News and views August 2018

Keeping you in the loop.

Go offline and reconnect with your family at Penrose Kitchen

In a bid to urge families to reconnect during the holidays, there will be no access to public WiFi at Penrose Kitchen throughout the summer. Enjoy your food without the hassle of being bombarded with emails and encourage your kids to look up from their phones and take in the beautiful surroundings of the water gardens. Offering a refreshing break from screens that you didn’t even know you needed, the ‘ban’ on technology has been put in place to promote good old-fashioned quality time, without your concentration being dominated by technology. The kids can explore the gardens and parents can sit back and relax with a glass of wine, without constant work interruptions. You’ll have no option other than to enjoy your tranquil surroundings and savour good food and good company, the old-fashioned way.

For more information call 01872 225697 or visit www.penrosekitchen.co.uk

Be brave and step outside the box with Interiora

Too often we choose the safe option when picking out tiles for our bathroom, and unsurprisingly this usually leads to a generic finish. So why not break away from the norm and introduce a pattern tile? Interior Designer Charlotte Hall tells us: “A pattern can transform a space, making it much more dynamic and vibrant. You can even pick out colours that match other products, tying it all together and creating that one off look.” Over the last few years, patterned tile production has really taken off and there are a whole host of designs to choose from. So, get down to Interiora today and choose a tile that will give your bathroom that individual and bespoke look you’ve been looking for.

For more information call0800 0385353 or visit www.interiora.co.uk

St Austell’s hidden gem

Tidily tucked away in a corner of St Austell’s town square is Mr Small’s Cornish Taphouse, a drinker’s paradise just waiting to be discovered. This wonderful venue is discreet in its appearance and subtle in its approach, offering stylish and comfortable surroundings in which visitors can enjoy a huge range of local drinks. Labelled as a micropub and coffee house, Mr. Small’s brings together two local offerings under the same roof being both a café and a beer, gin, wine and cider bar.  In addition, it also boasts an impressive craft bottle shop, allowing visitors to take home local drinks as well as jams, teas, oils, gift packs and the like.  If that wasn’t enough, they’ve even managed to fit in a small art gallery displaying local artists’ work.

For more information call 07836 776003, visit www.cornishtaphouse.com or Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Trying to find the perfect balance when drinking on holiday

It’s easy to start drinking a lot more when we’re on holiday; we’re relaxed, unwinding and we don’t have to go to work in the morning! So, instead of holding back from that extra gin and tonic we’ll happily indulge. Although there’s no real problem
at this point, drinking more can start to snowball. Regain Recovery founder Gerri Creedon tells us: “If you’re on holiday with family members and notice that they’re drinking more than is healthy, don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Although difficult to admit, if you do notice that you (or a loved one) are drinking in an unhealthy way, the team at Regain Recovery are there to offer support for you and your family and start the process of regaining a balanced life.

For more information call 01237 405200 or visit www.regainrecovery.com

Fight the fleas this summer with help from Regent Court Veterinary Practice

Cornwall’s mild, warm climate attracts thousands of holidaymakers every year but unfortunately it also attracts fleas. For pets, fleas present a number of issues… most obviously, irritated skin and scratching. Regent Court Veterinary Practice urges pet owners to take immediate action if a live flea is spotted, before an epidemic in the home occurs, emphasising that treating the environment and not just your pet is key to successful elimination. To fully rid your house of fleas, you need to break the lifecycle from egg to larva and on to flea, which can only be done through preventative treatments. As vets dealing with this issue, the Regent Court team recommend prescription flea products as the best, and sometimes only way to overcome a flea invasion. Why not book a free parasite check with them? For all prescribed flea treatments you can get 10% off by simply producing this article!

For a flea elimination strategy visit www.regentcourtvets.com

Holiday home tips

In an ongoing series of holiday home tips, we hear how to calculate and maximise your holiday home earnings from George at Cornish Traditional Cottages.

George explains: “If the crux of your holiday home purchase is return on investment, you’ll want a fairly detailed spreadsheet to factor in the costs I’ve mentioned already! However, it’s possible to do some quick calculations to assess whether holiday home letting is for you.” George emphasises that it’s important to research peak and low season rental rates of similar properties, as well as the average occupancy for each period so that you can get an idea of the kind of return you can expect.

Next, you need to access comparable properties based on: number of bedrooms, property type, location, special features, quality of décor and any additional luxurious factors, as all of these can impact on your home’s rental rate.

Furthermore, it’s important to understand the difference in rates between weekend and weekday stays, as weekend stays are usually more expensive. Restrictions on short breaks during peak season are also a good idea because it means you can maximise the income potential by limiting the number of changeovers – so you don’t have to spend time and money cleaning your property and getting it ready for new guests.

So, there you have it, make sure to research how much similar properties charge during the various seasons, see what extras could bump up your rates and promote longer stays in peak seasons to reduce changeover days!

For more information call 01208 893980 or visit www.corncott.com

Introducing the new luxury lodge at Trecombe Lakes

Set in a magical woodland and lakeside location near Falmouth and the Helford river, Trecombe Lakes is the perfect setting for a unique holiday in Cornwall.

Newly completed this spring is the first of six luxury Eco Lodges overlooking one of the seven beautiful lakes. Slightly larger and more modern than the other lodges, its cedar exterior and natural, stylish interior made from premium birch is designed with style, comfort and strong green credentials. Sleeping six with one double bedroom, a cosy mezzanine sleeping area for children and a sofa bed.

It also features a compact yet beautiful kitchen, a toilet and shower-room, underfloor heating and log burner; there’s even a stunning contemporary Swedish hot tub on the decking outside!

For more information call 01326 211850 or visit www.trecombe-lakes.co.uk

An open-air miracle not to be missed!

This month, award winning Miracle Theatre unpacks Chekov’s bittersweet comedy about a once-wealthy family, whose idleness and extravagance have brought them to the brink of bankruptcy. Bill Scott’s new adaptation treads a tragicomic tightrope, bringing out all the humour and pathos of Chekov’s masterpiece, which, more than a century after it was written is still as popular as ever. Miracle’s open air productions have become a ‘must-do’ activity and pop up in unexpected and extraordinary places around Cornwall, including gardens, beaches, castles and clifftops. Audiences of all ages can enjoy the open-air experience but make sure to bring along something comfortable to sit on and some snacks for a night of theatre under the stars! Advanced booking is highly recommended!

To book tickets & more information visit www.miracletheatre.co.uk or call HFC Box Office 01872 262466

Introducing the Essa Collection nautical range

When you’re by (or on) the sea, giving a nautical kick to your wardrobe is an absolute must, so make sure to head to Essa Collection in Porthleven to embrace the sailor in you. Cosy and comfortable long-sleeved striped tops await, perfect to keep you warm as you cruise on your boat. Check out the dresses as well, because although they may not be quite so practical for the boat, they’re perfect for wandering around our coastal towns and stopping for a spot of lunch. The beauty of Essa clothing is that lots of items have been sourced from exotic countries, meaning the fabrics are light and loose fitting, perfect for summer. Our favourite combo from the nautical range, however, has got to be the striped shirt coupled with a chunky bead necklace.

For more information call 01326 572236 or visit www.essacollection.com

Introducing ASI, surfing and SUP education for instructors

Change your career or gain extra income by becoming an ASI surfing or SUP instructor.

ASI is the world’s international governing body for instructors and schools with its head office in Bondi Beach, and UK office right here in Hayle, Cornwall. ASI instructor courses are delivered in Cornwall, across the UK and worldwide, and are recognised as the world’s finest.

Work in Cornwall or travel the world; with ASI you’ll love your role as an instructor. You can also become an ASI accredited surf or SUP school, with ASI offering the world’s leading school accreditation scheme and regulations to ensure safe and quality operations. Find instructor courses and ASI schools on the ASI website.

For more information visit www.academyofsurfing.com

Tips to help sell your home from Philip Martin

Sean Johnston, Partner at Philip Martin Estate Agents suggests de-cluttering. “But don’t depersonalise. Get rid of excess stuff but leave some personality, as people are often buying a lifestyle as much as a property. Freshen it up too. Giving your walls a fresh coat of neutral paint will make your home seem lighter and bigger – buyers often want to use the rooms immediately.”

He also suggests making repairs to holes, cracks and any other blemishes that come as part of everyday living. “Next, clean! Clean everything until it sparkles and get rid of any odours. Bad smells are the biggest turn off for prospective buyers.” And, while you’re tidying, be sure to do the garden. “Cut back bushes, clean the patio and cut the grass. It helps buyers visualise themselves using the space.”Finally, choose a good estate agent and let them show the property. “It’s more comfortable for potential buyers.”

For more information call 01872 242244 or visit www.philip-martin.co.uk

Milestone achieved for Colourfence Cornwall!

After a particularly harrowing winter, many residents throughout the Duchy have realised the benefits of enlisting Colourfence Cornwall to install its award-winning fencing and, owner Olly tells us: “We’re delighted to have now installed 500 fences throughout the region!”

Made of lightweight steel, fences from Colourfence now come with a 25-year guarantee, and they really are the perfect solution when it comes to withstanding Cornwall’s unruly winter weather! Olly continues: “We’ve had a number of projects where we’ve been asked to adjoin more fencing to existing Colourfences installed just under a decade ago”, proof that it really is built to last!

For more information call 01840 537 547 or visit www.colourfencecornwall.co.uk

Cornwall Hospice Care extends its community reach

Cornwall Hospice Care has launched a new service in Bude called ‘Open House’. The aim is to offer support for those coping with terminal illnesses nearer to their home. The service is volunteer-led, providing a listening ear and informed advice and signposting to support services. As with all the care offered by this fantastic Cornish charity, the Open House is free.

The first Open House launched at the Neetside Community Centre, Bude on 14th June and now runs every Thursday from 1pm to 4pm. Gina Starnes, Cornwall Hospice Care’s Community Engagement Project Manager tells us: “Open House offers a safe and friendly place for people to talk about their situation. It branches out from our Neighbourhood Hub project, as part of our wider reach in to the community.

“By opening services in the community and collaborating with other organisations, we believe many more can be supported by our charity.”.

For more information visit www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk

Reap the benefits of your very own spa

Whether it’s just soaking away your troubles as the sun goes down, or enjoying a much-needed spot of hydrotherapy to soothe your muscles after a workout, soaking in a hot tub offers a surprising number of health benefits.

The OC Spas team have a number of clients with differing conditions who gain a lot of relief from hydrotherapy. Indeed, whether you need help de-stressing, suffer from insomnia and need something to relax your body, or you have back pain or arthritis, there are a number of therapeutic benefits that you can enjoy as a hot tub owner. A recent study has even shown that sufferers of  Type 2 Diabetes experienced a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and improved sleep after 30 minutes a day in a spa!

If you think you could benefit from your own spa, OC Spas has an impressive range of luxury hot tubs, plus all the accessories and maintenance products you’re likely to need.

For more information call 01872 575 333 or visit www.ocspas.co.uk

From bras to Bees; 50 years in the making

When their lingerie factory closed 50 years ago, Brian with late wife, Pat, took up beekeeping running 400 hives. Using their manufacturing skills they created the BJ Sherriff beekeeping apparel with a fencing type veil.

Brian and daughter, Angela continue to design, cut and sew near Mylor, producing a collection of high-end protective clothing.

The range features their unique ClearView™ veil and uses fabrics and components sourced as locally as possible, solely within the UK.

Brian tells us: “Our team are passionate about customer care and proud to supply clothing which has been expertly hand crafted by local machinists.”

Specialising in standard, bespoke, made to measure overall protection BJ Sherriff’s Starter Kit is a firm favourite with beginner beekeepers, so if you want to encourage the stability of the world’s bee population, be sure to kit yourself out with proven protection from this globally recognised company that’s grown right here in Cornwall.

For more information visit www.bjsherriff.com

Create your own private PODS with help from PODS Cornwall and Cornish Landscaper

If you need that little bit of extra space for a growing family, an office, den, or studio, consider the option of creating a bespoke outdoor room. PODS Cornwall and sister company, Cornish Landscaper create outdoor spaces tailored to your requirements, allowing you to move your office outside so that you have more space within your home. PODS stands for Perfect Offices Dens and Studios giving you an idea of the kind of spaces you could create with the help from the Cornish Landscaper. Your pod could even become another TV room to watch movies, or a playroom for the kids – the possibilities are endless.

Owner Jon explains: “With our PODS what we achieve is perfection, we offer a unique service of a completely turnkey product and can provide as much or as little landscaping as you require, allowing your pod to merge seamlessly with your garden design.” The CAD visualisation techniques that Jon and his team utilise also allow
you to see a realistic representation of your pod before building has even commenced so that you can envisage the finished product and work with the team to create the perfect space for you. No matter how big or small your garden is; there’s a pod design that will fit for you.

For PODS Cornwall email info@podscornwall.co.uk  or visit www.podscornwall.co.uk
For Cornish Landscaper call 07885 253954 or visit www.cornishlandscaper.co.uk

Kneehigh Theatre  is breaking the rules (again)

Opening the Asylum theatre festival at the Lost Gardens of Heligan is Ubu Karaoke, a surreal anarchic play about a deranged, dangerous figure of authority…

Kneehigh will tell this timeless – yet well-timed – story through music and performance. The play is surprisingly democratic, as you’re not just watching… you’re living it, and you will get your say! Director Mike Shepherd tells us: “Together we’ll create uproar, we’ll shout out to the world, and we’ll laugh and celebrate that we’re in this together.”

With audience favourite Katy Owen, and the cleverness of Niall Ashdown, backed by the creative team of Dead Dog in a Suitcase and The Tin Drum, the Kneehigh crew are redefining theatre and the world we live in, and they’re inviting you to be a part of it.

For more information and to book tickets call 01872 262466 or visit www.kneehigh.co.uk

Family fun, fitness and wellbeing with Spyrys Spas and Hot Tubs

Owning a hot tub can bring so much more to your garden or outdoor space. When hosting a barbeque for family and friends a spa provides that extra level of fun and relaxation, offering a great place to socialise and make the most of your time together under the summer sun. With the school holidays looming, a hot tub can bring hours of fun for all the family, enjoy quality time with your children – they’ll love splashing around in the bubbles! Then, when the kids are exhausted and in bed, chill in your own personal spa! After a long day, unwind your mind, ease your aching muscles and feel the many hydrotherapy benefits that a hot tub can give you.

For more information call 01208 813760 or visit www.spyrys.co.uk

The perfect base for a walking break

If you’re looking for a great base for a walking break, then Budock Vean Hotel and Cottages is simply perfect. Located right next to the Helford river, and just a ten minute stroll from the coast path, there’s a wealth of inland and coastal walks that mean you can head out on anything from a two hour walk to a full day hike. Head across the water via the Helford passage ferry to explore the south side of the river, stop for lunch at a picturesque pub and then make your way back to the hotel for a spot of golf, a leisurely swim or even a rejuvenating spa treatment. The hotel and some of the cottages are also dog friendly so you can explore this beautiful part of Cornwall with your furry friends in tow.

For more information call 01326 250288 or visit www.budockvean.co.uk

Introducing new business on the block, White Woods

The newest business to grace Helston high street is professional administration management firm, White Woods. Run by dream team Georgie White and Amy Wood, each bring their own talents and expertise to the table to provide the ultimate in administration support. Whilst chatting away over a G&T the pair realised that their individual skills complement each other perfectly, and so White Woods was founded to combine their experience into one exceptional and easily accessible package for you and your business.

Providing support in everything from emails, travel and tackling social media, to book-keeping and payroll, White Woods cover all areas of administration, giving you help where you need it most and allowing you to enjoy more free time, without having to go to the extent of hiring another member of staff. So, if you have your own business and are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of admin that’s piling up, White Woods is your answer. The team even go so far as to find the best flights so that
you can jet off and spend your extra time wisely!

White Woods is brimming with talent and offers a tailored service to suit your individual needs, allowing you to spend more time doing the things you set out to do when you first set up your business.

For more information call 01326 459059 or visit www.white-woods.co.uk

Walk to your heart’s content then return to Bosavern

Bosavern Guest House provides wonderful self-guided walking holidays in west Cornwall, with sample walks including those from St Just to Porthcurno, St Ives to Zennor and Sennen Cove to Lamorna. They cover several sections of the South West Coast Path, offering the advantage of being able to return to their comfortable bed and breakfast every evening via their collection service. Prices include breakfast, packed lunch and an evening meal, plus transport to the start and end of each walk. Available between mid March and mid November, owners Martin and Helen warmly welcome anyone who wants to make the most of west Cornwall by foot, including your canine companions. Be sure to book out of season in September, October or November to snap
up a bargain!

For more information call 01736 788301 or visit www.bosavern.com