News and views July 2019

Keeping you in the loop.

Free, fun family festival comes to town

Looking for some summer fun but baulking at the cost of the average music festival or family day out? Check out Creation Fest, a free music, skate and family festival, held at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge from 3rd to 9th August.

Local favourites Wildwood Kin and Josh Curnow will be joined by over 70 of the best contemporary Christian bands and artists performing on four music stages. Their giant indoor skate park will host skate sessions and international pro demos. Plus, a mind-boggling array of free, fun activities for everyone, including kids and youth programmes, sports activities, art workshops, seminars, late night bonfires, silent discos, barn dances, fireworks and film screenings. Who says you can’t get something for nothing?

For more information call 08448 794703 or visit www.creationfest.org.uk

Fabulous photos sell houses!

According to My Place in Cornwall, great photos are crucial to the sale of your home. Sunny exterior photos and light interior shots are essential. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so make sure it’s super tidy, clean and inviting. It’s also a good idea to remove personal photographs throughout the home, just for the shoot. Add fresh flowers to brighten up any room, and remove pet bowls!

Bedrooms and bathrooms can benefit from a good clean and tidy, and putting out fresh towels and bed linen is always a good idea.

Your living room should be a haven of comfort and tranquillity, so clear and polish surfaces, and plump those cushions! Finally, a welcoming entrance hall can do wonders, so be sure to de-clutter.

My Place in Cornwall include professional photographs as standard in their marketing package, so if you’re selling your home, why not give the team a call?

For more information call 01208 813874 or visit www.myplaceincornwall.co.uk

Tales from an underwater world

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from around the Cornish coastline. Each season, the sanctuary rehabilitates more than 70 pups that have been rescued for various reasons, from malnourishment to being separated from their mum.

The sanctuary also provides a permanent home to animals that need special care from the expert Animal Care team. When you visit, you can experience wonderful marine animals up close and personal, and learn all about their individual stories.

Grey seals are the most common species found around the Cornish coastline, but did you know that they are incredible divers and can stay underwater for up
to 45 minutes at a time?

To learn more about the fascinating marine world and to hear the residents’ amazing rescue stories, be sure to pay the Cornish Seal Sanctuary a visit.

For more information visit sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org

Cornish Cottage Holidays’ top tips to prompt bookings

It is very important to ensure your guest information pack is up to date. Check all recommendations are still applicable and factually correct. This will contribute to a truly memorable stay for your guests, which in turn will contribute to positive guest feedback.

Welcome packs are also a great idea. They make a fantastic first impression, whether it’s a cream tea hamper, some treats for dogs, or perhaps something a touch more luxurious.

Throughout the year, price will play a key role in helping persuade potential guests to let your property. To truly maximise your earning potential, the Cornish Cottage Holidays team are motivated and have dedicated pricing systems, to help ensure you’re maximising your earning potential.

Ensuring your property is properly cleaned and well-presented will help improve guest feedback. If you don’t have time, you could always arrange to have a professional cleaner, something Cornish Cottage Holidays’ managed service options can easily take care of for you.

Finally, high-quality photos are crucial to capturing the attention of potential customers. Online listings are the modern-day equivalent of a shop window, allowing customers to browse before they buy. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure your property is looking its best to capture the imagination of the potential guests. High quality photos are included, free of charge, in the Cornish Cottage Holidays service.

If you’re looking to maximise your holiday home’s earnings, call the team today and see how they can help.

For more information call 01326 336773 or visit www.cornishcottageholidays.co.uk/letyourcottage/

Kit Johns comes to the Summerhouse Gallery

The Summerhouse Gallery is proud to present its one-man summer show of 2019, ‘Breaking Point’ by artist Kit Johns. Displaying stunning artwork like the one featured alongside this editorial, Kit’s work explores the wild and untamed nature of the Cornish landscape, using a variety of techniques and mediums on canvas, paper and authentic vintage Cornish maps. He has quickly evolved from a young ‘up-and-coming artist’ to an accomplished and well-known figure who has made waves in the world of Cornish landscape art. ‘Breaking Point’ aims to act as both a celebration of beauty and a reminder as we enter a period where the state of our environment hangs in the balance.

The show will open with a private viewing on Friday 12th July, with proceeds being donated to various Cornish environmental charities.

For more information call 01736 711400 or visit www.summerhousegallery.co.uk

Johnny’s simple suggestions for positive change

“Sometimes it’s not the big changes in your life that make a difference,” says Personal Trainer Johnny Lawrence. “It’s the small daily changes that make a huge impact and facilitate permanent change.”

Firstly, he suggests drinking more water, as it only takes being 2% dehydrated for you to feel fatigued and unmotivated. You should also aim to get a good night’s sleep. “Set a bedtime and a wake-up time every day. The average amount of sleep needed is eight hours.”

You should also be aware of how many calories you’re eating and aim to become more active. “Analyse your day and find ways to walk and move more. Why not implement a regular exercise routine? This could include swimming, jogging, cycling, fitness classes, even simply walking the dog!”

Johnny believes it’s important to question your habits and behaviours too, to discover which ones work towards your goals and which ones work against them. Things like not sitting in front of the TV until after 8pm will reduce the time you sit. Instead, go for a ten-minute walk.

If your goal is weight loss, Johnny suggests you start by reducing the calories in the meals you frequently eat. “And eat more protein! Protein is the building blocks for the body and is a must for keeping good muscle tone. Bulk your meals out with more vegetables, as they’re generally low in calories and very filling.”

Finally, reduce your alcohol intake. “Alcoholic drinks are extremely high in calories,” Johnny explains, “and they also weaken your resolve against over eating!”

For more information call 07763 568367 or visit www.johnnylawrencept.com

Holiday home tips

In an ongoing series of holiday home tips, we hear from George at Cornish Traditional Cottages about how to save money managing your Cornish holiday let.

As well as building up your profit through lots of bookings, you can also take steps to save on expenses and add to your profits that way. One tip that George offers is to “keep it snug. Good insulation can save hundreds of pounds a year on heating bills, so when you’re carrying out a refurbishment, be sure to maximise insulation throughout. This includes the room, cavity walls, even windows and doors – ensuring they don’t let anything in our out unless they’re open.”

George continues: “You should pay extra for a longer warranty on appliances, as this can save you money in the long run. It’s also important to give guidelines to help streamline the changeover. Asking guests to tidy before they leave, put out the rubbish and place dirty towels in the bath – these can all help ease the work on changeover day. You should also be crystal clear on house rules, for instance, where guests can and can’t smoke; where pets are allowed. Be sure to state in your contract, too, that any heavy duty cleaning required after their stay will incur an extra fee.”

Finally, George stresses the importance of keeping on top of maintenance. “The longer you leave a problem, the more it costs to fix. Carry out a regular check after each stay and make a thorough inspection at regular intervals. As the old adage goes, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’!”

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

Don’t miss David Hosking’s soulful summer exhibition

The David Hosking exhibition will be taking place from Friday 21st until Thursday 27th June at The Customs House Gallery in Porthleven. There will be a drinks reception on Saturday 22nd June from 2pm until 4pm, giving you the chance to speak to David in person about his collection, and he will also be painting in the gallery on the afternoons of Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th June for his ‘Meet the Artist’ sessions.  
David’s painting has developed through various stages, from pure abstract work to figurative landscapes and has evolved into the strong, soulful work for which he is known today – his work continues to be sought after by established and new collectors, especially since his BBC Country File appearance 18 months ago. If you would like to be sent a preview of the work the day before the exhibition opens then make sure you sign up for The Customs House Gallery newsletter via the website.

For more information call 01326 569365 or visit www.cornwall-art.co.uk

Kit out your kitchen 

Local Cornish company, Kitchen Kit, supply and install German kitchens at competitive prices throughout Cornwall. The family-owned business is based in Truro and provides high-specification kitchens to both retail customers and developers, offering a complete end-to-end service; starting with design, following on to site surveys and ending with full installation by employed local fitters.

During a recent restoration project, Kitchen Kit designed and installed Nobilia Kitchens into a historic chapel built over 400 years ago. Supplied with quality worktops and soft-close doors, full handleless designs were used to create simple and symmetrical lines. With direct accounts with Neff, Bosch, Seimens, Franke, Quooker and Liebherr, Kitchen Kit have access to the leading brands. So, if you’re looking for a high quality kitchen service from a reilable local company, then get in touch with the Kitchen Kit family today.

For more information call 01872 225990 or visit www.kitchenkitsw.com

Timeless French chic

Create a timeless sense of French chic in your bedroom with The Florence frame from The Cornish Bed Company. Hand-cast in Cornwall using traditional Victorian crafting techniques, it’s designed to last a lifetime.

With carefully considered architecture and seamless fluidity, this beautiful bed of swirling curves and stately bars will make a statement in any dwelling. Dress with fresh white linens, or traditional Toile de Jouy, for a true essence of French décor.

Part of a range of traditional cast iron and brass beds handmade at The Cornish Bed Company’s foundry in Par, The Florence is crafted using molten zinc, hand-poured into cast moulds, and authenticated with a serial number that creates a unique experience for every customer.

The Florence starts from £1,350, including delivery and assembly, with nine colours available and sizes ranging from single to emperor.

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

Introducing the Spacia Parquet collection

An exciting element of Stylehome’s updated Amtico Spacia luxury vinyl tile flooring collection is the new Spacia Parquet – 12 beautiful wood styles across a variety of tones in two classic Parquet sizes. This flooring gives effortless elegance to a room, with classic appeal, and complements both traditional and contemporary design themes. Add sophistication to a spacious living area, introduce a touch of classic charm to a cosy bedroom scheme, or bring an element of pattern into a sleek and contemporary kitchen – its angled repeating pattern is also perfect for hallways as the pattern flows away from the entrance and draws you in. So, if you want to introduce a sophisticated element to your home, then make sure to visit the Stylehome showroom and find the right finish for you.

For more information call 01872 560500 or visit www.stylehome.co.uk

Penrice pupils raise the fundraising bar!

If you ever find yourself grumbling about the youth of today, bear in mind the pupils at St Austell’s Penrice Academy. They chose Cornish charity Cornwall Hospice Care as their Charity of the Year, helping make a huge difference. At its conclusion, their amazing #BringItHome campaign raised a staggering £9,271.81, which will pay for 497 hours of nursing care!

Oli Hoare, the charity’s Head of Fundraising, tells us: “The Student Academy Council crammed their year with weekly cake sales, a Christmas Fair and Christmas Jumper Day, quizzes, a ‘Tenner Challenge’, a ‘Firewalk’ event and a 24-hour sport activity that involved kayaking, rowing and dancing. It was amazing and we now hope other schools will take up the challenge.” He adds: “Three cheers to the whole team at Penrice!”

To find out how your school can get involved with fundraising for Cornwall Hospice Care, be sure to contact Oli and the fundraising team.

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

Introducing a new way to holiday

In an increasingly hectic world, many of us are looking to take shorter and more frequent breaks to escape the daily workload, to relax and unwind.

Escape to St Ives, a holiday letting agency based in the wonderful scenic seaside town, has introduced flexible stays of three days or more across many properties throughout the year, including the traditional summer school holidays. This is ideal for those who want a short break, and those who would prefer a two-centre holiday when venturing to Cornwall.

If you would like to get away for a few days be sure to call Escape to St Ives.

To view the full range of stunning properties available for short lets, why not head to the website?

For more information call 01736 796198 or visit www.escapetostives.co.uk

Dreaming of a new kitchen?

By simply replacing your doors and drawers, rather than the whole units, you can achieve a dream new look for your kitchen at just a fraction of the cost. And not just the colour, although Dream Doors do have hundreds to choose from! The Truro based team offer a plethora of new styles too, so if you’ve been considering moving from traditional to modern, or handless to shaker, owner Matt and his team of local craftsmen have you covered.

“Door replacements can take as little as a day,” Matt tells us, “and all our doors are made to measure, manufactured right here in the UK. What’s more, we have a large choice of worktops and appliances to complement your new look.”

So if your kitchen is feeling tired, in need of a new lease of life, why not contact Dream Doors in Truro?

For more information 01872 240650 or visit www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Make a statement with Kernow Stone

Tastes often change, eras come and go, and there’s always a flavour of the month that is soon forgotten. But some things remain timeless. Think Bowie. Think ‘Summer Nights’ in Grease. Think granite worktops.

What was once considered an indulgent luxury has now become a central, elegant part of the modern day home at a price that’s achievable to many more households than before.

Sales Manager Tom tells us: “This is where we come in. A fifth-generation family business that’s been trading since 1909, Kernow Stone will take the stress out of your kitchen renovation. Your bespoke worktops are fabricated by hand in our workshop in Longdowns and fitted by our expert team with a lifetime guarantee
on all our natural stone products.”

So, why not get in contact with the enthusiastic Kernow Stone sales team? Who knows – you could end up transforming your kitchen!

For more information call 01209 862770 or visit www.kernowstone.co.uk

24-hour or live-in care: what’s the difference?

Carol Carruthers, who founded Bluebird Care with her husband, Graham, tells us: “24-hour care means someone helping and supporting you every hour of day and night. This means a shift pattern of carers rotating to make sure someone is awake and available to help, 24 hours a day.”

Live-in companions, on the other hand, are living in your home for weeks at a time, and are far cheaper than 24-hour care. “This means you get to know them, they know you, and they understand your needs and the support you require. While living full time in your home, they don’t work all the time. This gives you privacy and space for independent living, but also reassurance that someone can be called, and regular contact each day makes for company and friendship. All in all, it’s a much simpler arrangement, one that costs less, with flexibility to suit you.

For more information call 01872 276006 or email midcornwall@bluebirdcare.co.uk

New cocktail club at Merchants Manor’s Rastella!

Meet at the Manor on Friday evenings throughout the summer and enjoy half-price cocktails at Rastella.

Whether the sun is just past the yard arm, or you’re setting yourselves up for a night of decadence, Rastella bar has blended the finest of liquors to perfection to bring a brand-new selection of world-renowned cocktails. From the Twisted Classics to Travellers Treasures; inspired by far-flung travels, the team have searched, scoured and tasted to craft a cocktail list that’s just as perfect for a lazy summer’s afternoon in the garden as it is for a cosy night in with dinner. Bold new selections include: Kentucky Coffee – a new twist on the classic espresso Martini, and Stiggins’ Smoked Old Fashioned, which is actually served in a smoking box!

For more information 01326 312734 or visit www.merchantsmanor.com

Kneehigh’s Asylum heads to the beach

Kneehigh Theatre’s bespoke pop-up venue is back this summer in a brand new location – the beach! From 2nd August until 22nd September, the Asylum tent will be pitched on Carlyon beach in the heart of St Austell Bay.

When you visit you can expect world-class theatre from this internationally renowned Cornish company, plus delicious food and drink, live comedy, music and pop-up events.

Along with performances of The Dancing Frog and Kneehigh’s Ubu! A Sing-along Satire, Kneehigh will present a wild medley of stunning shows from their friends and collaborators. With parking on site and tickets from just £9, Kneehigh’s Asylum on Carlyon beach is the perfect way to soak up some culture whilst making the most of a day by the sea, so be sure to add it to your summer diary.

For tickets and more information call 01872 267912 or visit www.kneehigh.co.uk/asylum

Bottomless gin brunches at The Alverton

How do you like your eggs in the morning? We like ours with a gin! Which is why we’re extremely glad to hear that The Alverton Hotel is introducing bottomless gin brunches. Dine indoors or al fresco on the sunny terrace and spend lazy mornings sinking endless G&Ts and enjoying scrumptious breakfast options – what
a start to the day!

These boozy brunches ensure ample lie-in time. Just make sure to pre-book before making your way over to the restaurant, ready to indulge from 11.30am until 1.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Peruse the menu of Alverton infused gins to accompany your choice of brunch, from syrupy-sweet waffles to classic eggs benedict or a full Cornish breakfast. There is also a choice of mocktails and soft drinks to ‘cheers’ to, if you’re not a
gin lover!

For more information call 01872 276633 or visit www.thealverton.co.uk

Escape to the lap of luxury

Overlooking the water thanks to its spectacular location on the Fowey estuary, the Old Quay House hotel – a distinctive, whitewashed Victorian building – offers boutique luxury on an intimate scale, with just 13 luxurious bedrooms. Set over three floors, each room enjoys its own en-suite bathroom, plus its own individual style, although a cool and calm, coastal theme permeates throughout the hotel.

Several rooms even boast their own balconies, most looking out over the estuary and Polruan on the opposite side of the river, and it’s not hard to dream of kicking back and just soaking up the view, a glass of bubbles to hand. The perfect way to end an evening spent in the relaxed waterfront restaurant, sampling the area’s finest seasonal produce.

For more information call 01726 833302 or visit www.theoldquayhouse.com

A world of secrets, spies and space missions

Enjoy a fascinating season of interactive exhibitions for all ages this summer at the Telegraph Museum! Big ideas and amazing histories are explored in a series of must-see exhibitions, which showcase the science, people and the stories that make up the history of global communications, from the first undersea telegraph cables to the wonder of modern fibre optics.

Did you know that the tiny Cornish village of Porthcurno was once at the heart of international communications, boasting the largest telegraph station in the world? Or did you know that during the Second World War, the telegraph station was the hub of British wartime communications, deemed so strategically important that it was moved – lock, stock and barrel – underground and protected by bomb proof doors, military guards and even flamethrowers!

Discover all of this and so much more this summer with a trip to Porthcurno’s fascinating Telegraph Museum – we can’t recommend it enough!

For more information call 01736 810966 or visit telegraphmuseum.org

Invest in St Ives with John Fowler Holidays

Nestled among 100 acres of woodland just outside of St Ives, John Fowler Parks’ St Ives Holiday Village is a lovely park that’s been bringing lodge owners back to Cornwall time and time again, for years. Now, due to undergo a multi-million pound investment, it’s got to be up there as one of the best holiday parks in the area!

As an owner, you’ll benefit from consistent occupancy, making the lodges an excellent investment opportunity. However, Group Sales Manager, Mark Johnson tells us: “Demand is always strong. We only have a limited number for sale, and these will be the last available at this site!” So if you’ve been considering investing in your own little slice of Cornwall, one you can enjoy as you please and earn from when you’re away, be sure to contact John Fowler Holidays soon, before you’re beaten at the post!

For more information call 01736 759240 or visit www.johnfowlerholidays.com

Novel shaping and toning machine at MEDFacials

MEDFacials, led by Dr Joachim Stolte, has built a sterling reputation for offering the highest quality products and services and ensuring you receive the very best available care for your skin.

This June, Dr Stolte and his team are delighted to announce the introduction of a brand new treatment – ProMax Lipo. This non-surgical liposuction and skin-tightening platform utilises a powerful combination of three market leading technologies for instant inch loss, dramatic cellulite reduction and now the industry renowned ‘instant, non-invasive facelift’.

The ProMax Lipo delivers fast treatment times and instant results. Indeed, this safe, clinically-proven technology is the ideal non-surgical choice for reducing fat and losing inches on the arms, tummy, hips, thighs and other small areas of localised fat. It’s also great for eye and neck lifting, as well as skin tightening and facial wrinkle reduction.

For more information call 07886250647 or visit www.medfacials.com

Forge a new path with ASI!

Change your career or gain extra income by becoming an ASI qualified surfing or stand up paddle boarding (SUP) instructor. ASI is the world’s international governing body for instructors and schools, its head office being located in Bondi beach, Austrailia, with UK offices located in Hayle on the north Cornish coast.

ASI instructor courses are recognised as the world’s finest, and are delivered in Cornwall, across the UK and worldwide. As an instructor, you can work in Cornwall or travel the world; with ASI you’ll love your role. You can also become an ASI-accredited surf or SUP school, with ASI offering the world’s leading school accreditation scheme and regulations that ensure safe and quality operations. To learn more about ASI’s instructor courses and schools, visit the ASI website.

For more information call 01736 756884 or visit www.academyorsurfing.com

Take a walk through time

Step back in time at the Museum of Cornish Life in Helston. This free, family-friendly museum is spread over five display halls on three floors. During your tour you’ll find that there are thousands of things to see – enough to keep everyone fascinated and entertained.

Learn all about Helston’s famous inventor, Henry Trengrouse, whose rocket lifesaving apparatus saved thousands of lives; imagine what it was like in a Victorian classroom; meet Henry the parrot; or see if you can spot the museum’s smallest object – made from a lion’s tooth!

The team host regular making workshops, and kids will love the children’s play area and fancy dress box! There’s also a gift shop and delightful pop-up café, perfect for a quick coffee and a bite after your afternoon of discovery.

For more information call 01326 564027 or visit www.museumofcornishlife.co.uk

Dress to impress with Indigo

Having been trading for more than 16 years, Indigo Clothing Wadebridge has enjoyed a successful decade that owner Carole Bourne puts down to her loyal and regular customers from all over Cornwall, as well as the annual visiting trade.

This fantastic boutique has become a go-to destination for wedding guest outfits, holiday wardrobes and good quality basics. Stocked labels include popular brands like Adini, Mistral, Capri, Intown, Emreco and Signature, and new brands and ranges are being added all the time. This year, these have included Rant and Rave, and Deck.

As you might expect, you’ll also find a range of accessories to complement any outfit. Carole, along with Sarah and Pauline, are always really helpful, helping you dress to impress, whatever the occasion may be.

For more information call 01208 815887

An organic way to holiday

Penbugle Organic Farm commands a peaceful location near Liskeard. Being a working farm, it’s home to cattle, sheep and lots of free-range hens, and as well as producing their own meat and eggs, owner Lizzie tells us: “We have spacious Big Chief Wigwam^® cabins, Nomadic Bell Tents and tranquil camping pitches, all with fantastic onsite facilities.”

If you’re feeling crafty, the Create craft studio is the perfect space in which to get creative during your camping break. What’s more, dogs are welcome and there are plenty of wonderful walks nearby.

So if you’ve been looking for the perfect family break, where both two and four-legged members are warmly welcome to relax and unwind in a beautiful pocket of Cornwall, Penbugle could well be for you!

For more information call 01579 326709 or visit www.penbuglefarm.co.uk

New colours at Now Kitchens

Reputable kitchen design company, Now Kitchens, has expanded its range with the addition of fresh, on-trend tones and textures. Take the rich emerald ‘Hunter Green’, for instance, which provides an attractive alternative to more conventional dark blues.

Their supplier, Masterclass Kitchens, has also given a facelift to the traditional wood-look door, adding a natural oak finish to their ‘Solva’ shaker range, as well as introducing the luxurious and popular deep blue ‘Inkwell’ – now available in a flat vinyl wrapped door as well as a modern skinny shaker design.

Now Kitchens work closely with customers throughout Cornwall to advise on the latest trends in kitchen design, balanced with practical storage solutions built to last a lifetime. With up to 16,000 cabinet configurations, they can create a bespoke-built kitchen without the costs associated with one that’s handcrafted. So, if you’re hoping to update your tired kitchen, why not give Now Kitchens a call and start your own interior design journey?

For more information call 01326 565522 or visit www.now-kitchens.co.uk

Not just made in Britain, made in Cornwall!

Rebecca Heane and Alison Hughes founded Cream Cornwall in 2012 after discovering a shared passion for creating products evocative of Cornwall that were tasteful, high quality and made in Britain. Starting online, public demand was so great that they opened their first shop in Falmouth in 2016, followed by St Ives in 2018.

The shops are the perfect place to visit and achieve your desired coastal look. What’s more, the duo design and source beautiful collections from around the world, ensuring their customers always have new products to inspire them.

In each beautiful product you’ll find Cream Cornwall’s distinct coastal identity – inspiration for which Rebecca and Allison find everywhere – and their shared background in textiles, design and trend forecasting affords the entire range a level of quality and attention to detail that keeps customers returning time and time again.

For more information call 01326 317253 or visit www.creamcornwall.co.uk