Cornwall

December 2018 cornwalllife.co.
uk
COTEHELE’S
70,000
MAGICAL
GARLAND
flowers
YOUR ULTIMATE el
Nad !ik
GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS
IN CORNWALL
Festive fairs, fabulous food
and unforgettable events
Lowe n £3.99
PAUL BARBECUE ON
AINSWORTH FOOD & DRINK THE BEACH
cooks up a AWARDS forget the turkey
festive feast meet the winners says Ben Quinn
RADMORE’S OF TRURO
Fine Antique and Modern Jewellers
Beautiful antique and modern jeweller’s.
Visit our exquisite shop premises situated in the heart of Truro and enter a reflection of our past heritage and beauty. Specialist collections of Georgian,
Victorian and Edwardian jewellery, set with rose and old cut diamonds complimented by the most breathtaking gem stones.
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Valuations provided for insurance, probate, repair and replacement purposes. Repairs and commission of bespoke work undertaken by skilled
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Welcome
M
y 13-year-old son will the humans couldn’t be further
not forgive me for away from those supermarket
telling this story – but adverts that seem to be designed
when he was six he to make your Christmas feel
got a rather splendid acid green disappointing unless you have
Grit stunt scooter for Christmas; endless numbers of family
he couldn’t have been prouder members and neighbours
riding it in to school in the New demanding piles of mini samosas
Year. And when some Year 6 boys and smoked salmon vol-au-vents
admired it, he turned around and without falling out over Brexit or
told them with no uncertainty. whose turn it is to do the washing
‘Thanks, I got it from Santa.’ up. So instead we do our own
thing. Christmas Eve is a chance
‘Christmas day was spent building to go out for pizza (yes, pizza) rather grown-up cheeseboard.
complicated Lego Star Wars sets and sing deranged versions of Boxing Day is the official start
and arguing with the inanimate Christmas carols on the way of the James Bond Marathon, the
instructions even though they home. Burns household’s attempt to the
never, ever had a piece missing.’ Christmas day was once spent work our way through all 26 films
building ever more complicated by the end of January (we are all
Spoiler alert! Those days of Lego Star Wars sets and arguing allowed one veto).
Santa Claus have pretty much with the inanimate instructions So here’s my Christmas gift
gone (we still leave something even though they never, ever had to you all, create your own
out for Santa, just in case), but a piece missing (by the end of the traditions, don’t cling to the old
Christmas continues to have its build, I certainly had lost a few ones or try and recreate those TV
charms and most of it comes marbles). Now it is the build up adverts. Nadelic Lowen! ◆
from creating new Christmas for the Doctor Who Christmas
traditions each year that allow us special that dominates our day. CAROL BURNS,
to have fun and not create scenes At Christmas dinner, the crackers Editor, Cornwall Life
where one of us is shouting ‘but have been replaced with table 01803 860916
we always do that’. presents and the endless rounds carol.burns@archant.co.uk
Our small and bijou family of the Quality Street/Cadbury You can follow Carol on Twitter
where the cats almost outnumber Roses tins have morphed into a @CornwallLifeEd
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Laika Pearce Louise Danks Robert Ben Quinn Ewen MacDonald

Hesketh
Becky Millington Toby Buckland Adam Henson Simon Tregoning Juliet May Paul Ainsworth
Gordon Seabright Merv Davey David Chapman Abby Driver Su Carroll
Cornwall Life: December 2018 3

INSIDE
December 2018
26
8 This month
News and views
11 Kernow Splann!
Merv Davey
14 Beach of the
Month
A bracing dip at
Porthminster
17 Classic Cornwall
Simon Tregoning
20 Capturing
Cornwall A blizzard
on the Lizard
26 Top picks
Christmas markets
101 A Dog’s Life

Alexandra Pearce
103 The Scillonian

Juliet May
113 Countryside
Adam Henson
122 A day in paradise

Gordon Seabright
HOM E S & A RTS

G A R DENS
73 The Gaze
31 Million pound A Christmas show
homes
A stunning home 74 Her story
on The Roselandl Tate St Ives challenges
the male gaze
38 Interiors
A classy Christmas 80 Cornwall Reads
Nobel Laureate
42 Real rooms William Golding
The ideal holiday
home
TH E M EN U
46 Gardens
70,000 flowers invade
Cotehele’s Great Hall
74
20
51 Garden
masterclass
Toby Buckland
53 Antiques
4 Cornwall Life: December 2018

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Our free magazine It’s Christmas is the ultimate Truro TR4 8PN
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cornwalllife.co.uk
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cornwalllife.co.uk or by scanning this QR code with EDITOR
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61 News cooks up a
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forget the turkey
62
UNFORGETTABLE EVENTS
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says Ben Quinn
Circulation And Marketing

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Stocking filler ideas
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84 Gift of Cornwall
Charities who
The art of feeding
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AINSWORTH FOOD & DRINK
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AWARDS
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cooks up a forget the turkey
Walks festive feast meet the winners says Ben Quinn
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98 Landscape 118 Education at Cotehele by National
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This month
From politics to wildlife to art: Cornwall Life
editor Carol Burns chooses some of the
stories that have caught her eye this month
SPI DER
SENSE S
Newquay Zoo has
welcomed the world’s
heaviest tarantula to its
community – a Goliath
bird-eating tarantula.
Despite its name, the
arachnid rarely feeds on
birds, but eats insects
and other invertebrates
instead. An adult Goliath
birdeater can weigh in
at a spine tingling 170
grams – the same weight
of a hamster. Since arrival,
she has moulted her entire
exoskeleton – the hard
outer skeletal structure.
Moulting allows the spider
to grow, and to regenerate
broken limbs. Her leg span
is currently nine inches,
and will continue to grow.
‘Whilst we appreciate
that these aren’t
HAVE A KROWJI CHRISTMAS everyone’s idea of cute

and cuddly, they are
There are no shortages of pop-up shops buy unique Christmas gifts. Some of the 60 fascinating creatures
to head to for unique gifts from designer- participants include jeweller Hayley Agar and we are thrilled to be
makers this year, but top of your shopping (silver and citrine ring pictured below), working with them,’ says
list should be Redruth’s creative space sculptor Lizzie Stevens, glass designer Newquay Zoo’s Curator of
Krowji, where more than 60 artists, Naomi Singer, ceramicist Thomasina Bates, Animals, John Meek.
makers and designers will open their mixed media artist Vicki Aimers, feltmaker The Goliath comes from
studio doors. Bettina Holland, printmaker Fijke the upland rainforest
For one weekend only, its residents Middendorp, illustrator Esther Connon regions of Suriname,
will be offering visitors an opportunity (Deer, featured above), photographer Paul Guyana, Brazil and
to buy unique Christmas gifts from Syrett, painters Alasdair Lindsay, Kerry Venezuela, you can visit
jewellers, painters, printmakers, sculptors, Harding, Andrew Barrowman, Eleanor Lee, this stunning slightly scary
potters, textile artists and more. Krowji is Dan Hollings, and many others. creature in the Tropical
Cornwall’s largest creative hub, providing krowji.org.uk House.
studios, workspaces, meeting rooms newquayzoo.org.uk
and other services for a diverse range of
creative businesses.
Launched on 30 November there will be
festive entertainment from local choir the
Ingleheart Singers, and a complimentary
glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. The
shopping and entertainment continues on
1 and 2 December from 10am.
Throughout the weekend, Krowji’s
artists, makers and designers will be on
hand to welcome visitors to their studios,
discuss their work, and offer the chance to

THIS MONTH
Christmas
in a pasty
If Christmas dinner feels just a
bit too much effort this year – or
you can’t wait to get stuck in –
Warrens Bakery has come up
with the perfect solution. The
three bird pasty features turkey,
chicken and duck combined with
cranberry and apricot stuffing
topped with a sage crumb.
For the sweeter-toothed, there
is also the Christmas Pudding
Pasty: rough puff pastry filled
with a Christmas pudding filling
including apples, sultanas,
currants and traditional mixed
peel all soaked in brandy. The
finishing touch is a pretty pink
sugar topping.
You can pick one up throughout
the Christmas period at one of the
Warren shops. Find out more at
warrensbakery.co.uk
CHARITIES POP UP FOR CHRISTMAS

Cards for Good Causes will Hospice Care and Cats Protection
be opening pop-up shops in Cornwall Adoption Centre.
Falmouth, Launceston, St Ives Shoppers will be able to choose
and Truro this month. Run by from hundreds of different
teams of local volunteers, the Christmas card designs. Also
pop-up shops in Cornwall are available is a range of festive
part of a network of more than gifts, decorations, wrapping,
300 shops run by Cards for Good stocking fillers and tasty treats.
Causes. They raise funds for more ‘Buying charity Christmas cards
than 250 charities including is one of the simplest ways to
Cancer Research UK, Barnardo’s, support good causes this festive CH EF OF TH E Y E A R
NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society and season and we stock one of the Congratulations to 2018’s South West Chef
RNLI, as well as a number of local widest ranges of Christmas cards of the Year Tim Kendall, sous chef at The Idle
charities including Cornwall anywhere,’ says Frances Guy, Rocks in St Mawes.
from Cards for Good Causes. He was named winner in the competition
‘The proceeds from every card which aims to find the best chefs in the South
or product sold make a vital West. Finalists cooked a three-course menu
contribution to the work of the using compulsory ingredients – and ingredients
charities that we partner.’ supplied just 30 minutes before the final began.
In the past ten years, charities Tim’s winning dish included tiger milk with
have received more than £40 coriander mayonnaise with pickled apples
million from Cards for Good and mussels. ‘With this competition, it doesn’t
Cause. Now that is a Happy matter if you win or lose as being judged by
Christmas. some of the South West’s leading chef experts
cardsforcharity.co.uk gives you such a confidence boost,’ says Tim.

K ER NOW SPLA N N!
Merv Davey is Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow which
exists to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall
D
ecember brings us
the darkest days and
longest nights of the
year and an excuse
for ‘party time’, not that we
ever need to invent reasons to
celebrate the seasons in Cornwall.
Measured astronomically the
actual day of the Winter Solstice
can vary between the 20 and
23 December. This year it will
be on 21 December but for a
Cornish custom that takes place
in Mousehole each year it is the
end of the solstice period that is
celebrated on 23 December.
The magic begins in the
early evening with the lantern
procession and you will begin to
hear people sing ‘Tom Bawcock’s
Eve’ as they weave down through
the village to the harbour. Once
the procession reaches the
harbour the traditional carol
singing starts and the world
famous lights, delayed whilst the
lanterns arrive, are switched on
to great dramatic effect. Later
in the evening the song is picked
up in the local pubs where
eventually the character of Tom
Bawcock himself appears bearing
the traditional dish of Star Gazey
Pie. So what is Star Gazey Pie?
Well the song starts with a chorus
which gives a hint:
A merry place you may believe,

Is Mousehole on Tom Bawcock’s
Eve.
To be there then who wouldn’t wish,
To sup of seven sorts of fish!
Nadelik Lowen!
Whether the famous harbour lights or its famous feline,
Star Gazey Pie is made from few places do Christmas better than Mousehole
seven different sort of fish laid
out around the pie so that their
heads protrude through “Star ABOVE: feast day and received his due fishing escapade by his loyal
Gazing”! The words of the song Mousehole’s deserts with a poor catch of black and white cat, ‘Mowzer’.
then go on to capture some Harbour Lights a motley fish. These stories Mowzer saves the day by purring
attract thousands together with the characteristic at the storm and calming it down
wonderful dialect words for
from all over
various types of fish. We have Cornwall and dialect expressions of the sufficiently for Tom to make his
“morgy” for dog fish, “lances” beyond. Photo: fishing community inspired catch. Mousehole is definitely
for sand eels, “scad” for horse David Chapman Robert Morton Nance, Cornish a merry place to be on Tom
mackerel and “fairmaids” for language and dialect expert, to Bawcock’s Eve.
pilchards. write the song in the 1920s. It Nadelik Lowen dhewgh why
There are a number of different has since become an essential oll! A Happy Christmas to you all!
stories about the origins of part of the custom. For further information visit:
the custom. In some, Tom The legend of Tom Bawcock an-daras.com ◆
Bawcock rescued the village was given an additional
from starvation by going out momentum in the 1990s with
fishing in a dangerous storm, in Antonia Barber’s children’s story
others he broke with convention The Mousehole Cat. Here Tom gorsedhkernow.org.uk
by fishing on this traditional Bawcock is joined on his stormy @GorsedhKernow

PROMOTION
Henrys of Falmouth
Ready for Christmas 2018!
L
ast time we were featured in jackets, Anna Lascata ladies tweed coats Dorset coast, it was important for us to
Cornwall Life, we could hardly exuding both warm and exquisite style include both nautical as well as country
believe that five months have are proving to be a popular Christmas clothing to acknowledge our love of the
passed since we collected the present choice… sea. After two wonderful years of living in
keys and four months since opening Matching Fairfax and Favor boots and Gloucestershire we had to attend to our
Henrys of Falmouth; We are now handbags with the Hicks and Brown hats longing to be back by the coast! Flushing
enjoying our first winter and looking will guarantee an outfit that will stand had always held a special place in our
forward to Christmas! out from the crowd whatever the weather hearts so when Falmouth was suggested
Selecting brands and pieces that serve this December! as a location for our second store, we
to keep our customers feeling warm and As a small husband and wife run didn’t need to think about it for very long!
dry whilst retaining style, has been an business (sorry, we mustn’t forget Providing a service that allows us to
important and enjoyable process for us. Henry, our golden retriever his two take the time to talk with and listen to
Alongside essential winter wardrobe shops are named after!), receiving our our customers is an important factor for
staples, we have also ensured that Henrys customer’s thoughts and feelings on their us. Along with the quality brands and
offers an interesting and varied choice experience in our shops has always been products that we sell, we hope to create
of Christmas gifts; who wouldn’t be an important part of our development and a traditional service that allows our
delighted to find a piece of cashmere in journey. So far, we have been delighted by customers an experience that is enjoyable
their stocking?! Snoods, gloves, scarves the feedback on our brands and customer and memorable.
and hats stylishly boxed in merino, service, and of course on the iconic So, whether you are looking for a
lambswool and cashmere, coastal themed building that 48 Arwenack Street is… Musto waterproof coat for wet and
silver jewellery, hip flasks and wallets are Having a passion for both country and windy beach walks, a stylish merino
just some of the products available. coastal life, we set up Henrys of Moreton sweater for the obligatory Boxing Day
Dubarr y, Musto, RM Williams in the beautiful town of Moreton in ‘walk and pub’, something stylish for
and Schoffel have not disappointed Marsh in 2015 with the sub-title Coast that special Christmas gift or would just
with their winter collections; from to Country. Having returned to the like to come and say hello, we would love
beautifully crafted capes to toastie warm Cotswolds after a period of living on the to welcome you…
48 Arwenack Street, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3JH www.henrysoffalmouth.com

wishes you all a very
Merry Christmas!
www.henrysoffalmouth.com | 01326 218080

48 Arwenack Street, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3JH e: shop@henrysoffalmouth.com
THE BIG PICTURE

% HDFK OF
0RQWK THE
Porthminster,
St Ives
S
t Ives has long been a favourite
with sunseekers and its winter
programme of events ensures
there is no let-up in attractions
even when the winter weather sets in.
At Porthminster there is always
something a bit special on offer. This white
sandy beach rarely stays empty whatever
the weather.
One of its many attractions is The
Porthminster Beach Cafe – boasting an
incredible menu, amazing views and a
well-earned reputation for keeping it
Cornwall. This award-winning restaurant
specialises in Mediterranean and Asian
seafood cuisine so come hungry and
prepared to be impressed.
This month there’s plenty going. Head
to the harbour where there’s a Christmas
market (of course) and its stunning
harbour will be filled with twinkly lights
and Santa arrives by boat to great roars
from the crowds.
New Year is also a sight to behold – the
town is swamped by thousands of revellers
dressed in costumes who are rewarded for
their efforts by a stunning firework display
over the harbour to mark midnight. On
New Year’s Day, you can join hundreds
of brave souls and take part in an out of
season dip. This tradition, repeated at
nearby Hayle and Sennen Cove (among
others) starts at 11am and lasts as long as
your circulation. Dozens of people turn out
to cheer the brave swimmers. ◆
stives-cornwall.co.uk

CLASSIC COR N WA LL
SIMON TREGONING
E
ver heard of ‘Kettle
Genies’? They are
responsible for the voice
which lures you away
from your heavy deadline task to
make yet another cup of tea.
I am working from home
quite a lot these days and I have
noticed that the genie’s call to the
kettle is that bit louder at home
where I have less background
noise and fewer witnesses. I
know that I am not alone, there
are a lot of us working from home
in Cornwall. Apparently, we are
above average because we have
50% more self-employed workers
than the rest of the country. And
it is not just the self-employed.
There are times when I have
risked the Truro morning rush
hour on a Friday only to whisk
through unimpeded and have to
kill 20 minutes in a Costa – now
they have really loud Kettle
Genies – because half of Truro’s
workforce are at home staring
at their laptops with their hands
over their ears.
A chap called Francesco Crillo
has the answer for us all. He
Doing it at home
invented a time management tool
called the Pomodoro Technique.
But first, I feel obliged to answer
the pressing question of how a
management methodology came
to be named after an Italian
tomato? Well, that was the shape
Simon Tregoning discovers the joy of working from
of the egg timer that Mr Crillo home with the aid of a laptop and an egg timer
used to manage his time.
You might be thinking that
Francesco’s system relies on the
ticking of the timer to drown out task allowing the gentle ticking pencil tick on a piece of paper ABOVE:
the sound of that pesky genie. to massage your focus. When the are best. After the break (tea or Setting a timer by
It obviously helps, but that is timer rings, step away from the other) set the timer for the next your laptop can
help you focus
not entirely it. This is how it task for five minutes and record 25 minutes and get your head on a task
really works. Set the timer to 25 your ‘Pomodoro’ with a satisfied down. Once you have marked up and avoid
minutes and get down to your flourish. Again, keep it simple, a four Pomodoros reward yourself unscheduled
with a longer break of 15 to 30 coffee breaks
minutes.
Who knew, after all the
‘Who knew, after all the angst and studies about low
productivity, all that was
angst and studies about low required was a pencil, a piece of
paper and a tomato-shaped egg
productivity, all that was timer. So, get online, order your
egg timer and start ticking off
required was a pencil, a your Pomodoros. Alternatively,
put a tea cosy over your kettle. ◆
piece of paper and a tomato
classic.co.uk
shaped egg timer?’ @classiccottages

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LIZARD
in a
BLIZZARD Cornwall found itself covered in snow twice last
spring – a once in an (almost) lifetime experience
for a photographer, as David Chapman proves
Looking south towards Caerthillian and Lizard

CAPTURING CORNWALL
I
t’s getting towards that time of
year where many of us hope for
a covering of the white stuff to
make the festive season more
festive. We all know that the
chances of snow at Christmas in
Cornwall are extremely small but
stranger things have happened
and, after all, it is only nine
months ago that we were stunned
by the ‘Beast from the East’
leaving many parts of the county
looking like the arctic.
The Met. Office was very
thorough in its forecast of the
impending wintery weather
and being a photographer I was
Cottages in Church Cove
glued to the screen watching the
progress of Storm Emma as she
moved slowly northwards to meet it happened but I didn’t want an indication of my dedication
the Beast of the East, across the to risk driving during heavy to photography. And I wasn’t
English Channel. On 28 February snowfall so I decided to gamble entirely sure whether she thought
forecasts suggested that the two on the reliability of the weather I was crazy for heading out into
would collide over The Lizard forecast and headed out to The the snow or for heading out when
where we would see significant Lizard before Emma arrived. there hadn’t actually been any
snowfall. The last words spoken by my snow!
Early in the morning I tuned in wife Sarah as I headed out of the Anyway I was well-prepared.
to BBC Radio Cornwall and there door were ‘You’re crazy!’ To be In the car I had a shovel, flask,
was no sign of snow. The Lizard honest I don’t take much notice blanket, de-icer, scraper, plenty
is a great place for landscape of this phrase any more because of fuel, food, warm waterproof
photography and rarely sees she often thinks I’m crazy, in clothing, a toothbrush and a
snow. I wanted to be there when fact I take it as a compliment; spare pair of underpants. The last
Looking north towards

Kynance from Caerthillian

CAPTURING CORNWALL
two items are not listed in the times before in such different wading through snow up to my ABOVE:
Automobile Association’s ‘Winter conditions. First I walked down thighs but in other places it was Looking across
Emergency Kit’ but I was thinking to Church Cove; then out past possible to see the frozen ground. Housel Bay to
Lizard Light
longer term. I knew I could get to the Housel Bay Hotel onto Pen With an offshore wind and
The Lizard before the snow but if Olver; then back into the village sometimes slippery conditions RIGHT:
I got stuck there I could stay in a for a pasty before heading west the route from Kynance to Lizard David Chapman
hotel until it thawed. to Kynance Cove and then south was not easy, I was grateful that I captured (and
In fact I first hit snow as I along the coast path to Lizard had walked this route many times covered) in snow
on The Lizard
passed the turning to Kynance Point. before and I knew every twist and
Cove, so it wasn’t far to Lizard Conditions were challenging to turn of the path, so even when
village where I parked the car say the least. I had just come back the margins were blurred by lying
and headed into a coffee shop. from Finland where temperatures and blowing snow I could pick
The snow was falling too heavily were technically much lower but out the route.
to be able to take photographs so I The Lizard was certainly more My phone, which stopped
sat and waited. inhospitable due to the strong working for a while due to the
When the heavy snowfall easterly wind. It’s difficult to cold, tells me I walked at least ten
abated a little I headed out on estimate the depth of the snow miles. At each location I stopped
foot to all the beautiful spots because the wind was blowing and waited for a momentary
that I have visited so many it into huge drifts. At times I was burst of sunlight to pick out a

CAPTURING CORNWALL
David’s tips
If the snow in your photos is Snow photos can work well
grey then you should over- in cloudy or sunny conditions
expose a little, or wait for the but sunshine will help to bring
sun to shine; snow can look blue out textures in the snow and
in shadow areas or if there is a make the sky more dramatic;
lot of blue sky, if you don’t like I tend to find that woodland
this effect try to take photos snow scenes are best when it is
when the sun is lower in the sky cloudy.
or compose photos with less It’s important to expose
dominant shadow areas. the photos carefully so that
Foreground is important in the snow is bright but not
landscape photography. If the over-exposed; when taking the
foreground is dominated by photos you should review your
snow it is important to look for images and look for highlights
textures and shapes within the (most cameras can be set to
snow. Avoid including large, show over-exposed areas; see
plain white areas. your camera’s manual).

CAPTURING CORNWALL
The Most Southerly Point, Lizard
focal point in the landscape so I had jack-knifed on the snow. I Where to take photos on The Lizard
could take a photograph. In all I was trapped! Thankfully a JCB
was walking for about five hours. arrived and within an hour the The Lizard is a very diverse location for
When I got back to my car people lorry was gone. landscape photography with coastlines facing
told me the road to Helston I didn’t need all the items in my east, south and west. It tends to be that the
was passable so I headed back personalised Winter Emergency east-facing coast is best in the morning and
towards home and even popped Kit and I was home before dark; the west-facing coast best at sunsets. The Most
into Porthleven on the way. the roads I encountered had Southerly Point experiences its best light in
That might have been a been kept quite clear and I felt winter when the sun rises from the south east
mistake because the only a sense of elation. I must admit and sets in the south west.
incident of the day took place in there were times during the day, My favourite views are: looking across Housel
Porthleven car park. When I went particularly when walking from Bay towards Lizard Lighthouse; Kynance
back to my car to set off home at Kynance to Lizard in a blizzard, Cove; Lizard Point; Cadgwith Cove; Coverack
the end of the day I found a lorry that I did wonder whether I had harbour; the pretty cottages and church in
had tried to turn on the sloping made the right decisions, but Church Cove; Poltesco (the old serpentine and
entrance to the car park and crazy? Well, maybe! ◆ pilchard factories).
The clock tower at Porthleven

CHRISTMAS IN CORNWALL
B
Top 7
uy local is an ethic we should all
live by and at Christmas there
are so many opportunities to
support local businesses when
shopping for gifts or festive food. It’s better
for the local economy, it’s better for the
environment because goods are produced
close to home and it’s often better for your
purse too.
CHRISTMAS
Support local businesses and artisan
producers by shopping locally at
Christmas. And with many special markets
and events packed with producers, food
MARKETS
stalls and entertainment, it might even be
fun too!
Here’s a Cornwall Life guide to some
of the best seasonal markets. Regular
Farmers’ Markets in your area will also
offer some Christmas cheer too…
Keep it local and enjoy your Christmas

Padstow Christmas Festival offers lots of stalls shopping, says SU CARROLL…
and street food alongside cookery demonstrations
by top chefs and and family entertainment with
Photo by James Ram
6–9 DECEMBER
PADSTOW CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
The four-day Christmas Festival
in Padstow manages to attract
many top chefs to deliver cookery
demonstrations and there’s always
plenty of entertainment on hand. It’s
a shopper’s paradise with more than
100 stalls in its famous Christmas
market, packed with artisan crafts
and locally-produced food and drink.
The free-to-attend event also
features live music, a lantern parade,
Santa’s grotto, and fireworks display
(Friday 7 December, 8.30pm).
A full list of events and participants can
be found at padstowchristmasgestival
28 NOVEMBER–2 DECEMBER
MADE IN CORNWALL
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Think of products from Cornwall and
pasties and clotted cream spring to
mind. The Made in Cornwall Scheme
was set up over 25 years ago to help
people recognise a whole range of
genuine Cornish products, identified
by the familiar engine house icon.
There are now over 200 members
making it the largest region origin
scheme in the UK. Look out for their
label everywhere you shop. It will
be seen in great numbers at the
Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair
on Truro’s Lemon Quay Piazza.
There will be plenty of food and drink
on sale, as well as lots of brilliant gift
ideas from local artists and craftmakers
with over 90 traders taking part. Keep
up-to-date on their Facebook page:
facebook.com/officialmadeincornwall

Photo by James Ram
Photo by James Ram
5, 7–9 DECEMBER gifts. It includes the Bite of Cornwall

TRURO PRIMESTOCK SHOW food marquee on Albert Quay.
AND CHRISTMAS FAIR The organisers carefully select all the
The annual Primestock Christmas traders, so you can look forward to finding
Show brings the countryside to the an extensive collection of handmade,
heart of the city on Truro’s Lemon locally produced gifts, arts and craft
Quay. The one-day Primestock show as well as some of the county’s finest
celebrates Cornwall’s agricultural locally produced food and beverages.
community with competition in cattle, The market runs alongside Fowey’s
sheep and farm produce categories famous boutique shops selling a
followed by an auction of animals. wide range of high quality jewellery,
The one-day show on 5 December clothes, gifts and unique items.
coincides with late-night shopping in This year’s market is from 5.30pm on
the town and this event is followed by November 30 and from 10am on Saturday
the Primestock Christmas Craft show and Sunday 1 and 2 December.
from 7–9 December where you will find foweychristmasmarket.co.uk
Photo by James Ram
more than 30 stalls selling items such

as giftware, ceramics, woodturning, 8–9 DECEMBER
leather, beauty products and Cornish MOUNT EDGCUMBE
food hampers. You can even visit CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Father Christmas in his Grotto. Glorious Mount Edgcumbe on Rame
truroprimestockshow.co.uk Peninsula in South East Cornwall
provides a great backdrop for their annual
30 NOVEMBER–2 DECEMBER Christmas Fayre. There will be cookery
FOWEY CHRISTMAS MARKET demonstrations from local chefs, local
Fowey Christmas Market is one of produce and craft and gift stalls with live
Cornwall’s best-known Christmas entertainment. There’s also the chance to
events with a rich history of providing explore the parkland and the permanent
10,000 visitors with quality locally craft workshops in the Barrow Centre.
produced food and drink and festive mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

Christmas markets are a great

source of locally made gifts for
all the family
1–2 DECEMBER
HELSTON FARMERS MARKET
This thriving market, which is open
all year round on the first Saturday
of each month (except January) has
more than 40 local producers from
within a 20-mile radius selling top
quality produce from 9.30am to 1pm
in the town’s Old Cattle Market.
In December the market expands to a
whole weekend.
helstonfarmersmarket.co.uk
2 DECEMBER
BUDE CHRISTMAS FAYRE
The popular Christmas event in Bude
has expanded over the past nine years
and is staged in the Parkhouse Centre
and The Castle. The focus this year is
on children and families with Santa
putting in an appearance in his Grotto
in the Castle. He will be giving out
wooden Christmas decorations for
children to decorate in the Christmas
arts and crafts room to take away.
Alongside the stalls there will be
live music with Christmas songs and
carols, and refreshments in the form of
mulled wine, mince pies, roasted horse
chestnuts, and even stone baked pizzas.
The fair is open 11am–4pm.
visitbude.info

PROPERTY
Million pound property

A stunning property in equally stunning surrounds on
the Roseland Peninsula creates a grand family home
POLSUE FARM
TREGONY
Guide price: £1.695m
Polsue Farm is set within the

highly sought after Roseland
Peninsula, a most beautiful
location on the South Cornwall
coast, flanked by the magnificent
Carrick Roads sailing waters on
its western side and numerous
stunning bays and beaches on its
southerly side. Just over 12 miles
drive further down the Roseland,
the peninsula culminates at the
exclusive waterside village of St
Mawes.
Polsue Farm is a magnificent,
modernised, country house
enjoying complete privacy and
protection from its surrounding
eight acres of land, as well as
sea views towards Caerhays
Beach over neighbouring open
countryside towards the Caerhays
Estate with the beautiful
Caerhays Castle set within the
valley below.
A long, private driveway
creates a real sense of garden and the sun terraces via I N BR I EF
anticipation as you approach the multiple sets of French doors. Substantial modernised country
house, hidden from view. The The sitting features a beamed residence
property offers a similar sense of ceiling and a beautiful minster Set centrally within its own 8 acres
arrival as you enter broad, bright fireplace. There is a good sized of grounds
hallway with glazed atrium with study as well as a number of Luxurious kitchen/living/family
an oak staircase at its centre. useful work rooms. On the first room opening to sun terrace
Glazed doors open through floor are four very spacious Spacious sitting room with
to the kitchen; this triple aspect bedrooms, each with en suite or a fireplace
room is the heart of the house bathroom. The master bedroom Generous ground floor study
ad features a handmade Richard suite features vaulted beamed Fabulous master bedroom suite
Winfrey kitchen and access to the ceiling, walk-in dressing room, Two guest en suite bedrooms
spacious and luxurious en suite Further bedroom
shower room and wonderful Family bathroom
views towards the coast from its Detached two storey stone barn
French doors. Refurbished detached single
The immediate outside space storey stone barn
has potential for a swimming Garage barn
pool or a tennis court, as well Large agricultural barn
as plenty of facilities for horses Ground source heat pump
or livestock. The detached barn Underfloor heating
could also offer the potential for More than eight acres of gardens
a holiday let subject to obtaining and fields
the correct permissions and
consents and is far enough away Further information
not to impact privacy on the main Rohrs & Rowe
residence. ◆ RohrsAndRowe.co.uk

in association with
Homes from Webbers
IN OVER 300 UK AND INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS
A substantial Grade II Listed

period residence with over
11 acres.
A substantial Grade II Listed period Holy Well, a stream, small lake and
residence with over 11 acres which is ponds. The land is predominantly
believed to be one of the oldest broadleaf woodland which is a rich
homes in the district. The property habitat for much wildlife with the
has a wealth of character and charm potential for a rough shoot or
and would benefit from some equestrian holding. The property is
modernisation, therefore it presents close to the Tamar and Lynher valleys
an ideal opportunity for those and has good access to Plymouth,
that seek to create their own Tavistock and both Bodmin Moor
wonderful property. and Dartmoor.
There are up to 7 bedrooms, many
NR CALLINGTON
Guide £1,000,000
reception rooms, annexe potential
EPC Exempt Kitchen/ breakfast room, dining room, lounge, sitting room,
and outbuildings. The gardens are
cinema room, pantry, second kitchen, drawing room, gun and
colourful and mature, and feature a boot room, 2 utility rooms. 7 bedrooms ( 1 en-suite) study,
2 bathrooms, store/ play room. A range of outbuildings.
FREE VALUATIONS – NO SALE – NO FEE – Tel: 01566 771919
GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! andrew.simpson@webbers.co.uk Andrew Simpson, Launceston
Bodmin Office 01208 76800 Launceston Office 01566 771919 fineandcountry.com

Newquay Office 01637 870414 Bude Office 01288 389848
in association with
Homes from Webbers
IN OVER 300 UK AND INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS
An elegant residence overlooking

picturesque village green
This high quality executive home is set both floors, hardwood oak internal doors
within sought after Bowood Park Golf and woodwork, high quality sanitaryware,
Club development only a short drive a ground source heat pump and full
from the north Cornwall coast. The working alarm system.
house is a Potton design with large
Bowood Park Hotel and golf club is set in
exposed timber pillars, beams and trusses
230 acres of rolling hills and woodland
throughout all set around a large central
and is set in the heart of north Cornwall
stone fireplace. Offering spacious family
approximately a mile from the town of
accommodation all finished to an
Camelford.The development comprises a
exceptional standard the property should
Par 72 (6692 yards) golf course, luxury
be viewed to be appreciated.
thirty one room hotel and restaurant, ten
The property is within a cluster of only bay driving range and a selection of
five properties known as Tregaric which executive style detached dwellings set
are located overlooking the 14th hole. around the course. Nearby are the
The house is finished to a high specification popular towns and villages of Padstow, LANTEGLOS, NEAR CAMELFORD,
throughout including Andersen hardwood Port Isaac, Rock and Polzeath and the CORNWALL
windows and doors, Neville Johnson A39 is close by giving easy access into Guide £650,000
fitted office furniture, a central vacuum Wadebridge and its excellent range of
system, oil fired underfloor heating to amenities. EPC – C 4/5 bedrooms, 3/4 receptions, 3 bathrooms,
double garage, low maintenance gardens.
FREE VALUATIONS – NO SALE – NO FEE – Tel: 01208 76800
GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! hannah.jeffery@webbers.co.uk Hannah Jeffery, Bodmin
Bodmin Office 01208 76800 Launceston Office 01566 771919 fineandcountry.com

Newquay Office 01637 870414 Bude Office 01288 389848
COASTAL | COUNTRY | TOWN | MODERN | PERIOD
ST MABYN | NR WADEBRIDGE | NORTH CORNWALL | GUIDE PRICE £875,000 | EPC E
rohrsandrowe.co.uk info@rohrsandrowe.co.uk
01872 306 360
BUDOCK VEAN | HELFORD RIVER | NR FALMOUTH | GUIDE PRICE £850,000 | EPC E
rohrsandrowe.co.uk info@rohrsandrowe.co.uk
PROMOTION
Beautiful new holiday homes in

Cornwall, moments from the sea
A
coastal holiday home at Praa Sands towns of Penzance and St Ives. Onsite, there’s
Holiday Park promises the very best a well-equipped gym for the most energetic, a
of both worlds. These homes are in an heated indoor swimming pool complete with
envious location being just minutes steam room for ultimate relaxation, and the
away from the leisure facilities, restaurant and Boathouse Bar & Restaurant where you can
bar, but also with magnificent sea views out to indulge in delicious fresh meals at any time
the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, our brand new Gwel of day.
Teg 2 development offers the epitome of luxury,
with each of our lodges boasting the finest IT PAYS TO SHARE WHEN YOU’RE
fixtures, furnishings and fittings to ensure that NOT THERE
every holiday is a peaceful retreat, and beautiful All of our holiday homes are also extremely
interior design schemes and the latest mod cons. practical, perfect for holiday rentals, where
There’s so much to do at Praa Sands that extra income can help offset your running
you’ll want to return for endless holidays all costs. With homes from £85,000, there really
year round. Ideally located to make the most of is no better time to buy.
the spectacular local area, you’ll enjoy beautiful For more information on this superb new
beaches and water sports, walks, trails and cycle development or to book a park visit please
tracks, as well as easy access to the seaside call David on 01736 761 042.
Praa Sands Holiday Park, Praa Sands Nr Penzance, TR20 9SH

01736 761 042 www.praa-sands.co.uk
‘Tis the season…
Your Christmas table should set the scene for an epicurean
experience you will remember the whole year through
WORDS: Kate Houghton
ABOVE: Luxury chocolates, £22,

Set of four Champagne flutes, £32.50, notjustjugs.com chococo.co.uk
LEFT: Stag Forest LED scene table centre,
FEAST FOR
£38, marquisanddawe.co.uk
THE SENSES
A little bit of fun goes a long way to making
family memories to treasure
Festive Geese footed cake plate,

£49.95, annabeljames.co.uk
ABOVE: Holly & Berry napkins,
£15, sophieallport.com
BELOW: Nordic Light four-arm

candelabra, £69.50,
abodeliving.co.uk
Embroidered red
Christmas tablecloth,
£50, raggedrose.com
Penguin afternoon tea collection, from £15.50, saramiller.london

HOMES & INTERIORS
Acacia wood & bark

placemat, £18, & burnished
copper votives (3), £18,
Fluted large decanter,
johnlewis.com
£255, and Jancis
Robinson collection
wine glass, £35,
richardbrendon.com
Hessian snowflake
table runner, £8.95,
luckandluck.co.uk
TRADITIONALLY
BEAUTIFUL
Classic styling will bring the joy of the season to all
who attend your Christmas dining table
Partridge luxury crackers (6),

£20, saramiller.london
Gold cone &

feather garland,
£42, tch.net
Silverton 16 piece cutlery set, £80, made.com

HOMES & INTERIORS
Mistletoe garland, £14.99,

lights4fun.co.uk
Rose gold
sequin table runner,
£16.99,
gingerray.co.uk
Juniper Berry & Cedar and

Cinnamon & Orange glitter candles,
£14.99 each, dobbies.com
PINK FIZZ
Embracing the festive shade is sure
to put a smile on your face Lulu champagne flutes (4), £41.95, annabeljames.co.uk
ABOVE: Ava & I stemless

wine glass, £9.99,
creative-tops.com
BELOW: Walker Christmas

cracker set (6), £35,
debenhams.com
Laura Ashley Christmas Blush collection, from £7, lauraashley.com

Designs on luxury
Owning a successful holiday home in
Cornwall means creating a luxurious interior
that will keep guests coming back
I
f you’ve recently purchased a Tactile style and high-end finesse are
holiday home, it makes sense the trademark of luxury projects
to let it out when you can’t
use it. The luxury let market
in Cornwall in particular is
booming, so we caught up with
Elaine Skinner, design director
of Camellia Interiors, a Cornwall-
based interior design studio, who
regularly advises owners on how
to capitalise on this potentially
lucrative niche. We asked her
what a new holiday homeowner you want to achieve from the once it’s been done, your interior
should know before hiring an outset – the more planning done designer won’t be offended if you
interior designer. early on, the more realistic costs dismiss an idea. You are paying
‘Before you get started, try can be. They can then advise you them for a project you love and
to keep these four key things in on what else can be achieved and it’s their job to deliver. If they add
mind and your luxury holiday what provisional sums are likely an element you dislike, say it and
home refurbishment will be to be. Far better than getting confidently move along. While
completed on time, on budget and three-quarters of the way down the interior designer may not
look exactly how you dreamt it the road and bolting additional agree with your design choice,
would, which ultimately means work on that blows the costs and the final decision is not up to
maximising your revenue and timings and leaves everyone them. Remember, the project
investment,’ explains Elaine. falling out! is your home, not theirs, so it is
ultimately your decision as to
1. Hire the best – interior 3. Talk money early on – while it what design elements stay and
design is a business, albeit a would be nice to think that your which ones go.
creative one, so you will want interior designer has your budget Understanding these things
to hire an Interior Designer in mind – this usually isn’t the will keep your relationship with
with ideally a master’s degree in case. Unless you clearly discuss your interior designer friendly
design, a long practice history your monetary limits at the start, and smooth. If your professional
with luxury holiday home your designer is going to choose relationship is on track and you
industry experience. There is the best features in quality and understand how the business
a big difference between an structure. If you have hired the works, you should be pleasantly
interior designer and an interior right designer, they will give surprised with the final outcome
decorator, who has often only you some ideas on what changes and maybe even come in under
done a short course or is self- to your design plan need to be budget!
taught. If you’re working on a made to help you stay within that ‘Please remember interior
remodel, changing the layout budget and advise you on what designers are skilled professionals
to achieve better functionality is or is not essential in the luxury and should be treated as such.
through the space and require market. So, set your emotions aside and
guidance beyond aesthetics, then Decide also if you want them to make a business deal with your
an interior designer is your best source and supply everything, or designer – a deal that makes
choice. if you want them to source while everyone happy and creates a
A well-connected interior you supply, as their fee structure lasting home design that you will
designer has many skills and will vary accordingly. Most love for years to come,’ finishes
resources that they can pass onto interior designers make their Elaine. ◆
you plus they will consider every money from the discounts they If you have a refurbishment or
element of the property and can get through supplying – so it pays renovation project of a luxury
advise on all the associated trades to be upfront from the beginning. holiday home you need help
needed. with or to speak to Elaine please
4. Remember you can say no – call 01872 248592 or email
2. Write a wish list – your interior while it might not be easy to say hello@camelliainteriors.co.uk
designer will need to know what that you don’t like something camelliainteriors.co.uk

PROMOTION
The team source beautiful furniture packs for

new properties from single rooms to entire homes
This house was transformed into a perfect

beach retreat complete with a cinema room
The project is your

home, not theirs, so
it is ultimately your
decision as to what
design elements stay
and which ones go.
Soft furnishings and bespoke curtains transform

this
TOP: Camellia marry their expertise in interior design

with laid back coastal lifestyles to create stunning
homes by the sea
ABOVE: The team’s projects range from bijoux

fisherman’s cottages to contemporary coastal homes
LEFT: Camellia has experience in both the luxury

holiday rental market as well as private home
commissions
RIGHT: One of the hardest skills of a designer is to

mix pattern, stripes, weave, embroidery to achieve
a natural lived in look

PROMOTION
Looking for
the ideal heating
solutions for
your home?
You’re getting
warmer!
Excellent design and manufacture, controllability and ease of installation. Mark Britton of South
West Heating points towards a few good reasons to change to ELKAtherm radiators.
W
anting your house to feel warm and cosy they might need it, as is the case with night storage heaters.
throughout the year is certainly one good ELKAtherm radiators are supremely controllable. You can
reason to explore all the heating options that turn them on from your tablet or phone when you are on the
are available to you but South West Heating, way home or just flick a switch and within minutes you can
a long established local firm, think that here in Cornwall feel the room beginning to warm through.
there are other factors that go into making the right decision. South West Heating often recommends ELKAtherm
It will come as no surprise to hear just how important electric radiators for properties that don’t have mains gas
interior design has become to many homeowners in the or as a replacement for night storage heaters but sometimes,
county. Whether they don’t wish to disturb the traditional even if traditional gas central heating is a practical option,
lines of a restored cottage or are looking for a heating system customers prefer to avoid the mess and upheaval of pipework
suited to a sleek, minimalist and modern home, ELKAtherm and plumbing and enjoy the fact that these radiators are
radiators are discreet and well proportioned plus they are generally installed within a day.
available in 197 different colours. As a Which? Trusted Trader, we keep in touch to ensure
The quality of design is more than just skin deep. The our customers are happy and with a 25-year guarantee and
radiators heat the whole room evenly thanks to their clever, hand-built German craftsmanship we are confident that
fluted design so there are no hotspots or chilly corners. they will be pleased with their choice for many years to come.
ELKAtherm radiators have five times the effective surface If you are looking to upgrade your home heating then
area of other heaters the same size, making the best give us a call and we will arrange for one of our engineers,
possible use of your electricity while helping warm air to not a salesman, to visit and make a recommendation for
circulate by convection. your property. We are sure that you will see it as a step in the
People want heat when they need it, not when they guessed right direction.
For more information on ELKAtherm electric radiators, call South West Heating Solutions
on 01209 714600 or visit www.southwestheatingsolutions.co.uk
Cornwall is not short of
unique Christmas celebrations
– but top of everyone’s list
is the Cotehele Garland – a
stunning display featuring
40,000 dried summer flowers
– and this year visitors can
expect even more flora with
an installation made up of
20,000 cut out flowers to
mark the centenary of the end
of World War I
PHOTOS: Ewen MacDonald

CHRISTMAS
About the garland

Now in its 62nd year, the Cotehele An additional 20,000 cut-out flowers
Garland has become a winter from sketches by artist-in-resident
legend. Flower seeds are sown at the Dominique Coiffait will decorate the
beginning of the year with harvesting walls of the Great Hall to mark the
beginning as early as April. centenary of the end of World War I.
Each year between 20,000 and Once it comes down, the garland is
40,000 flowers are harvested and composted after volunteers first spend
dried. This year will see a record a day remove all the wires.
45,000 flowers in the garland thanks This year you can buy a silk scarf
to a warm dry summer. featuring the garland (pictured above).


I
t’s something that has to be and commented on what he ABOVE LEFT:
seen to be believed. The Tudor was growing everyday and Artist-in-residence
era Great Hall at Cotehele then there’d be a mention of Dominique
Coiffait working
decked in an 18-metre long neighbours son dying in the war. on the boards
floral garland strung across the ‘I used that as a narrative that will adorn the
ceiling. to build an artwork around,’ walls of the hall
For the past 62 years the explains Dominique. ‘I wanted
gardeners at the National Trust to celebrated Cotehele and the ABOVE RIGHT:
Dominique
property near Saltash harvest as gardens and the garland, because
creates the
many flowers from the garden as it was going to sit with the flowers from
they can – the numbers collected garland.’ linoprints from
range from 20,000 upwards – and Dominique brought this sketches he took
are hung to dry in the property’s together with the styles of the of the gardens
attic. Here they hang until the arts and crafts movement that during the
summer
end of October when work dominates during the war when
begins for making and installing William Morris was popular at
the giant decoration spanning the time.
around 60ft. ‘I know that a lot of people
And this year there will be could join in with the cutting out
an additional 20,000 flowers side of things so if I printed out
on display. All created by artist I could get a lot of engagement.’
Dominique Coiffait. Cotehele’s In the end the enthusiasm for
first artist-in-residence was getting involved has exceeded
commissioned to create expectations. ‘We have had
something to complement the two-year-olds learning to use
garland and mark the centenary scissors here and a 96-year-old
of the end of World War I. His cutting flowers out. People could
response was to draw and sketch also take envelopes of uncut
from the garden during the flowers home to cut and send
year. These sketches have been back. We had people take them rabbits,’ he adds.
reprinted many times over and home for housebound neighbours In total 30 boards will be
each one cut out and added to a and older people and then we displayed around the walls based
series of large boards that will had people contacting us who around seasonal lines as well as
adorn the walls of the great hall. had seen friends cutting out on using colours to represent the
Alongside the work – which has facebook asking to get involved.’ red, white and blue flags waved at
seen enthusiastic volunteers join Dominique spent the year the end of the war.
him in the cutting out phase – he drawing all the flowers in the The installation of the garland
has run a series of workshops for garden throughout the year and takes around two weeks and
visitors and local schoolchildren created linoblocks to reproduce visitors can watch as gardeners
to ensure the whole community is his drawings. and volunteers create the floral
involved. ‘I’ve printed 20,000 flowers – swag. This year work begins 29
During his research, around 300 different varieties. October.
Dominique discovered the There are also references to With a snow-laden spring, the
journals of a market gardener nature, insects, animals; when gardeners were worried they
working at Cotehele during I’ve been here at the estate when wouldn’t have enough flowers to
the First World War I who everyone goes home, the place harvest – but thankfully a hot dry
documented life during WW1 comes to life with deer and summer allowed them to catch

CHRISTMAS
up and this year we can expect a kicked off and we were picking garland created by nearby ABOVE:
bumper garland. Alongside the every day. schools, ‘We give them plants to Dominique
main garland a smaller one is I like the Helichrysum, which is grow and pick and dry them and has worked
with visitors to
created by local schoolchildren. the strawflower,’ ‘I like the paper come and make their garlands Cotehele and
Each spring schools are given roses because they are delicate while we make ours. Sometimes beyond to cut out
seeds to grow and can donate and I like the paper daisies they come back with buckets of around 20,000
their flowers. This is added to because they are quite bold and flowers, sometimes just a few. We printed flowers
spare flowers from the garland. the paper grasses or Bunny Tails never know what we are going to
Despite the snowy spring, this are really soft. get,’ adds Vicky. ◆
year has been a bumper year ‘We’ve tried to colour theme
for the flowers. ‘We’ve got about it to the red white and blue and 15 November–31 December
45,000 flowers picked and dried we’ve never had an artist to (except 25–26 December),
and about 14 varieties, says help us so that’s quite special. 11am–4pm
Cotehele gardener Vicky Dillion It’s going to be something very Price: normal admission
who is marking her 18th garland different.’ charges apply
this year. ‘Things took a long Alongside the garland they St Dominick, nr Saltash PL12
time to get going because of the decorate a doorway and the barn 6TA
weather but then things really is decorated with a children’s nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

GA R DEN M ASTERCLASS
Gardener and broadcaster Toby Buckland
delivers his expert advice
TH I NGS
TO D O
Instant colour goes a
long way in winter and
pots filled with burgundy
red skimmia, scented
Christmas box and violas
add an instant splash
of colour. The range of
winter colour pot-fillers
grows every year with
evergreen grasses for
those with urban tastes or
Season’s greetings
cottage garden classics
like primroses and pansies.
All can be planted now
– provided the compost
isn’t frozen. On the veg
plot, harvest sprouts from
It’s traditional to bring outdoors inside wood-burner. When aflame on the grate the bottom of the stems
for Christmas though you needn’t restrict everyone makes a wish for next year. up and with cabbages,
your pickings to holly and ivy. Add some My hope, as always, is that I don’t burn leave the trunks of the
contemporary tones and silvery sparkle the Christmas dinner – easier said than plants in slicing an ‘x’ with
with the wispy silver clematis seed-heads, done when sipping festive cheer! But food a knife across the severed
aka Old Man’s beard, sprigs of aromatic is the central theme of the month with the ‘trunk’ to reap a second
eucalyptus, rosemary and cotton lavender. last of the carrots, red cabbage, beetroot smaller crop of collards
I also buy bundles of willow for making and swede gathered from the veg plot. later in winter. Indoors,
the base of wreaths and what’s left over Once cleared I tickle over the soil so that keep houseplant cyclamen
makes excellent supports for beans and the lumps are left for frosts to break down cool, in a bright spot and
sweet peas to scramble over in summer. and to expose any slugs to the birds. One watered from beneath
Experimenting with new plants for our other job I always do – egged on by three for the longest-lasting
Yuletide arrangements has become a excited children – is to dig out and dust off flowers. Don’t forget our
tradition at home, as has heading out to the sledge from the back of the garage. feathered friends at this
the woods to collect a Yule log for the Just in case... time: with ever fewer
berries and nuts in the
hedgerows, birds migrate
into our gardens looking
Plant of the Month – Heuchera for food. Robins, wrens

and blackbirds appreciate
high-protein snacks like
Heuchera are worth their when choosing is that the mealworms, while tits and
weight for giving winter darker the leaf the better finches love seed mixes,
colour. There are dozens of suited they are to sun. Pale especially those with
varieties to choose from in leaved types like ‘Key Lime plenty of sunflower hearts.
colours ranging from zingy Pie’ come into their own
limes to obsidian black. in shade, thriving where If you do just
Photos: Jason Ingram
Their evergreen leaves can other plants would fail and one thing…
brighten every part of the brightening up gloomy Make sure pots can drain
garden from the shade spots. Best of all they’re by checking drainage holes
under shrubs to hanging pretty much immune to aren’t blocked and raising
baskets. The rule of thumb the attention of slugs. containers up on pot feet.
If you have a garden question send to @tobybuckland via Twitter

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ANTIQUES
Not just for Christmas

Why your festive decorations might be worth more than you think
WORDS: Fay Watson
T
here’s little doubt that
decorating the Christmas
tree is an essential part
of getting into the festive
spirit. And whether you string
up the lights on a tree filled with
hand-me-down decorations or
each year have a new colour
scheme, we invest a lot in our
festive ornaments.
It’s a tradition that goes back to
the early Victorian period in the
UK, when the trend was brought
over from Germany, and while
decorations at this time mostly
came in the form of handmade
paper decorations and candles
to light the trees up, our love of
decorations has been unwavering
ever since. But, as well as our
obvious sentimental attachment
to the tradition, there is also a
potential financial incentive to
consider as they can often fetch a
high price at auction, especially
for the more unique and quirky
pieces on offer.
For instance, German Fir Tree Toys in a Christmas Market
ornaments from the Victorian
period do particularly well in
‘The better
America. Dresden ornaments, popularity in design. Gary
which are embossed cardboard explains that this means things
the name, the

tree hangers from 1880 to 1910, like fairy lights from Woolworths
are listed on specialist antiques in the 1950s and 60s can bring in
more money
websites for up to $2,850USD, £100-£150.
while early German wax However, the most crucial
they bring’
Santa Claus figurines known thing to remember when looking
as Belsnickels are popular at collecting and selling your
in collector circles, with one ornaments is that timing is
fetching $10,000USD recently the festive lines that big everything. ‘Christmas is the
in auction. manufacturers release every time when these items really
‘The more quirky the better year, which are popular in the fetch the money obviously,’ Gary
at Christmas,’ auctioneer Christmas auctions. For example, explains. ‘They can be picked
and valuer Gary Don Swarovski glass did some boxed up really cheaply in the rest of
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
(garydon.co.uk) tells star decorations with certificates, the year if you’re very careful.’
me when I ask him what which can now go for up to £460 His advice is that you want to be
people should look out for. in auction, while Wedgewood selling items in late November
‘And obviously, it’s like Christmas plates can sell for up to and early December, but picking
most things and especially £20-£30 a piece at the right time them up in January or February
modern items, the better of year. time. So whether you’ve got some
the name, the more money Antiques valuations are also, old antique decorations hanging
they bring,’ he adds. of course, dependent on trends, around, or are just intrigued to
One place that with decorations from the 1950s see what bargains you can buy, it
Gary suggests people and 60s doing particularly well seems that now is definitely the
purchase from is at the moment, given their time to give it a go. ◆

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Paul Ainsworth is chef-patron of Paul Ainsworth at No.6 and
Rojano’s in the Square and owner of Padstow Townhouse. He
was awarded a Michelin star in 2013 and holds 4 AA rosettes
paul-ainsworth.co.uk

Chistmas on
Photo: Emily Whitfield-Wicks
the menu
Christmas has to be one of any chef’s favourite ingredients, so
what has Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth got on his menu
C
hristmas in the beach with the Ainsworth I recently finished filming
Southampton when I family and return around midday a new BBC 1 show called Best
was a kid was all about to get cracking with the dinner. Christmas Food Ever with Irish
my mum. It was the I, of course, am the one cooking. chef and food writer, Catherine
one time of the year when she I like to play a sneaky trick on my Fulvio. The show will be aired
would put her feet up and totally family, they all think I’m such a in the two weeks leading up
chill. She always tells me how saint for cooking on Christmas to Christmas and will show
she loved seeing us all together, Day as they think I’m always myself and Catherine preparing
sat around the table enjoying the cooking and should be given a seasonal dishes worthy of every
most amazing food. Christmas day off. I must admit though, I Christmas table. It was such a joy
dinner was a big deal in my love it. I use every pot, pan and to film and we really had a blast
house. We’d have a starter, main utensil I can find – I think every with the celebrity guests. I really
and dessert. I never actually chef is guilty of this. I think I’m so hope you get a chance to tune in!
knew what a starter was when I happy to cook because I know I’ll I also think Christmas is
was younger, I just knew it was be excused from washing up duty about giving back and helping
something you had before your later! There really is no better others. Earlier this year, my wife
dinner when it was a special adrenaline rush then plating up Emma and I became charity
occasion. We’d have smoked for 12 hungry faces! ambassadors for The Cornwall
salmon with blinis or as I used to We change up the menu Air Ambulance. It is our aim
call them, mini pancakes. Mains every year but this year I think to help raise £2.5million for
would always be roast turkey, I’ll really mix things up and do the ‘New Heli appeal.’ After
ham and all the trimmings. I a ‘Surf and Turf’ style dinner. meeting the team at HQ a few
remember my mum pre-ordering A rib of beef and whole roast months ago, we knew we had
her meat at M&S weeks before turbot with all the trimmings. to be involved. The appeal
Christmas, she’s probably the It’s something different and will aims to bring a next generation
most organised individual I’ve please everyone! I do go quite air ambulance helicopter to
ever met. over the top with the trimmings, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
I remember the excitement but they are one of the best things by 1 April 2020. On the 10th
of Father Christmas so vividly. I about Christmas. For example, December, myself and fellow
wouldn’t sleep a wink the night last year I took brussel sprout chefs Angela Hartnett and Neil
before Christmas Day – god tops, fried them off with spring Borthwick will be co-hosting and
knows how they snuck the onions, chilli, ginger and mixed cooking a six-course menu at
presents into my room, there in a handful of white crab meat. It Rojano’s in the Square. I first met
must have been something strong was honestly the highlight of my Angela and Neil whilst working
mixed in with my hot chocolate. I day. I always serve up Christmas under Gordon Ramsay and we’ve
think it’s the one time of year that dinner in big bowls and platters. been great friends ever since.
everyone in the family helps with Just let everyone help themselves BBC Radio Cornwall’s Daphne
the cooking. It’s a very special – that’s part of the magic. Skinnard will be hosting a Q&A
time of the year. Buy a cut of As for prepping in advance, throughout the night too. Tickets
meat you wouldn’t usually cook, I would highly recommend it. are £120pp with every penny
the posh wine glasses come out Make your gravy a week before raised going toward the New
the cabinet, boxes upon boxes and freeze it and wash, chop and Heli Appeal.
of chocolate in the larder and peel your veg the night before. The past five months of
cheese, lots and lots of cheese. Making sure you have the perfect Cornwall Life have been an
Now that we have a little girl, pre-dinner drink is also crucial, absolute joy and it’s such an
the excitement and magic has in my house anyway! Sarah honour to have this column.
returned to our household and Clements is the head sommelier Thank you to the editor, Carol.
we are making traditions of our at No.6 has suggested our ‘Earl and all you loyal readers. Have
own. Every Christmas morning Grey 75’ cocktail. It’s super easy an amazing Christmas and see
we go for a beautiful walk along and delicious (recipe below). you in 2019! ◆

Photo: Ewen MacDonald
E A R L GR EY 75 BY
SA R A H CLEM EN TS
Ingredients
25ml gin – left to infuse overnight with
five Earl Grey tea bags
12.5ml lemon juice
½ tsp golden sugar
Champagne or Prosecco
Method
Gently stir all ingredients together
and pour into a champagne flute.
Top up with Champagne or Prosecco.
FESTIVE ‘SURF AND TURF’
TH E W HOLE

ROA ST T U R BOT
Ingredients
2kg whole turbot
Splash of olive oil
40g soft butter
1 Lime
Fine sea salt – to season
10 sprigs of thyme
500g new potatoes
50g dill – chopped
50g butter
Method
Preheat the oven to 165 °C.
ROA ST R I B OF Remove the beef from the oven and TOP: Paul
Place the turbot into a large roasting BEEF W ITH leave to rest for at least one hour. Ainsworth in his
tray and lightly brush all over with BÉ A R NA ISE kitchen at No.6
soft butter. Season well with sea salt. SAUCE For the béarnaise sauce add egg
which holds a
Michelin
yolks and white wine vinegar to a ABOVE: Paul
Place the thyme on the turbot. Cover Ingredients whisking bowl. joins fellow
the baking tray with tin foil and place 4kg rib of beef chefs Angela
in the oven. 3 egg yolks Place the bowl over a pan of Hartnett and
Neil Borthwick to
1 tbsp white wine vinegar simmering water and whisk
co-host and cook
Cook the turbot for about 400ml clarified butter – melted continuously until the yolks are a six-course menu
20–25 minutes and with a meat Chopped chives cooked and the mix is light and fluffy. at is Padstow
thermometer probe the thickest part Chopped tarragon restaurant
of the turbot (near the neck). When Juice of 1 Lemon Remove from the heat and slowly Rojano’s in the
Square to raise
it’s between 45–50 °C take out the pour the butter into the yolk mixture
funds for the
oven and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Method as you continue whisking until the New Heli Appeal
Preheat the oven to 165 °C. Season mix is stiff and smooth. from Cornwall Air
Finish the turbot with fresh sea salt the beef with sea salt and place in Ambulance
and lime zest. the oven. Add the chopped herbs to the
béarnaise sauce and finish with
Serve with boiled new potatoes Turn the beef every 15 minutes until salt and a little lemon juice. Serve
finished with chopped dill and butter. the core temperature is 54 °C. generously with the sliced beef.

CHRISTMAS DAY TRIMMINGS
ROA ST POTATOE S

Ingredients
2kg roasting potatoes (King Edwards)
250g beef fat
1 sheet kombu
20G mustard powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 head of garlic – crushed
Sea salt
Few sprigs of fresh thyme
Peel the potatoes and cut them to

the same size. Place a saucepan and
cover with water, add the sea salt,
kombu and some of the thyme.
Bring to a simmer, but don’t boil.

Continue to cook until they soften
but still hold their shape.
Drain off in a colander and leave to

steam dry. Give them a good shake
to create fluffy edges.
Add the beef fat to a roasting tray

and place in the oven at 200 °C.
Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and

season with sea salt, mustard powder
and turmeric.
Bruise the remaining thyme in your

hands and add the potatoes along
with the crushed garlic.
Once your beef fat is hot in the tray,

very carefully add the potatoes and
place in the oven to roast.
Every so often check the potatoes

and turn them over. Roast until crispy
and golden. This will take about an
hour to an hour and a half.
C A R ROTS A N D Method springs of thyme and rosemary ABOVE:

PA R SN I PS Wash and chop the carrots and over the vegetables and add the No. 6 Senior
‘EN PAU PI ET TE’ parsnips so they are equal sizes. star anise. Sous Chef Chris
McClurg was
recently crowned
Ingredients Take a large sheet of tin foil and Fold the sheets at the top but try Young Chef of
500g carrots place a sheet of grease proof to keep the base flat. Seal the tin the Year by The
500g small parsnips paper on top. foil tightly so no flavour or steam Observer Food
Olive oil can escape. Monthly
Sea salt Place the carrots and parsnips in
Thyme the middle of the sheets, ensuring Bake on an oven tray for about
Rosemary the vegetables don’t overlap. two hours at 165 °C. Once
Bay leaf cooked, take out the oven and
1 star anise Drizzle with olive oil and season leave to rest. Unwrap at the table
100g butter with the salt and pepper. Fold up as a lovely surprise.
Cracked black pepper the sides of the sheets and add
50ml cider vinegar the vinegar and butter. Spread the

FLAVOURS OF CORNWALL
There are great waterside views at The Sardine Factory in Looe
Catch of the day

Chef Ben Palmer has returned to his Cornish roots – opening
a new restaurant on the site of an old sardine factory on the
quayside at Looe where he once sat and fished as a young boys
T
he Sardine Factory upbringing that I did.’ And we have a relaxed, friendly
began life as a fish cellar Ben’s restaurant will take the environment overlooking the
in the 1880s and was catch of the day, landed feet water.’
used for processing away in Looe Harbour, to create Ben, who has three children
sardines and later as fishermen’s a flexible lunchtime and evening between the ages of ten months
stores, but the building wasn’t menu of everything from nibbles and eight years, says the
in a safe state to be renovated. and small bites to whole plaice, children’s menu has gone down
Instead it was demolished John Dory and Cornish lobster. well and grilled fish with green
but the materials preserved ‘The fish is all fresh off the boat in veg and potatoes is particularly
to rebuild it in the style of the Looe,’ says Ben. ‘A lot of the fish popular with youngsters.
old building, which sits in a that’s landed here and Plymouth The £1.5 million Sardine
conservation area. and Brixham will go to London Factory project received funding
A new restaurant forms part and all over the place. Availability from the Coastal Communities
of the project by Looe Harbour can change but we’ll just take the Fund and European Maritime
Commissioners to provide a lot and build the menu around Fisheries Fund and will add to
heritage centre and create job what there is.’ the leisure offering in Looe with
opportunities in what was a Ben, who is also chef patron at a heritage centre and a climbing
Grade II listed building. ‘I used to wall. As well as generating job
sit outside the building and fish ‘We’ll take all the fresh opportunities, The Sardine
when I was a kid and I always Cornish sardines we Factory Restaurant will act as a
knew it as an old sardine packing can get and chargrill training restaurant working with
factory and then fishermen’s them whole, simply, and catering colleges in Cornwall and
stores,” says chef Ben Palmer at serve with a salad’ Plymouth.
teh Sardine Factory Restaurant. And are sardines on the menu
‘When people ask me why I the Greedy Goose in Plymouth at today’s Sardine Factory? ‘Of
wanted to be a chef, I say it was and executive head chef at course,’ laughs Ben. ‘We’ll take
growing up in Looe, working in Glazebrook House in South all the fresh Cornish sardines we
the restaurants and seeing the Brent, says the response from can get and chargrill them whole,
fish landed on the quay. local people has been great with simply, and serve with a salad.
‘I always wanted to come back enthusiastic five-star reviews on They’re great at a very reasonable
to Looe and open a restaurant TripAdvisor. price and they’re proving very
because I was raised by the sea ‘We’re using local produce and popular.’ ◆
and I wanted my kids to have the we’re not mucking around with it. thesardinefactorylooe.com
Celebrating the area’s finest food & drink eatcornwall

I N PA RT N ER SH I P W ITH
Food heroes from across the county gathered at The

Carbis Bay Hotel for a celebratory awards lunch.
The Carbis Bay Hotel provided the stunning backdrop for the 2018
Cornwall Life Food & Drink Awards Winners Lunch, celebrating
the finest food and drink producers and venues in the county.
The celebratory lunch, attended by 35 guests, got underway
with a champagne drinks reception. Andy Cooper, Group
Editor then took to the stage to announce our 2018 category
winners. With help from our sponsors, each winner was
presented with their award to mark their achievement.
Guests were then treated to a fabulous autumn inspired lunch,
created by the very talented team at The Carbis Bay Hotel. Food
was matched with wines provided by Polgoon Vineyard.
Congratulations to all our winners and
finalists. And a big thank you to all our
sponsors, who have helped to make this event possible.
PHOTOS: Emily Whitfield-Wicks

FOOD & DRINK AWARDS
L–R: Tanya Forster and Andy Cooper, L–R: Anita Rennie, The Shore Restaurant, Jude
Archant South West Kereama, Kota Restaurant, Paul Stephens, Mullion
Cove Hotel
L–R: Nick Reynolds, Westchem and

Jill Bailey, Cornwall Life L–R: Thomas & Katie Hannon, The Rising Sun
and Jessica Crisp, Waitrose
L–R: Naomi Hutcheon, The Great Cornish Food L–R: Michael & Dianne Smith, L–R: Rachel Haime, Cornwall Life, Nicole Thomas,
Store, Maggie Bray and Chris Reynard, Waitrose Porthminster Beach Café Carbis Bay Hotel and Kim Coulson, Polgoon
WITH THANKS TO ALL OUR 2018 SPONSORS,

WITHOUT WHOM THIS PRESTIGIOUS EVENT
WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE:
H E A DLI N E SPONSOR S EV EN T PA RT N ER C ATEG ORY SPONSOR S

Congratulations
to our winners
Left:
Best Tea /Coffee
Shop of the Year
Presented by Maggie Bray of Waitrose
WINNER: Olive & Co., Liskeard
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Charlie’s, Tintagel
Gylly Beach Café, Falmouth
Below:
Pub of the Year
Presented by John Coulson of Polgoon
WINNER: The Rising Sun, Truro
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Pandora Inn, near Falmouth
Rashleigh Arms, St. Austell
Above:
Independent Retailer
of the Year
Presented by Jill Bailey of Cornwall Life
WINNER: Great Cornish

Food Store, Truro
Right:
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hotel Restaurant
Constantine Bay Store, Padstow of the Year
Hilltop Farm Shop & Café, Presented by Martin Rogers of Savills
Slaughterbridge
WINNER: Mullion Cove
Hotel, Lizard Peninsula
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Idle Rocks Hotel, Truro
Samphire Restaurant/The
Headland Hotel, Newquay

FOOD & DRINK AWARDS
Left:
Cornish Product /
Producer of the Year
Presented by Andy Cooper of
Cornwall Life and accepted by
Chris Reynard of Waitrose on
behalf of Green Cow Dairy
WINNER: Green Cow Below:

Dairy, near Liskeard Chef of the Year
Presented by Nicole Thomas
HIGHLY COMMENDED: of The Carbis Bay Hotel
Callestick Farm Ice
Cream, Callestick WINNER: Bruce Rennie, The
Little Bakehouse, Launceston Shore Restaurant, Penzance
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Ben Prior, Ben’s Cornish
Kitchen, Marazion
Thomas Hannon, The Rising Sun, Truro
Above:
Restaurant of the Year
Presented by Laura Wood on
behalf of Straight to the Sauce
Below: WINNER: Kota Restaurant,

Customer Service Award Porthleven Below:
Presented by Jessica Crisp of Waitrose Cornwall Life Food
HIGHLY COMMENDED: and Drink Hero 2018
WINNER: Charlie’s, Tintagel Amélies, Porthleven Presented by Nick Reynolds
Kahuna Restaurant, Newquay of Westchem
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Green Cow Dairy, near Liskeard WINNER: Michael Smith – Chef and
Olive & Co., Liskeard Co-Owner of Porthminster Beach Café

Private
DINNER
PARTIES
Tailored to your needs by
your own chef & team
CONTACT ANDY AT CHEFLINE CATERERS
079890 24737
awpainter@mail.com
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate

01326 562407 Carbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2NP
+44 (0)1736 795311 info@carbisbayhotel.co.uk www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk
ATLANTIC VIEW RESTAURANT

MULLION COVE HOTEL
Help us to celebrate our recent CORNWALL LIFE FOOD AND DRINK AWARD with a visit to the
ATLANTIC VIEW RESTAURANT to experience our award winning cuisine and stunning View!
From 1st December until the 22nd December we are offering CORNWALL LIFE READERS 15% OFF
our Dinner Menu and a glass of bubbles on arrival!
Why not join us every Sunday for a Traditional Three Course Sunday Lunch served from 12.30pm
until 2pm in the Atlantic View Restaurant which boasts amazing views over Mounts Bay.
TO BOOK YOUR TABLE

Please call reception on 01326 240328 or email enquiries@mullion-cove.co.uk
FOOD AND DRINK
Chef-patron of Canteen Cornwall, Ben Quinn
Have yourself a
Canteen Christmas Christmas in Cornwall brings the outside in,
and your menu should do the same, says chef
Ben Quinn from Canteen Cornwall
PHOTOS: Ewen MacDonald
B
en Quinn has his we have succeeded! our approach to festive food.
own unique take on But back to Christmas. In many The only rules when it comes
Christmas cooking; ways we are quite conventional to the dishes we serve are
free from convention in our thinking about what this that they must be honest and
and infused with show-stopping time of year means to us. Family heart-warming. Our style of
flavour, these are dishes to cook (immediate and extended, food = peasant: deep, rich, and
together and eat together this traditional and urban) coming smoky, often laced with warming
festive season. together to cook, eat and make spices, it delivers both comfort
‘In some ways, Christmas at memories; plates so loaded with and stimulation for tired winter
Canteen is just like the rest of the food they are guaranteed to taste-buds.
year – it’s all about community. induce a mid-afternoon food If you’d like to join our Canteen
A year ago we set out to create coma; long tables packed with family over the festive period
a hub for Cornwall’s year- noisy guests of all ages, wearing we would love to see you. You
round community of kindred ridiculous hats and telling bad will find details of what we
spirits; somewhere good people jokes… Everyone has their own are up to during the holiday
could come together to refuel, family folklore surrounding on our social media feeds or at
reconnect, work and support Christmas but that return to canteencornwall.com.
each other. Come push open our simple child-like joy is universal. HAPPY Christmas from us all
door on a blustery winters’ day In lots of other ways, we are at Canteen. ◆
and judge for yourself whether resolutely unconventional in canteencornwall.com

FOOD AND DRINK
MERGUEZ with olive oil, cider vinegar, salt and

STUFFING W ITH pepper. It should have a tart and rich
TAKTUK A, BURNT flavour.
ONIONS AND
TAHINI For the meatballs, simply roll the
sausage meat into balls about the
Serves 4 (ish) size of a £2 coin. Place them on a
baking tray and roast in a hot oven
Ingredients for 10 minutes.
8 Merguez or 300g lamb mince
with a merguez spice mix The tahini is a staple for us and once
4 tbsp veg oil you have mastered it you will find
1 chopped tin tomatoes a place for it in all your dishes. Get
3 tbsp tomato puree a bowl that will fit at least 500ml
1 jar of roasted peppers of liquid comfortably. Place the
4 Red onions tahini in it and whisk in some cold
1 tsp cumin seeds water, about 100ml. The tahini will
1 tsp coriander seeds go stiff but don’t worry, add more
100g fresh red chillies sliced water until it goes silky like double
thinly cream (another 100ml or so), finish
3 cloves of garlic with some olive oil (around another
40g fresh mint 100ml) and a glug of cider vinegar.
2 tbsp of tahini paste- light Season with salt. It should taste
4 tbsp of excellent cider vinegar earthy, salty and creamy.
5 tbsp of excellent olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste For the onions, simply cut around the OPPOSITE: OUR BRISKET,
equator and place face down in a dry The Christmas BURNT BUTTER
Method frying pan. Place over a medium heat menu at Canteen AND BROW N
Start by making the Taktuka – a until you can smell caramelised onion
Cornwall
SUGAR, CHILLI
super-simple delicious tomato sauce. (around 5 mins) flip them over and ABOVE: PICKLE
Think fresh tomato ketchup with a check for a good dark colour. If they Briskett CR ANBERRIES
little smoky zing. need longer give them longer! Store
them in a bowl with cling film pulled BELOW: Serves 4 (with leftovers)
Merguez stuffing
Heat some normal veg oil in a tight over the top. They will steam a
with taktuka,
heavy pan and slice the garlic thin, little and become softish. burnt onions and Ingredients
fry it lightly until biscuit brown and tahini 1.5kg of brisket, thick end or
then add the coriander and cumin To bring the dish together simply point. Fresh is best, you don’t
seeds. Stir until the room is full of spoon the taktuka onto a platter, dot want to age this cut, you need
exotic scents! Now add the tomato with the meatballs, tear up the onions the moisture!
puree and stir until the oils run red. and push them into the taktuka, 50g of salt
Now add the chopped tomato and drizzle with the tahini, and finally 50g of cracked black pepper
simmer slowly for 20 minutes. Once sprinkle with chilli and mint. 250g butter
you are happy with the consistency, 100g soft brown sugar
take the sauce off the heat, allow to We serve this with flat breads and let 200ml of cider vinegar
cool very slightly and then season our guests dive in. 50g of green chillies
50g of red chillies
100g dried cranberries
40g of caster sugar
2 carrots, peeled and diced
Method
Brisket is a great cut – full of flavour,
cheap and wonderful on the day or
days after as a beefy equivalent to
ham!
Start by trimming any sinew off the

cut – this is the white membrane,
not the fat. Then liberally coat the
outside with the salt and pepper, it
will stick to it and create a beautiful
crust.
We smoke our meat, which is

basically cooking slowly with the heat
of the fire. If you want to create this
at home I would suggest popping

FOOD & DRINK
in to Canteen where we will happily

take you through the process!
But if you are using your oven this is

how I would do it…
Heat the oven to 140˚C and place the

brisket in a roasting tin. Roast slowly
for 4 hours, then wrap the joint in
baking paper and continue roasting
at a lower temperature of 120˚C for
another two hours. The meat should
be soft and juicy.
When you are an hour away, drop

the butter into the tray and allow it to
melt and combine with all the juices.
When the brisket is done, rest it in a
ABOVE:
warm place for an hour.
The Christmas
Menu at Canteen
Add the brown sugar to the tray and Cornwall
stir to combine.
RIGHT:
To make the pickles simply combine Smashed up

root vegetables
all the chillies, cranberries and diced
with honey and
carrots in the cider vinegar and labneh, seeds and
caster sugar and allow to mingle. rosemary salt
You can do this days before or for a
fresher finish, on the day. BELOW:
Our brisket, burnt
butter and brown
To calve the brisket you want to be sugar, chilli pickle
cutting ½cm slices against the grain cranberries
of the meat, spoon over the buttery
sauce and serve with a pile of pickles
next to it.
SMASHED UP ROOT Mix the yoghurt with a good

VEGETABLES WITH amount of salt, it should taste very
HONEY AND LABNEH, salty. When you are happy, fold in
SEEDS AND the lemon zest. Pop the mix into
ROSEMARY SALT a cloth over a sieve and, with a
bowl under it, leave to drain for
Serves 4 at least a day. It will become thick
and set.
Ingredients
1 small celeriac With the roast roots, peel and chop
2 peeled parsnips to a similar size. They will all take
2 medium potatoes slightly different times to roast
2 carrots soft but we are looking for a really
100g rosemary caramelised, jammy mess at the
50ml of runny honey end so don’t worry too much about
200ml of Greek yoghurt this. Place them in a roasting tin
Sprinkle of sumac with plenty of space. Roast hard for
Pumpkin seeds an hour at 200˚C. When they are
Poppy seeds done allow them to rest a little and
Sunflower seeds cool slightly. Then season away and
Lemon zest × 1 mix up a little with picked rosemary
and honey.
Method
Start with the labneh. Don’t be scared, To plate, pile the roots high and
this is a great cream cheese recipe to put a massive dollop of labneh on
have up your sleeve and you can adapt top, sprinkle the seeds and sumac
it with any number of flavours. all over.

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ASIAN CUISINE
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March
2019
Nick Reader, Underwater 2
(collodion wet plate photograph)
THE GAZE
BEAUTY IN THE MAKING

Nick Reader, David Pascoe and Marsha Drew
T
hroughout the Christmas season, is a handmade, one-off work of art.
Whitewater Gallery present an Artist David Pascoe’s passion for shape
exhibition of work that showcases and colour is reflected in his finely crafted,
the precision, skill and beauty kiln-formed glass. Working from his West
inherent in three of the arts’ most refined Cornwall studio, he combines creativity
disciplines – photography, glasswork and with the highly specialised discipline of
silversmithing. glass-fusing, creating incredibly detailed,
Fine Art photographer Nick Reader dazzling designs that bring light and colour
trained at Edinburgh College of Art, and together in his distinctive bowls, vases and
now lives and works in North Cornwall, feature platters.
creating specialist ‘wet plate’ works that Jeweller Marsha Drew uses ancient
use a 150-year-old collodion and silver techniques and traditional silversmithing
nitrate process to create images of unique tools to create pieces inspired by the
quality. The photographs in this collection natural beauty of the Cornish coast. Her
have been taken underwater with a high- elegant, handcrafted rings are made from
resolution camera, then converted into sterling silver, combined with 18 carat
collodion wet plate panels using a 19th gold, and precious and semi-precious
century plate camera, meaning each panel stones. ◆
WHERE TO SEE IT: 7 DECEMBER–6 JANUARY AT WHITEWATER GALLERY, THE

PARADE, POLZEATH, PL27 6SR WHITEWATERGALLERY.CO.UK

Telling her story
Two artists delve into the permanent collection at Tate and
beyond to discover how curation can be its own artwork
pitting men against women in the story of the female form

ART
T
IMAGES:: ate St Ives is a striking through their juxtaposition. flattened style which seem
Stills taken from space whatever the The new exhibition features to hold the balance between
Nashashibi/Skaer artwork on display, work by such luminaries as Paul staying on the wall and falling
Why are you
Angry? 2017
but a new exhibition Gauguin, Henri Matisse, Paul through the frame. Perhaps a
© the artists featuring work from Tate’s Nash, Pierre Bonnard, Louise more eloquent conceptual piece
permanent collection has a stellar Bourgeois, Jo Spence and Lee than Banksy’s recent Girl with a
line-up. But this is no random, if Miller, among others (and this Balloon shredding.
beautifully selected, exhibition. is after you’ve walked through The commissioned work
The work is set around choices the exhibition where Picasso sits includes five films as a starting
made by two artists whose work at right angles with (the much point to explore key ideas that
was commissioned by Tate. resonate across the exhibition,
British artists Rosalind ‘British artists Rosalind from the portrayal of women
Nashashibi and Lucy Skaer Nashashibi and Lucy and the representation of global
(working together under the Skaer (working together cultures to issues around political
moniker of Nashashibi/Skaer) under the moniker of conflict. But it is the exploration
pose the question: can curation Nashashibi/Skaer) pose of the male gaze that fascinates.
be its own artwork? the question: can curation Alongside their individual
Head to Tate St Ives and be its own artwork?’ practices, Rosalind Nashashibi
decide for yourself. Their and Lucy Skaer have been
exhibition combines the artists’ copied but never bettered) linear collaborating as Nashashibi/
collaborative films with their work of Mondrain. Skaer since 2005. Their artworks
selection of artworks from the Developing the theme of – mostly made using 16mm
Tate collection and other sources. exhibition-making as an artwork, film – centre on art, artists and
Art from different places and there can be few collections architecture. One retraces Paul
times have been brought together offering more inspiration. Gauguin’s travels to Tahiti, while
to generate connections with Matisse is represented through others explore works by Henri
Nashashibi/Skaer’s own practice two paintings and a series of four Matisse and Paul Nash.
and spark new ways of looking bronze wall hung sculptures. The Perhaps most enthralling is the
at well-known artworks simply paintings feature his signature film Why Are You Angry? (2017).

Taking its title from a painting R.B. Kitaj Man with Matisse Tattoo, 1978 (screenprint on paper)
by the artist Paul Gauguin, the © The estate of R. B. Kitaj / Tate
film explores his depictions of
Tahitian women. Nashashibi/
Skaer retraced Gauguin’s travels
to Tahiti, an island in French
Polynesia, asking women they
met to appear in the film. By
imitating Gauguin’s gaze, using
film instead of paint, Nashashibi/
Skaer call into question his
representations of women.
In bathroom views by Pierre
Bonnard and bronze figures by
Henri Matisse, the nude subjects
turn away from the viewer, a
gesture that might equally be
seen as defiant or passive. In
contrast, there are also works
by more recent women artists,
some showing women powerfully
representing themselves. The
work was chosen for its new
or controversial presentation
of themselves rather than the
traditional views men have taken
of their (often) naked form.
These include Louise
Bourgeois’ depictions of single
cell organisms – her Amoeba
(1963–5) the result of her
many sketches depicting the
maternal body, swollen with
breasts or eggs. ‘My body is my
sculpture,’ she once said. But do
female artists have to respond to
themselves as women – or can
they simply be artists?
Perhaps the answer lies in my
favourite artwork on show. The
most provocative of all is that of
the too-often ignored Surrealist
photographer Lee Miller and her
self portrait in Adolf Hitler’s bath.
Her image couldn’t be further
away from that of Bonnard’s
Paul Gauguin 1848–1903, Faa Iheihe, 1898

(oil paint on canvas) © Tate

ART
Pierre Bonnard The Bath 1925

(oil paint on canvas) © Tate
paintings of bathing beauties is the most surreal image of that Nashashibi / Skaer
that adorn (and take up much movement. Thinking through other Artists
is on show until 6 Jan 2019 at Tate St Ives
more room) on the walls. The There is also a series of Jo
image goes beyond a challenge Spence’s self-portraits in the
of the female form in art. Widely terminal stages of her cancer; is it
known as a fashion and fine art that she is a woman that compels
photographer Miller spent her or that we are seeing cancer
formative years in Paris during eating away at human body?
the 1930s working as a model The walls also feature
and assistant to Surrealist master installation prints which fill the
Man Ray. wall top to bottom. Created from
But most inspiring of all, small watercolours, the simple
she spent World War II as a images demand attention, and an
war correspondent sending ever closer view.
dispatches to Vogue when she The exhibition will also show
covered the liberation of Paris, Ambassador 2005 – the first
and the concentration camps artwork that Nashashibi/Skaer
at Buchenwald and Dachau. made together; Flash in the
Her image of herself in Hitler’s Metropolitan 2006 – made in the
garish bathroom stands as one world-famous museum at night
of the world’s most powerful and and Our Magnolia 2009 – a film
memorable images of war (her that re-imagines Paul Nash’s
image of a drowned Nazi comes Flight of the Magnolia 1944. ◆
a close second). And perhaps it tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives

Green Earrings, £4.99,
newlook.com
Sleepy Panda Cushion,

£10, dunhelm.com
Little
delights Thoughtful gifts come in all shapes and sizes...
Christmas Mouse
Pot Hanger, £5.99,
thefarthing.co.uk
Flora and Fauna

Twine in a Tin, £8.95,
annabeljames.co.uk

CHRISTMAS
Pink Champagne Truffles,

£10, hotelchocolat.com
Measuring Spoons
£8, debenhams.com
Pleated Clutch in Black Snake,

£6, primark.com
Frida Kahlo Hand Painted Stainless Steel Tumbler,

£9.50, iansnow.com Spiced Orange Scented Tea Lights, £7.95, annabeljames.co.uk

Golding Family Archive copyright © All Rights Reserved
William Golding and Ann Golding in
Flying high
Oviedo to receive an honorary degree 1992
Cornwall is far from short of literary heroes and top

of the list is Nobel Laureate William Golding who set
his seminal Lord of the Flies on a Cornish beach
WORDS: David Clayton

PEOPLE
C
ornwall has the

backdrop to the literary
work of many writers
over the past 200
years or more, but its influence
on one of the greatest has,
perhaps, slipped under the radar,
somewhat.
Sir William Golding, one of
Britain’s most celebrated authors,
sold more than 25 million copies
of his most famous book, Lord of
the Flies, with the seaside town
of Newquay planting the seeds
of the story many years before it
was actually written.
Though Sir William’s
parents lived in Marlborough, William Golding on holiday with daughter Judy
Wiltshire, he was born just a
stone’s throw from the Atlantic
at his grandmother’s house in
Newquay. As a child, he would shine with his brother and cousin, She was quite frightened of
wait, almost in agony, for the playing pirates, sailing and the sea, had been diagnosed as
train to arrive at his platform investigating rockpools, while asthmatic and used that as an
at Marlborough Station, so the his subconscious absorbed the excuse to never go in the water
journey to Cornwall could begin. adventures for future inspiration. – but my dad loved it and there
Once school term ended, the Cornwall left a vivid are pictures of him in sailing
whole family would decamp to impression on the future author boats and playing in rock pools
his grandmother’s house which and the county would reappear with his brother and cousin. He
she called ‘Karenza’ – Cornish many times in his written work. remembered those experiences
for ‘love’ and stay there for the Sir William’s daughter, Judy very vividly.’
whole summer. His grandmother Carver, recalled: ‘Cornwall and
understood a little of the Cornish specifically the Cornish coast ‘The essay he wrote for
language and was renowned by had a huge influence on my dad. the acceptance of the
the family for regaling terrifying He loved Newquay as he knew it Nobel Prize, which is in
Cornish ghost stories! as a boy, though I think he was a volume called Moving
Fittingly, No 47 Mount Wise a bit jaundiced with the way it Target, refers to a very
looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, developed during his lifetime specific experience he
in the heart of town and this and felt that not all of it was as had on the Cornish coast
was where the youngster would pristine and beautiful as it had when he was a little boy’
spend idyllic summers with the been when he was young.
imposing Victorian house just a ‘But it was also the people Born in 1911, Golding’s literary
few minutes’ walk from Tolcarne of Cornwall that left a lasting career began in earnest with Lord
Beach and with a short stroll of impression. My grandmother of the Flies after his first three
all the town’s many beaches. He grew up there and was nearly attempts ended in rejection.
would go to the beach, rain or 41 when my father was born. After a fireside chat with his
wife, he decided he should write
something original, rather than
create interpretations of other
Photo: Bobby Brown, credited Golding Family Archive copyright ©
works. As he continually told

island adventure tales to his
children, he decided to write a
story where a group of children
survived a plane crash and made
it to a deserted island, gradually
dividing into two groups with
horrific consequences.
Lord of the Flies was the
result and in September 1955,
it appeared on the shelves and
would soon be recognised as a
classic, selling millions around
the world since its publication.
A hugely successful writing
career had been launched and
the Golding family’s lives would
William Golding at Tullimaar Spring in 1989 never be the same again.

Though the family lived in a
thatched cottage in Salisbury, the
pull of Cornwall was never far
from Sir William’s heart.
‘The Circle
Under the Sea
is set around
the Scilly Isles
and is a sort of
adventure story’
His daughter continued: ‘Lord
of the Flies is obviously dad’s most
famous work and I’m certain
the beaches of Newquay were
the inspiration for much of that
book. I remember talking with
dad about the Peter Brook film
adaptation; there was a scene
when the choir was walking William Golding was born at his grandmother’s house in Newquay and used
along the beach and he said: “I Cornwall’s beaches to inspire his writing – Holywell Bay was said to be the
did that!” and I’m certain this was spot of Lord of the Flies
from his time at Newquay.
‘But it wasn’t only Newquay.
The essay he wrote for the – a bit near a busy road – but dad think he treasured his childhood
acceptance of the Nobel Prize, was a bit deaf by that stage and memories and didn’t want to taint
which is in a volume called he didn’t let it worry him too them. He returned to Holywell
Moving Target, refers to a very much! They loved going around Bay with Melvyn Bragg for the
specific experience he had on the buying furniture for the house filming of a South Bank Show
Cornish coast when he was a little which they bought with great episode to try and find a place
boy. I’ve tried to find the exact pleasure. He was a great worrier that had helped inspired part
place and I think it’s somewhere and he would worry about the of Lord of the Flies and he was
near Holywell Bay, but he tried trees at Tullimaar and it had enraptured by the Atlantic Ocean.
to use that memory to explain some splendid walls and he was ‘It’s not only the beach in Lord
his sense of doom towards continually trying to dig the ivy of the Flies that was inspired by
climate change. He became very out of the walls, even in his later Cornwall – it is everywhere in his
concerned about it and tried to days. It is a lovely, bright house work and was an inspiration to
use his experiences in Cornwall – quite the opposite of the home him throughout his life.’
to try and convey that. in Marlborough which was a bit As Sir William poignantly
‘The Circle Under the Sea is set dark and spooky. once said: ‘You’ve got anybody if
around the Scilly Isles and is a ‘He obviously cherished his you can say “once upon a time”
sort of adventure story – he went memories of Newquay, but convincingly.’ Few writers have
to the Scillies with a friend from rarely returned there because I done it better. ◆
Oxford in his early twenties and
again, it obviously left a huge Tullimaar House in Truro is still a
impression on him.’ Golding family home
In 1985, having been awarded
both the Booker Prize and the
Nobel Prize for Literature in
previous years, Golding and his
wife Anne decided they wanted
to live in Cornwall permanently
and moved to Truro. They bought
the beautiful, rambling Tullimaar
House and lived there very
happily until his death in 1993.
His daughter Judy continued:
‘We still own Tullimaar. My
father and mother were really
happy there. It’s a beautiful house

CHRISTMAS
Bottoms up! Enjoy a festive tipple with these Christmassy cocktail recipes
SPICED 1751
N EGRON I
Ingredients:
25ml Gin Lane 1751 ‘Victoria’ Pink
25ml Lillet Rouge
25ml Luxardo Bitter Bianco
10ml spiced berry cordial
Method:
Stir ingredients in a cocktail shake
TH E COTS WOLD and pour into a rock glass over large
DISTI LLERY cubed ice. Garnish with a sprig of
HOT TODDY redcurrants sitting on the rim, dusted
Ingredients: with icing sugar
50ml Cotswolds 2 slices of
1616 Barrel fresh lemon
Aged Gin Cloves
1 bar spoon of Hot water to
honey top up
20ml lemon juice 1 cinnamon stick
Method:
Stud the rind of the lemon slices with CL A S SIC EG G NO G
the cloves. Combine all the ingredients Ingredients:
in a heat-proof glass. Top up with 300ml milk
hot water and stir until the honey 150ml double cream
has melted and the spices infused. 1 vanilla pod, split
Decorate with the cinnamon stick. 1 cinnamon stick
3 large British Lion eggs, separated
75g caster sugar
175ml dark rum or Bourbon whisky
(optional)
A little freshly grated nutmeg
Method:
In a pan combine the milk and
cream, the vanilla pod and
cinnamon. Bring to the boil over a
medium heat, then set aside to cool
and infuse for 30 mins. Place the
egg yolks and 50g of the sugar in a
bowl and whisk until they are pale,
fluffy and leave a trail. Remove the
spices from the milk, then slowly
whisk it into the egg mixture, then
PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN add the alcohol. Pour into a large

jug, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Ingredients: Method: When ready to serve, whisk the egg
20ml Black Cow Vodka Pour all contents in to a cocktail shaker with some ice whites in a large clean bowl until
20ml Conker Cold Brew cubes and shake thoroughly. Dip the glass in crushed foamy. Add the sugar and whisk
Coffee Liqueur candy cane and then fill with ice. until soft peaks form. Fold the egg
10ml peppermint liqueur Pour the contents of the shaker over the ice in the glass whites into the milk mixture, then
100ml iced coffee and garnish with a mint leaf. ladle into glass tumblers. Sprinkle
Mint leaf jimmysicedcoffee.com with a little more grated nutmeg
Crushed candy cane before serving.

Give a
gift th
matte t a
rs
Whether a dog lover, cat crazy or want to make a difference
for life-limited children, everyone has something they care
about – so why not empty that internet shopping basket
and give a gift donation instead? Here’s a few ideas…
P
ondering a jumper
again for your dad, a
food hamper for those
friends you can’t think of
anything else for? Why not give
a gift that will really count – and
donate to one of Cornwall’s many
charities? Handing over the
money to support their chosen
interest will show you care –
about them and the things that
matter to them. Many charities
offer a special gift donation for
Christmas.
Looking for something with
a small price tag? Big or small
charities say even a small amount
can make a big difference to the
work they do. Or if you have
limited funds consider giving a
little of your time instead.
COR N WA LL W I LDLI FE
T RUST
Cornwall Wildlife Trust has protected
Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places for more
than half a century. The charity is currently
raising £16,000 for their Marine Strandings
Network which has recorded every stranded
animal reported over the last 25 years in a
bid to understand and reduce the increasing
number of dolphins and porpoises being
found on Cornwall’s beaches.
cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/donate

N EW LY N A RT regular afternoon of Tea, Cake and Art

G A LLERY & TH E where older people can meet, chat,
E XCH A NGE enjoy a cuppa together, and take a tour
Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange of the exhibition,’ adds James Green.
is fundraising to make both its venues The gallery needs to raise £3,500
dementia and age-friendly. in this year’s Big Give Christmas
The galleries are taking part in this Challenge. This will unlock funds
year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, to already pledged to make a total of
raise enough money to be able to carry £7,000. The money will be used to
out a ranger of changes – and introduce changes to signage, access to the
a regular event for older people. buildings, and the way the gallery
‘We believe that older people who looks in addition to staff and volunteer
feel isolated, lonely or suffer from training, so that they can respond to the
memory loss should have the same needs of those with memory loss.
access to public spaces and art as If you would like to help make the
everyone else. We have been working galleries dementia- and age-friendly
in care homes with artists since 2015 and support Creating New Memories,
and have learnt that being creative you can donate online from midday
together has immense benefits for 27 November to midday 4 December
wellbeing,’ says Gallery Director, James at newlynartgallery.co.uk/activities/
Green. ‘We also want to establish a big-give
THE RNLI
A huge charity, but you can make one-off donations
to given directly to a certain lifeboat station.
Around 95 per cent of the RNLI’s total income comes
from donations so this organisation that provides
lifeguard cover on so many of Cornwall’s beaches
each year relies on the generosity of supporters
and their fundraising efforts to fund the training
and equipment our volunteer lifeboat crew and our
lifeguards. Already this year the RNLI has aided
24,000 people who got into trouble in the water.
Donate online for acknowledgement receipt by
email or call 0300 300 9990. And you will get a
thank you letter which can presented to the gift
recipient. rnli.org
Children’s Hospice South

West’s Festive Fiver Appeal
By giving £5 to CHSW’s Festive Fiver
Appeal you will be helping the charity offer
24/7 care and support to children with life-
limiting illnesses and their families at Little
Harbour children’s hospice.
Christmas is a magical time of year at the
hospice, with decorations in every room and
endless festive flavours coming from the
kitchen. Short stays at Little Harbour allow
parents a break from the responsibilities
of caring and the chance to be mum and
dad again, siblings a chance to play and
get excited for the big day and one to one
medical care from an expert team - all in the
comfort of a home from home environment.
It costs around £3 million a year to run
Little Harbour and for some families this
could be the last Christmas they spend
together.
Your support can help them make special
memories that will last a lifetime.
To donate online visit chsw.org.uk/xmas

T U R N TO
STA R BOA R D
While many of our Armed Forces
veterans manage the transition back
to civilian life seamlessly, some can
find it highly challenging. After serving
for their country, many veterans return
home with physical or mental health
injuries. This can mean a difficult
process to find a ‘normal’ job and
being able to pay for life’s essentials.
Turn to Starboard uses sail training
to support Armed Forces personnel
affected by military operations to
help start new careers in the marine
industry. Launched in 2014, the
Falmouth-based charity has provided
more than 1,900 sailing opportunities
to injured veterans and their families
so far with many going on to gain
valuable Royal Yachting Association
(RYA) sailing qualifications.
To donate, or to find out more, visit
turntostarboard.co.uk
CATS PROTECTION
Cats Protection carry on our
work to ensure a bright future
for all the cats and kittens.
Donating to Cats Protection saves
the lives of cats. Your donation
will help provide food, shelter,
care, veterinary treatment and AONB TRUST
help find new homes for cats Almost a third of Cornwall sits in an ‘Handing over
and kittens in need at the Cats Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Protection Adoption Cornwall which has the same status and level the money to
Centre. cats.org.uk/donate of protection as a National Park.
Cornwall’s AONB Charitable Trust their chosen
is set up to manage, promote and
protect these stunning areas of the interest will
county.
Donations are currently used to show you care –
provide funding to local community
projects in the AONB through the about them and
Environment Landscape Fund.
Find out more about what they the things that
do and how you can donate at
cornwallaonbtrust.com matter to them’
Photo: English Heritage

ENGLISH HERITAGE
Alongside the major attractions like
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall is home
to hundreds of English Heritage sites,
many of which are free to visit and
little-known but vitally important to our
history.
Among the 382 places listed on
its site in Cornwall there are iron-
age settlements, mysterious Celtic
stones and stone circles, Neolithic
burial chambers and ancient village
settlements long since abandoned.
You can become part of history with
the current Sign a Slate campaign at
Tintagel Castle. For a fiver you can sign
your name, leave a dedication, or write a
message on one of the thousands of slate
tiles which will form the walkway of
the spectacular new bridge linking the
mainland and island.
Find out more at english-heritage.
org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/
tintagel-bridge/sign-a-slate
Photo: National Trust Images/John Millar
SOUTH WEST COAST

PATH ASSOCIATION
The South West Coast Path
traverses more than 300 miles
of Cornwall’s coastlines but the
paths don’t maintain themselves.
It costs at least £1,000 per year
for every mile of this glorious
path to be kept open, safe and
clearly signed and that job
comes down to The South West
Coast Path Association which is
responsible for 230 bridges, 880
gates, more than 436 stiles, 4,000
coast path signs and more than
30,000 steps.
You can gift a membership
or make a one-off donation
at southwestcoastpath.org.
uk/love-the-coast-path/join/
THE NATIONAL TRUST donate-now
There are so many National Trust
Photo: John Ray
properties in Cornwall its easy to

forget all the other things in Cornwall
under its stewardship - including
beaches, gardens and even harbours.
This year they are fundraising
to protect the Glendurgan Maze.
Planted in 1833 for a family with
12 children. It was never envisaged
that around 90,000 people would
walk its winding paths each year.
Unsurprisingly it now needs
improvements to its infrastructure
and health of the maze to make it
more robust so it can cope with the
visitors it receives each year.
nationaltrust.org.uk/appeal/help-
us-keep-glendurgans-maze-forever-
puzzling

AFTER DARK
It’s the party season and that means one thing – pile on the glamour
WORDS: Janet Reeder
Devoré, £99, monsoon.co.uk Jumpsuit, £75, asos.com Tulip print, £320,

Three Floor satin dress,
rixo.co.uk
£355, harveynichols.com
Metallic, £265
marc-cain.com
Karen Millen jacket, £250, selfridges.com
ABOVE: Bodycon, £179, ABOVE: Embellished mini,

tedbaker.com £295, rixo.co.uk
RIGHT: St Laurent sandals, RIGHT: Gold star boots,
£605, harveynichols.com £375, paulsmith.com

FASHION
Top, £260, trousers, £650,

shop.lenahoschek.com/uk
Get walking
Walk off some of that festive food and drink wth
a bracing walk - Robert Hesketh picks the best
Cornwall has to offer whatever your skill
WALKS FOR BC) on the summit survive and are worth

exploring.
COUPLES Follow the track south from

Cheesewring Quarry for fine views to
Phoenix United Mine, with the patchwork
1.MINIONS fields beyond stretching to the Tamar
Valley, and Dartmoor on the horizon.
A short walk from Minions to Stowe Hill Finally, call at Houseman’s Engine House
is rewarded with a rich slice of Cornwall’s (the Minions Heritage Centre), with its
prehistoric past and recent industrial fascinating historical and geological
history. It could be accomplished in well displays and finds.
under two hours, but is worth taking time
over. Head north past the Hurlers, three FACT FI LE
Bronze Age stone circles. According to Start/parking: Minions car park, SX260712
legend, these are men turned to stone as a
punishment for hurling on the Sabbath. Terrain: Tracks, footpaths and open moor.
Continue across the trackbed of the Some rocks to clamber over. Please take car.
Liskeard and Caradon Railway (1844–
1917) to the iconic 6m tall Cheesewring on Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 109 ;
Stowe Hill. So-called from its resemblance Landranger 20
to a cheese press, the Cheesewring is a
superb granite pile sculpted by nature. Refreshments: Cheesewring Hotel, 01579
Nearby is Gumb’s Cave, where self-taught 362321; Hurler’s Halt 01579 363056 and
astronomer Daniel Gumb (1703–73) lived Minions Shop/Tearoom 01579 228652.
The famous 6m tall Cheesewring
with his wife and nine children – though on Stowe Hill is so-called because of
room must have been tight! Although Public Toilets: Minions its resemblance to a cheese press
Cheesewring Quarry, which supplied
stone for London’s Westminster and Tower Public Transport: 236 Launceston/
Bridges as well as many local buildings, Liskeard route stops Upton Cross, 2km (1 ¼
took a massive chunk out of Stowe Hill mile) from Minions, weekdays 0871 2002233
the Neolithic enclosures (c4000–3,500 www.travelinesw.com

WALKS
2.BOSCASTLE Witchcraft and Magic. Not to be missed,

the National Trust’s Visitor Centre, has
Boscastle is a great starting point for a fascinating video of the terrible 2004
a variety of walks. A stroll along the Boscastle Flood. You may like to extend
north side of the harbour and along to your walk by following the easy and
Penally Point is packed with interest scenic riverside path from the car park.
and wonderful coastal views. The only Under normal conditions, the river
safe haven on the long and dangerous Valency appears benign and keeps well
stretch of coast from Port Isaac to Bude, within its banks. However… look up
Boscastle’s tightly sheltered harbour and see how the steep sided river valley
once bustled with ketches and schooners. could funnel huge quantities of water
Navigation into the harbour’s narrow rapidly into Boscastle after heavy rain.
winding channel was (and remains) tricky,
as can readily be appreciated from Penally FACT FI LE
Point or Penally Hill above. Larger vessels Start/parking: Boscastle car park,
were ‘hobbled’ in by eight oared boats. SX109913
Nonetheless, cargoes from local
ports, Bristol, South Wales and even Terrain: Easy, level path along harbour and
North America were offloaded on Valency Valley; gentle path to Penally Point;
the Elizabethan quay in considerable stepped path up Penally Hill
quantities – 200 vessels were recorded
here in one year alone. Trade declined Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 111;
after the railway reached North Cornwall Landranger 190; Harvey’s SWCP 1
in 1893. Today, small fishing boats and
pleasure craft predominate and safety is Refreshments: Choice of cafes and pubs,
The River Valency near Boscastle
looks benign but its steep sides
much improved with Willapark Lookout including National Trust café/shop/visitor
allow huge quantities of water to Station. Originally built as a summer centre, 01840 250010
head to Boscastle after heavy rain house in the early 19th century, the
building later served as a Coastguard Public Toilets: At start
lookout and then a folly, before it was
leased to the National Coastwatch in 2002. Public Transport: First Kernow 94/95/96,
Returning to the harbour, there is much Truro/Bude route daily, 0871 2002233
of interest, including the Museum of travelinesw.com
The breathtaking view from Penally Hill of Penally Point and Willapark is
just one of the high points of the Boscastle walk

WALK
Take a circular walk of Lake Tamar before

heading to the Frog Hopper Cafe
WALKS WITH right across the dam, signed ‘Lakeside

Walk’. Turn left again ‘Lakeside Walk’ at
YOUNG the far side of the dam.

Navigation from this point could not be
CHILDREN easier: simply follow the path around the

lake for nearly 5km (3 miles). Just before
reaching the boathouse, the path divides.
Keep right as signed and follow the path
1.UPPER TAMAR LAKE behind the boathouse to the start.
This easy walk on the Devon border offers FACT FI LE

views of the beautiful Upper Tamar Lake Start/parking: Upper Lake car park,
and the pleasant rolling green fields SS288115
beyond from all angles. It follows a broad,
well surfaced and mainly level path, which Terrain: Level, well surfaced path
is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs
and bikes. Bring binoculars – it is a great Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 126;
place to watch a variety of waterfowl Landranger 190
and woodland birds too. Allow at least
1 ¾ hours for the full circuit of the lake, Refreshments: Frog Hopper Café,
5.2km/3 ¼ miles. 01288 321607
The Tamar Lakes are signed from
Kilkhampton on the A39. Start at the Upper Public Toilets: at start
Lake car park, with its helpful map and
information plaques. Turn left and then Public Transport: none

2.LERRYN
This lovely riverbank and woodland walk

from the pretty village of Lerryn offers
fine views of the rivers Lerryn and Fowey.
If your children are energetic, the walk
may be extended by following the yellow
arrows and blue circles to St Winnow, with
its riverside church and farm museum and
thence back to Lerryn by field paths – a
total of 8km/5 miles.
Lerryn’s scenery helped inspire Kenneth
Grahame write Wind in the Willows. His
children’s classic began as letters to his son
when Grahame was staying in Fowey, close
to his friend, Sir Arthur Quiller Couch (aka
‘Q’), the model for the talkative Ratty in
the book. Both Q and Ratty loved messing
about in boats.
Begin at Lerryn’s riverside car park.
If the tide is out, cross the river Lerryn
by stepping stones. Otherwise, use the
medieval bridge. After crossing the river,
The walk through Lerryn
turn left and follow the lane and later track
parallel to the bank and into Ethy Woods
– possibly the model for Grahame’s Wild
Wood. Stay on the path as it bends right.
Bear left at a waymark. Cross the creek by
a footbridge. Continue on the signed path
and forest tracks, keeping close to the river
at any junctions. At St Winnow Point the
Lerryn joins the river Fowey and the path
turns north-west towards St Winnow.
FACT FI LE
Start/parking: Lerryn, SX140569
Terrain: Mainly level paths, short sections of

lane
Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 107;

Landranger 200
Refreshments: Ship Inn, Lerryn 01208 872374;

Lerryn River Stores Tearoom 01208 368725
Public Toilets: Lerryn

The winter is the perfect time to
take a woodland walk
Public Transport: None
Cross over Lerryn Bridge

EXTENDED Godrevy Lighthouse inspired Virginai Woolf’s novel
To the Lighthouse. The modernist writer spent
FAMILY
much of her childhood and youth in St Ives
ROUTES
1.GODREVY: TO THE
LIGHTHOUSE
Virginia Woolf spent much of her

childhood in St Ives, from where the house
her family rented offered a wonderful view
to Godrevy lighthouse, the focal point of
this easy and pleasant coastal walk. She
visited Godrevy in 1892 and was later
inspired her novel To the Lighthouse
(1927) – though she set the story in the
Hebrides. Start from one of the two
National Trust car parks (free to members)
signed for Godrevy, 1km north of Gwithian
on the B3301. If you use the lower car park,
there is a 1km (¾ mile) walk to Godrevy
Point with fine views, whilst the upper
car park brings you much closer to the FACT FI LE
Point and the 26m (86ft) tall lighthouse. Start/parking: Car parks, near Refreshments: Red River Inn,
This marks the Stones Reef, where many Gwithian, SS585423 Gwithian 01736 753223
ships came to grief before the lighthouse
was built in 1859. Trinity House maintain Terrain: Fairly easy coast path Public Toilets: at start
the lighthouse as a daymark for shipping,
although Godrevy’s light was discontinued Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer Public Transport: 515 Penzance/
in 2012 and replaced by an LED light 102; Landranger 203 ; Harvey’s Hayle route Monday to Saturday,
mounted on the rocks nearby. SWCP 1 0871 2002233 www.travelinesw.com
2.PADSTOW HARBOUR AND

COAST PATH
Padstow’s lively, colourful harbour is

packed with fishing boats and leisure craft
and surrounded by a medley of historic
warehouses, pubs, restaurants, cafes and
shops. The walk can easily be extended
along the Coast Path, with lovely views
across the Camel estuary to Rock, Brea
Hill and Doom Bar’s golden sands. Source
of an estimated ten million tonnes of
agricultural sand, the Bar has well earned
its name, being the cause of 600 beachings,
capsizes and shipwrecks over the past 200
years. Thus, there is ample justification for
the RNLI’s lifeboat stations at Rock and
Trevose Head, which liaise closely with the
Coastguard station at Hawker Cove and the Padstow Harbour comes alive in
December with its Christmas Festival
Coastwatch station at Stepper Point. ◆
Head to the beach at the Camel Estuary FACT FI LE Landranger 200; Harvey’s SWCP 1.
Start/parking: Padstow Harbour car
park. Alternative car parks in Link Road Refreshments: Wide choice in Padstow
and the Lawn
Public Toilets: Padstow
Terrain: Streets and fairly gentle Coast
Path Public Transport: Plymouth City Bus
daily via Bodmin and Wadebridge, 0871
Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 106; 2002233 www.travelinesw.com

FINANCE
The seasonal spend

Worried about Christmas costs? Here’s our guide to avoid overindulging,
showing how to deck the halls without the bank account taking too much of a hit
WORDS: Ellie Fells
BUDGETING
Photo: Pogonici/ Getty Images/ iStockphoto

According to the Money Advice
Trust, less than a third of us
have a budget that we stick to
over Christmas, yet planning
our expenditures could be the
best way to navigate the festive
period. Make a simple list of what
you can realistically spend on
food, presents and decorations,
and then plan accordingly to
avoid the disappointment of your
funds not matching your ideas.
Keep in mind that all the
normal bills will need to be
paid during December too; the
National Debtline recommends
paying off gas and electricity
early in the month so that
you know exactly how much
you’ll have left over to spend
on Christmas extras. Rosie
Bannister, a money analyst from
the MoneySavingExpert.com, would paying a bill; open an buying presents early to spread
also warns against borrowing instant access account, and set up out the cost. Rosie Bannister
money or using a credit card to a direct debit into this from your suggests buying presents the
cover the costs: ‘You could end main bank account. previous January: ‘This is a way
up paying it off all year, and to make the most of the post-
spending unnecessarily on costly PRESENTS Christmas sales. Plus, it means
interest,’ she says. It is easy to feel pressured into you can benefit from discounts
spending lots of money on and vouchers too.’
START SAVING EARLY presents, but the reality is that
Saving money for Christmas can lots of your family and friends FOOD
be as simple as putting £1 in a will be experiencing the same Everyone loves having a full
jar every week, and then slowly money worries. The Money fridge at Christmas, but resist
building it up. The Money Advice Advice Service held a ‘Talk buying the most expensive food
Service point out that saving £50 Money Week’ in November. Ione items. More often than not,
a month, so less than £2 a day Gyamfi from the service explains: supermarkets’ own basic ranges
(or minus your morning coffee), ‘We want people to have frank will be sufficient, and they come
will give you £600 to spend at discussions about money to break with a much smaller price tag
Christmas. Treat saving as you the taboo. It’s so important to than the branded equivalent. It
talk about it in order to improve is a good idea to start stocking
mental health around the festive up on festive food early to stop
period.’ It may be a good idea to one huge supermarket bill in
Photo: imtmphoto/ Getty Images/iStockphoto
discuss an upward spending limit December, and this also prevents

with friends, or perhaps organise you from making numerous,
a Secret Santa to cut your list unnecessary shopping trips. ◆
to just one present. Consider
starting new family traditions too If you’re struggling to stay
– maybe from now on, everyone on top of your finances this
has to give at least one home- Christmas, the National
made present. Debtline, an advice charity, are
Although it can be tempting to there to help. Visit their website
leave it until the last minute, start at nationaldebtline.org

WILD COR N WA LL
Jane Davies
Cornwall AONB Partnership
T Celebrating yuletide
he days are short and
the nights are long but
that is no excuse to go
into hibernation, why
not head out for a bracing walk,
explore and enjoy the twelve
Christmas is about more than gifts – so get out and
sections of the Cornwall Area of enjoy Cornwall’s wildside and discover its history
Outstanding Natural Beauty as it
takes on its winter mantle during
and take part in its dare devil traditions
Yuletide.
Yule (Old Norse) or Yuletide
is the festival that has its origins
in Paganism and is thought to
be connected with the ‘Wild
Hunt’ of the long-bearded god
Odin and the pagan Anglo-Saxon
M draniht. This year ‘Yuletide’
begins 21 December and runs
through to 1 January 2019.
As is evidenced by the wide
range of ancient relics spread
throughout Cornwall our
splendid Cornish landscape has
played a significant part in the
significance of this pre-Christian
celebration generally associated
with the northern winter solstice.
Long before the rise of
Christianity, 21 December was
celebrated as the rebirth of the
‘Child of the Sun’. The belief was
that through the love of the
pagan Gods new life was born.
This pagan ritual manifested
itself through the Yule, Log or
‘Block’ as it is known in Cornwall. light of the Saviour with the 20 December the Cornish Bush is ABOVE RIGHT:
The ‘Block’ was thrown on to growth of Christianity. brought indoors and hung from Brave the
an open fire and whilst it burnt Another Cornish Yuletide a beam and just before midnight bracing winter
on the beach:
the Cornish Bards would call tradition is the construction of a candle is lit and a circle dance photographer
everyone together to tell stories a ‘Cornish Bush’. Holly, mistletoe is performed under the Bush to Debbie Ashton did
around the fire, in time the light and ivy are woven around a three welcome in the ‘God of Light’. for this image of
of the fire came to represent the dimensional wreath of withy. On Nowadays there are more Widemouth Bay
modern traditions such as the
ABOVE:
Christmas and Boxing Day
Sea and snow: a
swims and the Cornwall AONB snowy Trevallas
is the perfect place to enjoy St Agnes. Photo:
this chilly activity although Beth Simons
definitely not recommended for
the feint hearted. There are 10 LEFT:
The Hurlers on
stretches of Cornish coastline
a rather bleak
within the AONB offering a Bodmin Moor
range of beautiful beaches. were captured in
Swimming on these days are winter by Lynda
normally organised events and Murnaghan
it is advisable to only brave
the Cornish waters if there is a
lifeguard present.
Santa Fun Runs are also a
great way to keep fit and stay
warm with many being run in
aid of good causes. Santa Fun
Runs take place throughout

COASTAL LIFE
the Cornwall AONB at Bodmin,

Marazion and Padstow, to name
but a few and are always popular
events with participants taking
full advantage of dressing up in a
range of Santa costumes.
Another highlight of
Yuletide in Cornwall are the
Christmas Lights twinkling in
the picturesque harbours of
Mousehole, Padstow and St Ives;
here you can really enter into
the spirit of Christmas and enjoy
all the delights on offer at the
various hostelries surrounding
the harbours.
Whatever you choose to do this
Yuletide make sure you stay safe
and enjoy everything that this
special season brings.
If you would like to find
out more about the Cornwall ‘Nadelik Lowen ha blyden Cornwall is about more than sun, sea
Area of Outstanding Natural nowyth da’ and sand - as Alison Chough’s timeless
Beauty please visit our website scene of a snowy Cornwall proves
at cornwall-aonb.org.uk where From
you will find further information The Cornwall Area of
about what we do. ◆ Outstanding Natural Beauty info@cornwall-aonb.gov.uk
@CornwallAONB

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A DOG’S LIFE
ALEXANDRA PEARCE
T
he colder months are a
great time to check out
some local woodland
and Trevaylor Woods
near Penzance is the perfect
hidden gem for a winter walk.
Access to the woods is down
a bumpy slope, the entrance of
which is marked by two dog bins.
The bottom opens up to some of
the most charming woodlands in
the county; characterised by lots
of tall beech trees and a shallow
river running through the middle.
The woodland is charming and
best enjoyed during the colder
months, when the vapour swirls
up from the river and the multi
coloured leaves litter the floor. It
is a fantastic walk for children as
well as dogs, as the moss covered
trees with twisted branches have
a magical essence about them
and the triangular-shaped holes
in the bases of some trunks give
an appearance of fairy doors.
The woods are really tranquil;
quiet except for the sound of
running water. As you walk you
will see evidence of previous
human activity, such as concrete
gates posts and metal-looking
Wood retreat
contraptions. The nearby village
Escape Christmas and head to Cornwall’s
is ’New Mill’, suggesting the mystical woodlands with your four-pawed friends
water flow would have once been
used as part of a corn mill which
‘The woods are Facilities: There are bins at the a Christmas day swim at one of
really tranquil; quiet entrance and Penzance has cafés the following places:
except for the sound and toilets nearby. Charlestown Beach.11.30am;
of running water’ Coverack Harbour. 12.30pm;
Wildlife: Nuthatches and robins are Crooklets Beach. 11am; Hayle Bay.
would explain these features. two of our woodland winter birds 11am; Porthminster Beach. 12pm;
There are few places to that become more prominent during Sennen cove. 11am; Trevaunance
cross to cross the river, but the this time of year, so keep an eye on Cove. 11am
homemade wooden bridge the scarce branches for flashes of
provides a fun way to explore the red and blue. PAWFECT PRESENT
other side. The trees eventually If your dog feels the cold, why
end, however you will reach a Christmas Day in Cornwall not treat them to a beautiful
small stone style, which leads has atradition that doesn’t hand-crafted coat this Christmas?
to a thin field, and at the other involve presents or turkey… the Handmade right here in the
end another field where you can Christmas Day Swim! Why not county, Beau Beau’s dog coats
continue your walk towards New brave the cold and take your are made to measure and fitted
Mill. dog with you, you can even to ensure your dog gets the right
help raise much needed funds fit. You can choose between
Rating: Easy. for Cornish charities. From a macs, bespoke coats and fleece
dare by the landlord of a pub jackets with a choice of a range of
Access: There are limited parking in St Agnes, to a bet between a patterns and colours. Head to their
spaces outside Trevaylor retirement doctor and his friend in Coverack, website for more information:
home. Not recommended for there are some great reasons for beaubeausdogcoats.com ◆
wheelchairs and pushchairs. Wellies this tradition, so do something cornwalllife.co.uk
recommended. different and take your pooch for @pearcealex1

THE SCILLONI A N
Our Isles of Scilly columnist Juliet May shares her
insights into living on the subtropical tip of Britain
A
s I get older (and
older) I find in
myself a surfeit
of sentimentality,
culminating in the approach to
Christmas – I see in my mind’s
eye our three excited little boys
hanging their stockings on the
mantelpiece, calling up the
chimney to Father Christmas to
please bring them this, that or
the other (all artfully arranged
by auto-suggestion of course);
the excitement of the mince
pie, carrot and sherry left to
fortify the old gent (about to go
on, still, in households all over
the country) and now see the
old rituals returning in the next
generation with a tear in my eye,
naturally.
I have written before about
Scillonian customs: lights,
tractors dressed as sleighs,
markets, bands and carol singing,
so will try not to repeat myself –
always a risk.
So in thinking what to write,
I remembered the farmer’s
grandmother – my Scillonian
mentor and guardian angel – and
A time to relax
her happy reminisces from her
early middle age, when pre
income-tax on Scilly, the farm
was bringing in a good income
through daffodils and scented
narcissi (sent to the Old Covent
Garden of that time) and she
had some money burning a hole
Christmas on the Isles of Scilly is a magical time, but its
in her handbag. She told me also a time to remember holidays – and people – past
how she so looked forward to
her Christmas shopping which
had to be done in October. She
would sit by the fire over several Joan – now not quite as robust as that Christmas would be with
evenings, leafing through glossy she was at 103, and in our very my relatives, sorely missed
brochures and filling out mail lovely Park House Residential as they were. What overly
order forms for presents for her Home on the Park in Hugh Town. high expectations I had of my
huge extended family, alight The staff there recently won an turn – it all had to be Good
with the pleasure of giving. award for exceptional caring, Housekeeping perfect, leaving
Relations travelled from all which was richly deserved. So me, like so many others, too
points of St. Mary’s to stay for now I’m quite at home there too tired to enjoy it all. Or indeed,
two or three days. One of them as the family visit constantly. one year, to remember to keep
was the founder of the Scillonian They offered me a job there the water topped up around the
Temperance Society so not recently, should the restaurant Christmas pud, allowing it to
much fun for those who enjoyed business go pear-shaped. Of glue itself to the bottom of the
a tipple. Mind you, Nanan’s course there are already pear pan in a splendour of splintered
teetotal mother used to deploy a shaped pears in our kitchens. glass bowl. I seem to remember
large glass of ginger wine to help Our family Christmases cutting the top half off and
unwind after a tough shopping alternated between Scilly and serving it with an extra large
trip in Town or lengthy Sunday Berkshire. One bargain I made clump of holly.
Service! when I came to live in the bosom Have a happy (and relaxed)
She was a sister to dear Auntie of the farmer’s family would be Christmas. ◆

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Frank and Grace, the well known beach
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Christmas spirit.
They will be glad the better weather is here
and they can get on with their favourite
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one of their special Beach Clean bags for
collecting either beach or verge rubbish
and with this in mind they thought people
could give their bags as a present!
Due to popular demand they are also
offering mini bags suitable for young
children but now featuring the same
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know does not exist).
Gathered on
a 20 minute So to make the dogs Christmas photo
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from a “clean” Beach Clean Bags, simply email
beach
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with your name and address and Frank and
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HOLIDAYS
Christmas?
What Christmas ‘Tis the time to be merry – but it doesn’t have
to be all about the festive season
D
ecember isn’t all
about Christmas;
it’s for lamenting on
the year passed and
looking forward to what’s to
come. And the latter could be a
well-deserved holiday with the
people who mean the most to
you. If it isn’t already, Cornwall
could be the destination of family
get-togethers, where you all
remember the good times, feel a
warm glow whenever the county
is mentioned and make the effort
to go to at least once a year. Take
the children, take granny and
grandad or just take the two of
you – there’s a special place for
everyone in this county. Little
ones will always remember beach
holidays with pasty-stealing
seagulls and that first taste of
clotted cream ice-cream. Find
a family place to stay where Kingcup Cottage
memories can be made, like the
aptly-named Beach Walk. It’s set
above the beach on the renowned
Maenporth Estate, a collection
of properties near Falmouth Kingcup Cottage is one of five booking up fast. In these winter
that have use of leisure facilities private farm cottages and sleeps months, your pets will enjoy
such as an indoor heated pool, six so adults can enjoy the peace sniffing out new sights and
children’s play area and tennis and tranquillity of the Cornish sounds from the comfort of a dog-
courts. Beach Walk itself has a countryside near Mawgan Porth. friendly cottage, or a house with
lovely lawned garden surrounded Take the children on a woodland its own stables. If you’ve babes
by woodland grounds with plenty walk to the wildlife lake or stay in arms, find out more about
of wildlife to spot, perfect for closer to base; on site there are our Baby Plus properties where
autumnal breaks as well as mid- plenty of distractions with an owners have gone above and
summer beach holidays. With outdoor play area as well as a beyond to make their home-from-
a beach café and a restaurant barn full of games. If you ever home as welcoming to babies
popular with locals, adults tire of the view from the elevated as possible and family friendly
are as well catered for as the patio area, head to the nearby cottages have more than our
younger ones. If family members coast for beach days and clifftop generous minimum inventory,
are feeling left out, plan ahead walks. If friends feel left out, they with toys and games, even
for a multigeneration holiday, can come along too by booking computer consoles and the latest
quality time for grandparents one of the other four conversions tech, to keep everyone happy.
and grandchildren (and not just in the grounds. Classic has With all of Classic’s cottages
so the elders can babysit!). Head handpicked only the best places meeting exacting standards, we
to north Cornwall and stay on to stay across the county, with want every guest to sit back, relax
The Flower Farm. All on one new properties for you to discover and say ‘wow’ as soon as they step
level to help the less mobile, in 2019 and old favourites through the door. ◆ classic.co.uk

HOLIDAYS
Port in a storm
Abby Driver discovers the foodie capital of
West Cornwall awaits in Porthleven
D
espite growing up in ABOVE: Porthleven is quickly becoming ended up staying for their whole
Cornwall, I’m ashamed Porthleven renowned as a foodie destination set - I’d recommend you watch
to say until recently Harbour. Photo: and I was very excited to try Kota out for them if you like your
Ewen MacDonald
I had never visited (kotarestaurant.co.uk), where covers epic and original. Think
Porthleven. I’d heard of it, sure. BELOW: Cornish ingredients are given Metallica melded with Journey.
Nobody could have missed the Harbour View an Asian twist. It was exactly as We spent the next day in
news of it’s battering in the 2014 Cottage I had hoped; fresh fine dining Penzance – just 15 minutes
storms, or failed to see the iconic full of punchy eastern flavours. away by car – where our dog
photo of the clocktower getting I haven’t stopped raving about had the best day of his life thus
utterly drenched. Perhaps it my starter of beetroot carpaccio far at Jubilee Pool’s annual dog
was exactly that which had kept dotted with shemeji mushrooms day. It was exactly as fun and
me away. But as we drove into in a rich soy and rosemary wholesome as it sounds. Next on
the town on a balmy October dressing. And my dining partner the agenda was a hearty walk
afternoon, it was clear I had been declared his main – pan fried and we plumped for a circular
missing out. hake with curried mussels, route taking us from Porthleven
Just three miles southwest of cauliflower and puffed rice – the out to The Loe and wrapping
Helston, Porthleven is a small best meal of the year. back in around the coast. It was
port where life spirals outward On the way home, we heard an absolute pleasure to walk
from the chunky stone quay. We something loud and fabulous boasting sweeping coastal vista,
stayed at Harbour View Cottage coming from The Harbour Inn views across the largest natural
and soon discovered, to our and discovered local Cornish freshwater lake in Cornwall and
delight, it is very much a literal band Three Minute Warning woodland scenes to boot. We
name. The living room window playing a raucous set of covers to finished up with a well-earned
offered up a picture-perfect view an even more raucous crowd. We drink in The Ship Inn which,
over the harbour and town and, cosily hunkered into the hill,
had the weather raged, I would would be another great storm
have been perfectly content to sit watching spot.
and storm watch. Sad to leave Porthleven, we
Alas, the sun was out and we extended the holiday vibe with
had planned a weekend packed a trip to Rinsey Cove on the way
full of adventure. First up we home. It’s a precarious walk
took a walk into the centre of down, but the views more than
Porthleven with every intention make up for it. Stop at the top and
of heading to the famous clock check out the impressive recently
tower. But the sunny terrace restored engine house. ◆
of the Harbour Inn proved too Find out more and enquire here:
irresistible and we ended up porthlevenholidaycottages.
stopping en route for a cold Korev co.uk/properties/harbour-view-
in the sun. cottage-2

6
WAYS TO…
look after
wildlife
this winter
This can be a really harsh time of year for Britain’s wildlife,
so here’s a handful of ways you can help your local furry
and feathered friends this season courtesy of the RSPCA
WORDS: Llewelyn Lowen

WILDLIFE
Photo: Simon J Beer/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Birds rely on our help to feed RIGHT:
in the winter months, so offer a Offer birds easy
variety of different food to attract access to food
over the winter
a whole host of birds to your
months
garden:
• Suitable seeds and grains
– like nyjer, millet, oats and
sunflower seeds.
• Cooked rice, pasta and
unsweetened pastry – all are
packed with starch to help birds
keep warm.
• Potatoes – boiled, baked,
roasted or mashed.
• Cheese – crumbled or grated.
• Fat – uncooked and unsalted
bacon rinds provide a great
calorie boost. Avoid salty fats as
these can be toxic to birds.
• Apples, pears and soft fruits
– just remember to soak raisins,
sultanas and other dried fruit in
3 As well as food, birds and
other garden wildlife need
access to fresh water during
5 Bug hotels are another great
way to encourage more
insects into your garden – they
water first. winter. If there has been an can be as big or small as you
• Fresh coconut – sawn in half overnight frost make sure any have room for! You can buy one
and hang on natural string. Never water in your garden, whether at most garden centres or have
use desiccated coconut as it swells a pond or a bird bath, isn’t frozen. a go at making your own from
up in a bird’s stomach. Toxic gases can build up in a bamboo. Also, leaving piles of
• Insects – such as mealworms or frozen pond and may kill fish or logs and leaves or compost is
wax worms. frogs hibernating at the bottom. a great way to provide some
• Peanuts – they are rich in fat, Never put salt or antifreeze in the natural shelter for insects as well
but only feed peanuts if they water, or pour boiling water onto as other wildlife too.
are unsalted, fresh and sold for the ice; instead carefully place a
human consumption, and put in
good quality wire mesh feeders.
pan of hot water on the surface
to melt a hole. Breaking ice with
force can also harm any fish or
6 If you are having a bonfire,
be sure to check for
hedgehogs and other wildlife
2 Net-free suet balls for birds

are a great way to mix a
frogs hidden under the surface. before lighting it. If you can,
build it immediately before
variety of healthy foods all
together. Leave them on your
bird table, or thread them on
4 Make sure to put up nest
boxes in and around your
garden. Many bird species will
lighting to make sure it is clear.
And don’t forget to shut shed and
greenhouse doors, or you may
natural string and hang up in really appreciate them as a end up with unexpected guests
a tree. They also make a great roosting site during the cold who struggle to find their way
activity for bored children during winter nights. But make sure they home again. ◆
the festive holidays. Pour some are appropriate for the wildlife’s
seeds, chopped nuts, biscuits BELOW LEFT: size, that removable parts Llewelyn Lowen is Scientific
crumbs and oats in a bowl and Fresh coconut is a aren’t too tight or too loose, and Information Officer at the
mix in some melted lard or suet. treat for birds that they are waterproof, with RSPCA. For more information
Then either press them into half drainage holes in the base. If they on how you can help your local
BELOW RIGHT:
a coconut shell, or roll out to 2cm Compost could are hanging or on a pole make wildlife this winter visit
thick and cut out shapes with provide valuable sure they are fixed securely so rspca.org.uk/
cookie cutters. respite for wildlife they withstand high winds. adviceandwelfare/wildlife
Photo: AbiWarner/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Photo: vignesh p/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Photo: alicjane/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Spread the joy
From festive concerts to music videos, care homes are
doing their best to alleviate loneliness at Christmas
WORDS: Fay Watson
PHOTOS: LIGHTFIELDSTUDIOS / GETTY IMAGES/ ISTOCKPHOTO
Retirement homes across the UK are ensuring everyone can have a happy Christmas

RETIREMENT
W
hile Christmas
is traditionally a
time of family and
celebration, for
those of us who have lost people
or who live away from our loved
ones, it can be also be incredibly
lonely. This is inevitably
something that becomes more
acute as we age, with the charity
Age UK estimating that there
are over 1,200,000 lonely older
people in England alone, as well
as their research in 2017 finding
that nearly a million (928,000)
older people felt lonelier at
Christmas time.
Tackling such a pervasive issue
is certainly an intimidating feat.
Thankfully there are plenty of
dedicated people who are helping
to combat this. Through music,
companionship and cultivated
programmes of activities,
retirement homes and sheltered
living across the country are
working hard to alleviate the
stigmas of loneliness, as well as
make this time of year a little itself thanks to their dedicated
more special. ‘Music is one of the staff.
One of the many ways that ‘The main aim is to spread
care home groups hope to reduce greatest tools that these the joy and the therapeutic
loneliness is by opening up their benefits of live music to isolated
doors at Christmas to those who homes use to spread joy and vulnerable individuals who
might be spending it alone. The wouldn’t be able to access it in the
nationwide Abbeyfield care home at Christmas time’ community,’ junior fundraising
group run an annual campaign officer Lucy Dinnage explains.
called Coping at Christmas to And it really works, as she tells
publicise the way they do this. and houses in the country will me that they have had great
The initiative invites over 55s be offered companionship and feedback with people getting up
who live alone to come in and laughter over home-cooked food. and dancing, as well as breaking
have Christmas dinner at some It’s not just care homes getting out into song, which creates a
of their collection of care homes, involved in the Christmas really fantastic atmosphere in
as well as offering overnight spirit, with sheltered living the concerts. Lucy tells me this
stays and entertainment free-of- developments also working hard is invaluable both for breaking
charge. The hope is that those to make sure no-one feels alone down barriers between residents
who visit their over 500 homes during the season. Villages run and staff, as well as providing
by Churchill Retirement Living an opportunity for relatives to
for example link up with nearby see their loved ones enjoying
schools and community choirs to themselves.
arrange Christmas carol services ‘It can be a really lonely time for
in their Owners’ Lounges. some people and I think we often
Music is one of the greatest forget that,’ she adds. ‘It’s really
tools that these homes use to important to do activities like
spread joy at Christmas time, this because they do bring people
thanks to the memories it together and they help people
can help evoke, as well as the to not feel so lonely. It makes
benefits it can have on people’s Christmas feel like a celebration.’
mood. This is the major ethos of So, whether you’re concerned
charity Music in Hospitals and about your family having a lonely
Care, a UK-wide company that Christmas or you’re dreading
puts on concerts in care homes the day yourself, it seems like
throughout the year, with a we only need to look to our local
special programme of Christmas retirement homes for the offer
events that often include three of a welcoming hand this festive
performances on December 25 season. ◆

LIVE-IN
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COU NTRYSIDE LIFE
With Adam Henson
Photo: monticelllo/ Getty Images/iStockphoto

Chickens on a traditional free range poultry farm
D
ecember is the busiest
and quietest month on
the farm. That’s not as
much of a contradiction
as it sounds. The weeks leading
up to Christmas can be utterly
The two sides
of Christmas
manic for poultry farmers and
especially for turkey and goose
breeders. It’s the same for winter
veg growers, Christmas tree
suppliers and anyone who runs
a farm shop or rents a stall at a
farmers’ market. Our commercial
farm is an arable and sheep
For some this a frenetic period, for others it’s time to put
enterprise so it’s relatively quiet the feet up and reflect on what has been quite the year
at this time of year, although
we’re keeping a watchful eye on
our pregnant ewes to make sure
all the mums-to-be and their also a good time to reflect on the was thrilled to take part in
unborn lambs are safe and well. year just gone. the landmark programmes we
But the calm of the working The extreme weather, freezing made to celebrate Countryfile’s
farm is more than compensated then sweltering, dominated 2018. big birthday; the three specials
for by the bustle of the visitor First the ‘Beast from the East’ put we filmed on the royal estates
attraction we run, the Cotswold spring sowing on hold and hit at Windsor, Sandringham and
Farm Park, which is in full festive the early harvest hard for many Balmoral. Even now, months
swing right up until the end of farmers. A few months later the later, people are still asking if we
Christmas Eve. The staff, indoors summer heatwave saw six long made up the story of the Queen’s
and out, put in an amazing weeks without rain, scorching herd of Jersey cows sleeping
amount of effort to make sure arable crops and devastating every night on water beds. Hand
everyone is in the seasonal spirit, yields. It’s been tough on on heart, it’s absolutely true.
but of course the hardest working livestock, demanding for farmers There was more magic at this
individual of all is the jolly chap and financially damaging. year’s Countryfile Live when we
in the red suit and the white Away from the farm, welcomed well over 100,000
beard. He’ll leave us just in time Countryfile celebrated its 30th people and recreated Adam’s
to leap onto his sleigh for the big anniversary this year; in the Farm in the grounds of Blenheim
night shift on the 24th, but for the fickle and fashion-conscious Palace. I loved seeing people’s
rest of us that’s when the most world of television anything reactions as they came face to
frenetic activity of the entire year that stays the course for three face with our rare breed livestock
turns into the quietest time of decades has achieved something for the first time.
year. Feet up, family close by and remarkable. I’m very proud So it’s been a memorable 12
a roaring fire on the go. That’s to have made a contribution months, for all sorts of reasons.
what I call Christmas bliss. It’s to the show’s success and I Here’s to a happy 2019. ◆

Diary The
Our guide to the best events
in and around Cornwall
UNTIL 20 DECEMBER
EDEN PROJ ECT
As the biggest tourist attraction in you can see behind the scenes in Santa’s
Cornwall, the Eden Project always offers cosy tent including the elves’ bunkbeds,
something special for visitors at Christmas. the pigeonholes full of children’s letters,
This year a spectacular new show will and all the stockings laid out ready for the
transform the iconic biomes and grounds big day.
at the Eden Project near St Austell into a After settling down for a story beside an
magical landscape of lights and music. open fire, each child can enjoy a special
Giant light projections will create moment with the man in red. You will
a moving sea of colour across the need to book for this experience and there
slopes of the outdoor gardens while are several relaxed sessions for a more
the spirit of Christmas will be brought informal encounter, developed with the
to life through light installations and Sensory Trust.
musical performances in the Biomes. On Another firm festive favourite is the ice
performance days this son et lumiere rink at Eden which is open from the festive 15 DECEMBER
spectacle takes place between 5pm and season until February with a number of MOUSEHOLE
8pm and is free for all visitors. different sessions every day to suit all ages. CH R ISTM A S
Father Christmas will also be setting Ice skating sessions and visits to see LIGHTS
up camp with his merry band of elves Father Christmas are in addition to the It’s hard to believe, but this
between November 24 and Christmas Eve. normal Eden entry (which offers a full day year Mousehole celebrates 55
There are letters to sort, presents to deliver, of things to see and do) and can be booked years since the first display of
and a very important sleigh to prepare and online by visiting edenproject.com. Christmas lights in the little
fishing village when a local
artist organised a campaign
to brighten up the harbour
at Christmas. This year the
Mousehole lights will be turned
on at 6.30pm on 16 December
and there will be an open-air
carol service at the entrance
to the North Quay with the
Carolaire Choir, made up of
members of the Mousehole
Male Voice Choir, Mousehole
Methodist Church and
friends from the community
together with the Pendeen
Silver Band. The lights are on
every evening until 4 January
but will be dimmed on 19
December between 8pm and
9pm, as they are every year,
to remember the 16 people
who died during a 1981 storm,
including eight volunteers of
Pendeen lifeboat the Solomon
Browne.
Visit mouseholelights.org.uk
for details.

THE DIARY
Photo: National Trust Images/John Millar

The National Trust’s Trelissick property
illuminated for Christmas.
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER 25 DECEMBER

NATIONA L TRUST CH R ISTM A S EV EN TS CH R ISTM A S
The National Trust’s beautiful country December between 11.30 to 2.30pm and DAY SW I M
houses in Cornwall are all dressed for there’s no additional charge for this event. The hardy (or should
Christmas, showing visitors how their The grounds and house at Trelissick will that be foolhardy?!) folk
occupants would have celebrated the be illuminated throughout the month who take to the water on
festive season down through the ages including new pathways. Christmas Day generally
from the Tudor traditions at Trerice near Lanhydrock, near Bodmin, is a do so for good causes.
Newquay to lavish Victorian decorations beautiful country estate which was home In North Cornwall the
at Lanhydrock near Bodmin. to the Agar-Robartes family. It is done beneficiary is Bude
Special events take place at a number up in its Victorian finery throughout Surf Life Saving Club,
of properties throughout December, with December when you can discover many founded in 1953 making
something for every member of the family. of the Christmas traditions that emerged it the oldest SLSC in the
At Trerice a Tudor Christmas is during the Victorian era. The idea of Santa country. Around 500
being celebrated with the chance to Claus, Christmas trees, cards, crackers, swimmers take part, and
decorate your own plaster baubles for stockings and public holidays all emerged several thousand line the
the Christmas tree. Father Christmas during Queen Victoria’s reign. waterfront at Crooklets
will be on hand to talk about the tales At Trengwainton Gardens near Beach in Bude to watch.
and traditions of Christmas for around Penzance, tickets for Father Christmas’s There is full lifeguard cover
30 minutes and all children will receive Grotto and the Lantern Walk sold out in and hot refreshments
a present. There are additional charges October, but there is the chance to visit for participants. If you
on top of admission fees for these the National Trust shop on the evening raise more than £30 in
events, which take place on weekends in of 14 December and get a 10% discount sponsorship you get a free
December. off all retail purchases. Linger by the cosy souvenir T shirt.
At Trelissick, near Truro, there’s the log burner with a complimentary glass of Download a registration
chance to meet not only Father Christmas mulled wine and a mince pie while the form online at
but also his reindeer. On various dates Christmas songs ease you into the festive budeslsc.co.uk.
in December Father Christmas will be spirit.
telling festive stories in the stables (£5 Some events may make an additional
for children including a gift). You can charge beyond normal admission fees.
see Santa’s reindeer on 1, 8, 15 and 22 Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for details.

29 NOVEMBER–6 JANUARY
WON DER N IGHTS
For the first time ever Mount Edgcumbe on
the Rame Peninsula will be illuminating its
historic formal gardens as part of an all-new
after dark Christmas adventure.
Wonder Nights promises to be a
wondrous world of sensational sights as
visitors discover eight themed realms
starting with an explosive special effects
1–24 DECEMBER start through the Door to Enchantia – a
SA N TA BY beautiful woodland glade where time
STE A M doesn’t stand still.
When he’s not driving the Venture beyond old wrought iron
sleigh with Rudolph and the gates and see the Earl’s Secret Garden
rest of the reindeer, Father transformed into a mirage of glowing plants
Christmas likes to travel by and colourful towering trees.
steam train and there are two Book online at wondernights.co.uk.
places in Cornwall where you
can join him. The Santa by
Steam events on the beautiful
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
are a lovely treat for both
parents and children, taking
place on Saturdays and
Sundays in December and on
Christmas Eve when there are
four trains running.
Arrive at Bodmin General
Station for mince pies,
seasonal drinks and lovely
carols on the platform,
before climbing aboard for
an hour-long return journey
on a beautiful steam hauled
train. During the trip you’ll visit
Santa, with plenty of time for a
photo, and gifts for each child.
The Bodmin and Wenford
Railway are also running two
relaxed services, which are
suitable for children with
autism, on 1 and 2 December,
on the last trains of the day. 7 DECEMBER–5 JANUARY
There are also four wheelchair A L A DDI N
accessible trains on December Cornwall’s own Miracle Theatre is back at of actually allowing the general public to
8 and 15. Tickets start at £15. the Princess Pavilion, Falmouth, for the third soil the carpets of their splendid house,
At Lappa Valley Steam year after sell-out productions of Cinderella they have offered to install themselves on
Railway, the Santa Specials in 2016 and A Christmas Carol last year. This the stage of the Princess Pavilion, where
start on 8 December and run year’s choice of pantomime is Aladdin which they invite you to assemble and share their
on Saturday and Sunday 8 and does have the usual Miracle twist. unique interpretation of the oriental fairy-
9, 15 and 16 and December 20 It’s Christmas 1943. For the last 50 years tale Aladdin.
until Christmas Eve. The tickets the Willoughby-Brown family have gathered The Princess Pavilion is the ideal setting
(£12.95 for adults and children at their country seat in Cornwall to eat, for a magical entertainment. Built at the
1–15) include refreshments, drink, laugh and bicker and, with the help beginning of the 20th century, it has a
children’s entertainment of their loyal staff, to provide their own lovely traditional feel. And the adjacent
including a balloon magician, entertainment in the form of a home-made Gyllyngdune Gardens is the location for
and your ride to Santa’s Grotto pantomime. the Christmas Trees Festival throughout
where children will receive a The few guests who have been permitted December putting you in the mood for a
present. There’s Christmas to witness these rare soirées have spoken magical family entertainment.
card colouring and Christmas of being swept away by eccentric singing, With the Hall for Cornwall currently
letter writing while you wait or exotic dancing, breathtaking magical effects closed for refurbishment, this is Cornwall’s
you can ride on the woodland and of being frequently moved to tears of only professional panto this year.
railway in the Lappa Valley laughter. For more information and to book tickets,
leisure park. This year, as an act of seasonal charity, the call the Princess Pavilion box office on
Book online at bodminrailway. family has decided to embrace the epithet 01326 211222 or you can book online at
co.uk or lappavalley.co.uk of ‘great art for everyone’. Stopping short miracletheatre.co.uk

THE DIARY
19–21 DECEMBER
A V ICA R OF DI BLEY
CH R ISTM A S
She may have disappeared from our TV
screens, but Vicar of Dibley Geraldine Granger
is back for a stage production at the Acorn,
Penzance, by local group Seven Stones Theatre
Company.
Geraldine, Alice, Hugo and Jim Trott are
all there for A Vicar of Dibley Christmas and
a rollercoaster ride of festive tomfoolery,
including hilarious scenes from the
unforgettable Christmas Lunch incident and
the Christmas Nativity.
It follows the highly successful performance
of The Vicar of Dibley by Seven Stones at the
Minack Theatre last year.
The production is suitable for the whole family
and is at the Acorn, Penzance, for three nights.
Book online at theacornpenzance.com
6–9 DECEMBER
PA DSTOW CH R ISTM A S FESTI VA L
The most star-studded event on artisan crafts and locally-produced food festival is one of my favourites,’ adds
Cornwall’s December calendar is and drink. Nieves.
undoubtedly the Padstow Christmas The free-to-attend event also features ‘I get most of my seafood and fish from
Festival, spearheaded by local food live music, a lantern parade, Santa’s Cornwall and I just love it. Padstow
heroes Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth, and grotto, and fireworks display. has amazing crabs and the fish is super
Nathan Outlaw (pictured above). ‘We’re always delighted to be able fresh. I also love the restaurants.
Their presence helps to attract lots of to show off the talent of so many ‘Cornwall is quite similar to northern
top chefs to the North Cornwall coast to incredible chefs, and are overwhelmed Spain, and Padstow reminds me of the
take part in the festival, now in its 11th by the number who travel from all over town I grew up in outside Bilbao, so I
year. the country at such a busy time of the feel connected.’
This year chefs appearing include year,’ says festival organiser Tina Evans. The two chef stages will feature
Michael Caines, Phil Vickery, Brian ‘The Christmas festival has been more than 60 cookery demonstrations,
Turner, Angela Hartnett, Mitch Tonks, instrumental in giving the town an out- as well as food forums and themed
Jack Stein, Mark Hix, Glynn Purnell and of-season economic boost, so it’s great workshops.
Channel 4’s Million Pound Menu judge, to see that Padstow continues to attract A charity Santa Fun Run and Cycle on
Atul Kochhar. some of world’s best chefs.’ the Sunday will raise funds for Cornwall
The festival is one of the largest of its Festival favourite, Nieves Barragán Hospice Care and the popular firework
kind in the country, attracting tens of Mohacho, also returns to Padstow this display is on Friday 7 December at
thousands of people to the picturesque year, flushed with the success of her 8.30pm.
harbourside town. new London restaurant, Sabor, which Nathan Outlaw will open the festival
As well as showcasing the talents has been listed among the top ten in the in the Sharp’s Chefs Theatre at midday
of celebrity and local chefs, Padstow country, despite having opened only a on 6 December.
plays host to more than 100 stalls in its few months ago. For full details go to
famous Christmas market, packed with ‘I love Padstow, and the Christmas padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate
Carbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2NP
+44 (0)1736 795311 info@carbisbayhotel.co.uk www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk
A Vicar of Dibley
Christmas – Christmas. Time!
Friday 14 Dec (7.30pm)
19, 29, 21 December
7.30pm plus an extra matinee
at 2pm on Friday.
This Christmas pop to the Polgoon Vineyard Shop

to select the perfect wine to accompany your festive
celebrations. Why not create a bespoke Christmas
New Year’s Eve – Ding hamper of Cornish wine and locally-sourced treats?
A Christmas Carol
Sunday 23 Dec (7.30pm) Dong a Go Go! And, if you’re looking for an afternoon of festive fun,
Monday 31 Dec (8.30pm till late)
visit the vineyard with friends or colleagues for a
The Acorn, Parade Street, Penzance, TR18 4BU winter wine tour and tasting with homemade
Website: theacornpenzance.com mince pies and mulled wine.
Box office: 01726 879500
General enquiries: 01736 363545 Booking essential: www.polgoon.com
Photo: Studio-Annika/Getty Images/iStockphoto
EDUCATION
The Christmas message

Should we still teach children the true traditions
and values of the festive season?
WORDS: Alisha Davis
E
veryone loves Christmas and can be tailored to individual your child comes home with a
– children even more family needs. Mention that part in the traditional nativity
so. There’s something church bells are rung at midnight play, tell them why their part is
about this day that when to signal the beginning of the important. Something so simple
looked through a child’s eyes Christmas celebration and at the helps keep the traditions alive.
seems almost magical. It’s a day start of midnight mass, which is a Then there is food (which
where families come together, hugely important to the Catholic many will also undoubtedly link
giving presents to one another and Christian faith. to Christmas). Describe to your
and enjoying a hearty meal. Teaching about traditions little ones how in Norway their
But are we allowing the values doesn’t have to be limited to just
and traditions of Christmas to your own. Discovering how other ‘When your child comes home
be overshadowed by material cultures and religions celebrate with a part in the traditional
expectations? The need to have the festive season can make it nativity play, tell them why
the next best thing seems to even more interesting for your their part is important’
be overtaking the teachings to child. Discuss how other religions
children of values that have been have different celebratory
instilled in many of us. But how festivals such as the Hindu version of Christmas pudding is
can we make sure these traditions festival Diwali and the Muslim a special bread called ‘Julekake’.
don’t disappear? holiday Eid. Or perhaps mention how a grand
If you ask any child what Schools around the UK will market is held on Christmas Eve
they love about Christmas Day, undoubtedly stage their own in Jamaica, and why in Japan
answers will most definitely nativity scene, so this is the KFC has become such a tradition.
include receiving gifts. However, perfect time to learn how it’s It is our responsibility to ensure
the older generation’s answers celebrated in other countries. In we are instilling priceless values
may well be different, with many Italy, for example, the famous and traditions, so allow your
stating an enjoyable day with nativity crib scene is hugely children to fully discover the true
loved ones is what they look important and they wait to put essence of this holiday. It may
forward to the most. Teaching the figure of the baby Jesus in the even make you open your eyes to
these festive values is simple scene on Christmas Eve. When the true meaning of Christmas. ◆

PROMOTION
First for girls!

Hitting the top spot – discover the Cornish
school now ranked Number 1 in England
Computing lessons for girls at England’s

highest ranked small independent school
F
or a school that prides happiness of the girls is what shape or form.
itself on excellent drives us and the happiness of the ‘Girls that come out of the
behaviour and good girls is what’s key and when girls end of Truro High School are
manners, there were are happy they will achieve and independent, they are confident.
some pretty unladylike squeals they will thrive.’ We refer to the steely core, they
coming from the girls of Truro Formerly of Harrow Hong know what they want and they
High School recently. The Kong, Mrs Matthews has been know that they can achieve it.
reason? The discovery that the struck by the special atmosphere There are no ceilings for our girls
School has just been ranked around the school – a relaxed but they are also kind, they’re
as the Top Small Independent yet productive vibe where girls compassionate. They know that
School in the whole of England take risks, try new things and they can change the world in a
for A Levels. are encouraged and supported to good way and that they will go
It is a tremendous accolade become the best that they can be. on to make a difference.’
BELOW:
for the girls and their staff and In the changing rooms, ballet To find out more about what
Pupils enjoy
marks the highest academic tutus hang alongside racing Truro High offers to girls aged downtime out in
ranking ever achieved by a school drivers’ overalls, for every pupil 4–18 contact the Registrar on the school’s leafy
in Cornwall. An astonishing who plays tennis there are two 01872 242904. grounds
59% of all A Level passes in 2018 who play football. This is a place
were at grades A*/A – that’s 64% where old-fashioned stereotypes
higher than any other school in are very much frowned upon.
Cornwall. These girls want to try everything
So is this an academic and they want to do it now.
hothouse or is there a balance She explained: ‘The single sex
to be struck before attaining environment provides girls with
the dizzy heights? The answer an opportunity to be completely
is very much the latter says new free from stereotypes. They come
Headmistress, Sarah Matthews. into school and they are the
She said: ‘It’s really important leaders in every single discipline
to us that we are academically and it means that they can be
strong – and we are – but the happy to achieve in any way,

St Piran’s School Hayle
Highly Competitive fees for pupils from Reception to GCSE
Just a short train ride

from Truro and Redruth
Every day is an Open Day so
contact us now for a tour of the school.
For further information

Tel: 01736 752612
www.stpiranshayle.net
A free guide for excellent advice

and guidance from the best education
providers in the area
A digita
l
of A+ E edition
d
can be ucation
fo
rotation und on
home p on the
ag
website es of the
s below
e further
If you would lik e
included in th
copies or to be tact.
n g 20 19 ed it ion please con
Spri
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Amanda McKeo
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Tel: 07584 3114
www.somerset-life.co.uk | www.dorsetmagazine.co.uk | www.cornwalllife.co.uk | www.devonlife.co.uk | www.hampshire-life.co.uk | www.wiltshiremagazine.co.uk

A DAY IN PA R A DISE
Gordon Seabright has been chief executive officer
of the eden project since 2014
Y
ou will probably know
the Eden Project as a
world-class garden or
for the architecture
of the Biomes or even as a
spectacular venue for live music.
But we also like to think of
ourselves as a community hub
or, as some here like to dub us,
Cornwall’s village hall.
Our mission is to highlight
the connections between plants
and people but we are also about
connecting people with one
another – community is a value
that I believe we take particularly
seriously here in Cornwall.
By the time you’re reading this
column, Eden will have enjoyed a
month of participation in projects
that are all about those human
connections.
Each November we are proud
to host the Cornwall Macmillan
Making a
Christmas Fair, the annual
market that raises vital funds for
Macmillan Cancer Support. In
previous years the fair has raised
more than £600,000 for people
connection
with cancer in Cornwall.
‘As we approach the

Christmas period,
people find themselves
considering their
communities more closely’
Christmas is all about people and
bringing them together
This super event heralds the
start of the season of goodwill
in Cornwall, and features an
abundance of gifts and home ABOVE: people sleep outdoors at Eden more closely. Eden likes to
accessories, clothing, jewellery The Eden biomes to raise money for the very highlight this with our Christmas
and food. go green for deserving homelessness charities programme, which encourages
the Macmillan
Eden was also proud to have Christmas Fair last
St Petroc’s Society and the Amber families to get together and pay a
been chosen as the south west year Foundation. visit to Father Christmas or go for
co-ordinator for Pages of the The £9,000 raised at the a skate on our ice rink.
Sea, the poignant remembrance Eden Sleep Out last year helped So thanks to everyone who
project spearheaded by the enable St Petroc’s to start its Cold has come along to the Cornwall
Oscar-winning Danny Boyle, Weather Provision programme, Macmillan Christmas Fair or
who curated the London 2012 meaning that people who would braved the chilly November air
opening ceremony, and poet otherwise be sleeping out in the to sleep beneath the stars at
laureate Carol Anne Duffy. cold during the winter could Eden, or paused for thought on
The project was set for bed down on the floor of the St Armistice Day to remember those
November 11, the centenary Petroc’s Resource Centre in Truro. who served in the Great War.
of Armistice Day, and planned We’re grateful for the opportunity And let’s cherish the sense of
to have beaches nationwide to support this excellent work, community we’re lucky enough
adorned with portraits of those although I’m appalled that people to have in Cornwall, and the ties
who died during the First World still have to sleep rough in our that bind us more strongly than
War. country in 2018. ever at this time of year. ◆
Our annual Sleep Out also As we approach the Christmas
takes place in November. This period, people find themselves edenproject.com
is an event where around 100 considering their communities @GSeabright

w w w. k et tl eco.co.uk
01726 600034 I design@kettleco.co.uk
1st Floor, HBH Woolacotts Electrical Superstore, Unit 1, Coypool Retail Park, Plymouth, Devon PL7 4TB
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December 2018 cornwalllife.co.

Beautiful antique and modern jeweller’s.

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Laika Pearce Louise Danks Robert Ben Quinn Ewen MacDonald

Gordon Seabright Merv Davey David Chapman Abby Driver Su Carroll

Cornwall Life: December 2018  3

101 A Dog’s Life

103 The Scillonian

122 A day in paradise

HOM E S & A RTS

4  Cornwall Life: December 2018

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Cornwall Life: December 2018  9

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Cornwall Life: December 2018  11

48 Arwenack Street, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3JH www.henrysoffalmouth.com

www.henrysoffalmouth.com | 01326 218080

14  Cornwall Life: December 2018

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Cornwall Life: December 2018  21

22  Cornwall Life: December 2018

Cornwall Life: December 2018  23

The Most Southerly Point, Lizard

The clock tower at Porthleven

24  Cornwall Life: December 2018

Keep it local and enjoy your Christmas

26  Cornwall Life: December 2018

5, 7–9 DECEMBER gifts. It includes the Bite of Cornwall

more than 30 stalls selling items such

Cornwall Life: December 2018  27

Christmas markets are a great

28  Cornwall Life: December 2018

Million pound property

Polsue Farm is set within the

Cornwall Life: December 2018  31

IN OVER 300 UK AND INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS

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IN OVER 300 UK AND INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS

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Cornwall Life: December 2018 3

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