TUESDAY, October 15 is Okehampton Deanery Day and Mothers' Union members have organised an event in Whiddon Down Village Hall, from 10am until 3pm at which Katie Drew will be guest speaker with 'The Melanesian Mission as her topic.

The mission plays a key role in developing partnerships between those from the Church of Melanesia and the church in the UK. Historically the mission would send missionaries from the UK to work with the church in the region for two years or longer. Today the charity sends people on short term placements from just a few weeks to one to two years.

School twinning or school partnerships are a major project for the mission today. It has schools in Chester, Blackburn and the Exeter Dioceses linked with schools across Melanesia. These enable the children to experience cross cultural learning as well as supporting teachers through learning resources and other skills.

This summer teachers from Devon schools are spending part of their summer break teaching and training Melanesian teachers. Everyone will be made welcome and the cost of the day is £7, including lunch.

For information on tickets, call 01837 55073 or 01647 432250.