News and views February 2020

Entries open for ‘Run Falmouth 2020’

Entries are open for the tough yet hugely popular half marathon, ‘Run Falmouth’, which takes place on Sunday 15th March. Last year the event attracted a record 696 entries and this year, Cornish healthcare charity, Cornwall Hospice Care, has released 100 extra places to meet the growing demand.

Race Secretary, Jane Appleton tells us: “Working with our partners Falmouth Road Runners, we’ve been developing this half marathon and hope to attract record entries in what is our charity’s 40th anniversary. I can tell you from experience that it’s not an easy course, but despite its demands, it’s rewarding, and it’s got great views! We also have a Kid’s Run, which last year saw 92 youngsters running the first mile of the course.” Part of the Cornwall Glass Grand Prix Series, this annual event is open to all and is set to be a sell-out, so get your entries in soon!

For more information call 01726 66868 (option 3) or visit www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk/runfalmouth2020

A watch you won’t believe!

Apple Watch Series 5 is the most advanced Apple Watch yet, featuring the Always-On Retina display showing the time and important information, with no need to raise your wrist. It’s also the ultimate workout partner, allowing you to track your runs with advanced features like cadence and pace alerts, recording your workouts with GPS and elevation tracking. You can check on your heart with the ECG app and get notifications for low and high heart rate and irregular rhythm. And that’s not all; the Series 5 has great safety features built in, such as Fall Detection, alerts when decibel levels can impact your hearing, and help with navigation with the built-in compass. The cellular model keeps you connected with just your watch and enables Emergency SOS, International Emergency Calling. To put it simply, you’ve never seen a watch like this.

For more information visit www.stormfront.co.uk

Walk your workout with Instepp^®

When ex PE teacher, Julie Ford, overcame breast cancer she realised that the gym wasn’t where she wanted to be. She wanted to be out walking by the ocean but although walking fulfilled her aerobic exercise requirement, it didn’t provide the resistance training that she needed. However, instead of returning to the gym she decided to develop a product that allowed her to combine aerobic and resistance training. This product is Instepp^®.

Instepp^® allows you to get out and about with resistance bands and train your whole body anywhere, meaning you can trade in those gym days for a walk along the coast and still receive a vigorous and enjoyable workout. It’s also incredibly versatile and is perfect for use indoors – ideal when the weather’s not so fair. Julie tells us: “Beating cancer and starting the business in my 60s has been so exciting – I want everyone to feel as good as I do with Instepp^®!”

For more information call 07967 791533 or visit www.instepp.co.uk

Is your property sale-season ready?

Spring will soon be sprung, so don’t let the best season to sell pass you by! My Place in Cornwall advise that now is the time to get organised. They have compiled some of the most important things to consider in a mini-series that you can find on the website. Here’s a sneak peak of what they suggest: “Present your property the right way by tidying the garden, cleaning the carpets and windows and plumping the cushions! With your property clutter-free, clean and tidy, you’re ready to welcome prospective buyers along for viewings!”

If you choose My Place in Cornwall as your agent, they are happy to help you achieve all the easy wins when preparing to sell; just give them a call for confidential advice on getting your home market ready.

For more details call 01208 813874 or visit myplaceincornwall.co.uk/its-the-best-season-to-sell-your-property

Books inspired by Cornwall from author Gail Rayner

Having trained as a nurse in Exeter, author Gail Rayner now lives and works in Plymouth, where she also crafted her two Cornwall-based novels, Castles and The Lady. Set in very different eras, The Lady is based in a turbulent Cornwall in a time of hunger and crime and follows the story of Lady Tremaine. Now a widow after her husband met an untimely death, she finds herself left with more questions than answers, in a tale of love, murder, sadness and bravery.

Castles, meanwhile, follows the story of Ann, who has been assigned to cover the filming of a popular television series. Her friend Phoebe is handy with a camera, so Ann invites her along with not-entirely honest pretences, as well as Sue, who is just fun to have around. It’s fair to say that the three friends get a little more than they bargained for. Castles tells a story of friendship, sea and, well, have a read and discover for yourself!

For more information visit www.austinmacauley.com/author/rayner-gail

Reach new heights at the Tide Climbing Centre

This February give something new a try and experience the thrill of indoor climbing. Outdoor climbing has been around for decades but it’s only now that indoor climbing is reaching new heights.

Climbing has recently been recognised as an Olympic sport and is the newest sport to grace the 2020 Olympic line-up. Luckily for us, Cornwall now has the biggest indoor climbing facility in the region, available for all abilities to try this exciting sport.

The Tide Climbing Centre also has a great café with locally roasted coffee, handmade pizzas and cakes with vegan options available. So, why hang around? Head to the Tide Climbing Centre and discover exactly why this sport has made it to the Olympics.

For more information email hello@tideclimbing.com or visit www.tideclimbing.com

Arts and markets in Penzance

Held on the last Saturday of every month in Marketplace, Penzance, from 9.30am to 1.30pm, if you’d like to peruse a wealth of artisan wares made by local craftspeople, why not visit Penzance Charter Market? Alternatively, if it’s quality food and drink from local growers and producers that you’re looking for, then head to Penzance Farmers Market – held every Friday at St John’s Hall – where you’ll find everything from artisan breads and jams, to Cornish cheese and pastries.

Looking to soak up some culture? If so, why not explore the new spring collections and exhibitions across Penzance’s many galleries and boutique shops, or bring your loved one along for a Valentine’s Day to remember. To find out more about everything Penzance has to offer, simply follow Love Penzance on social media, or head to the website.

For more information visit www.lovepenzance.co.uk

What will 2020 bring for Alfred Smith & Son?

This year, Alfred Smith & Son is going into its 108th year of trading. This is a huge family achievement and it is still very much a family business.

Alfred Smith came to Penzance from Gloucester as a manager of Criddle and Smith (Penzance) in 1909, and bought the business in 1912. Today, the business is run by Alfred’s great-granddaughter and her husband Marcus, with Alfred’s great-great-grandchildren also being directors to maintain the business’ continuity for the next generation.

Alfred Smith & Son, Penzance, is a traditional retailer with a modern outlook.  There is no pressure selling, the team don’t have sales targets – they’re there in the heart of Penzance because they love what they do and want to continue doing it. So, if you are thinking about carpeting, fabrics, upholstery, dining and bedroom furniture or beds, visit Alfred Smith & Son – a traditional retailer in a modern world.

For more information call 01736 363134 or visit www.alfred-smith.co.uk

Enhance your life with Harbour Crystals

Having been trading in Penzance for more than 15 years, Harbour Crystals & Wools supplies customers the world over with crystals that enhance their lives and the spaces around them. The family run store is home to a gorgeous collection of crystals, the healing properties of which the team are always happy to advise on.

For those who love to accessorise, Harbour Crystals boasts a beautiful array of handmade gemstone jewellery, from necklaces and pendants to bracelets and rings, and they also offer repairs, so if your most treasured piece has seen better days, be sure to bring it with you!

As well as all of this you’ll find a wonderful range of knitting wools and accessories, including needles, hooks, pins and bags, meaning that whether you’re a master at your craft, or a hobbyist looking to hone your skills, you’ll find everything you could possibly need.

For more information call 01736 874455 or visit www.harbourcrystals.com

Be your own boss

After being made redundant for the fourth time, at 63 years old, Catherine Kay decided to take things into her own hands and enrolled in the FdA Silversmithing and Jewellery course at Truro and Penwith College.

Catherine followed in the steps of her husband Steve, who in September, progressed onto FdA Film, Media and Photography, having completed the Access to Higher Education: Creative Media and Photography course.

Steve and Catherine’s daughter, Deborah, also graduated from the TEF-Gold rated college’s BA (Hons) Applied Media course in 2018 and the Kay family have plans to start a creative business together, once they all graduate.

If you’re interested in changing your career and enrolling in a university level course at Truro and Penwith College, head to an Open Event or book your own private campus tour at a time that suits you via www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/uni.

For more information call 01872 267000 or email enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk

A window of opportunity

Bude Windows & Conservatories has earned a reputation as one of the most highly recommended window companies in Cornwall and Devon. An exciting development for 2020 is the brand-new showroom that displays the extensive range of products available. Whether you need new windows or doors, or would like to add some valuable extra space to your home through a stylish conservatory, the Bude Windows team are here to help.

So, make sure to get in touch with the experienced team and discover how easy it is to install quality glazing products with an expert fitting service. One happy customer explains: “The work was delivered by a super group of people who were professional, courteous and thoughtful – each and every one of them was good to have around.”

For more information call 01288 356541 or visit www.budewindows.co.uk

Get outdoors with Kestrel

As the new year begins to unfurl, we’re only a few months off spring and a time where we can begin to get outdoors again and enjoy the longer, warmer days. If you want to make the most of your outside space then Kestrel Specialist Handrails can help.

To make your outdoor space more sheltered for example, you can incorporate glass balustrades. These are particularly useful on balconies or decking areas – as seen in the featured picture, a project that Kestrel undertook on the Isles of Scilly so visitors could continue to enjoy the beautiful views whilst being protected from the wind. In terms of balconies, choosing glass like this instead of railings will allow you to make the most of the views, whilst still ensuring it’s safe.

So, if you want to create a sheltered area to enjoy over the warmer months this year, then make sure to get in touch with the friendly team who will be more than happy to discuss your options.

For more information call 01726 338086 or visit www.kestrelshs.co.uk

Super referrals vet comes to Cornwall

A30 Referrals in St Columb Major has announced the appointment of Philip Witte, a veterinary surgeon with extensive experience in orthopaedics and neurosurgery. Philip hails from a dairy farm in Wiltshire and qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2005. He has been working at a large referral centre in Hampshire for the last 11 years, gaining experience in a wide range of orthopaedic and neurosurgical cases.

“I am very excited to be moving to Cornwall,” Phil tells us. “My new position at A30 Referrals will present me with cases which demand the breadth and depth of knowledge that my advanced training has given me.”

Clinical Director, Philip Harris responds: “It’s exciting to be welcoming Philip to join our team. His reputation precedes him and we are confident he will use his expertise in orthopaedics and neurosurgery to help a massive number of small animals around Cornwall and Devon.”

For more information call 01637 880307 or visit www.penmellynvets.co.uk

Valentine’s dinner at The Falmouth Hotel

Treat your special someone for a spectacular four course Valentine’s dinner in The Falmouth Hotel’s award-winning Castle Beach Restaurant. Carefully crafted with local produce, the Castle Beach menu is renowned for its tantalising combination of international and British cuisine, drawing on Cornish ingredients that are at their peak through the seasons.

This Valentine’s Day, you and your loved one can tuck into the delicious dishes of your choice, washing it all down with a vast selection of fine wines and local gins, all the while drinking in the stunning views across Falmouth bay. Starting at just £32 per person, if you’ve been looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat, this could well be it. Be sure to reserve soon though as tables are bound to book up fast!

For more information call 01326 312671 or visit www.falmouthhotel.co.uk

Is 2020 the time to try something new?

If you’ve been itching to try something new or thinking about finding a new hobby, what better time than now, at the dawn of a new decade? Dreya Bennett, founder of Dreya Glass, currently runs two glass art courses. Running the workshops from a studio in Newquay, the space is linked to Dreya’s working studio, making it an interesting and inspiring environment in which to get creative.

Currently offering a coaster making course and a wall art workshop, Dreya and Sharon also offer sessions for private groups of six or more people, perfect for a hen do, birthday party, or just because!

So, if you’d like to have a go at creating your own piece of gorgeous glass art, why not get in touch and start engaging your creative side?

For more information call 07977 532933 or visit www.dreya.co.uk

Food with a view at the Lizard’s Wavecrest café

Enjoy the most southerly point of mainland Britain from Wavecrest café, a welcoming and relaxed café that provides delicious freshly made food using Cornwall’s fantastic local produce.

With beautiful walks nearby thanks to its location at the start of the South West Coast Path leading to Kynance Cove to the west and Cadgwith Cove to the east, Wavecrest offers the perfect dog-friendly pitstop to refuel.

Wavecrest owner, Emily Thomas tells us: “Our menu has plenty of choice from sandwiches and light bites to main meals, all made fresh to order. We also serve cakes, homemade scones and locally made ice cream, alongside our favourite blend of Italian coffee, speciality teas, indulgent hot chocolates and our signature milkshakes. Not to mention we are also a fully licenced premises, so you can enjoy your favourite tipple as you gaze at the stunning panoramic views!”

For more information call 01326 290898 or visit www.wavecrestcornwall.co.uk

Make 2020 the year of the dog!

As we all know, this is the time of year for resolutions, be it to lose weight, get fit, or achieve one of countless other goals. After all, Christmas is a time of serious indulgence. And for those of you who have dogs, says Lisa at Slickers Doghouse: “We suspect they will have had their fair share of Christmas cheer, too.” So, why not include yours in your New Year’s resolution?

A great place to start is with their diet. At Slickers, the team is passionate about the health of their dogs, and this starts with what they eat. “We’re keen advocates of grain free and meat meal free foods,” Lisa tells us, “and this is all you will find in our store.” As is the case with human diets, nothing beats fresh meat and vegetables for a healthy, happy digestive system. For more information on canine nutrition, why not head to the Slickers website and read Lisa’s blog?

Another way to get your hound in on the action is through exercise. Blow away the cobwebs with a brisk coastal walk (Lisa and the team have plenty of favourites if you’re stuck for ideas), or participate in outdoor or beach yoga, taking a Beco Ball along with you and getting your dog to join in. Most importantly, make more time to play. The most important thing for us and our dogs is that exercise is not a chore. It should be fun, so, as Lisa says: “Let’s make our main resolution to play more and enjoy 2020!”

For more information call 07917 005071 or visit www.slickersdoghouse.co.uk

Raising money in style with Mélange, Truro

Offering smart-casual clothing and accessories for more than 30 years, Mélange in Truro proudly caters to ladies in search of something a little different to the high street. During that time, owner Debbie and the team have also raised thousands of pounds for some of the country’s most worthy charities and causes. How? By hosting fashion shows!

Indeed, Mélange is much more than a clothing shop. As Debbie explains: “Over the years our customers have become friends, and pop in not just for great clothing and fashion advice, but for a friendly ear – something you can’t get on the internet.” Raising money for Cornwall Hospice Care, Debbie and co. are set to host their next fashion show on Thursday 2nd April. To find out more and to buy your tickets, why not pop into Mélange and discover for yourself what sets this fabulous boutique apart from the rest.

For more information call 01872 223767 or visit www.melangefashion.co.uk 

A gift from the heart

What better gift for Valentine’s Day than this stunning print from Mike Lacey, titled Cornish Heart. Pictured here, this stunning shot was taken, literally, from the heart of a Cornish wave and is typical of the astounding images Mike Lacey and Waves Surf Art Gallery have become renowned for.

Paddling out into even the biggest of Cornwall’s waves, Mike’s mission is to showcase our coastal county from a new and utterly unique perspective. This particular print is available in lots of different sizes and formats, including as a triple on HD metal! To see it in person and to view more of Mike Lacey’s inspired photography, be sure to visit Porthleven or Falmouth and pop into one of his galleries.

For more information call 01326 368369 or visit www.wavesgallery.co.uk

Watch the story of the ‘Heart Wave’ image here.

Be energy efficient with EWS Façade

EWS and Façade Developments Ltd specialise in the supply and installation of high-performance windows, doors, bi-fold and sliding doors and curtain wall systems with a focus on energy efficiency. The dedicated team has a wealth of experience in providing products and services to both residential and commercial market sectors, offering a full design and installation service.

We hear from Redruth showroom Director, Stuart Davis, who tells us: “We are a privately owned company and have established excellent trading links with a number of well-known national and international suppliers of timber and timber/aluminium composite systems.” So, make sure to head to the showroom in Redruth to check out the company’s extensive selection of windows and doors from big brands including Rationel, Sunflex, Smart, Ideal Combi and Centor, and discover how you can make your home more energy efficient and cost effective.

For more information call 01562 882533 or visit www.ewsfacade.co.uk

Scented flowers for your Valentine

A gift box of scented narcissi will make the perfect romantic gift this Valentine’s Day, and with a box of 30 stems costing just £16 including delivery, they’re great value too!

Scented narcissi are the traditional crop of the Isles of Scilly. They flourish outdoors in the small sheltered fields dotted across the islands, just off the coast of Cornwall. At Churchtown Farm they send their flowers by 1st Class post, carefully packaged in paper to minimise the use of plastic. In fact, because narcissi are grown outdoors without any extra heat, and are sent direct from where they’re grown, their environmental impact is kept to a minimum, especially when compared to many other gifts.

To place your order, simply call Churchtown Farm direct or visit the Scilly Flowers website.

For more information call 01720 422169 or visit www.scillyflowers.co.uk

Coastal living with a Cornish bed

Create a coastal theme in your bedroom with this beautifully handcrafted Victorian bed from The Cornish Bed Company. Available in a wide range of colours, the bed featured is The Somerset, combining white and antique brass with a sweeping curved top rail. It sits beautifully against a light grey wall, and hints of blue in soft furnishings add warmth to the beach-house design.

Aissa Gonzalez, Interior Stylist at The Cornish Bed Company, offers this advice to help you bring the coast into your interior scheme: “Coastal décor is light and airy. Simplistic in design, a mix of natural fibres, well-worn textures and cool colours in pebble shades all help to create that seaside vibe. Combine with blues, greens and coastal prints to layer and soften the look.” Hand-cast in the foundry in Par, The Cornish Bed Company produces beds that are built to last.

For more information call 01726 825182 or visit www.cornishbeds.co.uk

Considering purchasing or selling property?

There can be a wide variety of complex tax issues when purchasing or selling property. Tax can also have an impact on the commerciality of any property transaction, but is often overlooked. It is therefore important to seek experienced tax advice in order to maximise opportunities and minimise risk.

RRL are the only independent Cornish firm of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisors to offer a complete tax advisory service and the friendly and experienced in-house team can provide pro-active tax advice throughout the process.

To find out more about RRL and how they can help you, get in touch online or by phone to arrange a free initial meeting, with no obligation.

For more information visit www.rrlcornwall.co.uk or call 01872 276116