathering since the start of the pandemic, and all were pleased that we could get together again. There were many hot dishes, beautifully prepared and hot puddings - the apple pie was a definite favourite. A collection was held on behalf of CAFOD with more than £300 donated through the generosity of the parishioners.

September 2021 First Communion Lucia, Tom and Mary celebrated their First Holy Communion on 5th September; Fr. Cyriacius officiating. There were 97 parishioners and friends of the family attending with the fathers reading the lessons. A joyous occasion with a beautiful cake baked by Kathy offered to all at the gathering after Mass.

August 2021 Parish BBQ The BBQ was held on 15th September by the two parishes of Tavistock and Yelverton. This was to celebrate Fr. Martin's 50th birthday and 20 years as a priest. Some 70 parishioners attended.

February 2021: Walking for Water For Lent this year CAFOD are raising money to help supply clean water to those without easy access. This will be through a sponsored "Walk for Water" on Saturday 20th February, when parishioners will commit to walking a certain distance with sponsorship. Social distancing guidlines relating to Covid-19 were followed. To the end of February Walkers and Sponsors have raised £725.00; an impressive achievement.

March 2020: Weekend Retreat In the weekend of 14th and 15th March, five young Confirmation candidates and their Catechists had a wonderful retreat weekend in Fowey. * We prayed in Fr. Robbie's chapel * Walked the coastal path with Fr. Martin * Discussed and developed our faith * Explored our understanding of the Holy Spirit through art And had fun

October 2019: Creation Mass Pope Francis reminds us that our earth was here before us and it has been given to us freely, not to exploit, but to care for. We need to reimagine our common home - a precious gift given to us by God. Tavistock parish, by coming together for a Creation Celebration of Mass, gave thanks for the gift of God’s creation – a gift we are invited to enjoy together. The young people of the parish were active participants in the celebration; and those who are on their Confirmation journey were presented to the parish and each given a prayer partner from the congregation

October 2019: Harvest Lunch On Saturday 11th October, a Lunch was held for parishioners and to support CAFOD. The event was the first to fully use the new Community Facilities and was attended by more than 60 people. The Lunch was organised by Gill and her team; and the children played a very active role. Lunch comprised many casseroles, cheese & biscuits and plenty of desserts. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Family Fast Day, Harvest Lunch and who returned their collection money boxes. We raised a fantastic total of £850.75 which is currently on its way to CAFOD to be distributed to areas of great need.

July 2019: Community Facilities On the 28th July the new rooms at the west end of the church were deemed complete; a wonderful addition to the parish. Fr. Martin blessed the facilities, dedicated to St. Joseph which maintained the link with St Joseph's church in Gunnislake. After Mass the parishioners celebrated with a great array of cakes; the centre piece being a beautiful cake baked and iced by Ailsa

April 2019: Choral concert On Sunday 28th April 2019 the parish was closely involved with the Tavistock Festival 2019 though hosting a Choral Concert. The two choirs were the pupils of Mount Kelly Chamber Choir and Levowan XII, both giving a memorable performance. More than 50 people attended and thoroughly appreciated the concert by both choirs. Afterwards refreshments were served by parishioners.

December 2018: Nine Lessons and carols An appreciative audience listened to, and partook in, this traditional service led by Canticorum. The singing was beautiful and the readings given by members of the congregation and members of other Tavistock churches. More than 50 people enjoyed the evening and then stayed afterwards for tea, coffee and mince pies.

December 2017: Nine Lessons and Carols On Saturday 16th December an appreciative audience listened to, and partook in, this traditional service led by Canticorum. The singing was beautiful and the readings given by members of the congregation and members of other Tavistock churches. More than 50 people enjoyed the evening and then stayed afterwards for tea, coffee and mince pies.

October 2017: Harvest lunch On Saturday 7th October parishioners gathered at the church to celebrate the harvest; with all proceeds raised to assist in the work of CAFOD. Some 40 people first enjoyed a short play by the First Communicants that described the help CAFOD gives to poor farmers, to help them to grow more and better crops. Then it was time for the meal, food and drink being provided by parishioners.

March 2017: Lenten Lunch On Saturday 18th March some 50 parishioners and friends attended a Lunch at the church. The event was organised by Hannah, the CAFOD representative for the Parish; all proceeds from Donations and the activities to be donated to CAFOD. Hannah was supported by a large team of volunteers, six wonderful homemade soups being the highlight of the meal. The Parish Youth Group were active, passing out food and helping to tidy up afterwards. A joyous occasion.

October 2016: visit to Lourdes Two parishioners (Maria and Graham) visited the Shrine of Our Lady; attending Mass given in English, one service lead by an Indian priest and the second by an Australian priest. They participated in the candlelight procession around the sanctuary, the event is shown on the Lourdes webcam every night.

September 2016: CAFOD James, one of our younger parishioners, has been the parish CAFOD representative for the past few years. He has been very successful in bringing CAFOD closer to Tavistock parish and in raising funds. As a result, and having just graduated from University, James is now on a one year placement at the Lancaster branch of CAFOD. Part of his assignment will be to travel to Cambodia for 3-4 weeks to see projects supported by CAFOD’s partner organisations. In addition to working for and gaining his Geography Degree, James was presented with the Plymouth Award certificate for the hundreds of hours of volunteering work he did over the four years. The parish congratulate James on his achievements and wish him well for his future.

July 2016: Fr. John's 60th birthday On Saturday 23rd July Fr. John Greatbatch celebrated his 60th birthday, and his 5th year as Parish Priest. This joyous event commenced with Mass con-celebrated by Fr. John and his friends Fr. David Lashbrooke and Fr. Colin Furness. There were some 60 parishioners attending together with members of the Ordinariate parish of St. Austell. The congregation was pleased to welcome Assistant Curate Steve Martin of the parish church of St. Eustachius. Fr. John was presented with the gift from the parishioners of a Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Then followed a 'birthday' lunch, the food being provided by members of the congregation.

April 2016: Confirmation On the 24th April five young parishioners were Confirmed by Bishop Mark O'Toole. It was a joyous occasion for the proud parents and the whole congregation. The service followed many weeks of preparation by the five young people, this culminating in the Retreat at Fowey in February. Mass was followed by a buffet when all could relax, pose for pictures, and talk with Bishop Mark.

March 2016: Pilgrimage to Lourdes The pilgrimage to Lourdes took place late March when eight children were taken under the auspices of HCPT (Hosanna House & Children’s Pilgrimage Trust); James looking after a seven year old boy. The theme for the week was Thanks Be To God. Thanking God for the opportunity to change children’s lives. The week started with Mass on Easter Sunday with frequent visits to the Grotto across the week. The torchlight procession took place on the Tuesday evening and the Trust Mass took place on Thursday morning with over 5,000 people attending. Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nicholls as it was HCPT's 60th Jubilee year.

March 2016: Lenten Lunch On Thursday 10th March the parish hosted a Lunch, with donations contributing to the parish commitment to CAFOD. More than 40 parishioners and visitors attended, with a shared lunch of bread and cheese provided by a dedicated group of volunteers. The event was hosted by James, Gill and Fr. John. On the day £266 was raised with a further £386 donated through the Family Fast Day the previous week.

February 2016: Retreat for Confirmation Candidates During the weekend of 26th to 28th February five Candidates spent the weekend at Fowey; in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. The five young parishioners were accompanied by Fr. John, Gill and Monica. There were three elements to the Retreat. The first was to have an awareness of self; relationship with God and other people. Then followed Reconciliation to God, self and other people. The final part was Rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. The five prepared their own Mass, celebrated by Fr. John. They practiced the hymns they chose themselves, and wrote the Bidding Prayers. In between there were physical activities including an early morning walk and the next day a long walk alongside the sea.

October 2015: Harvest Supper On the 3rd October the annual parish Harvest Supper was held, and for the first time the event took place in our church. In addition to celebrating the fruits of the harvest, the focus of the Supper was the work of CAFOD in Africa. Some 50 parishioners joined together for a wonderful evening; all the food (the main meal and the desert) was provided by parishioners. Ailsa brought her home-baked Harvest Loaf, a lovely sheath of corn complete with harvest mouse. We were fortunate to be joined at our meal by Simon Giarchi, Regional coordinator for CAFOD and he was accompanied by Michel, CAFOD's agent working in Niger. After the meal Michel gave a short talk, accompanied by slides, describing some of the activities he was undertaking. The first of six pictures shows Simon, Michel and Fr. John; with Michel flanked by Gill and James, the parish representative for CAFOD. The Harvest Supper and the CAFOD family fast day together raised more than £800 - a magnificent sum of money.

September 2015: Heritage Open Day Come September each year, the parish participates in the countrywide Heritage Open Day. Buildings of note throughout the country are open for visitors and their presence is listed on the Heritage website. So on 12th September, the parish Youth Group were in attendance, helping to show visitors around the church, and explain the features which make the church of Our Lady a Grade II* Listed Building

December 2014: Christmas concert On Sunday 14th December Canoryon Lowen, accompanied by the Liskeard Chamber Ensemble, presented an evening of Christmas Carols and music by Haydn. Canoryon Lowen gave a performance of Midwinter Cantata, a composition by Nick Hart. The excellent acoustics of our church enabled the wonderful sounds to be appreciated to the full. A wonderful evening, full of enjoyment.

September 2014 Heritage Open Day Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours. This year Tavistock focused on the Dukes of Bedford and selected four iconic building. One such building was our church, built by the Duke of Bedford for the miners who worked in the Great Consoles copper mines. Many people, not only from Tavistock, enjoyed their visit, made memorable by members of the Youth Group who shephered them around. The picture to the right is of the church in 1880, not long after it was constructed.

December 2013 - Christmas Concert On Friday 20th December at 7:30 pm the two choirs of Canticorum and Canoryon Lowen presented an evening of Christmas Carols and Readings. The excellent acoustics of our church enabled the wonderful sounds to be appreciated to the full. Canoryon Lowen gave a performance of Midwinter Cantata, a new composition by Nick Hart. A wonderful evening, full of enjoyment.

October 2013 - CAFOD This year CAFOD had a high profile in the Parish, thanks to the organisation and hard work by James and Chris; the Parish representatives. This work, and the generosity of parishioners, bought the total money raised to more than £370.00

September 2013 - Harvest Festival Saturday 28th September some 40 parishioners from the three communities of St Austell, Callington and Tavistock gathered at the Church of Our Lady Of Victories for the Supper. Ailsa and her Team had prepared an excellent supper, with parishioners all contributing plates, and Ailsa herself preparing the Harvest Loaf. Donations were made to the Callington Food Bank. A high point of the evening was Fr John's famous Quiz!

May 2013 - Confirmation Eight members of the parish were Confirmed by Bishop Christopher; who celebrated Mass on this, Ascension Sunday. It was a most joyous occasion; a fitting climax to eight months of preparation. In addition to the formal structure of Confirmation, the young parishioners read, mimed and sang their committment to the faith.

Easter 2013 Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Two of our younger parishioners, Dave Dadongong and James Ronan, went for eight days in a group organised by HCPT. Each had been assigned to support a disabled child; and had previously met them to establish a rapport. First, however, they raised the money to pay for the cost of the pilgrimage. So successful were they, and so supportive were parishioers and others, enough money was raised for there to be some remaining to start a fund for next year's pilgrimage.

May 2012: Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan Flores de Mayo is an annual and traditional religious Filipino festival celebrated throughout the Philippines during the month of May in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Santacruzan depicts the searching and finding of the Holy Cross by Empress Helena. This year these festivals were held in Plymouth on Sunday 6th May. This was a wonderful day and the Mass in the Cathedral a reminder of the cultural and international wealth of the Catholic church. The organisers would like to thank all those parishioners who supported it and those who gave so much of their time to make is a success.

August 2011: World Youth Day, Madrid World Youth Day is a youth-oriented Catholic Church event and whilst the event itself celebrates the Catholic faith, the invitation to attend extends to all youth, regardless of religious convictions. WYD is celebrated every two to three years at different locations; and this year the venue was Madrid and it is estimated that some two million attended the week long celebrations. The most emphasized and well known traditional theme is the unity and presence of numerous different cultures. Flags and other national declarations are displayed amongst people to show their attendance at the events and proclaim their own themes of Catholicism. Such is usually done through chants and singing of other national songs involving a Catholic theme.

May 2011: Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan This festival was celebrated at the church of Our Lady of Victories, Callington by the Filipino Community here in the South West. Parishioners came from Callington, Tavistock, Plymouth, Launceston, Looe, Polperro and other parts of Cornwall and Devon

June 2010 : English Heritage Award Through its "Heritage at Risk" programme English Heritage recognises that congregations have a crucial role to play in looking after places of worship. We are pleased to say that for 2010 the winning place for the South West Region was the church of Our Lady and St Mary Magdalen. In June of that year , the South West Regional Director, Andrew Vines came to our church to present the award; in the presence of parishioners and the Mayor of Tavistock.

January 2010: Celebration of Santo Nino The Festival of Santo Nino took place on the 17th January. The Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival honours the Child Jesus, known as the Santo Nino (Holy Child), who is patron of the city of Cebu. This event had special significance for Filipinos living in the Plymouth diocese. The Festival commenced with a procession, which demonstrates the history of Christianity coming to the Philippines, and started from the town centre and finished at the Church, the procession being met by Bishop Christopher who was the Chief Celebrant at the Mass which followed.

2010: Beatification of Cardinal Newman Visit to Birmingham for Beatification of Cardinal Newman by His Holiness Pope

June 2009: Confirmations Confirmation of 15 young parishioners by Bishop Christopher Budd