GOLDY LOOKS AND THE THREE BEES!

THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL!

Hello there,

My husband and I have created a website that's a visual guide of things to do in Cornwall, with more than 100 really lovely photos, and plenty of suggestions and comments from Cornish locals.

Feedback has been really positive so far, and I'm now trying hard to spread the word. Hopefully your visitors would find it useful inspiration?

The website's address is http://www.ultimatecornwall.co.uk/

It's been a real labour of love, and any help you can offer to get the word out would be much appreciated :-)

Many thanks!

Hannah
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TRUCKIN' TENTS

Probably the most unusual vehicle we've had on site this year!

www.daltus.de

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HELLO, HELLO, HELLO ...what have we got 'ere then?

During the busy summer season, demand for Devon and Cornwall Police increases by around 35%. Extra demand can increase call waiting times to the 101, non-urgent telephone number.

We hope guests have an enjoyable stay while visiting the area and don't need to contact the police. If for some reason you do and it is for a non-urgent matter, please be aware that in addition to calling 101, there are other quick and convenient options for people with internet connected devices.

Visit www.dc.police.uk/contact for more details. Guests can report non-urgent crime online, as well as find the answer to hundreds of commonly asked questions using the Ask-the-Police facility on their website. For all other matters you can email 101@dc.police.uk. 

ALWAYS DIAL 999 IN AN EMERGENCY!

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NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A SUMMER'S DAY!

OLD SEA DOG

Jake casts a weather eye over The Brisons at Nanjulian.

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SNAKES AND MARIGOLDS!

It has long been held that planting marigolds around the perimeter of your land will deter snakes!

But at Boscregan - just along from Nanjulian - they dance happily amongst the vipers!

Corn Marigolds and Vipers Bugloss in the evening sun earlier today. 

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TODAY WE....

Emptied 3 septic tanks ...

fitted a new boiler to Holiday Caravan No2 ...

and painted 'Mr Croker's' hat red ...

... but we didn't get Superfast Broadband Fibre To The Premises installed by BT Business!

#DarkAgesCommunications #WaitingTwoYearsNow

@BTBusiness

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NEW ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE AT LOWER TREAVE!

....but only if you're a bee.

Just putting the finishing touches to the new accommodation .... please note ...this is self-catering.

Bees are a vital part of the British countryside. Not only are they beautiful and fascinating creatures, they are one of the most important pollinators of crops and other plants. That’s why the recent dramatic decline in many of Britain’s bee species is such bad news. To do something to help, the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme (DBCAS) has teamed up with the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) to run the Honey Bee Friendly Park Project....

 

...and this is our bit to help....

Don't 'Bee Afraid' .... 'Bee Aware!'

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Did you know? 10 Poldark facts!

Based on Winston Graham’s acclaimed novels set in Cornwall in the 18th Century, Poldark tells the story of Ross Poldark, an Army officer who returns to England after fighting in the American War of Independence to discover that his fiancee Elizabeth had believed him dead and has since married his cousin. Poldark then marries his maid, Demelza but is forever torn between the two women.

Here are our 10 little known facts...

1. Trerice House, near Newquay was Winston Graham’s inspiration for the estate that features in Poldark.

2. Porthgwarra, which can be seen later in the series, is part of the St Aubyn Estate.

3. Winston Graham lived in Perranporth – you can now sit on a memorial seat at the site where he wrote the first two novels.

4. Charlestown with its Grade II Listed harbour complete with Tall Ships is a popular film location, as well as Poldark it starred in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Dr Who.

5. Aidan Turner (Ross) and Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza) stayed at Retallack Resort & Spa while filming.

6. Hallagenna Riding and Cottage Holidays provided stabling and accommodation for the stunt riders and horses while filming on the moors – try their new Poldark Trail.

7. Levant Mine plays the role of the fictional Tressiders Rolling Mill while Owles and Crowns near Botallack stars as Wheal Leisure.

8. Demelza is a Cornish girls name with the meaning ‘fort on the hill’.

9. Most of the new Poldark series was filmed in Cornwall during the summer of 2014.

10. Winston Graham wrote 12 Poldark novels, the March/April 2015 series will cover the first two.




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ANOTHER VIEW

You could watch Poldark ....or if you want a slightly different view of Cornwall (and some other places) then take a look at these fantastic photographs by Paul Michelmore . How many can you spot which were taken at Lower Treave?

'You've an eye for beauty an' no mistake!'

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BERTHA...paahh! ...I SURVIVED BILL!

...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 ...

The advice remains the same!

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!

BEACH LIFE

Cornwall's beaches are a hive of activity from dawn till dusk. There is so much more to our beaches than the traditional buckets and spades and building sandcastles, as much fun as this is. From wild food foraging to wild swimming to painting lessons, Cornwall's beaches provide inspiring past times for all. This short film follows Caroline Davey of The Fat Hen as she goes wild food foraging around Sennen Cove, the Newlyn School of Art painting lessons at Cot Valley and Open Swimmers at Carbis Bay as they make the must of the wonderful summer weather.

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Helston Flora Day - Thursday 8th May 2014

What’s it all about?

The origins of this famous celebration dance are more than likely pre-Christian and connected to ancient spring festivals that take place all over Europe. Nowadays the festival’s original purpose of ushering in a prosperous harvest expresses itself in a lively, colourful celebration that involves the whole town. A great family day out.

What happens?

The town is decked out with bluebells, gorse and laurel leaves gathered from the surrounding countryside. Dancing begins at 7.00am with gentlemen wearing shirts and ties and the ladies in light summer dresses. Not long after the Hal-an-Tow, a boisterous mummers’ play featuring scenes of St George slaying the Dragon begins cheered on by a crowd dressed in Lincoln green and Elizabethan robes. The children of the town dance at 10.00am wearing flowers and lily of the valley and at midday the formal dance of the day begins with men wearing morning dress and the ladies decked out in magnificent ball gowns and hats that could be the envy of Ascot. To round off the day of dancing, the Evening Dance starts from the Guildhall at 5pm.

How can you take part?

You'll probably have to park outside the town and walk in as thousands of visitors pack the streets all day to watch the dances. During the day the main street and down towards the boating lake buzzes with many stalls selling local souvenirs, Cornish crafts and food and a big fairground and there's a carnival atmosphere from dawn to well into the night.

Taking part in the dancing is by invitation only by applying to the Flora Day Association. The event is held every year on May 8th unless that day falls on a Sunday or Monday, when it is held on the preceding Saturday.

Did you know?

The Flora Dance melody, played during the celebrations every year by Helston Town Band, is said to date back to a pre-Christian times. Put to words in 1911 by London born composer Katie Moss, the lyrics are allegedly based on a true incident when, whilst visiting Helston Floral Day, Moss was grabbed by a stranger who enticed her to join in the dancing.

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Winging It In Cornwall!

A short aerial trip around a few of the most iconic attractions such as St Michael's Mount, the Minack Theatre, Land's End, Tintagel Castle and the Eden Project.



If you want a more personal view from the air ... Come Fly With Me...!

Happy landings everyone!

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Night Train

I was on one of the last sleepers before the storm. Great to see it back!

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Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta 2014

What happens?

The large square-rigged vessels will be berthed at Queen’s Wharf in Falmouth Docks and will be open to the public from 28th to 30th August. On 31st August they will take part in a magnificent Parade of Sail along the coast in Falmouth Bay. They will then race up the English Channel to the finishing line off the Isle of Wight, then sailing in company to Greenwich, London.

How can you take part?

You can sign up to take part in the race as a crew member on board of one of the magnificent Tall Ships or enjoy the spectacle of the vessels in port. When the Tall Ships are in Falmouth people will be able to go onboard and experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on-board these majestic ships where fortunes, careers and lives have been won and lost. There'll also be a packed schedule of onshore activities from exhibitions & displays, children’s activities, live music & entertainment, a colourful ship’s crew parade through the town centre and a spectacular firework display.

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Cornish Jukebox

.......anybody seen Paul?

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MOUSEHOLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

The Christmas lights in Mousehole are a stunning sight, with floating displays of lights in the harbour and around the streets that are filled with the aroma of mulled wine and festive food. You’ll see a fantastic display of sea serpents, fishing boats and whales colourfully lighting up one of Cornwall’s most welcoming harbours. Centrepiece is the millennium Celtic cross on St Clement Island, powered ever so greenly by a wind generator. The village is ablaze with colour whilst the lights are on and to really appreciate the displays, walk around the narrow streets and follow the winding strings of lanterns as they disappear around the corner into yet another street barely wide enough to walk through.

The 2013 ‘switch-on’ will be held on Saturday 14th December at 7.30 pm. There will be an open-air Carolaire service at the entrance to the North Quay. The ‘Carolaire Choir’, comprising of the Mousehole Male Voice Choir, Members of the Mousehole Methodist Church and friends from the community together with the Pendeen Silver Band, will lead the community singing.

The lights will then be on each evening between 5pm and 11pm (approximately) until Saturday 4 January 2013 (With the exception of 19th Dec, when the lights will be dimmed between 8-9pm).

This year the lights are celebrating their 50th year. The Christmas lights were started in 1963 by Mousehole-based artist, Joan Gillchrest. A string of coloured bulbs were put along both quays to make the village a bit brighter at Christmas time. The largest set piece is the 'Merry Christmas / Happy New Year' which is approximately 160ft (50m) long x 20ft (6m) high and contains nearly 1000 bulbs.

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WEST CORNWALL - on the edge of time.

A large part the land here was once an island, and even though nowadays joined to the mainland, a feeling of individuality remains. Heathland covers the granite outcrops and the area is scattered with remnants of an incredibly ancient heritage. As you slip off the edge of the map into rocky gorges where tiny fishing villages face a wild ocean it's as if you have slipped off the edge of time where Cornwall reveals its most individual and captivating side.



You'll find: smugglers' coves, show stopping beaches, historic mining settlements, surf spots, boat trips, harbour towns, dramatic coastal scenery, The Minack Theatre, St. Michael's Mount, and The Lizard.

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PENLEE HOUSE GALLERY - PENZANCE

We hope you enjoy this short film about Penlee House Gallery and Museum in Penzance, West Cornwall. Penlee House is the only Cornish public gallery specialising in the Newlyn School of artists (c.1880 - c.1940) including Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Frank Bramley, Walter Langley and Laura Knight. This school is featured in the romantic film Summer in February, released in June this year.

Set in an elegant Victorian house and park, Penlee House also covers West Cornwall's archaeology and social history, and offers an excellent café and shop.

Make sure you visit this summer!

Find out more about Penlee House Gallery

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LIFE'S A BEACH!

...and if you think these beaches are great...



...wait until you see Sennen Cove, Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder, Porth Chapel, Nanjizal, Portheras, Gwenver...

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ART DECO DIPS

This short film shows off one of Penzance’s hidden gems – the Jubilee Pool is one of the few remaining 1930s art-deco lidos in the country. Jutting out into Mount’s Bay on the seafront of Penzance, with superb views to the left across to St Michael’s Mount and to the right the fishing villages of Newlyn and Mousehole, the Jubilee Pool has to be one of the best places to swim in the open air - not just in Cornwall - but in the entire country.

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Time to get gardening...!

A snapshop of the diversity of Cornwall's magnificent gardens, from the world famous - the Lost Gardens of Heligan, to the hidden gems (hence the name) Hidden Valley Gardens. Whether you're a serious horticulturalist, specialist gardener or enthusiastic amateur Cornwall's lush vegetation and colour give garden lovers a feast for the eyes all year round.


Get gardening!


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Summer in February?...we'd settle for summer in August!

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Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) stars in a true tale of love, liberty and scandal amongst the Edwardian artists' colony in Cornwall.

The Newlyn School of artists flourished at the beginning of the 20th Century and the film focuses on the wild and bohemian Lamorna Group, which included Alfred Munnings and Laura and Harold Knight. The incendiary anti-Modernist Munnings, now regarded as one of Britain's most sought-after artists, is at the centre of the complex love triangle, involving aspiring artist Florence Carter-Wood and Gilbert Evans, the land agent in charge of the Lamorna Valley estate. True - and deeply moving - the story is played out against the timeless beauty of the Cornish coast, in the approaching shadow of The Great War.

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Cornwall's Theatre Under The Stars - The Minack

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FISHING BOOTS

A couple of good contacts for visitors this season:

Explore In Cornwall run by Steve Crummay will host guided wildlife walks almost any time, any where to suit you. With one of Cornwall's leading naturalists as your guide, Explore in Cornwall will get you away from the crowds and well-worn tourist trails. You will be able to experience the iconic wildlife, ancient landscapes and hidden wonders you won’t find in the usual guide books whilst in the company of one of Cornwall’s leading wildlife experts. Cornwall has some of the best wildlife, landscape, scenery and coast in Britain, recognised by Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Nature Reserves and the Special Areas of Conservation.

Call 01736 740234 or 07929 065510

And when you're ready to relax with rod and line then Dave Williams of Drift Reservoir is your man. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Drift is a 65 acre clear water trout fishery 2 miles west of Penzance and just 200 metres from the main A30 to Lands End. Depths vary greatly around the reservoir, a deep area close to the dam contrasts with a shallow wooded area at the opposite end to the dam. Rainbow and Wild Brown trout are stocked monthly with fish averaging between 1 and 3 lbs. For some variation Arctic Char were introduced a few years ago, but these have proved difficult to catch….will you be the first! Current fishery records: 8lb 3oz Rainbow, 9lb 11oz wild Brown.

Call 01736 786613 or 07976 184109

Happy days!

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CHARGING AROUND!

Went to the start of the Electric Car Rally in Truro this morning. The rally started from Lemon Quay and routed via the King Harry Ferry and on through the Roseland Peninsula to finish at The Cornwall Hotel and Spa in St Austell.

 

Great vehicles and rapid charging is the future! Thanks to Cornwall companies eco-drive and Hawkins Motors for the event.

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I'm no Usain Bolt...but...

...couldn't resist this photograph from @sfastcornwall

Over 125,000 businesses and homes across Cornwall are now able to order fibre optic broadband, taking coverage over the 50% mark. Camelford, St Gennys and Pendeen are among the most recent areas to be enabled.

Nigel Ashcroft MBE, Superfast Cornwall Programme Director, said, “This is a momentous milestone for Superfast Cornwall. I’m proud and excited to say we’re on track in making Cornwall one of the best connected places in the world.”

The North Cornwall village of Blisland has also recently been enabled, with average speeds increasing dramatically since fibre broadband became available. The community celebrated with a public event at what is believed to be North Cornwall’s first “superfast internet café.” North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson and local Cornwall Councillor Mick Martin were among those who joined the festivities.

At St Buryan we are in the first phase of fibre rollout so hopefully by this summer you will all enjoy the benefit of Superfast Broadband when using the free wi-fi at Lower Treave - BLISS!

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A short and colourful life....

19 February 2013

Dear Norman Bliss

Thank you for taking the time to report to us details of a bird ring you found. Information about this bird and its movements is given below. If you notice any errors in the information, please return it (or a copy) with your corrections, so we can update our records.

Ringing Scheme: London

Ring Number: LE40221

Species of bird: Great Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopos major

It was found on 24-Dec-2012 at Crows-an-Wra, Cornwall OS Map reference SW3827, co-ordinates 0deg 5min N 5deg 40min W.

It was found 64 days after it was ringed, 5 km from the ringing site, direction NNE.

The Ringing Team: This bird was ringed by K A Wilson as age 1st year , sex female on 21-Oct-2012 at Nanjizal, Land's End, Cornwall OS Map reference SW3523, co-ordinates 50deg 3min N 5deg 42min W.

Bird Ringing in Britain and Ireland is organised by the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology). Each year over 900,000 birds are ringed in Britain & Ireland, by over 2,500 highly trained bird ringers, most of whom are volunteers. Ringing began over 100 years ago to study the movements of birds. While it continues to generate information about movements, it also allows us to study how many young birds leave the nest and survive to breed as adults, as well as how many adults live from year to year and how many birds disperse to different breeding sites. Collection of this information helps us to understand why bird populations increase or decline - vital information for conservation. After over a hundred years of bird ringing in Britain & Ireland there is still much more to learn!

Bird ringers are highly trained volunteers who follow a careful training process that can take several years to ensure that they have the necessary skills to catch and ring birds while ensuring that the birds welfare is always the most important consideration. The Ringing Scheme is managed by a professional team at the BTO under the direction of a Ringing Committee. The BTO is authorised to issue permits on behalf of the government conservation agencies.

Thanks again for reporting this bird and contributing to the work of the Ringing Scheme. If you would like to find out more about ringing and the BTO, you will find much more information at www.bto.org.

With best wishes

The Ringing Team

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