Monday 30 November 2009

Textile Art Exhibition - Here's One I Made Earlier



Here's One I Made Earlier - Jo McIntosh


My wife Jo has an exhibition of her textile art running throughout December.

Here's One I Made Earlier is in the Greta Williams Room at St Ives Library - open during normal library opening hours.

The opening is tomorrow night (Tuesday 1st) from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
Please join us for a glass of wine.

Entry is free and many of the pieces are for sale - so please do go along to take a look. It is beautiful and original.

Work includes Jo's woven wall hangings, felt pieces and silk painting.

You can see more on her website:

Knit One Weave One - Jo McIntosh Textile Artist

Sunday 29 November 2009

St Ives Website - OneStIves - New Design


St Ives Cornwall


I've just completed a brand new design for my St Ives Website:

OneStIves - St Ives Cornwall - A Guide

Better graphics, easier navigation, more content.

At least I think so !

Let me know what you think - as ever feedback welcome.

Saturday 28 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - What's On This Week

The Castle Inn - Fore Street St Ives Cornwall
The Castle Inn - Pub Quiz - Monday 30th November


A fair bit going on this week as the Christmas season approaches.

Tonight (28th) there is live music at The Western with Killer Heels - starts at 9.00 pm free entry.

On Sunday (29th) The Belfast Busker is at The Golden Lion - starts at 9.00 pm free entry.

On Monday (30th) there is the weekly fun pub quiz at The Castle Inn - starts at 8.00 pm, entry is £1.00 per person with teams of up to five. Cash prize for the winners plus Chase The Ace with a rollover jackpot.

Tuesday (1st) sees the opening of Here's One I Made Earlier - an exhibition of textile art by Jo McIntosh. St Ives Library, 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Free entry. Open throughout December during library opening hours.

On Wednesday (2nd) St Ives School of Painting have an art class - Life Drawing. No need to book just turn up, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, beginners welcome, £7.00.

On Thursday (3rd) Cafe Frug is back at St Ives Arts Club. Starts at 8.00 pm, entry is £4.00 / £2.00 (Arts Club members).

On Friday (4th) Santa arrives in St Ives for the big switch on of the Christmas lights at The Guildhall. There will be festive music from St Ives Concert Band, carol singing and fancy dress prizes. Santa will then travel on his sleigh from The Guildhall to his grotto at The Glass Tree on Fore Street. Festivities start at 6.00 pm.

Movies at The Royal Cinema this week include:

  • A Christmas Carol
  • 2012
  • The Twilight Saga: New Moon
  • Bright Star
  • Planet 51
  • Sleep Furiously
  • Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Full details of times and ticket prices on:
Royal Cinema Website

As ever there is lots more on my:
St Ives Events Calendar

Friday 27 November 2009

Rail Travel To Cornwall


Proposed High Speed Rail Network


The new plan to finally build high speed rail links in the UK is a great idea.

But I can't help noticing one or two gaps in the proposed "national" network above.

Comment below if you spot them as well.

Looks like for now I'll have to carry on destroying the planet by using the car or the excellent Air South West.

Thursday 26 November 2009

Christmas in St Ives - Fair Mo


Fair Mo - St Ives Guildhall - Saturday 28th November


This Saturday (28th) the annual Fair Mo takes place in St Ives Guildhall.

Probably St Ives oldest fair - its origins go back to medieval times. Fair Mo 2009 kicks off sharp at 10.00 am and will go on until 2.00 pm.

All proceeds go to the upkeep of St Ives Parish Church which dates back to 1410 and will celebrate its 600th anniversary next year.

'Bargain hunters of the best in festive fare are urged to come early' says the vicar Reverend Andrew Gough.

Samba Celtica will play throughout the morning on The Guildhall forecourt.

Stallholders will be able to set out their stall on the Friday evening (27th) from 6.00 pm until 9.00 pm.

For further information call: 01736 797699

Wednesday 25 November 2009

November Competition 2 - Answer


Postbox - Ayr Lane St Ives


Thanks to everybody who entered the competition.

'Is this St Ives most obscure postbox - where is it ?'

The answer is - at the top of Ayr Lane where it meets Carrack Dhu.

So the winner is Carol:
Tiflin Art and Textiles

Let me know when you want to collect your prize - well done !



Monday 23 November 2009

St Ives Back Road Trail - Arts and Crafts


The Back Road Trail - Click on the image to enlarge.


The Back Road Trail is a guide to some of the Studios, Galleries and Workshops of St Ives - particularly those around the Downalong end of town.

Printed copies are available from St Ives Tourist Information or you can click on the image above for a larger version.

It includes a map showing suggested places to visit.

There is no prescribed route but a good starting point might be St Ives Parish Church - easy to find. The church hosts occasional exhibitions and is worth a look in its own right.

You could then walk down to The Slipway and along The Wharf where there are a few galleries including Harbour Galleries mid-way and Art Space towards the end.

Walking back towards The Sloop Inn you will find The Sloop Craft Market with a number of small studios.

Turn up Fish Street towards Back Road. There are several places in the area highlighted on the map.

At the end of Back Road you can continue along Porthmeor to Tate St Ives or a left turn will take you along The Digey to Fore Street.

A walk along Fore Street will take you past many more galleries, until you reach the end and are back to the church.

A final stop might be the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden a short distance up the hill from there.

You could also continue past the church into St Andrews Street where you will find several more galleries (not on the map). A right turn at the end takes you into Street-an-Pol where Millennium Gallery is to be found opposite St Ives Guildhall.

Saturday 21 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - What's On This Week


St Ives Jumbo Association - Fundraiser - Saturday 21st


Another week of varied entertainment and things to do.

Tonight (21st) there is a 70s and 80s disco at The Western - wear period dress. A fundraiser for St Ives Jumbo Association. Starts at 8.00 pm and entry is £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children.

On Sunday (22nd) night there are the regular weekly pub quizzes at The Queens Hotel and The Union Inn. Both start at 8.00 pm - cash prizes.

On Monday (23rd) there is an art class - life drawing - at St Ives School of Painting. It starts at 7.30 pm and there is no need to book, just turn up, cost is £7.00.

On Tuesday (24th) St Ives Jazz Club are staging D'Agostino and Oxley - 'seasoned practitioners in the art of jazz guitar ...... combine in a delightful and sweetly excecuted duet'. At The Western, doors open at 8.00 pm, music starts at 9.00 pm and entry is £9.00 / £6.00 (members).

On Wednesday (25th) there is a Blues Session at The Golden Lion - starts at 9.00 pm, free entry.

On Thursday (26th) a new readers group meets at St Ives Library - Words and Minds. Start time is 10.00 am.

On Friday (27th) you might visit the new exhibition at Millennium - Harriet Bell -The Kellys and the O'Kellys - There. Free entry and open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Movies at The Royal Cinema this week include:
  • The Twilight Saga: New Moon
  • Bright Star
  • The Men Who Stare At Goats
  • Fantastic Mr Fox
  • Up
  • Blue Eyelids
  • Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Full details of times and ticket prices on:
Royal Cinema Website

As ever there is more on my:
St Ives Events Calendar

Friday 20 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - November Competition 2


Where in St Ives Cornwall is this ? Click to enlarge.


After the relative failure of my last competition - only two entries from all my hundreds of loyal readers - I've decided to give it another go.

Is this St Ives most obscure postbox - where is it ?

First correct entry wins - post your answer in comments below.
If you post anonymously please include and email address so that I can let you know if you win.

Prize as before is a copy of the guidebook - St Ives and Trips in the Vicinity written by Julia Kaufhold and translated by Will Sleath.

If you don't win and feel like enhancing my Internet fortune by buying a copy click on the link above. Its a great book by the way.

As mentioned previously - if you'd like to donate a prize in exchange for some free publicity get in touch.

Thursday 19 November 2009

St Ives Farmers Market - Christmas




The excellent Farmers Market have announced dates running up to Christmas.

As usual they will be open on Thursdays - 3rd, 10th and 17th December.

There will then be special markets on Wednesday 23rd December and Wednesday 30th December – as both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve fall on a Thursday this year.

All of these markets in December will run as normal between 9.30am and 2pm at St Ives Backpackers on The Stennack.

A great opportunity to stock up with tasty local produce for the festive period.

In 2010 markets will continue to run every Thursday throughout the year.

Details of traders and more information on the website:

St Ives Farmers Market

Wednesday 18 November 2009

St Ives Community Play - 2010


Juliet and Nurse in Rehearsal - Summer 2009


I went to a meeting of St Ives Community Play last week. The main topic of discussion was this years production of Romeo and Juliet - performed on The Island in August and September.

The general conclusion was that it was great - but there are areas of improvement for next year.

If you have any feedback it would be most welcome.

There was also some discussion about next years production - which looks certain to go ahead, probably outdoors on The Island again in August and September.

The play is yet to be decided - other than it will be Shakespeare. My guess is that it will be one of the comedies - fun for the cast to perform and for the audience.

The company genuinely aims to be fully inclusive and wants as many local volunteers as possible. Everybody who takes part is guaranteed a role - either onstage or offstage. Last years company found the experience fun, rewarding and fulfilling.

So - one reason for this post is to make people aware that:
St Ives Community Play needs you !

Whatever your skills or abilities you are welcome.

Get in touch via the website:

St Ives Community Play

More details about next year will be posted in due course.

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Porthmeor Studios Wins £900k Funding


Porthmeor Studios - St Ives Cornwall


Porthmeor Studios - home to several St Ives artists and St Ives School of Painting - has won £900,000 in funding.

According to the Borlase Smart John Wells Trust, which manages the building:

“The money will be used to repair and renovate the eastern wing of the building and we expect builders to start work next summer.”

Full story on:
This Is Cornwall

More information on:
Borlase Smart John Wells Trust

Monday 16 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - November Competition - Answer




I may have been tryng to be a bit too clever or obscure with this month's competition:
St Ives Cornwall - November Competition

'Take a look at the photo above - you can click on it to see a larger version. Where am I in St Ives ?'

The answer is:
The narrow alleyway running past Barnoon Gospel Hall between Bowling Green Terrace and Barnoon.



Part of one of my favourite walks - up from Bedford Road and through the lanes and alleys above then down to Tate St Ives and Porthmeor Beach.

Google Map:



I promise I'll try to make the next competition a bit easier !

Sunday 15 November 2009

Surf on Porthmeor Beach


Porthmeor Beach St Ives - 15th November 2009


Sun and blue skies finally returned to St Ives today after the storms of the last few days.

I enjoyed a nice walk along Porthmeor Beach. Good to be out after being stuck inside sheltering from the rain for most of the weekend.

Hope you enjoy the video - filmed this afternoon.

Saturday 14 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - What's On This Week


Harbour Beach - St Ives Cornwall


Another varied week ahead of entertainment and things to do.

Tonight (14th) there is a choice of live music. Heart and Soul are at The Queens Hotel - local band playing soul, motown and funk. Keith Hills is at The Western - singer, songwriter, guitarist. Both gigs start at 9.00 pm and are free.

On Sunday (15th) there is more live music at The Western - 50s and 60s Teenbeat Rock and Roll - music and cabaret. Starts at 8.30 pm and entry is by donation - this is a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

On Monday (16th) you might try St Ives Now and Then - a guided tour of town. Starts at 11.00 am, meet outside The Guildhall and cost is £5.00 per person.

On Tuesday (17th) St Ives Knitting Group meets at 7.00 pm at St Ives Library. All are welcome, help and tuition is available. Free apart from a small contribution to the tea and biscuits fund.

On Wednesday (18th) there is a Blues Session with local musicians at The Golden Lion. Starts at 9.00 pm free entry.

On Thursday (19th) St Ives Farmers Market is open from 9.30 am to 2.00 pm at St Ives Backpackers. A great selection of local produce. Thursday is also my birthday - so feel free to send me birthday greetings if you want !

Movies at The Royal Cinema this week include:
  • The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus
  • The Fourth Kind
  • 9
  • Fantastic Mr Fox
  • Up
  • Broken Embraces
  • The Twilight Saga: New Moon
  • Aliens In The Attic
Times and prices vary - details on:
Royal Cinema Website

More events on my:
St Ives Events Calendar

Thursday 12 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - Winter Is Coming


St Ives Cornwall - November 12 2009 - 09.15 am.


Today it feels like Winter is coming early to St Ives and I feel like I have one of the best jobs in the world.

Sitting in a warm office at home and doing something I love - my web sites and web projects.


Right now I've got lots of projects and smaller jobs on the go which is great:

Also today is my younger daughter's 17th birthday so -
Happy Birthday Dorcas!

Wednesday 11 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - Shops


Trims Greengrocers - Now Sadly Closed


I was really surprised when I got back from holiday in Spain to discover that another long established shop in town has closed - Trims Greengrocers.

I don't know the full story but I heard that they closed down suddenly, with only a couple of days notice. Also that they're closed for good. If you know any different let me know.

That leaves us with just one specialist greengrocer in town, although the Co-Op sell a fairly good range of fruit and veg as well. Also just one family butcher (there were three) and one fishmonger.

St Ives Farmers market has some great stuff - but that's only once a week.

I don't know why Trims closed - it may have just been a personal decision by the owners. But I hope that we don't lose more "everyday items" shops over the coming months.

With Woolworths now gone there are several things that are hard to find in St Ives and require a trip to Penzance or Truro. Here is my (extremely random) personal list - please add your own in the comments if you want:
  • Shoelaces.
  • CD-Rs.
  • Music CDs.
  • DVDs.
  • Everday clothes - we don't wear fisherman's smocks all of the time.
  • Work clothes - unless you have a job as a surfer.
  • Children's toys.
  • Electrical goods - tellys, radios etc.
  • Lighter fuel for Zippos.
  • Art materials - canvas, brushes, paints etc.
  • Pens and inks.
  • Kitchen stuff - pots and pans etc.

Monday 9 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - November Competition




From now on I'm hoping to run a monthly competition here on the blog and my OneStIves website.

So here is the first - the prize is a copy of the guidebook -
St Ives and Trips in the Vicinity by Julia Kaufhold.

One of my passtimes in St Ives is finding obscure routes and pathways around town. So the question is:


Where am I in St Ives ?


Take a look at the photo above - you can click on it to see a larger version.


There is only one prize - so I also need a tiebreaker:


Where am I going and why ?


Responses can be as witty, funny or insulting as you want !


The editors decision is final - though I may consult some of my blog friends if I'm stuck.


Post your answers below as comments.

Closing date is Saturday 14th November and I'll post the winning entry, plus any honourable mentions, here.

If you'd like to offer a competition prize in exchange for some free publicity for your business and website please do get in touch.

Sunday 8 November 2009

Christmas in St Ives Cornwall

Christmas Lights - St Ives Cornwall


Only a few weeks now until Christmas - can't wait !

I thought I'd feature a few ideas to help you with food and gifts.

Its time to order you turkey (or duck, goose, rabbit .... whatever) and the place to do that is Harvey Brothers - the best family butcher in town. Their website features a selection of what they have on offer and you can buy online. If you don't see what you want simply give them a call and they can get it for you:
Harvey Brothers - Family Butchers


If you want to go out for Christmas Day lunch - The Western Hotel are now taking bookings. They're offering a seven course menu with starter, fish course, sorbet, main course, dessert, Cornish cheeses, coffee and mince pies. There will be a fully licenced bar with a selection of wines, real ales, spirits and soft drinks.


 If you're looking for a unique and original gift you could commission a unique piece of art.

Local artist Malcolm Bowmer can produce either a stylised Warhol style portrait or a unique caricature for you from a photo. This will then be printed and framed, or he can produce Christmas cards using the image:

Malcolm Bowmer - Stylised Portraits and Caricatures


Another local artist - Caroline Atkinson - can produce a personalised original painting for you with your names written in the sand of your favourite beach. This can also be used to produce Christmas cards if you wish. She also undertakes commisions and can work from a photograph:

Caroline Atkinson - Personalised Paintings


St Ives textile artist Jo McIntosh produces a range of handmade bags, scarves and jewellery. Every piece is unique and she can produce a piece exactly as you want. She also runs textile workshops and offers one to one tuition. You can buy a gift voucher for your loved one that they can use for any workshop that they choose:

Jo McIntosh - Handmade Textile Art

 I hope that you found this helpful - any other suggestions are welcome.

For more ideas and info visit:


Christmas In St Ives Cornwall

Saturday 7 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - What's On This Week


Amina Figarova - St Ives Jazz Club - Tuesday


Town is much quieter now but still plenty going on.

Tonight (7th) there is live music at The Western with singer / songwriter / guitarist Ben Warner. Starts at 9.00 pm free entry.

On Sunday (8th) Four Lanes Male Choir are performing at The Festival of Remembrance - St Anta Church Carbis Bay. Admission is by programme on the door and it starts at 7.30 pm. This will be preceded in the morning by services of remembrance at St Ives Parish Church and laying of poppies at the war memorial.

On Monday (9th) there is the weekly pub quiz at The Castle Inn starting at 8.00 pm.

On Tuesday (10th) St Ives Jazz Club are staging Amina Figarova at The Western. 'She plays compelling, artful and heartfelt changes on the urbane, bluesy lyricism originally developed by the likes of Miles Davis'. Doors open at 8.00 pm, music starts at 9.00 pm. Entry on the door is £9.00 / £6.00 (members).

Wednesday (11th) sees St Ives Folk at The Western. Starts at 8.00 pm free entry.

On Thursday (12th) there is a Gala Concert at St Ives Guildhall - part of the Speech and Drama Festival. A chance to see some great young local performers. It starts at 7.00 pm, entry is £2.00 on the door, under 16s free.

On Friday (13th) is the lalest in Will Sleath's World Classics concerts at St Ives Arts Club. This month it is Music of Azerbaijan - an ensemble of six 'Ashig' musicians featuring saz, balaban, percussion & vocals.

Exhibitions this week include:
If you fancy a night at the movies St Ives Cinema's programme this week includes:
  • Couple's Retreat
  • Cirque Du Freak
  • Saw VI
  • The Invention of Lying
  • Fantastic Mr Fox
  • Up
  • 35 Rhums
  • Aliens in the Attic
As ever more is on my:
St Ives Events Calendar

Please let me know of any events you would like to see included.

You can also post your own events if you join:
St Ives Social Network


Friday 6 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - Blogs


Blog - Love Stitching Red - Carolyn Saxby


I thought I'd feature a few other St Ives blogs that are well worth a look.

Love Stitching Red is by textile artist Carolyn Saxby. Her blog is full of wonderful images of her work, wildlife, nature and other things that inspire her work.

St Ives Lizzy is new to the St Ives blogosphere. Her main preoccupation so far seems to be The X-Factor. But Liz always has plenty to say in the "real world" of St Ives so no doubt there will be lots more on the blog. Worth watching.

Sea Blue Sky and Abstracts is by St Ives artist Lesley Ninnes. She writes really well about her work and life in St Ives, illustrated with some great pictures.

Art Space Gallery (Lesley is a member) have a nice blog featuring members work, latest exhibitions and news about the gallery.

Photos and Philosophy is by Jacob ross Bodilly and the main focus is on photography. Some great photos of scenes in St Ives - very different from the usual pics of the bay and the harbour found on other blogs (like mine !). Also lots of photos taken elsewhere.

Given that St Ives is such a hotbed of creative activity I'm surprised that there aren't more local blogs.

Let me know if I've missed any - and think about starting your own, its great fun.

Thursday 5 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - Bonfire Night


Porthminster Beach St Ives Cornwall - Novenber 5th 2009


Wednesday 4 November 2009

St Ives Cornwall - Autumn

St Ives Cornwall - Storm Passes Over


St Ives Cornwall - Blue Skies Return


Autumn has really got under way in St Ives today - some sunshine, blustery heavy showers and cold winds.

I've ventured out a few times to get some air and enjoy the views. I really do like Autumn !

I took some pictures of the contrasting skies as a heavy storm came over then passed on eastwards.

But mostly I've been working in my office as usual on various Internet projects.

I've started updating my St Ives What's On Calendar again - with events running up to Christmas at Arts Club, St Ives Theatre, Jazz Club, Tate Gallery and The Western. Please do let me know of any events that I can add !

I've also been working on a new version of my OneStIves website - with a much better design. Its still nowhere near complete as I've got a lot of content to transfer from you old site, plus some brand new stuff. Check it out - comments and ideas welcome:

I'm also working to extend and improve the St Ives Network site - a sort of "FaceBook for St Ives". Please do join if you're interested - you can add your own blog posts, events, pictures and all sorts of other stuff. I'm hoping to really build this site up over the coming weeks:

More coming soon.