Goose Fat Anyone?

See you there!

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Dead Ringer

Just filled in my first Ringed Bird Recovery report for http://www.euring.org/index.html ...sadly posthumous.

Thank you very much for reporting a ringed bird. Ring recoveries provide important information on the survival and movements of birds and we value every report.

You have made your report via a website operated by EURING on behalf of all European bird ringing schemes. Your report has been forwarded to the Scheme that issued the ring that you found. They will determine the ringing details of the bird and will then contact you to tell you when and where the bird was ringed. If you need to make any enquiries about your report please contact the relevant scheme, whose details are given below.

Please keep hold of the ring in case we need to check details later.

The information that you reported is listed below. If you find any errors in this information please inform the Scheme directly.

BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford IP24 2PU
recoveries@bto.org

	Query	Response
1	Transaction	MRING1356365771901-LE40221
2	Full name	Norman Bliss
3a	Address 1	Lower Treave Caravan and Camping Park
3b	Address 2	Crows-An-Wra
3c	Address 3	Penzance
3d	Address 4	Cornwall
4	Postcode/Zip code	TR19 6HZ
5	E-mail	camping@lowertreave.co.uk
6	Country	GB
7	Metal ring number	LE 40221
8a	Ring address	XXX
8b	If other please describe the scheme address that is on the ring	NH MUSEUM LONDON
9	Type of bird (if known)	Greater Spotted Wodpecker
10	Sex of bird (if known)	F
11	Age of bird (if known)
12a	Was the bird -	dead
12b	How long has the bird been dead?	fresh dead
13a	What happened to the bird? (e.g. caught by cat, hit by car, oiled on beach etc.)	dead on ground - unknown cause
13b	What happened to the bird? (e.g. entered house, tangled in garden netting, stunned hitting window - later released etc.)	-
13c	Please give further details of the circumstances if you can (e.g. ring only found in drawer, found by metal detector)	-
14	Country	GB
15	County/province	Cornwall
16a	Location	Lower Treave Caravan and Camping Park, Crows-An-Wra, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6HZ.
16b	Location extra
17	Coordinates/grid reference	OS GR SW 388273
18a	Date (dd/mm/yyyy)	24/12/2012
18b	Date (approx)
19	Please enter any further remarks that you may like to add that will assist in the processing of the ring recovery	During the summer/autumn we have heard the tapping of woodpeckers in nearby trees. We have sighted both green and greater spotted before on site, but this is the first known fatality. There are numerous raptors in the area; buzzards, hawks and owls.
20	Lan	EN

Coming soon...to a beach near you!

Opening for the 2013 season on 27 April. All bookings confirmed before Christmas receive 5% discount. Full details, prices and on-line booking on the Lower Treave Website 

 See you soon!

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How the mighty are fallen...!

Thank you to all those enquiring after our well-being following the recent weather which has hit the South West. We're pretty much unscathed at Lower Treave, apart from loosing a large tree on the lower level of the site and the pond over-running a couple of times.

Notice the new 'lake' which has appeared further down the valley.

The debris trail marks the spot of the latest breach.

Next year Pitch 53 will have a more airy feel to it!

Oh well, every cloud has a silver lining...although the ones on this particular cloud were quite a dark grey; a chainsaw and an axe and we have next years supply for the woodburner sorted. Question is - what trees to plant in replacement - any suggestions?

As a most famous soldier and statesman once said 'We must get some better footwear for these muddier battles - something calf length in a rubberised material should do the trick.Captain Dunlop, Lieutenant Hunter, see what you can come up with!'

Remember, sensible footwear is not just for camping. We hope you are all safe, well and keeping your feet dry and powdered. You won't need Wellingtons for the beautiful summer of 2013, but you will need a booking 

See you in the heatwave!

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Cornwall Steals the Show at British Travel Awards

Cornwall has been revealed as the ultimate all-round visitor destination in the British Travel Awards 2012 by dominating the winners roll and claiming the coveted top spot for everything from overall county to attraction, town and website.

For the fourth consecutive year Cornwall has been crowned Best Holiday County and in an equally impressive feat St Ives has scooped Best Coastal Town for the third time.

Cornwall’s strengths in online marketing and innovation have also been applauded with www.visitcornwall.com taking the title of Best Visitor Guide Website.

Meanwhile, double glory has been bestowed on Cornwall’s attractions with the Eden Project claiming Gold for Best Leisure Attraction for the second year running, whilst the Bronze trophy for Best Heritage Attraction went to the Minack Theatre.

To complete the honours that went in Cornwall’s favour Fal River took Bronze for Best UK Coastal Town and Parkdean Holidays which has 24 holiday parks across the UK with 8 in Cornwall, claimed Silver for Best UK Holiday Park Operator.

Malcolm Bell, Head of VisitCornwall, the Cornwall Development Company tourism service, delights: “As a clear winner, no other destination rivalled Cornwall’s enviable success which shows a unique diversity and unwavering quality across the industry. Cornwall excels in partnership working and this impressive feat is a collective effort which reflects on the whole industry. Congratulations to Cornish tourism.”

More Gold for Team DB!

We are delighted to announce that Professor David Bellamy has awarded Lower Treave Caravan and Camping Park the Gold David Bellamy Conservation Award for 2012/2013.

....and the local residents are happy with that...

We have called these foxes 'Kaz' and 'Mark' ...named after the guests who took the photograph from Pitch 49 in September.

Thanks to all our customers who take an interest in the wildlife around Lower Treave and the David Bellamy Awards...but particular thanks to Kaz and Mark!

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This looks a bit fishy to me....

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END OF THE LINE?

West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, has launched a petition in support of the campaign to persuade the Government to protect a base line of at least 9 through services from Penzance to London when the next 15 year rail franchise is let later this autumn.

Invitations to tender for the Great Western franchise were published recently and included an option to cut through services from Penzance to just 6 per day.

Mr George’s petition will be presented to Rail Minister, Rt. Hon Theresa Villiers MP, in October at the same time as companies tendering for the franchise submit their bids.

Mr George said, “We have already sent a strong message to the Minister. Any cut in through services would be bad for business, bad for the tourist industry and for the thousands of commuters who depend on this vital lifeline service.

“It is important that companies tendering for the service and Government Ministers are made fully aware just how strongly we feel about the future of our intercity services. I therefore call upon local people and visitors to sign up to this petition.”

Please sign the petition here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R23QKM7

(Ahhh...the Deltics...remember the Deltics....)

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Stats a fact...!

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Sounds fishy...

NEWLYN FISH FESTIVAL - BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

Celebrating all things fishy in Britain’s premier fishing port where you can satisfy your appetite with the best seafood you’re likely to find anywhere and help to raise money for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.

For fish fans, you can see one of the biggest displays of fish, watch a rolling programme of cookery demos by top local chefs and watch the Cornish Fishmonger of the Year  competition. There are three music stages, plenty of boats including luggers, gigs, fishing boats, lifeboats and jet skis, a DVD show, lots of arts and crafts, the Fish Tales Tent with some of the best local story-tellers and there is plenty of fun for kids with bouncy castles, face-painting, crazy theatre and the ever-popular Fishy Trail.

It all happens on August Bank Holiday Monday, in and around the harbour in Newlyn, just west of Penzance. From the A30, follow the signs to the Newlyn Fish Festival and look out for temporary car parks. Doors open at 09:00 and close at 17:00. Admission is £5. Under 16s are free.

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You say the nicest things....

Just had a look at the comments coming in from Rate This Park . It's been a tough summer with the weather, the Olympics and the economy all doing their bit to make life 'interesting'. Your kind words are much appreciated.

'It is great site to be very friendly people. Love it!'


'Wonderful site, large pitches so you do not feel hemmed in even when the site is busy, and the terraces add to the feeling of a small, spread-out site too. Very peaceful, despite it being August when we visited. Everywhere very clean and tidy. Wonderful base for exploring this very lovely part of Cornwall. We have been to Lower Treave before and hope to come back again in the near future. Thank you for another really lovely stay :-)'


'It is such a lovely haven of peace and tranquillity.  Perfect for unwinding.  Has been a pleasure to visit on the two occasions we have stayed there, albeit for the weather! Plan to back in September, can't wait.'

'We absolutely loved this site. It is very peaceful and picturesque with lovely mature trees, plants and wild flowers, so we spent much time sitting outside our tent watching all the wildlife. 

The showers, loos and washing up facilities were always very clean and a fish and chip van visiting twice a week provided a very welcome change from our own cooking. 

The real bonus was the kindness of the owners who could not have been more helpful when our car broke down. It did mean we had to spend an extra two nights which was actually another bonus as we felt completely relaxed by our time there. 

With huge pitches, beautiful surroundings and excellent customer service we thought this was a perfect site. Cannot recommend highly enough and we will definitely be back.'

Thank you.

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What’s On – August Highlights

http://www.visitcornwall.com/whats-on for full events listings.

Boardmasters Surf, Skate + Music Festival

Newquay 08/08/12 – 12/08/12

Surf, skate + music festival situated across two legendary locations featuring the best in action sports including ASP World Tour Surfing and a laid back music festival.

Camelford Agricultural Show

Camelford 08/08/12

Traditional agricultural show, Includes dog shows, vintage vehicle collections, displays of cattle, sheep and horses, sheep shearing displays, a heavy horse show and much more.

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week

Falmouth 12/08/12 – 18/08/12

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week has grown into the largest sailing regatta in the south west with more than 450 yachts racing over eight days, and a lively programme of shoreside events.

Nowehereisland - Mevagissey

Mevagissey 13/08/12 – 17/08/12

Nowhereisland, a new island nation originating from the Arctic, is voyaging around the south west’s spectacular coastline, as part of an epic voyage of over 500 nautical miles during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

West Of England Steam Rally

Truro 17/08/12 – 19/08/12

Stunning showmen’s engines with their gleaming twisted brass, road rollers, ploughing engines, heavy haulage road locomotives and agricultural traction engines.

Cornwall Design Fair

Penzance 17/08/12 – 19/08/12

The Cornwall Design Fair returns to the glorious setting of Trereife House. The event is a true celebration of the quality and diversity of contemporary Cornish design.  The Fair presents a wide range of contemporary design, with furniture, interior products, ceramics, glass, lighting, jewellery, textiles and fashion accessories for sale.

Bude Carnival

Bude 18/08/12

The delightful annnual carnival procession through Bude. Money collected on the day is donated to local charities and organisations. Afternoon events are held in The Castle Grounds.

Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week

Fowey 19/08/12 – 25/08/12

One of Britain’s premier sailing events. It is also a fun-filled week for all the family – sailors and landlubbers alike. Includes an amazing display over the harbour by the Red Arrows.

Sleeping Beauty at Heligan

St Austell 22/08/12

In 2012, Chapterhouse is performing in over 100 of Britain and Ireland’s most beautiful and idyllic

Nowehereisland - Newquay

Newquay 23/08/12 – 27/08/12

Nowhereisland, a new island nation originating from the Arctic, is voyaging around the south west’s spectacular coastline, as part of an epic voyage of over 500 nautical miles during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Holsworthy + Stratton Agricultural Show

Holsworthy 23/08/12

A fun filled day out for all the family. Entertainment all day long including gymnastics, falconry, motorcycle stunts, Jive dancing, children’s sports, and horse jumping.

Pentillie Festival of Speed

Saltash 25/08/12 – 26/08/12

A celebration of fine, historic and performance cars set in the spectacular setting of Pentillie Castle. A dramatic hill climb event where high perfomance cars of all eras and types compete against the clock.

Drawn to the Valley - Artists of the Tamar Valley

Near Gunnislake 25/08/12 – 02/09/12

Open Studios is a chance to visit artists in their studios - to see where and how they create their work and to talk to them about their ideas and their artwork. There is something for all tastes. Some artists exhibit in shared exhibition spaces rather than their own studios.

Cornwall Pride

Truro 25/08/12

An annual celebration of diversity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Cornwall, their friends and families. A parade, live entertainment, stalls and food.

Portscatho Regatta

Portscatho 25/08/12

A traditional regatta with a full programme of sailing over an exciting and highly visible course in the beautiful Gerrans Bay. Shoreside events include live music, games, and food.

Trereife Country Fayre

Penzance 25/08/12

The spectacular backdrop of Trereife Park, near Penzance, will be the setting of a summer fayre on Saturday 25th August.

Party in the Park at Trereife

Penzance 26/08/12

This stunning venue is the setting for an annual music event. Party In The Park is all about Cornwall’s best bands performing in front of a capacity crowd, all under one roof. The event is being held under cover in marquees within the beautiful and historic grounds of Trereife Park.

Newlyn Fish Festival

Newlyn 27/08/12

Celebrating all things fishy in Britain’s premier fishing port where you can satisfy your appetite with the best seafood you’re likely to find anywhere and help to raise money for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. 

Bude Jazz 2012

Bude 28/08/12 – 31/08/12

Bude has been involved in staging jazz festivals for 25 years and is renowned world-wide for its support for the music.

Raw Fest

Truro 31/08/12 – 03/09/12

Cornwall is to play host to an event that will be the first of its kind to hit the UK, as a “raw revolution” sweeps the globe. “Raw Fest” will showcase the abundant health, energy and love for raw vegan food and a healthy lifestyle.

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What shall we do today?

...its a bit damp...but there are some great things to do in and around Cornwall....and Gill Jenkins has put them all on a list....'101 things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall'

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Charging About!

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TEARDROP IN!

Setting up on Lower Treave tonight is this little beauty....

.....we'll be testing its aerodynamic qualities later in the forecast 70 mph winds.

Pegs and guys selling well in the shop! It's never as bad as they say....honest...said retired forecaster Mr M Fish.

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'AVE YOU GOT A LIGHT BOY?

Just a great day in Cornwall as the Olympic flame made its first day of progress on an 8,000 mile journey to London. We were lucky enough to be right at the start, the sun shone and the people smiled. Excellent!

An early dawn over St Sennen Church.

The media gather.

The iconic signpost points the way

Distant rotors.

Rooftop arrival.

 The torch is lit. 

The relay begins.

Off into the sunrise.

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE...

...well at least to the people with Electric Vehicles (EV) @zerocarbonworld @ZCWmarketing @ecodriveEV.

Been putting the finishing touches to Lower Treave's EV Charging Station today so here's a step by step guide:

Dig a hole

find a cable at the bottom of it

put in a waterproof junction box

put the lid on

keep it all clean

back fill and don't forget your indicator tape

whack in an earthing point and wire up

stand back and admire.

Just waiting for the installation to be tested and signed off and we're up and chargin'!

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PLEASE BE CARBON MONOXIDE AWARE

Sadly what looks like another Carbon Monoxide poisoning tragedy on a campsite over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Please, please, please be very careful when using CO producing equipment and products (BBQs, gas lighting, stoves etc) around tents and caravans. On site we have posters displayed and leaflets available. Please read them and take extra care.

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SUPER MOON DREAMING

Just got this downloaded  from the other evening of the 'super moon' over St Buryan.

Unfortunately my little camera didn't really do it justice and it just seemed to get bigger as the night went on.

Only 12 men have ever stepped on the moon. As a 12 year old boy, I remember watching the live coverage of the first steps. A few nights ago I could almost touch the moon. (sigh)

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Normal Service Will Be Resumed As Soon As.....

... the Chancellor realises what a mistake he's making by putting #CaravanTax on new static holiday caravans.

Out of the blue, the Treasury announced that certain 'anomalies' would be corrected in the budget and in amongst the small print of pasties and church roofs was an announcement that VAT at 20% would be applied to all new static holiday caravans from October.

This has significant consequences not just for parks, but for all the private owners of static holiday vans and perhaps more importantly the manufacturers who may have to make significant job cuts as demand falls with higher prices.

So apologies to all those who follow on Twitter and have been getting a little bombarded by the campaign, but the message has to get out there. Normal service will be resumed as soon as this is sorted out!

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IT WILL BE GREAT...

...if we get some of these on site this year.

LOWER TREAVE CARAVAN AND CAMPING PARK - open for business 20.12

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Dates for the Diary...

9 June 2012

Worldwide Knitting In Public Day

19 September 2012

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

10 October 2012

World Porridge Day

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EVERY CLOUD....

Today I have a stinking cold and can't smell a thing.

Today we are having the septic tanks emptied ready for the summer.

Silver linings all round!

'The Sweet Smell of Spring'

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Ever wondered if camping was for you?

Why not try it out using a tent and equipment all set up for you...saves all those embarrassing moments as you try to read the instructions and work out the pole combos whilst your partner gives you one of those 'told you so' looks!

Go no further than WESTERN DISCOVERIES who will sort all that for you. Whether you want to 'glamp' or be the next Bear Grylls, they have a package of kit for you delivered to the site of your choice and errected if you require it.

Of course you still have to put your own kettle on...but when you're finished they come and take it all away again...no mad car packing on the final day.

What's not to like?

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'STAND BY YOUR BEDS!'

Annual safety checks this week. Steve and Steve from Tee Electrical in this morning doing the sparks...Dave and Garrick in tomorrow to do the GasSafe checks on boilers and appliances.

A useful reminder from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service:

Never take a portable barbecue or lit charcoal into an enclosed space like a tent, caravan, awning or camping pod.

Make sure camping lights and stoves are clean and properly adjusted.

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GREAT OFFERS FOR 20.12 - Fry Up!

#Great2012 offers are now available on the Visit England website. Stephen will tell you all about it!...and Rupert, and Julie, and Michelle...

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Shergar Connection Denied @LowerTreave

...and Lord Lucan has still not confirmed his booking for 2012. But you can at Lower Treave On-Line Booking 

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Happy Birthday Bro...

Apparently, the better looking of the dynamic duo is a little miffed that he didn't get a blog mention on his birthday. Many apologies, but those sorts of numbers are usually subject to the Official Secrets Act!

Anyway, here's one from the archive to make up for it....

...all you have to do to win the prize is identify on what occasion this picture was taken. Was it:



a) A Court Martial.

b) A Day at the Races.

c) The last time Mum combed our hair before a photograph was taken.

d) The Finals of the All Nottingham Moustache Masters.



PS The Birthday Boy...and the Best Man... is on the right...Many, Many Happy Returns!

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GOT IT IN WRITING...@Benfogle signs on...

Just returned from the Annual BH&HPA Conference in Westminster. An excellent event and good to see our Cornwall MPs Andrew George and Stephen Gilbert there. They both took the time to listen to Park owners and give some feedback on the work they are doing which impacts park business. Thank you gentlemen.

Speakers at the event included Jeff Randall of Sky Business with an interesting if somewhat sobering insight into the current economic predicament, Tourism Minister John Penrose with his plans for a Great 20.12 tourism year and Bernard Donoghue who amongst many other things is organising the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations.

Rounding off Conference was an inspiring talk from Ben Fogle. An impressive young man who is already married. I got the autograph anyway......its for my daughters Ben...honest! Steady ladies. Form an orderly queue.

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Olympic Flame Passes @LowerTreave Twice In A Day!

The flame for the London 2012 Torch Relay will arrive in the UK from Greece at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall.

It is due to land at the base on 18 May on a gold-liveried British Airways Airbus 319, BA2012.

The flame will travel from the base to Land's End on the morning of 19 May before starting its 70 day journey to 1,019 different locations in the UK carried by 8,000 torchbearers.

And if you are at Lower Treave on 19 May then you will see the beginning of that journey.

Look out for details of special 20.12 Offers on TV in the coming weeks and if you stay with us that weekend, we will have a great deal for you so that you can see the torch get off to a flying start!

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GOOD NEWS PENZANCE WILL BE 'TIC' KING AGAIN!

Excellent news @NTDevonCornwall ; Penzance will get its Tourist Information Centre back for the Summer.

The National Trust has combined forces with the Penzance District Tourism Association, with support from Cornwall Council, VisitCornwall and Penzance Town Council, to fund and relaunch the centre.

Ian Marsh, general manager of the National Trust in west Cornwall, said it is hoped that staff will be on hand to welcome visitors arriving into the town from the first to the last trains of the day.

He added that the lease had been completed on the Welcome to West Cornwall Centre and building work started last week, with everything still on track for an Easter opening.

"It is a very exciting time at the moment," he told Penzance Town Council.

And he promised that the venue would be very different from a traditional tourist centre, saying there would be interesting additions alongside the information and booking service.

"We want to really promote what west Cornwall has to offer with activities and participation through the centre," said Mr Marsh, adding that the centre would have a modern design concept.

Full story at thisiscornwall

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@CornwallNow or #CarolineQuentin ?

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!

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!

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! 

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