THE LOWER TREAVE BLOGWALL BUGLE

@CornwallNow or #CarolineQuentin ?

2012-01-27T14:48:00.003Z

I'm with the people at Sideways Cornwall who produced this.

So lucky, so beautiful.

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That's How Rumours Get Started!

2012-01-26T12:15:00.000Z

Back in August 2009, we were having a bit of a dull patch of weather and looming on the horizon, according to the synoptic charts, was the remants of Hurricane Bill. To cheer everyone up, I wrote a little ditty which I posted up on the various walls around the place, trying to steady the nerve of the campers and prepare them for the onslaught to come.

Here's the piece:

THE BALLAD OF HURRICANE BILL

Hurricane Bill, that ‘twas its name,
It brewed up dark and stormy,
And as he watched the weather charts
It put the wind up Normy.

‘Tie down your kids’ in vain he cried,
But not because of weather,
They were getting on his nerves,
Bikes racing hell for leather.

‘Advise your wives’ he shouted out,
To wear something less floating,
The wind will catch her fair and square,
And flight times we’ll be quoting.’

‘Take down your flags and lower your masts,
Whatever be their colour.
Turn off your fairy lights and lamps,
Sure life will be much duller.’

‘For we must ride this great storm out,
And all come through the weather,
Cause when you camp at Lower Treave,
We’re all in it together!’

‘But wait’ cried Norm, ‘the chart is wrong,
This weather’s for another,
This hurricane won’t come to us,
It’s going to Bill’s Mother!’

Hence the saying ‘It’s looking black over Bill’s Mother’s!

FAST FORWARD 2 1/2 YEARS...

I now find the piece being authoritavely quoted by Yahoo as the origin for the saying 'Black over Bill's mother's'!

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101116001256AAcr8dZ

...and that's how rumours get started!

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BARCLAYS, SAGE, WOES MANY and TIME!

2012-01-24T12:26:00.000Z

Trying to give customers what they want...ease of booking, convenient payment methods, security of payment that sort of stuff. Sagepay is one of the options we'd like to offer our guests who want to book and pay on-line. The fly in the ointment occurs when you have to involve a bank in the process....you remember banks, those caring institutions of the community who are commited to supporting small business in these challenging times...they require me to open yet another account with them (we already have 4!) to process these payments. This involves a 10 minute telephone interview to 'check their details', hard copy form filling and a 3 week 'security' process. It will also take some of the activity from one of the existing accounts and transfer it to the new account with all the associated extra costs and charges.

Please be assured that you can still book on-line with us, there will be no extra charge for that service from us to you. No charge for using your Credit or Debit card, no administrative charge, no surcharge, no extra luggage charge, no charge for awnings or dogs, no bankers bonuses, no tourist tax....there...got that off my chest.

All in this together now...

Are you going to be very fair?

Barclays, Sage, woes many and time!

RE-SIGNED!

2012-01-20T15:29:00.000Z

Recently got the wind up and left, but now re-instated. Thanks to @MillerComProp and @DulcieTudor for 'persuading' the return!

http://images.vebra.com/MillerCommercial/COMM/DETAILS/B35155.pdf

BUGS - LOGGING IN!

2012-01-10T14:11:00.001Z

...out of the office window this morning.

...a family of rabbits plays on the woodpile...

...an army of workers plant in the field...

...a burst of camelia in the pale light...

I used to work in London...but it's not the same.

Ever fancied a change of view out of the office window?

LOWER TREAVE

The Mortal Compass

2012-01-08T10:02:00.001Z

Had a great night out with Cornwall Orienteering Club @CornwallOC on their Trelissick Night 'O'. A great bunch of people, a well organised course around the park (in the dark!) and a few beers to finish.

Nobody seemed to mind that they were all in lycra and racing snake footwear...and we were all in tweed and sensible shoes! Nobody seemed to mind that they all had the latest electronic communications devices and we had an Acme Boy Scouts whistle as used by Kate Middleton. Nobody seemed to mind that they had 1000 lumen lightweight headtorches and we had a novelty torch/pen combo from a Christmas cracker. That could have been our downfall as I made the oldest mistake in the book and tied the large old brass whistle and the torch on to the same string as my compass, also circa Baden-Powell. Result...significant deviation! Well thats my excuse for getting Mrs B tangled up on the barbed wire and I'm sticking to it!

A top night out and many thanks to the organisers, National Trust at Trelissick for hosting the event and the Club for making us so welcome. Next event at Lanhydrock and full details of all their activities here:

Cornwall Orienteering Club

Piece At Last

2012-01-07T14:39:00.000Z

Christmas #DowntonAbbey jigsaw finished. At last I can have my wife back. Edges first.

Lady Grantham: 'You are quite wonderful the way you see room for improvement wherever you look. I never knew such reforming zeal.

Mrs Crawley: 'I take that as a compliment.'

Lady Grantham: I must have said it wrong.

The Redoubtable Lady Grantham (Maggie Smith)!

WHAT'S ON AT THE MINACK - 2012

2012-01-07T11:54:00.002Z

Here's the latest info from 'Cornwall's Theatre Under The Stars'

MINACK PROGRAMME _ 2012

Looking forward to Atlantic Theatre Company's 'Titanic - The Musical' but until then some memories from last year.

Fisherman's Friends at The Minack

TWELFTH NIGHT!

2012-01-06T16:12:00.000Z

He's perched upon the campsite gate,

It couldn't be much sillier.

He moves around, we don't know how,

That cable tie's familiar!

He's got a little rusty friend,

Who's round and red and jolly.

I found him perched the other day,

Inside a prickly holly!

These crazy dudes of folded tin,

Are driving us quite barmy.

They only move when Paul's around,

They're Michelmore's Toy Army!

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT!

2012-01-04T16:50:00.000Z

Hurrah...I'm back on an NHS dental list! Thanks to MP Andrew George for getting his teeth into this one http://andrewgeorge.org.uk/featured-articles/george-calls-for-fair-nhs-dental-provision/

Next time you see me I'll be smiling...or it may just be wind!

Twitterings!

2012-01-01T09:21:00.002Z

If you can tweet,
It's really neat,
Follow the weave,
at http://twitter.com/LowerTreave

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bras monkey weather

2011-12-31T09:58:00.000Z

Sorry to hear La Senza is struggling.

Annoyed by BBC News 24 Tim Willcox interview on chimp communication.

Dull, mild, breezy.

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ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

2011-12-30T14:22:00.000Z

..my truelove made for me.

Five Turkey Pies!

Four pints of soup,

Three sloe gins,

Two bacon rolls,

And a small glass of Andrew's Liver Salts!

My favourite time of Christmas...leftovers!

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WEST CORNWALL - A BIRD'S EYE VIEW!

2011-12-28T10:13:00.002Z

Great new aerial pictures from Visit Cornwall

...and more great shots of the rest of Cornwall here...

Cornwall - a bird's eye view

South Cornwall - a bird’s eye view

North Cornwall - a bird’s eye view

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A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

2011-12-25T13:17:00.001Z

Sennen Cove, Christmas Day, 2011

(Air Temp 11.8 deg C, Sea Temp 11.6 deg C, Wind Speed 27 Knots, Wave Height 2.9 Metres, No sharks)

Positively balmy (barmy?) !

BOOK EARLY...BEAT THE BOXING DAY RUSH!

2011-12-20T09:22:00.003Z

No...not another gloomy Euro prediction from Robert Peston!

Just had a look back through the stats for the website and saw this interesting trend. Once Christmas is over there is a mad rush to book up summer holidays! Even before the turkey has hit the soup pot, people are making their plans for the summer and predictions are that this is going to be a great one in Cornwall. We can't promise brilliant weather, but it will be pleasant enough. We can guarantee that the Cornish Pound won't be having a wobble on the markets...in fact you can even use your British Pounds. No queues at the airport and the border police are pretty relaxed about the whole passport thing.

We've still got a few places left for August....so go on, have a holiday in Cornwall this year....you know it makes sense.

Cornwall...just far enough away to be an adventure...close enough to feel like home!

LOWER TREAVE - A YEAR IN PICTURES 2011

2011-12-16T11:22:00.000Z

I will be putting together the annual review of the site in pictures and music soon (see last year's effort below, right). If you have got a favourite picture and you'd like to see it featured then please drop us an email...please bear in mind we are a 'family site'...but that said, here is my favourite of the year....look away now if you are easily discombobulated!

Don't ask...!

SURF UP!

2011-12-12T10:54:00.000Z

tripadviser has just surveyed travellers in the United Kingdom to find out which ammenities matter most and an amazing 80% said FREE WI-FI!

(PS...we have free wi-fi at Lower Treave)

SENNEN COVE CHRISTMAS SWIM 2011 COULD BE CHALLENGING!

2011-12-07T19:01:00.001Z

Killer whales have been seen off a headland in north Cornwall, a naturalist has reported. Dom Clarke, 25, saw what he believed was a mother and calf about 100m off Trevose Head, near Padstow.

Mr Clarke saw the whales on 26 November while walking his dog. He said he was "amazed" with his find.

A spokesperson from Cornwall Wildlife Trust said the species was an "occasional visitor" although it was not reported every year. They confirmed there had been a few reported sightings of killer whales off Cornwall this autumn.

Killer whales are also known as orcas, can grow up to 32ft (9.7m) in length and weigh up to nine tonnes. They are mainly found around Iceland, Norway and northern Scotland, but occasionally seen as far south as the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal.

Have you got an excuse for not swimming on Christmas Day yet?

An artists impression of what this year's swim could be like!

WIDGETS...WIDGETS.....EVERYWHERE!

2011-12-03T11:03:00.001Z

No, not a new species to be reported to David Bellamy.

Its something to do with the buttony things on the right....if you're under 40 you probably know what I'm talking about.... if you're over 40 just press one and lets see what happens!

There we go...now that wasn't too painful was it?

Be afraid....be very afraid! The widgets will get you!

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CHRISTMAS IS COMING...THE CHAINSAW'S GETTING HOT!

2011-12-03T10:46:00.001Z

Coming round to the favourite time of year for me and Director Estates and Wildlife.

Next weekend we'll be off to the Portreath Garden Machinery Winter Opening Day.

Chance to get the chainsaws checked over and sharpened, grab a mince pie, drool over the latest tractor mowers....but more importantly get our wives the Christmas presents of their dreams.

Last year I bought her a powered scarifier, the year before a log splitter, and the year before that a chainsaw! You should have seen her little face on Christrmas Day morning when she opened her presents.

Can't wait for her birthday when I've got a new winch for the truck ordered up.

Merry Christmas everyone!

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

2011-12-02T11:51:00.003Z

Cornwall is the nation's favourite resort and the Lake District the top attraction, according to a survey published on 20 November. They are likely to receive increasing numbers of visitors as 91% of British people plan a holiday in the UK next year, a 23% increase on this year, according to a study by cottage letting agency, cottages4you.

Economic factors are one of the reasons for the boom in "staycations". Nearly two fifths of people (39%) say affordability is the main reason behind their plans, electing to save money and holiday at home. The nation's biggest staycationers are from Southampton, with 97% of residents planning a holiday within the UK next year. Norwich and Nottingham (both 96%), Manchester (95%) and Sheffield (94%) complete the top five.

Cornwall is the favourite UK resort, followed by Scotland, the Lake District, London and Wales. The Lake District is there again as top attraction, followed by Roman cities, castles and historic locations (places such as York, Edinburgh and Chester), then come Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the London Eye.

We very much look forward to welcoming you all back to Cornwall next year...but of course you could always buy your own little piece of paradise, live here all the time and get the chance to welcome all of those fantastic visitors in person!

http://images.vebra.com/MillerCommercial/COMM/DETAILS/B35155.pdf

They shall grow not old...

2011-11-11T13:34:00.001Z

...we will remember them.

Fungus...the bogeymen!

2011-11-03T20:43:00.000Z

Anyone recognise them....?

If they're rare and valuable...I'm going to be very, very rich...

...or very, very poorly!

1 DOWN (6,4,5,7)

2011-11-03T20:13:00.006Z

Correspondence arrives biblical royal with beautiful short French-English aviatrix.

(Solution: Letter from David Bell(e)Amy)

CHARGING AROUND!

2011-11-01T08:51:00.001Z

A piece in the news recently caught my eye about the increasing number of electric vehicle charging points which are springing up around the country....and you may wonder why that has any relevance to Lower Treave!

Well, we have just had the electricity bill for the summer....and we buy all of our electricity from Ecotricity who are using their profits to install their charging points...and they are coming closer and closer to Cornwall.

Following the success of the first John O' Groats to Lands End run by the brilliant Tesla of Kevin Sharpe, Ecotricity founder Vince Dale, who plans to drive from Land's End to John O'Groats in his Nemesis electric sportscar using the points, explained that making it possible to drive between cities for the first time could spark increased demand for electric cars.

"It's often said that one of the reasons more people don't buy electric cars is because of a lack of charging facilities, while the reason more charging facilities aren't built is because not enough people are buying electric cars. Classic chicken and egg stuff," he said in a statement.

We have just returned from a few days in Cadiz....and guess what?...

...they're everywhere! Sorry about the photo...it was taken from a moving bus.

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CAMPSITE FOR SALE! ...time to move on...

2011-10-31T15:58:00.001Z

Those of you who visited the site during the summer may be aware that Linda and I have decided to move on from Lower Treave. We have had a very happy and interesting seventeen years here, met some lovely people and had a lot of fun. We look forward to leaving with smiles on our faces and many friends old and new.

The park has been on the market since the early summer and there has already been considerable interest. Sadly, for some people, the dream of owning a business like Lower Treave is just that. The current economic conditions and the continuing uncertainty in the markets continue to be a major factor in both the commercial and domestic property market. That said, given that interest rates are at an all-time low and the UK holiday sector is enjoying something of a revival, then there is an argument for taking the plunge.

And the question we are always asked…what will you do? Well, the plan is…there is no plan! We will almost certainly stay in Cornwall, but after that, it’s all just an exciting blank page. We’ll keep you posted.

Many of you during passing conversations have said ‘we’d love to do something like this’. Well, if you are seriously interested, then please speak to our agents Miller Commercial on 01872 247000 or follow the link. Maybe now is the time for that ‘lifestyle change’ you’ve been promising yourself!

Whatever happens in the coming months, we will ensure that Lower Treave continues as a ‘going concern’ and that we make the handover to any incoming new owners as smooth as possible…and keep you informed at all times as to where we are with the process.Thank you all for your support, interest and custom over the last seventeen years….you are what makes Lower Treave such a great place to be.

Moving on…

Norman and Linda’

2012 Dates and Tariff...a sneaky preview for Blogwall Bugle readers!

2011-10-31T14:09:00.004Z

Later this week we'll be publishing our Tariff for 2012 ...but being loyal Blog readers you get a sneak preview. As with every year, we have to project forward into the unknown and try and second guess energy prices, rates increases, VAT changes, the cost of soap and toilet paper and a whole load of other stuff which factors into the price you pay for your holiday. Then we have to look around and make sure we are competitive in an increasingly tight market. And finally, we have to have a gut-feeling from seventeen years in the business that this is about the right price for what we are offering. The Retail Price Index (RPI) has sat at around 5.1% for a little while now and our prices generally reflect an increase of just under 5% on the year. This means that in high season, a family of four can get a large electric hook-up pitch for £29 a night...no charge for showers, free wi-fi and as much grass as your guinea pigs can eat (there is still no fee for guinea pigs, one family will be pleased to hear).

So here it is.....

Lower Treave Tariff 2012 -

Hope that's worked! You can expand to look at it by clicking the cross of arrows.

The on-line booking service will be down on Thursday morning whilst we upload all the dates and prices and then from the afternoon of 3 November you will be able to check availability, prices, make bookings and pay deposits on-line. The website will also be updated then.

Those of you that have provisional reservations with us for 2012 will be contacted next week asking you to confirm bookings and pay deposits.

Thank you for your custom in 2011, we hope to see you again in 2012.

LOWER TREAVE

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Going Bellamy!

2011-10-27T12:54:00.001+01:00

'Dear BH&HPA Member,

We are delighted to advise you that Professor Bellamy has awarded Lower Treave Caravan & Camping Park the Gold accolade.'

Now that's worth shouting about. Many thanks to all of you who take an interest in the wildlife at Lower Treave and help us to look after this wonderful environment. Five years worth of gold!

Going Batty!

2011-10-27T12:31:00.003+01:00

Here's one I missed during the summer!

Dear Norman and Linda

I am a student at Writtle College in Essex, studying a BSc in Conservation and Environment.

I have recently returned from a Lower Treave camping holiday. During my time at your campsite I decided to test the bat detection equipment that I will be using for my dissertation project later this summer. Although my investigations on your campsite form no part of my dissertation I was intrigued by the density and flight patterns of the many bats overhead.

I am curious to know if the bat population over your park is typical of that in the area and did bats form part of any evaluation criteria for your receipt of the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award?

Many thanks for a wonderful holiday. It was my second visit to your park and it definitely won't be the last.

Victoria Neveling

P.S. I enjoyed seeing your resident hedgehogs on two consecutive nights!

I replied to Victoria with as much as I knew about the bats....which didn't take long....and she informs me that they are Pipistrelles and she was using BatScan Software to track them. We let her have a copy of the Bellamy Award Scheme criteria and we will certainly be including this information in next years award. Thanks Victoria!

SPUTNIK LANDS AT LOWER TREAVE!

2011-10-27T12:19:00.000+01:00

Following the sudden and unexpected demise of our Wi-Fi providers (not sure exactly what happened to them...one day they were virtually there...next day they were virtually gone...sign of the times I suppose) we have moved over to the 'SPUTNIK' system to provide free wi-fi throughout the site. It's been running now for 4 days and guests seem to be making good use of it. There is increased bandwidth available to visitors and we have improved reception...particularly around the reception area funnily enough. This means you will be able to take your laptop into the laundry and watch the internet world go around whilst the washing does likewise.

Surf's up...!

Don't forget your torch when camping at Lower Treave!

2011-08-11T10:24:00.002+01:00

With one year to go until the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK, London 2012 has announced the first 74 locations welcoming the Flame during the 70-day Olympic Torch Relay.

The Torch Relay will start from Land's End on 19 May 2012, carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers. It will come within an hour of 95 per cent of the population of the UK....and within a minute of Lower Treave!

We've already taken bookings from guests who want to be at this once in a lifetime event and you can get full details of the rest of the route here http://www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay

Young people from across the UK help LOCOG Board Member Jonathan Edwards and Olympic mascot Wenlock celebrate the announcement at Land's End

Where Are They Now?

2011-08-10T06:58:00.000+01:00

This great shot of a fledgling wren family was taken last year down by the pond by regular visitor Steve Thomas.

Lots of smaller birds around this year...sparrows, wagtails, robins, swallows; not sure what makes this a better year than others. There are more cereal crops in the fields than the usual cabbage and cauli. Perhaps they prefer cornflakes to veg?

On Yer Bike...!

2011-08-06T19:54:00.003+01:00

Setting off from Lower Treave tomorrrow are the intrepid pedallers of moreadventure.

Tonight they bask in the sunshine of a Cornish evening, slightly breezy, but very pleasant, before climbing into the saddle for their adventure to John O' Groats.

Full details of supported rides and other adventures here:

http://www.moreadventure.co.uk/

JUST GASSIN'

2011-08-06T10:00:00.001+01:00

You wait all week...and then two come along at once!

Steve the Gas takes a well earned break whilst queuing to get his lorry on site as his colleague refills the bulk LPG tank.

Steve works for Bennetts Gas of Penzance who supply all the bottles and cylinders to the park. They provide an excellent service and ensure you can keep the camping stove burning.

Give them a wave next time you see their lorry out and about in Penwith!

NEW ARRIVALS!

2011-07-26T14:27:00.000+01:00

Two new foals have arrived in the last couple of weeks in the field next to us.

This is 'Louis' (photographed by Julie on his birthday) ....

....and I'll get a picture of the other one when I can catch up with it...at three days old, it still has the legs on me!

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GET SNAPPY!

2011-07-26T14:20:00.002+01:00

‘People in Landscape’ is the title of a new photo competition. The winning pictures will be used to illustrate a new book about the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and AONB Partnership publications over the next year.

Winners will be prominently featured in the December issue of myCornwall magazine.

Prizes include a guided walk and picnic in the AONB, a boat trip on the Fal, membership of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, a year’s subscription to myCornwall and local Cornish produce.

How to enter:

You may submit up to three photos.

You may interpret the title ‘People in Landscape’ in any way you see fit as long as it relates to the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Photographs may be in full colour or black and white and saved as jpg or tiff at the highest quality setting.

Send your images by email to: info@cornwall-aonb.gov.uk by the closing date of 30th September 2011.

For full details and competition rules visit the Cornwall AONB website: http://www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/

SPINY NORMAN - Please Drive Carefully!

2011-07-11T16:59:00.000+01:00

There are three of these little chaps wandering the site at the moment!

They're very busy hunting for grubs and worms...too busy to keep an eye out for cars!

MATT'S VIEW

2011-07-07T08:04:00.000+01:00

On Yer Bike!

2011-07-04T09:11:00.001+01:00

Leaving Lower Treave this morning on the first leg of his journey is Javed Saddique. Javed, will cycle the entire route, a total of 1300 miles from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. Javed grew up in Bolton, was a keen cyclist as a youngster and is now a professional cycling instructor with CTC. This is going to be a real test of endurance with each day starting and finishing from different locations in all the towns and cities that he passes through, and he needs your help along the way.

You can get fit and raise funds for the children of Haiti this summer by participating in his ‘Ride4Haiti’. In partnership with the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC- the UK’s biggest cycling charity, founded in 1878, Patron HM The Queen, President Jon Snow) and Muslim Hands, an NGO working to alleviate suffering in over 40 countries since 1993.

There will be activities and fund raising taking place at each stage with all proceeds raised going to support the children of Haiti. Activities will include; group rides, a variety of bicycles for visitors to sample (tandem, adaptable bikes, tricycles, bmx, folding and more). There will be food stalls offering healthy international food and the chance for ‘cycling novices’ to learn from the CTC professionals.

Local celebrities and media will be showing their support at many of the fun days taking place in some of the major cities along the route.

Though Javed is leading the way, his ride is meant to bring communities the routes have been planned to make it easy for everyone to participate on different sections.

That’s why they’ve planned regular shorter rides so that families and new cyclists of all ages and levels of fitness can get involved.

Whether you’re a professional cyclist, an amateur or don’t even know one end of a bicycle from another- there’s a place for you on Ride4Haiti.

To join in, click on the cyclist icon on the Google map on this link

map

Good luck Jav!

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE...?

2011-06-25T07:58:00.000+01:00

CoaST are working on the European Project called STEPPA (Sustainable Tourism in Entrepreneurship in Protected Areas); comparing sustainable practices in National Parks and Protected Areas in Europe and investigating how we can improve such important practices.

Most of our visitors come to Cornwall for the environment and visit one or more of the 12 distinctive Cornwall Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) during their stay. We would like to ask your visitors a few questions about their ideas and thoughts about how we can develop sustainable tourism in those beautiful protected areas so the environment remains beautiful!

We are now conducting a short survey, only takes 2 minutes of your time, and would really appreciate it if you could fill in an online questionnaire. It would be great if loads of you could fill in the form and we can produce a fantastic result from Cornwall! The deadline is 31st July 2011.

The link to the Survey:

http://elomake.joensuu.fi/lomakkeet/2602/lomake.html

Thank you so much for your participation.
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COOL RUNNING...for a little while!

2011-06-25T07:45:00.001+01:00

Good luck today to participants in the Endurance Life Classic Quarter; a merry romp along the cliff tops from The Lizard to Lands End.

The Endurancelife Classic Quarter Ultra Marathon was first hosted in 2007 with great success. The idea for the event was originally conjured up by an enterprising Cornish businessman, surfer and ‘reluctant' endurance athlete one day whilst out on his regular local trail running route, around Lizard Point. From the point, he could just make out Lands End in the far distance, and he wondered.., he wondered whether he might be able to run there, in one day, non stop? He concluded that with some proper training and a good dose of bloody mindedness, it could be done. He also concluded that it would be a great way to raise some funds for a very worthy organisation, Cornwall Hospice Care. Endurancelife were asked to get the event off the ground and the 'Classic Quarter' was born.

The challenge is brutally simple. To run between dawn and dusk from the southern most point, to the western most tip of Cornwall (and of course England), along the legendary South West Coast Path! That translates to running a quarter of the compass from Lizard Point to Lands End non-stop, hence the name.

The course follows 44 miles of the mesmerising SW Coast Path with innumerable s teep climbs and descents. This is the ultimate trail runner’s rush, with spectacular exposure and challenging terrain, all a stones throw away from the gently lapping, or potentially pounding Atlantic swells. There is also the unpredictable weather to contend with along the way, every runner must be well prepared mentally and physically.

The Classic Quarter can be undertaken as a relay team of two or four, or as an epic solo effort by the intrepid and well prepared lone runner. Last year the atmosphere of keen and friendly rivalry was a highlight, with the relay category being contested right up the final couple of miles.

In the first year, 60 brave souls set off from Lizzard point in a howling westerly gale, it was an epic day and resulted in £3000 being raised for the Hospices. Over the years many thousands of pounds have been raised, and a record 205 runners signed up for the 2010 event.

We are happy to host a number of the runners here at Lower Treave and wish them well.....forecast for today, a dull misty start, but brightening by lunchtime to be warm and sunny!

BY THE LIGHT...OF A SLIPPERY MOON!

2011-06-14T11:12:00.001+01:00

Why not make your way to Chapel Carn Brea on Wednesday night to join other skywatchers viewing a full lunar eclipse! Amateur astronomers from The Lands End Observatory Network will be there from dusk until midmight to talk you through the experience...and we'll leave the gate open until 1215am so you can get vehicles back on site (quietly please).

Time to check for hairs on the palms of your hands!

GOATSUCKER!

2011-06-02T09:43:00.001+01:00

Great spot from Mike Clayton-Harding camping down at the far end of Lower Treave. Last night he both saw and heard a Nightjar!

Nightjars are nocturnal birds and can be seen hawking for food at dusk and dawn. With pointed wings and long tails their shape is similar to a kestrel or cuckoo. Their cryptic, grey-brown, mottled, streaked and barred plumage provides ideal camouflage in the daytime. They have an almost supernatural reputation with their silent flight and their mythical ability to steal milk from goats; hence the alternative name. The first indication that a nightjar is near is usually the male's churring song, rising and falling with a ventriloquial quality.

Also on Mike's list of sightings at Lower Treave this year are Hen Harrier and Cuckoo (not to be mistaken for a goatsucker).

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PUKKA JOB!

2011-05-23T23:33:00.001+01:00

You might want to get behind these guys....they look better from behind!

On June 3rd 2011, a group of the Nottingham Lions Ice Hockey Team will be tackling the UK's highest 3 peaks in a 24 hour period.

Accompanied by their faithful driver Mick Colegate, the team will travel over 1000 miles and will ascend and descend 42km of mountain, a Marathon's worth of trekking!

They are undertaking this challenge to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, any donation you can make will be greatly appreciated. http://www.justgiving.com/lions3peaks

Schhhh.....it happens!

2011-05-23T17:20:00.002+01:00

Remember...when you flush something away...there is no such place as 'away'!

In our case, once a year our 5000 gall tanks have to be 'desludged' ready for the summer. Today was our 'away' day. Not a great job...but there's far worse in the world. The contents go 'away' to one of the local treatment plants.

A good time for us all to think about how we assume this stuff will just go 'away'. Check out the SAS website for a real insight into where 'away' is.....

We'll do our bit to make sure the environment you have your holiday in is as safe and as pleasant as we can make it. You can really help by just pausing for a moment before you put that cotton bud (or worse) down the loo and remembering.....there is no such place as 'away'.

Schhhh....it happens!

.

BRILLIANT TESLA AT LANDS END

2011-05-23T01:08:00.009+01:00

Having spent most of the day underneath the 15 yr old Hilux pick-up rebuilding the front hubs, I was delighted to put down the spanners and get an invite from Matt Trevaskis of ecodrive to join him at Lands End for the arrival of a Tesla Roadster at the iconic signpost, marking the unveiling of a high power charging network from Lands End to John O'Groats.

Electric carmaker Tesla Motors has partnered with UK hotels and tourist destinations to install the network, comprised of ten charge stations throughout Great Britain.

Each charge station is privately owned and available for public use, either provided free or for a nominal fee. The network is the result of a grass-roots effort by forward-thinking hotels and resorts and Roadster drivers. Now Roadster owners can enjoy their cars' breathtaking accelleration and 212 mile range as they tour Great Britain, and conveniently recharge while having a meal, using leisure facilities, or indulging in an overnight stay.

Tesla's High Power Connector (HPC) delivers a whopping 70 amps of electricity, fully charging an empty battery in less than three hours, and "topping off" a partially-charged battery in a fraction of that time. Complimenting the HPC network, Zero Carbon World a charity dedicated to creating a clean energy future, has installed medium power connectors (MPCs), delivering 32 amps, at several sites throughtout Britain. Tesla's forthcoming Model S luxury saloon can also charge on the entire network.

The historic drive, from John O' Groats, on Scotland's northeast tip, to Land's End, in the far southwest, combined the Roadster's long range with the network's high power charging. On Saturday Kevin Sharpe, founder of Zero Carbon World, set off from John O' Groats in his electric blue Tesla Roadster along with EV expert David Peilow, both taking turns at the wheel.

'After crossing the country on a single charge in a Tesla Roadster, I realised that national coverage would require surprisingly few charge stations,' said David Peilow. 'I worked out the minimum number of sites for all of Britain to be reached, and found locations where drivers would be keen to stop and recharge. Once the benefits of hosting an EV charger were explained, most sites jumped at the chance to have one.'

The new network embodies Zero Carbon World's vision of a carbon-free society, and shows that eliminating fossil fuel emissions is well within our grasp,' said Kevin Sharpe. 'The network empowers people to make choices that are pleasurable and consistent with their values of environmental stewardship. I'm thrilled to be the first EV owner to make the drive from John o'Groats to Lands End.'

The welcoming committee at Lands End...Lower Treavers on the right!

NOT SURE I'LL SLEEP TONIGHT!

2011-05-10T19:05:00.003+01:00

It's here!

RFU Championship Final

Pirates v Worcester

7.45pm Wed 11 may 2011 at the Mennaye (second leg at Worcester a week later)

On Sky. On BBC Radio Cornwall.

Eight of us going from Lower Treave....

Give us a 'P'...

Give us an 'I'...

Give us an 'R'.....Aaaaaargh!

CORNISH PIRATES...the Aaaaargh in rugby!

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

2011-05-10T15:50:00.001+01:00

It is with much sadness that we have to tell you that Sooty, Campsite Dog Number One has passed away.

He died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday morning (unable to face the Election Day coverage and knowing that his work to track down Bin Laden was done) at the ripe old age of 16 years and 1 week.

Always a character and probably the wild card in the pack, you could count on Sooty to be just that bit more independent than the rest. Having regularly spent nights out with the foxes and picking fights with larger celebrity dogs, his halitosis was legend and his determined rolling gait unmistakable.

Much missed by family, friends and rest of the pack alike; rest in peace old friend.

Thanks to all Family and Friends for their kind condolences.

'Sooty'

30 April 1995 - 5 May 2011

Sooty and Bilbo the Lifeguard Dog square up for Round One...pick on someone your own size Sooty!

MAY'S AWAY!

2011-05-07T08:45:00.001+01:00

Setting off this morning from Lower Treave is one of the first 'LeJoggers' of the season.

Simon May is cycling from Lands End to John O' Groats to raise money for Diabetes UK .

You can follow his progress here http://simonslejog.blogspot.com/ and you can donate here .

Good luck Simon, sorry about the damp start today, but it looks to be brightening later.

It's all downhill from here!

PIGEON POST!

2011-05-03T08:33:00.000+01:00

Residents may have noticed occassional loss of service on the wi-fi over the last few days. This is happening because of problems with the service provider's servers in America....and....unlike most things...we have no control over that. We're working on getting a solution and ask that you bear with us through the quiet times and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

You could perhaps try a non-electronic holiday?...we believe the beach is still 'on-line'! Alternatively, the local pigeon population has been waking me early, why not send a message with them to a far-off place!

HAPPY CAMPERS!

2011-04-18T14:55:00.002+01:00

In a study, 93% of campers said camping can make you happier.

There’s growing evidence that simply spending time outdoors surrounded by nature is linked to improved psychological wellbeing. But there is a theory that the beneficial effects of camping go deeper than if we just go for a walk, a bike ride or a day trip.

In fact, research suggests that something more transformational happens when we camp.

According to Dr Kaye Richards, from Liverpool John Moores University, camping allows us to get away from the routines – and relative comforts – of our daily lives. And even though camping and caravanning today is a much more comfortable experience thanks to modern equipment and facilities, the simple fact that we have taken ourselves out of our normal environment and into a different one, surrounded by nature, means we act, think and even communicate differently with each other.

The Top Five statements that campers agree with are:

Camping generates happy memories
Camping recharges your batteries
Camping makes you appreciate nature more
Camping expands your horizons
Camping is fun for all the family

A review of over 60 academic studies looking into the benefits of camping, supplemented by research, shows that camping has a wealth of riches to offer:

It promotes family cohesion, satisfaction, togetherness and fulfillment
It encourages rest, relaxation and restoration
It facilitates children’s learning and has a positive effect on behaviour
It improves social interaction
It makes us feel better – mentally and physically
It creates memories, traditions and special places that stay with you for life
It really does make us happier!

"Wake up in a tent or caravan with the wrap-around freedom of the great outdoors. Discover what makes the great outdoors tick in harmony with all that you have dreamed of." (David Bellamy)

What are you waiting for...get camping! Get happy!

PIRATES V TAFFS - 1 May 2011

2011-04-16T16:31:00.001+01:00

Beat the Taffs...through to the final...beat Wuss twice in the two leg final and we're in the premiership!

Simples...apart from the fact we haven't got a stadium to play in!

http://stadiumforcornwall.com/

LATEST 'WHAT'S ON' IN CORNWALL FOR 2011

2011-03-29T08:37:00.005+01:00

What’s On Round-Up

24th – 26th March
Porthleven Theatre Festival
http://www.ista.co.uk/

25th – 27th March

Oyster Gathering & Seafood Harvest, Falmouth
http://www.cornishnativeoysters.co.uk/

25th March – 3rd April

Falmouth Spring Festival - Falmouth's newest festival!
http://www.falmouth.co.uk/

26th – 27th March

Falmouth Spring Flower Show

http://www.carrickleisureservices.org.uk/

2nd – 3rd April

Cornwall Spring Flower Show, Lostwithiel

http://www.cornwallflowershow.co.uk/

4th – 8th April

Boscastle Walking Week

http://www.visitboscastle.co.uk/

9th April

Porthleven Food & Music Festival

http://www.porthlevenfoodfestival.co.uk/

10th – 17th April
St Endellion Easter Music Festival
http://www.endellion.org.uk/

18th April – 2nd May

Art in the City Festival, Truro

http://tourism.truro.gov.uk/

27th April – 2nd May

Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival, Truro

http://www.cimvcf.org.uk/

30th April

Trevithick Day, Camborne

http://www.trevithick-day.org.uk/

2nd May
Padstow May Day
www.padstow.com/obby_oss/obby_oss.php

7th May
Helston Flora Day
http://www.helstonfloraday.org.uk/

12th – 21st May
Daphne du Maurier Festival, Fowey
http://www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk/

27th May – 5th June
Fal River Festival, Falmouth, Truro, Roseland
http://www.kingharryscornwall.co.uk/

27th – 30th May
Run to the Sun Festival, Newquay
http://www.runtothesun.co.uk/

3rd – 5th June
Looe Lugger Festival
http://www.visit-southeastcornwall.co.uk/

9th – 11th June
Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
http://www.royalcornwallshow.org/

17th – 19th June
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
www.falmouthshout.com/festival.html

17th – 19th June
Rock Oyster Festival, St Minver, Wadebridge
http://www.rockoysterfestival.co.uk/

17th – 26th June
Polperro Festival
http://www.polperrofestivalsandlights.co.uk/

18th – 26th June
Golowan Festival, Penzance
http://www.golowan.org/

26th June – 2nd July

Mevagissey Feast Week

http://www.mevagisseyfeastweek.org.uk/

1st – 16th July

Lafrowda Festival, St Just

http://www.lafrowda-festival.co.uk/

9th July

Liskeard Agricultural Show

http://www.liskeardshow.org/

11th July

Stithians Show

http://www.stithiansshow.org.uk/

20th July

RNAS Culdrose Air Day, Helston

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/

21st – 24th July

Port Eliot Festival, Port Eliot, St Germans
http://www.porteliotfestival.com/

22nd – 24th July

Boconnoc Steam Fair, Lostwithiel
http://www.lsvc.org/

26th July – 5th August
St Endellion Summer Music Festival

http://www.endellion.org.uk/

30th July – 5th August

Charlestown Regatta Week

http://www.charlestownregatta.co.uk/

1st – 6th August

Padstow Carnival Week

http://www.padstowlive.com/

6th – 14th August

Henri-Lloyd Falmouth Week

http://www.falmouthweek.co.uk/

10th – 14th August

The Relentless Boardmasters, Newquay

http://www.relentlessboardmasters.com/

14th – 20th August

Fowey Regatta and Carnival

http://www.foweyroyalregatta.co.uk/

19th – 21st August

West of England Steam Rally, Stithians

http://www.weses.co.uk/

20th – 26th August

2011 Mirror Dinghy National Championships, Mylor, Falmouth

http://www.mysailingclub.org/

27th August – 2nd September

Bude Jazz Festival

http://www.budejazzfestival.co.uk/

29th August

Newlyn Fish Festival

http://www.newlynfishfestival.org.uk/

9th – 11th September

Newquay Fish Festival

http://www.newquayfishfestival.co.uk/

10th – 24th September

St Ives September Festival

http://www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk/

11th – 17th September

Music Truro

http://www.enjoytruro.co.uk/

23rd – 25th September

Cornwall Food and Drink Festival, Truro

http://www.cornwallfoodanddrinkfestival.com/

1st – 2nd October

Boscastle Food, Arts & Crafts Festival

http://www.boscastlefestival.co.uk/

13th – 16th October

Falmouth Oyster Festival

http://www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk/

19th – 23rd October

Lowender Peran Festival

http://www.lowenderperan.co.uk/

21st – 22nd October

Falmouth Beer Festival

http://www.camra.org.uk/

For further events visit http://www.visitcornwall.com/

ENJOY!

.

CoaST EVENT CHANGE FOR GOOD 2011

2011-03-25T08:06:00.002Z

One event. Two days. One hundred plus delegates. And yards and yards of energy and positive deviance. Bedruthan Steps Hotel was the venue for the CoaST Change for Good Event 2011, with speakers and delegates from London, Norfolk, Lancashire, Cumbria and Wales – and what a result. The three themes were leadership and going against the grain, communication and inspiration, and making sure we’re counting the right stuff – beyond GDP, and heading towards environmental growth, and all out well-being. Presentations, delegate details, photos and films will be made available on the CoaST website within the next few days – we’ll keep you posted!

CoaST

'Mr Chamberlain shows delegates a paper (Government Tourism Policy) and advises that there will be peace in our time!'

In the news....Cornwall Trade Association Wins National Award

2011-03-10T09:33:00.001Z

The Cornwall Branch of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) recently won national recognition with an award for membership services at the Association’s Annual Conference in Warwickshire.

The award was presented by environmentalist and TV celebrity Professor David Bellamy to Branch Chairman Norman Bliss during a packed two-day programme which included presentations from Tourism Minister John Penrose MP and the President of The Woodland Trust, comedian Clive Anderson.

‘In these financially and environmentally challenging times it makes sense for us to work more collaboratively’ commented Mr Bliss, ‘and the great thing about the Association is that it allows information, advice and best practice to flow between business. The parks in Cornwall generate 24 percent of the £1.3 billlion annual visitor spend in the Cornish economy. Lodges, chalets and caravan holiday homes have a significant part to play in addressing the ‘second homes’ issue and residential parks make a welcome contribution to the affordable housing market, particularly for senior residents. This is an important sector to the life and work of Cornwall and the BH&HPA reflects that.’

The Association represents some 140 Touring, Holiday and Home Parks in Cornwall and over 2,000 parks across the UK.

http://www.bhhpa.org.uk/

NEW KIDD ON THE DOCK!

2011-02-13T12:08:00.001Z

Thank you!

2011-02-11T14:06:00.000Z

What do they do in the winter Daddy?

2011-01-27T12:34:00.003Z

We're often asked what happens down here at Lower Treave when we close up for the winter.

Well, contrary to popular misconception, we don't head off to the Caribbean for a life of sun, sea and cetaceans. We get plenty of that here in Cornwall all year round!

But there is always a job to do during the short days of the site's down-time. This year we will be carrying out a refurbishment of the toilet and shower blocks to include new suspended ceilings and lighting. Whilst the ceiling is down, the plumbing will be reworked to give better insulation of the pipework so that we loose less heat from the solar thermal system. An additional mixing valve is being included to improve flow rates and some new lights are being installed in the laundry. A lick of paint all round and we're ready for the spring.

We have just bought a powered scarifier to tow behind the tractor and that will refresh the grass pitches each spring and autumn, lifting out the dead material from the turf and allowing the grasses and other wild flowers to grow back stronger. Paul has also been clearing back the undergrowth from around the new planting to give that a chance to get away when the warmer weather arrives.

There's always meetings, conferences and tourism industry events to attend...and most of these take place during the winter when business is a little quieter. The BH&HPA (our trade association) Conference is in Kenilworth this year, and our guest speaker is Clive Anderson ...talking back no doubt.

And what do we do for entertainment...?

...haven't missed a home match in 3 seasons and seen a few 'aways' too! Why not find out when the Pirates are raiding in your area and go along for a taste of winter Cornwall...great sport, excellent company, dubious songs and might even be the chance of a pasty!

http://www.cornish-pirates.com/

See you all when the rugby's over and the season kicks off!

...and a Happy New Year To All Our Readers!

2011-01-01T10:56:00.003Z

...whether you're an old friend, a regular visitor or just passing by....a very Happy New Year to you all!

Three things I will try to avoid in 2011...

1. ...saying 'absolutely' when I really mean 'yes'.

2. ...describing minor travel inconvenience at a station, on a motorway or in an airport as 'third world conditions' or a 'war zone'....it really isn't.

3. ...news reports where the journalists think they are the news!

Three things I will try to do in 2011....

1. ...say 'absolutely' when I would really rather say 'no'.

2. ...travel uncomplainingly.

3. ...not be in the news!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ashes to Ashes ...2010

2010-12-29T09:31:00.002Z

(Do you see what I did there...?)

BALTIC...! Sennen Cove Christmas Swim 2010

2010-12-25T13:48:00.014Z

Sennen Cove Christmas Swim 2010

Prizes...

Most travelled....Nic Cook...Melbourne, Australia

Most Blue....Nic Bliss,Chipppenham, England

Most White....Norman, Lower Treave

Oldest Swimmer on the Beach (and of which we are most proud)....Ken Cook, Coventry

Team Treave Swim 2010, Christmas, Sennen Cove

PALIN INTO INSIGNIFICANCE

2010-12-23T10:45:00.001Z

'Hi. This is Sarah Palin. Is Senator Lieberman in?'

'No, Governor. He is in the synagogue. This is Yom Kippur.'

'Well, hello, Yom. Can I leave a message with you?'

Meanwhile....back in the UK we have a slightly less benign approach to our elected representatives...

'It wasn't quite the same. M.P.s were a lot slower than foxes, but at least no-one complained!'

DOLPHINS TEST WATER TEMPERATURE FOR SENNEN CHRISTMAS SWIM

2010-12-22T20:00:00.001Z

These pictures were taken by Paul in the cove earlier this week...whilst taking a break from mowing!

Latest readings from the Seven Stones Light Vessel gives a sea temperature of 9.9 deg C.

Forecast for Christmas Day....bright and cold!

This looks like a jolly day out....

2010-12-16T11:26:00.000Z

...train up from Penzance to Looe...a day riding up and down the branch line visiting various excellent hostelries along the way ...home in time for tea and medals....Perfick!

WEATHER WISE!

2010-12-12T13:35:00.002Z

Here's a great programme with our local weather presenter David Braine. Superb photograhy and a really good explanation of the local weather.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/tyrt8/

David examines extreme weather. The South West enjoys milder, wilder and more varied weather than the rest of England. Parts of the region enjoy ideal growing conditions for subtropical plants, but the South West has also seen some of the country's worst weather disasters like the Boscastle and Lynmouth floods and the Fastnet Race tragedy.

South West people are keen weather watchers. The farming, fishing and tourist economies depend upon it. But which part of the nation's favourite holiday destination gets the best weather of all?

Available until 1:19PM Sun, 19 Dec 2010

SENNEN DRIFTING NOTES

2010-12-12T11:24:00.001Z

LIGHTING UP TIME!

2010-12-10T15:51:00.001Z

The Christmas Lights at Mousehole.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE!

2010-12-10T15:13:00.000Z

This week's 'Spot The Difference' competition is provided by Mr S Mills of Stourbridge, Staffordshire.

If you want to make sure you're here at the right time of year, book on-line now on our on-line booking page

(Answer: There are 22 degrees of difference between the two pictures....all of them measured in centigrade!)

.

UNEXPECTED EXTRA FIXTURE!

2010-12-09T19:45:00.002Z

Apparently it's snowing in Scotland...so the fixture has been reversed and they are coming to the tropical climes of Penzance....!

Have a safe journey Currie. From one end of the country to the other...the ultimate take-away!

LOWER TREAVE 2010 - A Year In Pictures

2010-12-09T19:02:00.003Z

Can't quite find what you're looking for? Try here...

2010-12-07T02:23:00.004Z

http://www.ukcampsitefinder.co.uk/campsitesearch.php?county=Cornwall%20(West)

SOMETHING WARMING FROM DOWN UNDER!

2010-12-07T02:18:00.002Z

245 all out (85.5)

620 for 5 (152.0)

304 all out (99.1)

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THIS MORNING'S CORNWALL SUNRISE

2010-12-03T11:24:00.002Z

The tower just to the left of the sun is St Buryan Church. Taken at 8a(Em) this morning.

SNOLAR PANELS!

2010-12-02T16:06:00.008Z

Lower Treave's bid to hold the Winter Olympics in 2086 receives a welcome boost!

11cm of snow fell today...not much compared with what the rest of the country has had to put up with ...but quite unusual here. The strange thing is, go just a little east of Penzance and there is nothing!

We will be open for the spring..when these images will be a distant memory. So if you're stuck indoors waiting for the snowploughs to get through, why not sort out your holiday booking..you can do it all on-line here http://www.lowertreave.co.uk/prices.html

Anyway, chin up...only 22 training days to go before the Sennen Cove Christmas Day Swim...here's a reminder from last year...

Pete, Nicky, Julie, Norman, Nic - Sennen, Xmas 2009

...just looking at it sends a shiver up the spine. This year I will be training mostly with Lamb's Navy!

Wrap up warm!

CORNWALL OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

2010-12-01T17:48:00.006Z

ART OF CORNWALL - BBC - 2 DEC 10

2010-12-01T12:26:00.002Z

WE'RE STILL STANDING!

2010-11-17T11:12:00.001Z

Thanks to all those who have rung this morning to enquire if the Ark was completed on time. Cornwall did get a bit of a lashing last night, but I am looking out of the window on a beautiful sunny morning, the grass is drying out nicely and there may be the chance of a bit of mowing later this afternoon.

However, we did have one 'incident' last week when a little wind blew through and took out one of the big trees in our own garden.

The casualty managed to land just between the deck and the pond so no major damage was done.

And look on the bright side...we've got enough fuel to keep the chiminea going for several centuries and we now do a rather nice line in Jamie Oliver 'stylee' wooden platters!

Cornwall Named Top UK Holiday Destination!

2010-11-05T12:05:00.001Z

Cornwall has once again fought off competition from across the country to be crowned ‘Best UK Holiday County or Region’ in the British Travel Awards (on Thursday 4th November) for the second year running.

The county attracted the lion’s share of the public vote outshining neighbour, Devon, which along with Cumbria in the Lake District, was announced as a runner-up. This marked an impressive double award win for Cornwall as St Ives was also named ‘Best UK Seaside Town’.

Over 220,000 people voted in this years British Travel Awards which boast over seventy categories and span every type of holiday experience, making them the largest awards programme in the UK. They are widely referred to as the “Oscars” of the travel industry and are the most recognisable and sought-after accolades in the sector.

Malcom Bell, Head of Tourism at VisitCornwall, the Cornwall Development Company tourism service for the county, collected the Awards on behalf of Cornwall and St Ives at the glittering ceremony which was held at Battersea Evolution in Battersea Park, South West London: 'I am immensely proud to accept these Awards for Cornwall and St Ives. To win at both county and town level is a huge achievement and the fact that the Awards are based on public opinion make them even more significant.'

SPOTTED!

2010-11-05T09:17:00.001Z

Well Green actually....

Guests throughout the summer have been reporting sitings of the Green Woodpecker....but until yesterday, I hadn't seen it. However, I was just sitting in the office, glanced out of the window and there it was, perched on a palm. Unfortunately, a mad scramble for the camera just produced a picture of the curtains...so you'll have to make do with an 'artists impression'....but that is my mission for the winter...a picture of 'Woody'.

If you have any interesting pictures of the wildlife at Lower Treave that you'd like to see on the blog then email them in.

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PAUL'S GAME!

2010-10-28T18:08:00.003+01:00

Similar to the 'spy training' that Rudyard Kipling described in his novel 'Kim' and beloved of Cub Scouts everywhere.

'The Scoutmaster should collect on a tray a number of articles - knives, spoons, pencil, pen, stones, book and so on - not more than about fifteen for the first few games, and cover the whole over with a cloth. He then makes the others sit round, where they can see the tray, and uncovers it for one minute. Then each of them must make a list on a piece of paper of all the articles he can remember… The one who remembers most wins the game.'

Scouting Games - Robert Baden-Powell

PS These 'articles' were all collected by Paul from out of the Lower Treave hedgerows last Saturday...and the picture is of B-P...not PM in Director Estates and Wildlife full dress uniform!

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LOWER TREAVE 2011 DATES, DETAILS AND PRICES!

2010-10-28T17:40:00.004+01:00

Just published on the website, all the prices and dates for next year.

Go to http://www.lowertreave.co.uk/prices.html for details and to book on-line!

See you in the summer!

COMPREHENSIVE SPENDING REVIEW!

2010-10-27T11:03:00.003+01:00

Lot of people making bookings for next year at the moment...so we have done our sums, tried to second-guess the Chancellor and the energy markets, factored in the VAT increase, stuck a finger in the wind and come up with some prices.

These are now in the 'on-line' booking system, so you can go straight to that and make your booking here https://secure.csuk-solutions.net/book/1988/7

or send us an email with your dates and details and we will do it for you camping@lowertreave.co.uk

or give us a call on 01736 810559 and we can do it on the phone.

We will be contacting those of you that already have a provisional booking to confirm details and deposits in the near future.

We open for the 2011 season on Saturday 16 April ( the week before Easter) and close on Saturday 29 October.

Are you going to Lower Treave in 2011?

The Chancellor forecasts an early booking will avoid disappointing long-term results!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2010-10-19T10:18:00.002+01:00

From all at Lower Treave!

(PS...does anybody know when Sue Barker's birthday really is?)

FREE SUN!

2010-10-08T11:43:00.001+01:00

Lighter Later is campaigning to get the clocks moved forward by one hour so that it stays lighter for longer in the evenings.

That means an average of 55 minutes of extra usable sunlight each day - whether you're playing sports, enjoying extra time in the pub's beer garden, or simply getting some valuable vitamin D from the sun's rays.

By moving Britain's clocks forward by one hour throughout the year, research shows that it would cut at least half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, save lives on our roads and give a boost to sport, leisure and domestic tourism.

Changing our clocks so that we are awake for more of the time that the sun is out is a no-brainer. So why not join the campaign and the thousands of other supporters at http://www.lighterlater.org/

Add your voice to the millions calling for lighter, safer and happier evenings.

WHATS ON....NEXT YEAR!

2010-10-08T11:19:00.001+01:00

Planning next year's visit to Cornwall....why not see what's on whilst you're here...better still, plan your trip around a particular event and have some great days out!

27th April – 2nd May
Cornwall International Male Voice
Choral Festival, Truro
http://www.cimvcf.org.uk/

30th April
Trevithick Day, Camborne
http://www.trevithick-day.org.uk/

2nd May
Padstow May Day
www.padstow.com/obby_oss/obby_oss.php

7th May
Helston Flora Day
http://www.helstonfloraday.org.uk/

12th – 21st May (TBC)
Daphne du Maurier Festival, Fowey
http://www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk/

27th May – 5th June
Fal River Festival, Falmouth, Truro, Roseland
www.kingharryscornwall.co.uk/festival

27th – 30th May
Run to the Sun Festival
Newquay
http://www.runtothesun.co.uk/

3rd – 5th June
Looe Lugger Festival
http://www.visit-southeastcornwall.co.uk/

9th June
Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
http://www.royalcornwallshow.org/

17th – 19th June
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
www.falmouthshout.com/festival.html

25th – 26th June
Golowan Festival, Penzance
http://www.golowan.org/

1st – 16th July
Lafrowda Festival, St Just
http://www.lafrowda-festival.co.uk/

11th July
Stithians Show
http://www.stithiansshow.org.uk/

21st – 24th July
Port Eliot Festival, Port Eliot, St Germans
http://www.porteliotfestival.com/

22nd – 24th July
Boconnoc Steam Fair, Lostwithiel
http://www.lsvc.org/

6th – 14th August
Henri-Lloyd Falmouth Week
http://www.falmouthweek.co.uk/

19th – 21st August
West of England Steam Rally, Stithians
http://www.weses.co.uk/

27th August – 2nd September
Bude Jazz Festival
http://www.budejazzfestival.co.uk/

29th August
Newlyn Fish Festival
http://www.newlynfishfestival.org.uk/

Keep an eye on http://www.englishopenatstmellion.co.uk/ for the English Open at St Mellion International Resort and http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/ for RNAS Culdrose Air day in Helston– both dates to be confirmed.

For further events visit http://www.visitcornwall.com/

.

COVERT OPERATIONS!

2010-09-29T12:43:00.000+01:00

Staff of K&S Chip Van Security Systems conduct covert operations training. Here they are disguised as a 'three-legged umbrella with bicycle distraction'.

K&S Chip Van Security Systems

(Motto: The Queue Starts Here)

CHIP VAN WRINKLE!

2010-09-25T13:07:00.005+01:00

Sadly, we have seen the last of the chip van for this season. They are going to have their long winter sleep!

Thanks to Amanda and her crew for manning the fryers...and to Ken and Seb of K&S Chip Van Security Systems.

Good news...they will be back next Easter, visiting the site on a couple of evenings each week... a very good reason to get on that diet over the winter to allow for a little holiday treat.

Remember....'The queue starts here'.

K&S Chip Van Security Systems are ready to welcome you!

(I see Ken's been working out!)

GUEST VIEWFINDER

2010-09-22T12:58:00.000+01:00

Some great shots of the park from guest Terry Walsh.

... sometimes when you're here all the time you just don't see this stuff. Brilliant!

COULD YOU FILL THESE SHOES?

2010-09-22T12:36:00.000+01:00

... Size 10 ... if so, please contact:

Lost Property

Lower Treave Caravan and Camping Park

Crows-An-Wra

Penzance

TR19 6HZ

http://www.lowertreave.co.uk/

... with winter coming on, we don't want you walking around in your bare feet!

LOWER TREAVE WINS GOLD WILDLIFE AWARD!

2010-09-18T13:34:00.004+01:00

For the fourth year running, Lower Treave has been awarded a Gold in the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme ...and with wildlife like this around it's not surprising!

Many thanks to all who help make our participation in this scheme so worthwhile, not least Paul, who not only creates an environment in which the wildlife can thrive and which guests enjoy so much, but then captures it on camera for us all to enjoy.

PS...no tigers were harmed in the winning of this award!

920 TO GO!

2010-09-10T07:58:00.000+01:00

Graham Stayner and two friends from Blandford are leaving Lower Treave this morning bound for John O' Groats in nine days and plan to raise £2000 for charity.

They would greatly appreciate any donation.

You can donate online:

www.justgiving.com/grahamstayner

Or send any donations to:

Graham Stayner

5 Elizabeth Rd

Blandford Forum

DT11 7NJ

Every penny of each donation goes directly to the charity and gift aid can be added to any tax payer’s donation. Thank you.

...AND THE WINNER IS!

2010-09-05T11:42:00.000+01:00

...well two winners actually. After a board of enquiry, it has been difficult to establish who exactly was in the British Library becoming the 10,000th reader of the blog....

So we are awarding two prizes...look out on your doorsteps J and D for the arrival of the 2011 'Wild Cornwall Calendar'. Lower Treave features in March with a great picture of local beach Pednvounder.

Enjoy!

http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/

A PEDLAR'S TALE!

2010-09-05T11:35:00.000+01:00

If you want an inspirational Sunday morning read....here it is....

http://www.rockettrides.com/?p=671

Well done Ben.

.

BEN ROCKETT BREAKS WORLD RECORD!

2010-08-27T07:06:00.001+01:00

Lands End - John O' Groats - Lands End ...on a bike...5 Days 21 Hours(ish)!

Ben crosses the finishing line in a Cornish dawn congratulated by supporters and a crowd of well-wishers.

Emotional moments as the scale of the achievement is realised.

Time to reflect.

It says it all.

The last time I stayed up all night to see something like this, Neil Armstrong said something about small steps and giant leaps....well this was one hell of a bike ride and rockets were involved on both occasions!

Well done Ben and all of the support team.

http://www.rockettrides.com/

WATCH A WORLD RECORD IN THE MAKING...!

2010-08-26T08:09:00.001+01:00

It's adddictive...watching the progress of a superman clad in lycra as he pedals towards the record books (and past Lower Treave).

http://www.rockettrides.com/?page_id=627

Lets all get out there and cheer him on to the finish.....!!!

Tell your grandchildren you were there! Tell them you saw the Rockett Man!

ROCKETT MAN!

2010-08-24T09:53:00.000+01:00

Check out this two-wheeled phenomenon!

Ben Rockett....real name...attempting the Lands End - John O' Groats - Lands End world record on a bike.

ETA passing Lower Treave early Friday morning (but watch the blog tracker for updates).

Rockett Rides

Good luck Ben!

LOST....and FOUND!

2010-08-23T08:20:00.000+01:00

I found this in the tumble dryers this morning....I think it's an earing...and not being a modern man I cannot imagine where else you might have a piercing....show me a match and its yours!

ONE FOR THE GALLERY!

2010-08-21T17:23:00.001+01:00

'PORTHCURNO'

Georgia

Pitch 19

21 August 2010

FOXY TV!

2010-08-20T14:56:00.010+01:00

Here's a great piece from myCornwall TV....and if 'Jack' isn't Jake's long lost brother...I'm a campsite owner!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid26761382001?bctid=589436484001

Just off to check the fence on the chickens!