Happy Christmas !

Christmas - St Ives Cornwall

---

St Ives Cornwall Blog is now two years old - actually slightly older as I did my first post on the Winter Solstice in 2008.

Many thanks to all of my readers and followers - I plan to improve my rate of posting over the coming year, as I've had one or two gaps over the last 12 months, mainly due to pressure of work on other websites. As ever any suggestions or feedback for this blog are more than welcome.

All is looking good for Christmas - we've got pretty much all of our shopping done - tomorrow just need to walk down to Tregenna  get the turkey from Harveys and vegetables from Trims. In case of any last minute needs the Co-Op is open until 8.00 on Christmas Eve.

Jo is finishing off the Christmas cakes and about to start on the mince pies. Both of our girls are home for the weekend. Even the weather forecast is looking good - so we'll be out for our traditional walk on Christmas day, followed by a drink at The Sloop and home for Christmas dinner.

Happy Christmas to everybody !

Travel To St Ives Cornwall

St Ives Harbour

---

I'm told by one of the main self catering agencies in town that today and tomorrow are the main "changeover" days for Christmas visitors.

So I thought I'd do a post about travel conditions - as the news has been full of horror stories.

First - we have no snow whatsoever in St Ives and the surrounding area - so whatever you encounter further upcountry once you get here there will be no problems.

I've set up a Twitter feed for travel conditions - including posts from BBC News, Pirate FM and The Met Office - no problems reported at the moment:
Cornwall Travel - Twitter Feed

According to other posts on Twitter conditions on the A30 are fine at the moment.

According to the National Rail website trains into St Erth and Penzance are running on time or with minor delays.

Newquay Airport report that flights coming in from London, Dublin, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester are scheduled on time. Some delays are reported on flights from Newcastle. The airport is currently fully operational, but they do advise passengers to contact their airline before travelling to their departure airport.

I hope you have a safe journey to Cornwall and have a great Christmas !

Christmas Video - St Ives TV

St Ives Cornwall - Christmas Lights

---

St Ives TV is a new online community producing high quality short films about St Ives Cornwall - including news, culture and events.

Above is one example of their recent films - Christmas Lights.

You can find more of their films to watch on Vimeo and more information on their FaceBook page:

St Ives TV - Vimeo

St Ives TV - FaceBook

I'm planning to feature more of their films in my various websites and blogs over the coming weeks.

St Ives Cornwall Websites

The Floral Shop - Florist - St Ives Cornwall

---

I've been working on quite a few new websites and website updates for St Ives businesses over the last few weeks, so I thought that I'd highlight some of them.

I've also been setting up Google Places pages for several of them - these appear both on normal Google searches and on map searches. With more and more people using Google Maps, particularly on mobile phones, this is a useful way to get your business noticed.

The Mex on Gabriel Street now have a nice simple site featuring a selection from their menu and details of how to book. Bookings for Christmas and New Year are still being taken. More coming soon - including full menus, a photo gallery and special offer vouchers that you can download:
The Mex - Restaurant St Ives - Website
The Mex - Google Places

Just round the corner The Floral Shop on Tregenna Hill can supply beautiful flowers for any occasion. Their new website features a selection of arrangements including a special Christmas selection:
The Floral Shop - Florist St Ives - Website
The Floral Shop - Google Places

St Ives artist Caroline Atkinson has just completed a group of new landscape paintings. These have been accepted by print company International Graphics - to be reproduced as limited edition prints for distribution worldwide. You can see Caroline's work on Harbour Galleries on St Ives Harbour as well as on her website:
Caroline Atkinson - St Ives Artist - New Gallery

Kuiama Crafts on Fore Street have recently expanded their range of knitting wools and yarns, including popular brands such as Adriafil, Artesano and Manos Del Uruguay. You can see the full range on their website:
Kuiama Crafts - Wool Shop St Ives - Knitting Yarns
Kuiama Crafts - Google Places

Jodieanne English, who produces high quality prints for local artists at Fine Art Print Centre, has started a new venture offering innovative and stylish health & beauty products - The Goddess In You. Available to buy online or from Jodieanne at her studio above Lanhams on High Street:
The Goddess In You - Health and Beauty Products

I've got a number of exciting projects lined up for January next year. Coming soon websites for:
One of St Ives longest established restaurants.
A food retailer on Tregenna Place.
Three new luxury self-catering properties.
An online shop selling t-shirts with humorous and witty slogans.
An online shop for an established St Ives clothing retailer.
Beautiful handmade dolls to buy or commission.
Original paintings of St Ives and the Cornish Landscape.

Finally - shameless self-promotion - if you want a new website, updates to an existing site or any help with online marketing get in touch:
St Ives Cornwall Website Design and Marketing

What's On In St Ives Cornwall

Exhibition - 12 Artists - Café Art

---

Just a week to go to Christmas - can't wait !

There is a lot going on in town as the holiday approaches - so here is a selection of events.

Tomorrow - Saturday 18th - there is music and performance throughout the day all around town - as part Sounds Of Christmas.

Then tomorrow night - live music at St Ives Arts Club with Keith Hills and Richard Plank - a journey through the Folk-Blues section of The Great American Songbook. Doors open at 7.30 pm music from 8.00 pm. On the door - £6.00. Bring your own drinks.

On Sunday (19th) evening The Castle Inn are holding their Christmas Draw. Top prize is a Sony 120GB Hard Disk Drive DVD Recorder + Freeview - plus lots of other great prizes. Followed by live music from the legendary Billy Mac. Draw at 5.00 pm then music from 6.00 pm. Draw tickets are still available - £1.00 each.

Café Art - at The Drill Hall on Royal Square - have a new exhibition starting this week - 12 Artists. There is an opening party on Sunday (19th) from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Open on Monday (20th) from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm then every day until Saturday 15th January.

On Tuesday (21st) St Ives Jazz Club are holding a Christmas Party Gala Night. Musicians galore, guests, surprises, buffet. Doors open at 8.00 pm and music from 9.00 pm. Entry on the door: £10.00 / £6.00 (members).

On Wednesday (22nd) Jo McIntosh is running a children's art workshop at St Ives Library - Mini Christmas Stockings. Runs from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. It costs £2.00 per child and advance booking is recommended as places are limited - call in at the library or call them on 0300 1234 111.

On Thursday (23rd) its your last chance to get some great local Christmas food from St Ives Farmers Market. Festive specials from local suppliers include - three / five bird roasts, pork, venison, beef, seasonal vegetables, mince pies and christmas cakes.

Then its Christmas Eve and Santa will be on his way !

Christmas Shopping and Food

Santa Arrives In St Ives Cornwall

---

This Saturday Sounds of Christmas comes to St Ives - a day of music and performance all around town. Pantomime fun, choirs and other music.

Santa will be in his grotto at The Glass Tree on Fore Street from 2..00 to 4.00. Also at the same times on Sunday (19th) and Thursday (23rd).

Here is a selection of shops worth that you can visit for your Christmas food and gifts.

Harvey Brothers Family Butchers, on Tregenna Place, have some great choices for Christmas dinner - including traditional turkey plus turkey crown, goose, duck and free range chicken. They also have a delicatessen range including cooked meats, pies, pâtés, olives and cheeses. You can order online via their website, phone or call in at the shop.
Harvey Brothers Website

The Digey Food Room has a range of Cornish food plus Italian and Spanish delicacies. Their drinks range includes Cornish cider and for something different - nettle beer. Their café serves hot food and snacks throughout the day.
Digey Food Room Website

St Ives Farmers Farmers Market is open every Thursday over the holiday period from 9.30 am - 2.00 pm at St Ives Backpackers on The Stennack. Lots of festive specials plus the usual range of great local produce
St Ives Farmers Market Website

Kuiama Crafts on Fore Street have some wonderful gifts including hand made felt and quilts - each piece is unique and original. They also stock a range of other gifts.
Kuiama Crafts Website

St Ives Fishermen's Co-Op on The Wharf have some quality gifts with a nautical theme including chronometers, barometers and compasses. Also a range of clothing and footwear:
St Ives Fishermen's Co-Op Website

St Ives Leathercrafts on Fore Street have handmade leather bags in a range of styles and sizes. They also specialise in trophy buckles and have a vast range to choose from.
St Ives Leathercrafts Website

The Floral Shop can supply all your Christmas flowers - they have a range of special Christmas arrangements plus cut flowers. They can also design a unique flower arrangement just for you.
Floral Shop Website

Have a great Christmas in St Ives !

Exhibition - 12 Artists - Café Art

Break Glass In Case Of Emergency - Jo McIntosh

---

A new exhibition opens this Sunday (19th December) at Café Art in The Drill Hall on Royal Square.

The opening party is from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm with drinks and nibbles.

The café and exhibition are then open daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

The exhibition closes on Saturday 15th January.

It features small works in a variety of media including paintings, drawings, photographs, textiles and installation.

All work is for sale - with a range of prices to suit everybody - from £8.00 to £250.00 - a great chance to get a unique Christmas gift or something beautiful for your home.

Featured artists are:

• Kyle Campbell
• Mike Cullin
• Zoe Eaton
• Karen Foss
• Steve Groom
• Laurie Hughes
• Colin T Johnson
• Marie Keeling
• Doris Lindemann
• Jo McIntosh
• Jenny Shaw-Browne
• Bobby Wotnot

You can see a gallery of work on FaceBook with details and prices:
Exhibition - 12 Artists

Christmas Shopping and Celebrations

Santa and Christmas Fairy

---

There are a couple of special events coming up in St Ives as Christmas approaches.

This Friday (10th) its Jingle All The Way. Santa and his sleigh will be travelling through town from The Parish Rooms on St Andrews Street and along Fore Street. He'll have lots of reindeer helpers to pull his sleigh and children are welcome to join in - bring reindeer horns and jingle bells if you have them! Starts at 6.00 pm.

Also on Friday many shops will be opening late, some serving mulled wine, mince pies or other festive treats. As well as Fore Street and elsewhere don't forget that The Drill Hall on Royal Square will be open. Cafe Art will be serving a wonderful range of snacks and hot drinks, with the shops offering a great range of gifts.

On Saturday 18th December its Sounds of Christmas. Music, choirs and performers throughout the town during the day to entertain, bring good cheer and a warm Christmas atmosphere.

Have a great Christmas in St Ives !

St Ives - Christmas Food

Digey Food Room - Tasting Day

---

There are two events this weekend in St Ives that are worth checking out if you're looking for some great Christmas food.

Fair Mo at The Guildhall features "everything you need for Christmas under one roof." Festive food, drink and gifts. It is open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, a fundraiser for St Ives Parish Church.

The Digey Food Room are hosting their fifth annual Tasting Day. Tables will be filled with samples of the huge range of exciting things the shop has to offer. Anyone not sure which of the dozen or more olive oils and balsamic vinegars is the one for them will have a chance to taste the difference. Or they can compare different chorizo and salami or try a range of Spanish chocolate or Italian biscuits and panettone.

There is also a great selection of Cornish produce - don't miss the cheeses from Sue Proudfoot of Whalesborough Farm or the range of preserves from Crellow, the smoked meats from Tregidda or the mulled cider and apple juice from Cornish Orchards.

The tasting runs from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm - and in case you didn't know they are (not surprisingly) located on The Digey just off Fore Street.

I'll be posting more Christmas events here soon including Santa's arrival in St Ives.

St Ives Residents Parking

Barnoon Car Park - St Ives Cornwall

---

Cornwall Council recently put forward proposals for increases "consistency" in car parking charges across the county.

It looks like one end result may be huge increases in parking charges for St Ives residents over the next two years.

The council are running a consultation which gives a right to respond, but responses must be submitted by 3rd December. Response forms are available from the St Ives Town Council office at The Guildhall. You can download a printable a copy from my St Ives Website. You can also respond online using  the consultation link above.

An action group has been set up to co-ordinate local concerns. They will be holding a public meeting tomorrow evening (25th November) at The Western Hotel, starting at 6.00 pm, all welcome.

Updates will be posted on:
St Ives Resident Parking - FaceBook Page

Affordable Art Fair - ShelterBox Fundraiser

Affordable Art Fair - ShelterBox Fundraiser

---

Next weekend - Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th November there will be an Affordable Art Fair at St Ives Guildhall.

Open Saturday 10.00 am - 9.00 pm. Sunday 10.00 am - 4.00 pm.

Work by local artists will be on sale - all priced at under £500 - some a lot less.

Live music on Saturday night, refreshments and a prize draw.

This is a fundraiser for the excellent local charity ShelterBox.
Table fees and a proportion of sales by artists will be donated.

Entry is free but donations from visitors would be appreciated.

St Ives Gardening Competition - Presentations

St Ives Garden Competition - Best Vegetable Garden

---

I was at St Ives Guildhall last night for the presentation of trophies to winners of the various categories.

A nice evening which featured a slideshow presentation of St Ives gardens.

I received a cup for Best Vegetable Garden from the Mayor - Yvonne Watson - who then presented the other awards. I'll definitely be entering the competition again next year.

Finally we all tucked in to an excellent buffet with wine and soft drinks.

Many thanks to all at St Ives Town Council who organised the evening.

I'll also be participating in Secret Gardens Of St Ives again next year.

I've already started planting - Broad Bean seeds went in last weekend, ready for an early crop in the Spring.

Broad Beans Planted - Autumn 2010

I'm hoping to get some garlic planted this weekend and maybe some peas.

I've harvested the last of the cucumbers - now on sale in Trims Greengrocers on Tregenna Place St Ives if you want some. They also have some of my Jerusalem Artichokes - plenty of those still in the ground so more to come.

Half Term - Activities For Children

Castle Kids Day Nursery - Tregenna Castle

---

With half term week approaching I thought I'd feature some things to do for children and young people next week.

Castle Kids - Day Nursery.

Open daily.

Tregenna Castle St Ives.

A huge range of activities for babies and children aged up to 10 years.

Ofsted Rating - Outstanding.

Great for parents who want time out together while their kids are cared for and entertained.

Cost Varies - call 01736 795 254.

Young Tate - Construction for Conversations.
Saturday 23rd - Saturday 30th October. 1.00 pm - 2.30 pm.
Tate St Ives.
Create your own interpretation of works in the exhibition. Designed for visitors aged 13+.
Free. No need to book.

Young Tate - Courtyard Family Drop In.
Saturday 23rd - Saturday 30th October. 10.00 am - 4.00 pm.
Tate St Ives.
Take some time out in this family friendly space, with resources and games for all the family.
Free. No need to book.

Drill Hall Draw
Monday 25th - Tuesday 26th October. 11.00 am - 4.00 pm.
The Drill Hall - Royal Square.
Free drop-in drawing workshops for all ages and abilities. Help to create large street scenes Document the changing face of buildings using your Drill Hall memories. Contribute to the Drill Hall exhibition. Part of national event - The Big Draw.
Free. No need to book.

Arts Workshop - Claydays
Wednesday 27th October. 10:00 am – 11:00 am and 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm.
The Leach Pottery - Higher Stennack.
A hands on creative making activity for children and adults to enjoy together.

Only 12 places avaliable so booking and prepayment are recommended.

£3.00 per child. 01736 799 703.

Bookstart Bounce and Rhyme.
Wednesday 27th October. 10:30 am – 11:00 am
St Ives Library - Gabriel Street.
Activities for babies aged 0-2 and parents.
Free. No need to book.

Children's Art Workshop - Silk Painting
Wednesday 27th October.  2.00 am – 4.00 pm.

St Ives Library - Gabriel Street.

Fun workshop for children aged 5 - 11.
Booking recommended - contact the library.
£2.00 per child.

Story Time.

Thursday 28th October. 2.00 pm - 2.30 pm.

St Ives Library - Gabriel Street.

Stories for children aged 3 - 5.

Free. No need to book.

St Ives Sunrise

St Ives Cornwall - Sunrise - 21st October 2010

---

Beautiful sunrise over St Ives Bay this morning.

The warmth of our Indian Summer has gone - its a cold crisp morning. Autumn has finally arrived - but we still have blue skies and sunshine !

Looking forward to a great weekend.

St Ives Cornwall - Sunrise - 21st October 2010

Le Café Tier - St Ives Arts Club

Le Café Tier - St Ives Arts Club (photo by Colin Sanger)

---

The popular theatre production Le Café Tier returns to St Ives Arts Club tonight. This is Episode V - Farewell My Pierre. More hilarious goings on at the café.

There are also performances on Wednesday (20th) and Thursday (21st).

Written and directed by Mike Ezra and performed by local company Cornerstone Theatre.

The play received a great review in The St Ives Times and Echo this week. I've really enjoyed previous productions by Cornerstone and have got tickets for tomorrow night.

Doors open at 7.30 pm and the fun starts at 8.00 pm. Bring your own wine.

Tickets are £5.00 from St Ives Tourist Information or on the door if available.

You'll find more Arts Club events on:
St Ives Arts Club - What's On

Cornwall Tourism Awards

The Team from The Sail Lofts - Gold Award - Self Catering

---

Congratulations to the St Ives businesses that were recognised as among the best in the county at the Cornwall Tourism Awards this week.

The Sail Lofts won Gold in the Large Self-Catering Establishment category, well earned recognition for the fantastic accommodation they offer and their excellent customer service. Fast becoming one of THE places to stay in St Ives.

The Boskerris Hotel in Carbis Bay won Silver in Small Hotel of the Year.

Porthminster Beach Café secured Gold as Restaurant of the Year.

Primrose Valley Hotel won Bronze for Sustainable Tourism.

The full list of winners is on:
Visit Cornwall Website

What's On This Week

Orient House Ensemble - Friday 15th October

---

Town is now blissfully quiet after the Summer and September crowds - but still plenty going on.

Today (Sunday 10th) you could enjoy Sunday Lunch and Jazz at Tregenna Castle, food served from 12.30 pm, music until 3.00 pm.

On Monday (11th) The Castle Inn are hosting their regular Fun Quiz. Starts at 8.45 pm, entry is £1.00 per person with a cash prize for the winner.

Tuesday (12th) sees the opening of La Café Tier - Episode V - Farewell My Pierre at St Ives Arts Club. Doors open at 7,30 pm, performance at 8.00 pm. Tickets £5.00 from St Ives Tourist Information or on the door. Also on Wednesday 13th, Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st October.

On Wednesday (13th) the regular weekly St Ives Folk night is on at The Western, starts at 8.30 pm, free entry.

On Thursday (14th) local guide Valerie Hurry will be leading a guided tour - St Ives In The Frame - Art and Artists of St Ives. Meet outside The Guildhall at 11.00 pm, cost is £5.00 per person, no need to book just turn up.

On Friday (15th) St Ives Jazz Club are staging Orient House Ensemble featuring Gilad Atzmon. In a rare move, they've changed their gig from its regular Tuesday slot simply because they wanted this band so much. Doors open at 8.00 pm, music from 9.00 pm. Entry on the door is £10.00 / £6.00 (members).

Many more events including current art exhibitions are on:
St Ives Cornwall - What's On

Textile Art Workshops in St Ives

Hand Made Felt - St Ives Cornwall

---

My wife Jo has put together a new programme of Textile Art Workshops in St Ives for Autumn 2010.

The first is Feltmaking, in just a couple of weeks on:
Wednesday 20th October.

Learn how to make felt from first principles, then design and make your own felt bag. All levels of ability are welcome including beginners.

There are still a couple of places left, but please get in touch soon if you are interested.

01736 797 122
jo.mcintosh@knitweave.co.uk

Cost is £40.00 per person including materials.

She then has a series of workshops running through to Christmas including Rag Rugging, Silk Paper and Christmas Baubles. Full details are on:
KnitWeave Website

St Ives September Festival

St Ives September Festival

---

The September Festival is finally here - lots going on today.

I very much enjoyed a pre-festival drink at The Sloop and then The Castle last night, with (among others) Rod Bullimore, Charles Shaar Murray, Martyn Barker and Kelvin Bowers. As Jo put it - Last Of The Summer Wine revisited - but who is Compo ? Also enjoyed chatting to various festival visitors from London, Germany and Switzerland.

No point repeating everything thats happening  here - as I've put a full calendar of festival events on my website - broken down into different types of event (live music, theatre etc.) if you use the navigation menu at the top of the page:
St Ives September Festival Events

For more information and tickets you can also visit:
September Festival Official Website
St Ives September Festival Twitter Feed
St Ives September Festival FaceBook Page

Here is my entirely biased and self-interested selection of events for the week ahead - based on those involving family, friends and people who have fronted me free tickets:

Saturday (11th) 12.30 pm - Poetry and Music in Norway Square (also daily throughout).
Sunday (12th) 7.00 pm - Workshop - Tea and Textiles with Jo McIntosh.
Monday (13th) 8.00 pm - Music and Comedy - Back to Back with Rod Bullimore and Martyn Barker.
Tuesday (14th) 8.00 pm - Live music - St Ives Jazz Club - Sarah Gillespie Quartet.
Wednesday (15th) 7.30 pm - Theatre - Much Ado About Nothing (also Thu, Fri, Sat).
Thursday (16th) 11.00 am - Guided Tour St Ives In The Frame.
Friday (17th) 7.30 pm - Theatre - Oh Mary with Bec Applebee

Paddleboard Marathon - Charity Event

Paddleboard Marathon - St Ives Bay

---

Today sees a big charity event in St Ives Bay - the inaugural Stand Up Paddleboard Marathon in aid of the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

Featuring some of the biggest Paddleboarders from the UK and also rock band Yellow Wire.

Participants will paddle 15 miles from Sunset Surf Café Gwithian to Porthmeor Beach, then back across the bay to Godrevey before paddling home to Sunset Surf. A trip which is expected to take about 8 hours.

To help raise money and awareness for the trust, organisers are calling on people to turn up dressed as Freddie Mercury to show their support!

The marathon is followed by a gig and after party at the café featuring Yellow Wire and songs from their debut album.

The band's front man - Ol Beach - is son of Jim Beach, who has been the manager of legendary rock band Queen since 1978 and The Mercury Phoenix Trust (founded by Jim) has been a cause close to their heart for many years. It’s one of the leading charities in the battle against AIDS worldwide.

St Ives Tourist Information - Closing

St Ives Tourist Information - The Guildhall

---

According to a story published today in The West Briton - Cornwall Council are to withdraw all funding for St Ives Tourist Information Centre from March 2011. This will mean closure unless alternative funding sources are found. Centres in Penzance and Falmouth are also set to close.

You can read the full article on:
This Is Cornwall

It appears that this is not just speculation - its a done deal.

I think that most readers would agree that this is really bad news for St Ives. The centre helps thousands of visitors every year - and thereby helps many local businesses by putting customers their way. Not just accommodation providers either - one local shop owner told me today how grateful she is when they direct people to her.

Its also not just about tourism. I know from personal experience how helpful the staff are for local community organisations and events. They freely offer help with publicity and ticketing, usually at no charge.

They are also nice people !

So what to do about this ?

One option would be a "political" campaign to get the decision reversed. But from what I can see Cornwall Council are really making big cutbacks - so the chances of success may be limited.

One positive idea though - if every hotel, bed and breakfast, self-catering property, shop and other business in town chipped in a relatively small amount of money - it might be possible to keep the centre open. Say £50 to £200 per year depending on the size of your business ? Most places probably make much more than that from referrals every year.

Community organisations who have a publicity budget could also help out.

Maybe it could be run a a local co-operative ?

Any comments or other ideas - please post below.

What's On This Week

Jure Pukl - St Ives Jazz Club - Tuesday 31st August

---

As the August Bank Holiday approaches more going on than ever. Here is a varied selection of events.

Friday 27th August - Late at The Tate. Exhibition - Lily van der Stokker, food, bar, special events. Tate St Ives, 7.00pm, free entry.
Tate St Ives

Saturday 28th - Hard Times and Hard Travellin'. Talk, performance, music and film - blending Woody Guthrie's music and radical politics. St Ives Society Of Artists, 7.30pm, tickets: £6.50.
St Ives Society Of Artists

Sunday 29th -  Birmingham City Supporters Club. Bolton v Blues - watch on the big screen with Cornwall Bluenoses. Sheaf Of Wheat, 1.30 pm.
Blues Cornwall

Monday 30th - Family Music and Trivia Quiz. Western Hotel, 8.00 pm, entry £10.00 per team.
Western Hotel

Tuesday 31st - St Ives Jazz Club - Jure Pukl's Slavic Soul Trio. Western Hotel, 8.00 pm, entry £10.00 / £6.00 (members) on the door.
St Ives Jazz Club

Wednesday 1st September - Ghosts of May - music and theatre. Part of Esedhvos Kernow - Eisteddfod of Cornwall. St Ives Arts Club, 8.00 pm, tickets £5.00 on the door.
Esedhvos Kernow

Thursday 2nd - Cafe Frug - music, poetry, prose, comedy and film. St Ives Arts Club, 8.00 pm, tickets £4.00 on the door.
St Ives Arts Club

Friday 3rd - Concert - Stephen Cleobury. Part of Esedhvos Kernow - Eisteddfod of Cornwall. St Ives Parish Church, 7.30 pm, tickets £8.00 on the door.
St Ives Parish Church Music

Lots more entertainment and events on:
St Ives What's On

Also - only two weeks to go before:
St Ives September Festival

St Ives Cornwall - Websites

The Mex - Gabriel Street - St Ives Cornwall

---

I've been working on several websites for St Ives and Penzance businesses recently so I thought I'd feature a few of them. A varied collection.

The Mex - restaurant on Gabriel Street - a small site with a few pages to get them started online - more to be added over the autumn. For now it features info about the restaurant and the food:
The Mex - St Ives Restaurant

Angela Diggle - artist with a studio in Hicks Court off The Digey and member of of St Ives Silk Painters in The Sloop Craft Market. Features a gallery with a selection of her art in various media:
Angela Diggle - St Ives Artist

The Floral Shop - fresh flowers on Tregenna Hill. The site includes a selection of the flower arrangements that they can supply, plus services for weddings and other special occasions:
The Floral Shop - St Ives Florist

Colin Birchall Gallery - some new images for his Landscapes Prints Gallery. More new images of his abstracts coming soon:
Colin Birchall - Prints Gallery

The Goddess In You - a new range of natural beauty products and beauty therapies  from Jodieanne English:
The Goddess In You

The Lookout - self catering property which sleeps eight with views over St Ives Bay. New dates and prices for the 2011 season:
The Lookout - Self Catering St Ives

Books Plus - independent bookshop in Market Jew Street with a huge range of books. A new selection of "must reads", books for teenagers and the Booker Prize shortlist:
Books Plus - Bookshop Penzance

If you want a new website, updates to your current site or help with online marketing - let me know:
St Ives Cornwall - Website Design and Marketing

Much Ado About Nothing - The Island

---

The St Ives Community Play - Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing - opens on The Island tonight.

Set in 1945 in St Ives, it features spitfires, spam and street parties. A tribute to all of the residents of the town and others who lived through or fought in the war.

'Set just after the second world war, this is a flag waving, heart stopping production that wll have you singing, dancing and eating spam with glee.'

Join the celebration - bring blankets, flags and a picnic.

Wednesday 18th - Saturday 21st August 2010.
Wednesday 15th - Saturday 18th September 2010.
Gates open at 7.00 pm, starts at 7.30 pm.

Tickets £6.00 advance or £8.00 on the gate.
From: St Ives Tourist Information - 01736 796 297

Visit the website for more information and pictures:
St Ives Community Play

St Ives Cornwall - Lifeboat Day and Red Arrows

The Red Arrows - Flypast-  St Ives Cornwall

---

Lots going on around St Ives Harbour this Thursday (19th August) - for our annual Lifeboat Day.

Stalls, childrens ride, tombola, grand raffle.
Live music outside The Sloop.

Search and rescue helicopter flypast - if not busy with rescues !

Finally - just announced - a flypast by The Red Arrows at 17.50 - subject to weather.

The fun starts at midday and continues to the evening.

A fundraiser for RNLI - so please give generously as they do an amazing job.

Cafe Art - Royal Square - St Ives Cornwall

Cafe Art - Royal Square - St Ives Cornwall

---

I've become a regular visitor to the new cafe in The Drill Hall on Royal Square - Cafe Art.

Nice tea, coffee and cake. Run by nice people. An outdoor seating area which is great for people watching - and I can smoke !

Well worth checking out.

They are planning to run art evenings, workshops and monthly exhibitions. Any artists interested should get in touch. I'll post details of any events here and on my OneStIves Website.

The current exhibition is Colourful Language - work by Cafe Art co-owner Zoe Eaton.

'Improvised paintings that hint at otherworldly landscapes and strange imagined flora.'

You can see more of her work on:
Cafe Art FaceBook Page

Esedhvos Kernow - Eisteddfod of Cornwall

Gorsedh Kernow - Ceremony Of The Sword

---

A host of events have just been announced for Esedhvos Kernow - Eisteddfod of Cornwall in St Ives next month.

These include theatre, music, dance, films, talks, walks and markets. Running from Wednesday 1st to Sunday 5th September all around town.

The Eisteddfod will take place alongside Gorsedh Kernow - the annual assembly of Cornish Bards which will take place on The Island in St Ives on Saturday 4th September. A formal procession of Bards from The Guildhall will be followed by a ceremony including the initiation of new Bards.

Full details of events are on:
Esedhvos Kernow Website

I've also listed Eisteddfod events, plus others in St Ives on:
St Ives Cornwall - What's On

St Ives Bay - Cornwall Wave Hub

The Nordica - Cable Laying Ship - Cornwall Wave Hub

---

The Nordica - carrying 15 miles of cable for the Cornwall Wave Hub, arrived in St Ives Bay this week. Photographed here from Westcotts Quay.

The cable will be floated onto Hayle Towans, winched up the beach and connected to a nearby electricity sub-station. The Nordica will then deploy the cable 10 miles offshore to the site of the wave hub, with underwater trenching machines burying it in the sea bed. The hub itself will then be lowered to the sea bed and connected.

St Ives Cornwall - Gardening Competition

Sheaf Of Wheat - Winner - Best Pub Garden - St Ives Cornwall

---

St Ives Town Council have announced winners in the various categories for the St Ives Gardening competition.

Some of the winners are:

• Best Garden St Ives - Hilary Harvey, Offerton, Higher Stennack.
• Best Pub or Restaurant - The Sheaf Of Wheat.
• Best Hotel - Carbis Bay Hotel.
• Best Guesthouse - Godolphin.
• Best Imaginative / Unusual - Diane Sullivan, Umulfa Place.
• Special Award - Penameyne Court Community Garden.

Finally - I won Best Vegetable Garden !

A full list is this week's St Ives Times & Echo.

All entrants will be invited to a Presentation Evening at The Guildhall in October.

Consols Pond Fun Day

 Consols Pond St Ives - Fun Day

---

The first annual Consols Pond Fun Day will be held this Saturday - 31st July.

At Hellesveor Chapel, Consols, St Ives - 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Lots of fun activities for all ages:

• Splat the Rat
• Balls in the Bucket
• Name the Doll
• Chuck-A-Duck
• Tombola
• Lucky Dip
• Higher or Lower
• Tuck Shop
• Ice Creams
• Cream Teas
• Refreshments

Free and all welcome.

More information is on:
Consols Pond Blog

Drill Hall - Royal Square St Ives

The Drill Hall - St Ives Cornwall

---

After weeks of construction work its good to see the newly refurbished Drill Hall on Royal Square open.

Two new businesses opened yesterday.

Cafe Arts serves teas, coffees, cakes, sandwiches and other snacks. They will be displaying work for sale by local artsists and are planning evening events over the coming weeks. Friendly service from Rebecca and Zoe. Sofa and newspapers to chill out with and a nice terrace to enjoy the sun at the front. Open from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm every day.

Favela sells unique hand made clothes for adults and children - all designed and stitched in-store by owner Marie Medley. After studying fashion design she travelled around South America where she was inspired by the culture and street art of the Brazilian shanty towns or "favelas".

More units will be opening soon and a couple are still available to rent.

Good luck and best wishes to all of the new ventures at The Drill Hall.

September Festival Gigs - Lifeboat Inn

Live Music - Lifeboat Inn - St Ives September Festival

---

The Lifeboat Inn have posted a list of gigs for the September Festival.

Live music every day at 9.00 pm, with additional gigs at 5.00 pm some days. Free entry.

Twenty two altogether including some new bands and some festival  regulars such as Heart and Soul, Rudi's Message, Buffalo Bill's Blues Review and Devil's Creek.

See the full list in the pic above - click to enlarge.

More events and festival information on my:
St Ives September Festival Calendar

More news on:
St Ives September Festival Blog

Also worth checking out:
September Festival FaceBook Page

St Ives Twitter Feed

  St Ives Cornwall On Twitter

---

I've added a St Ives Twitter Feed to my OneStIves website.

It features a number of local twitterers in a single feed - check it out for the latest news.

Let me know if you're posting about St Ives on Twitter and I'll look at including you.

St Ives Cornwall - Twitter Feed

St Ives Cornwall - Open Air Theatre

 Medusa The Celt - The Island St Ives

---

Some top-class open air theatre is being staged in St Ives this summer.

Next Sunday (25th July) Miracle Theatre are bringing their touring production of Romeo and Juliet to Tregenna Castle. Starts at 7.30 pm.
'Miracle creates a totally original world where senses soar and humour is found in unexpected places - a production to captivate audiences of all ages.'
Tickets £10.00 (adults) £6.00 (children) - call Tregenna on 01736 795 254.

Then next Wednesday (28th July) True West Productions, with Cube Theatre and Bedlam Theatre Company, stage Medusa The Celt on The Island. Also on Wednesdays 4th and 11th August. Starts at 8.00 pm.
'A journey into the myth of The Gorgon - whose face turned all who looked at her to stone. A story about the true history of the Celts, within the Celtic landscape of Cornwall. Revealing an amazing secret about the people of Cornwall ...... one that will change your view of the past, and also perhaps of the present.'
Starts at 8.00 pm. Tickets £8.50 (adults), £5.00 (under 16s), £20.00 (family) from:
Cornish Riviera Box Office.

Wednesday 18th August sees the opening night of Much Ado About Nothing on The Island, a production by Rough Coast and St Ives Community Play. Also on 19th - 21st August and 15th - 18th September. Starts at 7.30 pm.

'Set just after the second world war, this is a flag waving, heart stopping production that wll have you singing, dancing and eating spam with glee.'

Tickets £8.00 (on the gate), £6.00 (advance) from:
St Ives Tourist Information Centre - 01736 796297.
Cornish Riviera Box Office

St Ives Cornwall - Allotments

 St Ives Cornwall - Allotments at Trowan

---

It seems that at long last the planned allotments for St Ives are to be opened this summer.

I'm lucky enough to have a decent sized garden - but I know that many others have been on the allotment waiting list for ages and can't wait to get growing.

According to a press release issued by St Ives Town Council:
'Interested parties attended last Thursday’s town council meeting ...... the outcome of the meeting was a decision for the town council to establish allotments at the site at Trowan. Despite having missed the best of this years growing season, there should still be the potential for some winter crops and time to enable plots to be prepared for the spring ...... those on the allotments waiting list who have expressed an interest in a plot at Trowan will be contacted in due course.'

For more information contact St Ives Town Clerk - Louise Dowe:
stivestowncouncil@gmail.com
01736 797 840

St Ives Cornwall Blogs

---

I was really pleased (to say the least !) to see this blog featured as Blog of the Week in The Cornishman this Thursday

The column is on page 50 if you want to take a look:
'This site is close to becoming a must-visit destination for anybody looking to fill time in St Ives ...... definitely worth a visit for locals and anybody planning a visit.'

The newspaper invites nominations for the column - so in this post I'm featuring some other good local blogs. Not sure who nominated me - whoever did thanks !

Gillys Days is a diary blog by Gill Cooke - 'An everyday blog of the incredible life of an ordinary person in St Ives, Cornwall'. Some interesting posts about goings-on in town and the local area, nice graphics and an interesting blog list. I particularly enjoyed visiting The Village Idiot's Blog.

Sea Blue Sky Abstracts is by artist Lesley Ninnes and features her work and some great photographs. Winner of a Beautiful Blogger award.

Knit Weave Felt features textile art by Jo McIntosh - and yes ok I am biased because I'm married to her - but its definitely worth a visit ! Lots of interesting textile related posts and images, plus the latest news on Jo's textile art workshops in St Ives.

Love Stitching Red is another blog themed around textile art, written by one of St Ives' most prolific bloggers Carolyn Saxby. One of the many great features of this blog is the wonderful photos of Carolyn's work and the things that inspire it.

Photos and Philosophy is a mostly photographic blog with work by Jacob Ross Bodilly. Photography as art.

If I've missed out your blog or you know of any others worth mentioning please let me know in the Comments.

If you'd like to suggest any of these blogs, or any other, send an email to: The Cornishman- Blog Review

Live Music - Take That 2 and Party

Take That 2 and Party - Guildhall - Saturday 14th August

---

Tribute band Take That 2 and Party are coming to The Guildhall on Saturday 14th August.

Since forming in 2007 the band have simply "ruled the tribute world" - they are one of the best Take That Tributes available in the UK today. A show that simply cannot be rivalled anywhere.

As you would expect they are the complete package - fantastic vocals - close your eyes and it could be Gary Barlow himself. Also of course all the familier dance routines and several costume changes. For all Take That fans its a night not to be missed.

Tickets are on sale now - £12.50 from St Ives Tourist Information - 01736 798577. Or call 796394 / 795857.

Doors open at 7.30pm, support band, licenced bar.

A fundraiser for St Ives Football Club.

More about the band on:
Take That 2 and Party Website

St Ives Cornwall - Gardening Competition

St Ives Cornwall - Gardening Competition

---

St Ives Town Council has launched an annual gardening competition.

Entry to the competition is free and is open to everyone who lives or has trade premises in the parish of St Ives - which also includes Carbis Bay, Lelant and Halsetown.

There are ten different classes - including Best Garden, Best Pub, Best Hotel, Best Guesthouse and Best Vegetable Garden.

I've entered in the Veg. category.

You can get an entry form from St Ives Town Clerk Louise Dowe at The Guildhall:
townclerk@stivestowncouncil.co.uk
01736 797 840

Or you can download from:
St Ives Town Council Website

Closing date for entries is Friday 16th July.

Judging will take place on Wednesday 21st July.

St Ives Cornwall - What's On

Jean Paul Gard - Pedalmania - St Ives Jazz Club

---

Another week of varied entertainment and things to do in St Ives. Here is just a small selection of what's going on.

Tomorrow (10th) there's a Community Fun Day at Palemon Best Recreation Ground Penbeagle. Sports taster sessions, face painting, den building, games, BBQ and lots more. Organised by Every Child Matters St Ives. Free - 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

On Sunday (11th) you could enjoy Sunday Lunch and Jazz at Tregenna Castle - a one, two or three course lunch with some top class jazz. Food served from 12.30 pm, music until 3.00 pm. Booking required - call 01736 795 254.

On Monday (12th) Our Gang present a night of satirical sketch comedy at St Ives Arts Club. Starts at 7.30 pm and tickets are £2.00, bring your own wine.

On Tuesday (13th) St Ives Jazz Club are staging Pedal Mania - ‘A mix of Jimmy Smith and Jaco Pastorius, with a dash of Spike Jones, resting on top of the finest choice of funky grooves’. Entry on the door is £10.00 / £6.00 (members). Doors open at 8.00 pm and music is from 9.00 pm to 11.15 pm.

On Wednesday (14th) the legendary Freddy Zapp presents a fun karaoke night at The Sheaf Of Wheat. Starts at 8.00 pm, free entry. Freddy is at The Sheaf every Monday and Wednesday evening throughout the summer.

On Thurday (15th) visit St Ives Farmers Market for a great selection of local produce. Open from 9.30 am to 2.00 pm at St Ives Backpackers on Lower Stennack. Fresh food including vegetables, meat, fish, sushi, honey, bakery, curry sauces and lots more.

Friday (16th) sees the latest in the World Music series of concerts at St Ives Arts Club. Will Sleath and Tim Carey - works for flute and piano influenced by and incorporating musical traditions from across the world. Doors open at 7.00 pm and concert starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £12.00 from St Ives Tourist Information.

Have a great week in St Ives - more stuff on:
St Ives Cornwall What's On

Sailing Ship In St Ives Bay

Sailing Ship - St Ives Bay

---

I spotted this wonderful sailing ship in St Ives Bay yesterday.

Still anchored this morning.

Does anybody know what her name is ?

Or has Johnny Depp finally arrived in St Ives?

Ayr Field Day - Video

Ayr Field Day - St Ives Cornwall - 4th July 2010

---

I've put together a video featuring some of the great entertainment at Ayr Field on Sunday.

This includes:

• Trifle Gathering Theatre Company
• Plastic Picasso
• Psychedelica
  
• Gary and the Minefield

Also some general film of the days events.

Thanks to everybody who organised the event - I really enjoyed it.

Alban of Eia Films will be producing a longer video in due course, from footage shot by St Ives School Film Club.

You can watch a larger screen version at:
Vimeo - Ayr Field Video

Hope you enjoy the film.

St Ives Jazz Club - Summer Programme

St Ives Jazz Club - John Etheridge

---

I've just added the new programme for July - September 2010 to the Jazz Club website. Another line-up of top class modern jazz.

Every Tuesday night at The Western Hotel, doors open at 8.00 pm, music starts at 9.00 pm. Two sets ending at around 11.15 pm. Friendly candle-lit ambience, plenty of cabaret style seating, licensed bar at regular pub prices.

Entry on the door is £6.00 for members and £10.00 for non-members.

Membership is just £15.00 for individuals or £20.00 for families, so well worth joining if you're planning to go to four or more gigs. They stage 52 gigs per year so you'll have plenty of choice:
Jazz Club Membership

The line-up for July to September includes:

• Pedal Mania
• Craig Milverton Quartet
• Cleveland Watkiss Quartet
  
• John Etheridge
• Kris Gayle
• Sarah Gillespie Quartet - featuring Gilad Atzmon
  
• Babel Fish

Plus lots more ...... full programme on:
St Ives Jazz Club Website

Ayr Field Day 2010

Ayr Field Day - St Ives - Sunday 4th July 2010

---

Another Ayr Field Day is almost upon us - this Sunday (4th July) from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm - fun for everybody and completely free.

There is a huge amount going on for all ages including:

• Community Stalls
• Plant Stall
  
• Food and BBQ
• Cornish Lamguage Readings
• Live Music
• Games
  
• Comedy Theatre
• Lots More ......

More information is on:
Ayr Field Community Group Website

New St Ives Blog Feature - Small Ads

St Ives Cornwall - Small Ads

---

I've decided to add a new page to this blog.

The Small Ads page is available for anybody who wants to advertise:

• Local services
• Items for sale
• Events
• Jobs
• Announcements
• Anything else (within reason !)

The link is in the sidebar (top right) if you want to take a look.

Your ad includes up to sixty words of text, your phone number, email address and a link to your website if you have one.

The cost is just £4.00 for a month or £40 for a year.

You can email your copy to:
steve.mcintosh@onestives.co.uk

Then simply use the donate button on the right to pay with your PayPal account, credit or debit card (note you don't have to have a PayPal account yourself to use it). Or you can pay me in cash.

Anybody who commissions me to work on a website will get a free ad for a month. Existing clients can also have a free month if they wish - let me know.

If you would like a larger more prominent ad contact me to discuss.

I've added the same feature to my OneStIves website.

Street Theatre Workshops In St Ives

Trifle Gathering - Street Theatre Workshops

---

Theatre company Trifle Gathering Productions and Ayr Field Community Group have organised two free Street Theatre Workshops. These are on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd July, 3.15 pm - 5.45 pm at St Ives School. They lead to a short performance at Ayr Field Day on Sunday 4th July. Suitable for ages 8+ - all welcome.

Not feeling yourself ? Great ! Then explore and create an exciting character. Kyla Goody and Sarah Crooks will guide you on your quest with improvised games and activities.

For more information contact Rissa at fiveinafield@aol.com or phone 07727 210 324.

Trifle Gathering are Cornwall's leading exponents of delirious wit — bringing highly original comedy and theatre to anyone in need of a hearty chuckle. They produce cabaret, events and theatre shows for absolutely everyone. It's more than a serving of cold pud !

St Ives Cornwall On FaceBook

The Nook Hotel - St Ives Cornwall

---

I've recently been helping The Nook Hotel St Ives to get their Facebook Business page up and running:

http://www.facebook.com/NookHotelStIves

I'm also working on FaceBook pages for other local businesses including Fine Art Print Centre, artist Keith English and my wife - textile artist Jo McIntosh. Due to go live soon. I'll also be adding pages for my own St Ives Website Development business and my OneStIves site.

More and more local businesses and organisations are getting themselves onto the site and judging by the feedback generating a fair amount of interest,

St Ives Arts Club are using theirs to list events such as exhibitions and live music. Also to generally promote the club.

St Ives September Festival are doing something similar. They also have an events list and post the latest festival news on their page.

Local Children's author Liz Kessler has a wonderful page, which she uses to keep her young readers updated on the latest books. She also answers comments a queries from her readers.

Among the businesses listed is The Sail Lofts with details of their self catering apartments close to Porthmeor Beach.

There are many more - feel free to post others of interest in the Comments.

If you'd like help setting up your own FaceBook page get in touch.

Gorsedh Kernow - St Ives Cornwall - September

Gorsedh - St Ives Cornwall (photo Colin Sanger)

---

The Annual Gorsedh, the full ceremonial Assembly of the Bards of Cornwall, will take place on the Island at St Ives on Saturday 4th September 2010 starting at 2.00 pm.

It is an annual celebration of Cornish traditions and culture. All are welcome to attend, free of charge.

It will include the Procession and Assembly of some 300 robed Bards and local representatives, initiation of new Bards, presentation of awards and prizes, formal presentation of a ceremonial sheaf of herbs and flowers by The Lady of Cornwall and a Flower Dance by children.

A Concert, for which a small charge is made, will be held at St Ives Guildhall at 7.00 pm that evening.

An ecumenical church service in Cornish is held on Sunday afternoon at St Ives Parish Church at 3.00pm, and again public attendance is welcomed.

Gorsedh Berdh Kernow, the Gorsedd of the Bards of Cornwall was inaugurated at the ancient stone circle at Boscawen-Un in the parish of St Buryan on 21st September 1928 by Archdruid Pedrog of Wales. Although independent, it is allied to those of Wales and Brittany. The Gorsedh is non-political, not affiliated to any religion, non-profit making and has no connection with Druidism or any pagan practices.

It exists to maintain and express the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall, to encourage the study of Cornish history and the Cornish language, and to foster Cornish literature, art and music. Also to link Cornwall with other Celtic countries and to promote a spirit of peace and co-operation among those who work for the good and honour of Cornwall.

Each Open Gorsedh begins with the sounding of the Horn of the Nation to the four points of the compass. A symbolic call to all Cornwall. After the ceremony of Peace the Gorsedh is formally declared to be open. The offering of flowers and fruits of the earth is symbolic of God’s gifts to mankind. The event is formally closed after a repetition of the Ceremony of Peace.

More information can be obtained from the Gorsedh Administrator, Colin Roberts: admin@gorsethkernow.org.uk or from the Gorsedh Website at: www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk