The Cornwall Blog

In North Cornwall, Bored Lizard Surf Shop based on the Bude high street, has seen its business grow year on year, and have taken steps with each passing season to change the look of the shop and stock. Owner, Laurent Calvez, a surfer from Brittany in France, recently had this to say: "We've seen a lot of new improvement with a new Weird Fish designed wall and new wooden stand from Black Salamander. Two popular surf clothing brands that we have been pleased to stock alongside our own clothing. "Thank you to everybody involved in helping the shop look so good this year. "Bored Lizard has done very well in the early part of this year, and we are looking forward to the rest of the season. We've also had a celebrity shopper: Vic Reeves (from Shooting Stars). All in all, very exiting!" So make sure you drop in next time you are in Bude to see the friendly owner and shop. You can also buy Weird Fish, Black Salamander and Bored Lizard surf clothing onl

The final preparations are being made for the 2010 RNAS Culdrose Air Day (Wednesday 28th July). With the ‘Vulcan’ making a rare appearance, thrilling flying displays, an action packed military arena and a chance to get up close with the world of Naval Aviation, organisers hope that the public will experience ‘Fly Navy’ whatever the weather. Visitors will be able to see breathtaking displays from some of the worlds most advanced aircraft as they twist, loop and soar through the skies at terrifying speeds. Almost 70 aircraft will give flying displays full of daring manoeuvres and precision flying and further aircraft will be available for static viewing on the ground, allowing the public to get up close to the aircraft and talk to their crews. Culdrose will show off its resident aircraft, there will be helicopter role demonstrations, an appearance from the Great War Display Team and a variety of fast and noisy jets (including a Vietnam era F-86 Sabre and a joint Strike Master/Hawker Hun

Stir Fried Salt & Pepper Squid Tickets for the Seafood Demonstration Evening at Rick Stein’s cookery school in Padstow are now on sale. The new demonstration evening, to be held at Padstow Seafood School on Thursday 8th July, aims to give guests a ‘taster’ of the dishes they might experience on a visit to Rick & Jill Stein’s renowned Seafood Restaurant. Mark Puckey, head lecturer at Padstow Seafood School, will be demonstrating a selection of dishes from Rick Stein’s Seafood, including Crab linguine with parsley and chilli, Devilled mackerel with mint and tomato salad and Salmon steaks with muscadet, watercress and dill potatoes. The evening begins at 7pm until 9pm and includes a tasting of all the dishes that Mark will be demonstrating, accompanied by a glass or two of wine. Tickets are £35 and available from Padstow Seafood School. For more information and bookings please call the school on 01841 533 466 or email seafoodschool@rickstein.com . Spaces are limited

If you are considering a visit to North Cornwall this week, you cannot fail to notice that the County show - The Royal Cornwall - is in full swing. Based on the outskirts of Wadebridge, the show draws in the biggest businesses in Cornwall, showing their wares on stalls and in marquees. In addition, there are numerous livestock competitions, craft exhibitions, games, rides, bars and cafes. The show runs for three days, on June the 11th, 12th and 13th. However, as is often the case, the main event obscures many smaller, more interesting stories. If you prefer to avoid the show crowds and venture down a few country lanes, you will find that Cornwall will give up its secrets to the discerning traveller. The region has always been steeped in myth and legend, which has inspired much of the creativity that has always thrived here. For example, Menabilly, a fifteenth Century manor on the South Coast, just outside St.Austell, provided the inspiration for Manderley in Daphne Du Maurier'

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s RNAS Culdrose Air Day which will be held on Wednesday 28th July 2010. The event, which has become a firm favourite in the Cornish Events Calendar, enables the general public to experience the sights, sounds and smells of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. Every day life for Royal Navy Pilots could include hunting for enemy submarines or aircraft in state-of-the art helicopters, flying fast jets armed with air-to-air weapons, transporting troops of Royal Marines Commandos and their equipment or rescuing casualties from sunken vessels. Air Day enables budding fighter pilots and those who once dreamt of flying, to learn about this exciting ‘world of Culdrose’ and see what happens behind the security gates. The organisers of this year’s event are working hard to make it a day to remember. As fast jets, helicopters and military aircraft zoom across the skies, visitors will be able to meet Aircrew who have served on frontline Squadrons all over

I just want to draw your attention to a website that acts as the online presence of The Tourist Handbook. You may have seen their brochures in many hotels, B&Bs, self catering accommodation and pubs in Cornwall and Devon, providing an illustrated guide to local tourist attractions. They now have a website with an excellent database of information, ready for anyone to access, as well as opportunity for people organising events and providing accommodation to advertise. It aims specifically to provide a valuable resource for those planning holidays in Devon and Cornwall, but with its event calendar, many local residents use it in equal measure. You can also follow The Tourist Handbook on Facebook and Twitter, keeping up to date with the latest happenings. This is a good tool, complete with area maps and informative descriptions of places in Cornwall and Devon. You can search by place name and see what is available in the area that is of interest to you. Emma Julian

When you are in need of a peaceful haven and a tranquil escape, consider Brookfields Bed and Breakfast. Situated in the peaceful country side within easy access of Port Isaac, Padstow, Wadebridge and Rock they provide modern B&B accommodation with Wi-Fi internet connection and have a 4 star rating. The house itself is set in a generous acre of grounds and lawns, with panoramic views for the guest to enjoy. With grass paddocks, geese and ducks splashing around in their pond, Brookfields is a world away from hectic everyday life. There is plenty of car parking and even room for vans, boats and trailers. The rooms themselves are clean fresh and bright, furnished with quality fabrics and furniture, and are well equipped with everything you might need on a short break. The breakfast room capitalises on those amazing views, and the full range of breakfast suits any appetite. So I just thought I would bring you attention to a hidden space which has the best of both worlds, private