The Cornwall Blog

The last few days of July were busy for Friends of Par Beach with events on the afternoon of Thursday 28th and late evening on Saturday 30th. The events team from Groundwork SW brought the Cadbury’s sponsored Spots v Stripes to Par Beach on Thursday 28th July, where some 200 children and adults joined in or watched the fun. Participants joined either the Spots or Stripes team and competed in sack races, space-hopper races, giant Jenga, beach Noughts and Crosses and tug-o-war with great enthusiasm cheered on by excited parents and grandparents. Tweet The weather was perfect for the event, which brought to life a busy Par Beach and everyone went home tired, but happy. The weather for the second event on the evening Saturday 30th July was not so helpful as the sky clouded over for the start of the Star Gazing on the beach. Kit Williams answered questions about astronomy and found out a bit of what the 30 attendees already knew. Having decided to enjoy the tea and coffee provided by Friend...

Open-Air Tour June-August 2011 A famous detective - A new type of crime - Unusual suspects… This summer, Miracle Theatre is stirring up all the ingredients of the best Sherlock Holmes mystery with a large measure of comedy to bring you a period thriller with a sting in its tail! The Death of Sherlock Holmes, written and directed by Bill Scott, is touring to over 40 venues across south west England and Wales, from 1st June to 29th August. It’s a dangerous time for Sherlock Holmes: preparing for his final battle with the criminal mastermind Moriarty, he stumbles upon a most ingenious crime. Faced with a web of questionable motives, bizarre weapons and devilish disguises, Sherlock and Watson head off at breakneck speed on a trail which leads from 221b Baker Street, via the Swiss Alps, to a suburban séance bursting with paranormal goings on. “This show is about how the world’s most famous detective might have reacted when his creator, the archetypal Victorian gentleman Arthur Co...

David Sharland, executive chef at The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, has been nominated by the Craft Guild of Chefs for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards for his outstanding achievements in the catering industry. Now in its 18th year, the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards ceremony has become the chef’s ‘Oscars’ and the coveted accolades recognise and reward the leading talent working in kitchens across the industry.

The People's Choice Award is a new award category which has been added to the 2011 Craft Guild of Chefs Awards line up. This new award has been introduced to recognise the unsung heroes of the industry who demonstrate real commitment to their job, someone who stands out in the profession as going the extra mile. Rick Stein comments: “David Sharland has a rare skill in that he completely understands how to make kitchens work harmoniously. Due to his immense experience, he knows how to build up a happy and hard working brigade, and to design a great kitchen. N...

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose’s Air Day 2011 is fast approaching, and it promises to fill the skies of Cornwall with magnificent sights and sounds from across the world of aviation, both past and present. From high above the Air Station, down to mere feet above the runway, your eyes are guaranteed to be fixated on the gravity defying displays that Culdrose Air Day is famous for. This year we have not one, not two, but six aerobatic display teams, all competing to woo the crowds with their dazzling displays and death-defying manoeuvres! Whether it be the super tight formations of the legendary Red Arrows, the spectacular stunts of Team Turbulent or the super agility of the Black Cats, spectators are guaranteed to be entertained. Of course no Air Day at Culdrose would be complete without the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm attending in force. Demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of maritime helicopters, the Lynx, Merlin and Sea Kings will be put through their paces, whil...

Join us for an evening of food and wine at the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society (also known as The Poly) in Falmouth on Saturday 12th March 2011. Rick will be hosting a one-off demonstration evening, from which all proceeds will be donated to the RCPS. "Recently I was shown around the Polytechnic and was amazed at how beautiful it is - so full of history, such high ceilings and elegant windows, but a bit frayed around the edges. I'm very happy to help raise funds to restore it." The evening will begin at 6pm (Poly doors open at 5.30pm) where you will be greeted with a glass of wine, then sit back and relax as you watch Rick cook three dishes from his latest book Far Eastern Odyssey, whilst sharing tips, techniques and anecdotes from his latest travels. Rick will also be signing books for guests after the event. Henk Wiekens, Chairman, Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society said “The RCPS is very honoured to have Rick Stein leading this fantastic fundraising opportuni...

Cornwall’s first home and garden show looks to be a sell out with just a few stands still remaining for Cornish home and garden specialist businesses The Cornwall Home Show 2011 will bring together Cornwall’s best home and garden design businesses all under one roof at Kingsley Village, Fraddon, for two days on Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May. Tweet This is the first time that an event like this has been planned for Cornwall. With so many high quality independent, specialist home suppliers based in the county The Cornwall Home Show looks set to offer something very special to visitors and exhibitors alike. The show has companies from right across the country, from Wadebridge to Penzance, booked to demonstrate their products and services. Visitors to the show will also be able to see beautiful artwork by local Cornish artists, Alexandra Dickens and Rob Braybrook, who will be taking a stands at the show. Visitors to the show will be able to find out about energy saving solutions and...

A group of 8 members of Friends of Par Beach managed to dodge the rain on Sunday to enjoy an informal photography event at Par Beach and the Bird Lake. Tweet Bob Rawlings and George Collings, from St Austell Camera Club, gave lots of advice and encouragement, whose cameras ranged from compact to digital SLR. Amongst the techniques group learned were composition of the photo, depth of field, aperture priority and, in view of the weather, photography in poor light. Lots of photos were taken of birds, people and the landscape. There will be another photo event on Sunday 10th April 2011 with Tim and Janie Bullen. Full details on our website along with other forthcoming events. At the end of a most informative session thanks were given to Bob & George of St Austell Camera Club, John Page and Michelle O’Shea, Friends of Par Beach, for organising the event and for providing most welcome tea and biscuits at the end.