The Bishop of Crediton had a close encounter with two loan sharks at the Parish Church on Sunday 13 October. The meeting, (by arrangement!) was to highlight Plough and Share Credit Union's new place and opening time: at the Council Offices, every Friday between 1.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m.

Peter Hamilton, a Credit Union volunteer, wrote and directed a piece of street theatre for five local actors which highlighted the dangers of using illegal money lenders, and encouraged people to use the Credit Union.

As well as playing the unusual venue of the Parish Church, the show proved equally popular at the Congregational Church on the same morning. It reached a much wider audience when parts of it were broadcast, with an interview with the Bishop, on the BBC Points West evening news.

People tended to be rather preoccupied with shopping at the two major supermarkets the previous day to pay much attention to the lovingly crafted and impeccably acted piece. But it was a great success at the community market in the Town Square.

Plough and Share currently has an offer for new savers who join at the Council Offices service point: the first 30 new members who save regularly for three months will have £30 added to their account by the England Illegal Money Lending Team.

A member of the team, who investigate and prosecute illegal money lending offences, was in town to keep an eye on their mascot, Glenda the Lender, and encourage people to report real loan sharks on 0300 555 2222.