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A DAY ON THE BARBICANVISIT THE PIRATE QUARTER OF PLYMOUTH
I CAN SEE THE SEAENJOY THE BEACH... AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE
BOSCASTLE: REDISCOVERING PARADISECORNISH PARADISE EMERGES FROM THE FLOOD
IGO2C
MAY 2012 . Nº0
CONTENTS
Do you have any interesting stories to tell about your experiences in Devon and Cornwall, either on the water or on land?
Do you have any safety advice or recommendations regarding any leisure activities for people living and holidaying in Devon and Cornwall?
If so, please email us and we will share your stories with our readers.
Igo2c S.L. [email protected]@igo2c.co.ukwww.igo2c.co.ukNumber 0 May 2012
Managing DirectorPhilip Russell
EditorAntonio M. Jiménez
Consulting EditorSue Russell
Chief Sub-editorAlejandra Hernández
AdvertisingJean Camp
Photography:Flipix Photographywww.flipix.com
Philip Russell 6 A DAY ON THE BARBICANA ‘Must Have’ day with recommended places to eat sights to see and attractions to visit.
12 BEACH SAFETYThis is a feature section dealing with important issues that are recommended by the MCA.
16 BOSCASTLE: REDISCOVERING PARADISE Boscastle, famous for the wrong reasons. Read on about its recovery from the devastating flood in 2004.
20 MAY EVENTS 2012Look here to find out what is happening each month.
4 IGO2C: BEGINNING THE ADVENTURE This magazine deals with safety on the beach and on shore, and includes places of interest and recommended attractions.
4 IGO2C May 2012
Welcome to igo2c a new online magazine designed to help you get the most out of the West Country. We are a monthly online independent publication..
Whether you are just visiting or live here, we will be pointing out places of interest and featuring safety advice and contributions from agencies such as the Maritime Coastguard Agency. We will be visiting remote parts of Devon and Cornwall talking to the Dartmoor rescue services and giving some advice about trekking on the moors.
The heritage of Devon and Cornwall is what makes this area attractive to visitors so we will be looking at the tin mining industry and asking if it has a future. China clay is in almost everything you buy and information on how it is mined and its history is available at heritage sites in Cornwall. The sheer size of the industry enables it to contribute a massive amount to the local econ-omy and we will be looking at how you can visit some of the largest man made pits in Europe, right here in the West Country.
Devon and Cornwall has some of the best cycling paths in the UK. It is very easy to hire a bike for the day and enjoy dedicated cycle paths such as the beautiful Camel Trail and the Tarka Valley.
Then of course there are our amazing beaches, which hardly need introduction. Our coastal beauty is second to none, sur-rounded on three sides by the sea and with moorland, towns and the countryside within very easy reach; there is something here for everyone.
We will examine the effect of the tide on beaches and in estuaries and explain how to help avoid becoming a casualty. If you do end up needing assistance there will be advice on who to call and what to do from the Maritime Coastguard Agency.For the intrepid sailor visiting our shores we will look at some of the best stopovers and facilities available such as marinas, chandleries and repair services together with information on places of interest.
Boat and ship building is thriving in Devon & Cornwall and we will be looking at some fascinating projects such as the latest developments from Pendennis Shipyard and Marine Projects plus all the latest news from the industry.
Throughout the summer months there are some great sailing festivals and we shall publish details of where to see some of the worlds’ most impressive yachts competing for the Pendennis Cup in Falmouth Bay, the Two-Handed Trans-Atlantic yacht race and the Jester Challenge both starting from Plymouth together with details on all the local regattas.
Interest in camping is on the increase so we will be looking at some of the worst and best camp sites in the region and offering some sound advice for the first time camper.
IGO2C: Beginning The Adventure
A Day On The BarbicanIt doesn’t matter if it is cloudy, sunny or windy, if it is winter or summer. The Barbican, which is the traditional fishermen’s district of Plymouth, is always full of life. With the beautiful sights of Plymouth Sound, plenty of boats in the harbour and a vibrant atmosphere both day and night, this is a place you cannot miss. This area offers you a great range of things to enjoy with your friends or family. The Barbican mixes the best of the old, like the Plymouth Gin Distillery and the Elizabethan House with the modernity of other attractions such as the Na-tional Marine Aquarium. From shopping to having lunch in a huge variety of restaurants and pubs, there are many things to do in and around the Barbican. Just go for a walk round its cobbled streets and discover all the history of its buildings, you won´t be bored even for a second. Would you like to go?
A Day On The Barbican
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Begin the journeyReaching the Barbican is really easy whether you arrive by boat or you come from the city centre, from which it is just a short walk. Your first stop might be the Plymouth Tourist Information Centre opposite the Mayflower Steps where you will find plenty of informa-tion about the city of Plymouth and of course, about the Barbican. Besides get-ting the times and prices for different attractions you will also be able to buy maps of the surrounding areas and sou-venirs. Every day there are different things happening, and once you have planned your journey taking in events such as live music, exhibitions, etc..., you will be able to start your tour. So let´s go!First stop: Aquarium and DistilleryThere are so many different things to enjoy in the Barbican that it is difficult to choose one, but we recommend you begin with the National Marine Aquar-ium. Our advice is to spend at least 3 hours here (remember last entry is one hour before closing) and we suggest you get there early to avoid long queues, es-pecially in the summer, as this is a very
National Marine AquariumThis is one of the most popular attractions in the Barbican. The UK´s largest Aquarium is dedicated to conservation, research and education, but that doesn´t mean that there are not plenty of activities for the whole family. The tour through the marine world begins at the shore with Plymouth Sound, and continues with local reefs and around the British Coast. But that´s only the beginning of the journey. You will also discover the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and all the Blue World. You will be made aware of the rich diversity of animals, plants and undersea landscapes that exist all over the world and learn about the sea environment and what we can do to help protect it. The Aquarium also offers different kinds of services, like corporate events, private and children’s parties and maybe the most special of all: sleeping with sharks. You can participate in a sleepover with your children from £70. This opportunity happens only four times a year and includes many activities that make learning fun for kids. The Aquarium is open from 10am to 5pm every day of the year except Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (during summer months until 6pm). You can find ticket prices on their information line on 0844 893 7938 or visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk for the latest information - and remember there is up to 10% discount when you buy online.
A historic districtDuring World War II large parts of Plymouth were destroyed, but the Barbican remained and we can see its history. This part of Plymouth descends from the medieval walled town of Sutton and the fish market was at its heart for centuries. But the Barbican became more than a fisher-men’s quarter. In 1621 the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in The Mayflower. Nearly 400 years later we still remember the spot where that trip began, now marked by The Mayflower Steps. On this commemorative bal-cony you can enjoy the same view the Pilgrim Fathers had before crossing the Atlantic. and theirs is not the only famous voyage. The expedition which is seen as the first step for The Origin of Species took Charles Darwin to the Galapagos Islands in 1831 also left from the Barbican.Besides all the sailing history, the Barbican has a hidden story in every corner and the Barbican Archive proves it. This project is a collection of documents showing life in the area over the last century. The historic pho-tographs and recordings of real life stories
are now kept in Plymouth’s Central Library, but you can also learn about them from Plymouth City Coun-cil’s website.
popular and interesting venue for all ages.Another must see is the Plymouth Gin Distillery. Situated in Southside Street,
this old factory takes you through the history of Plymouth Gin, one of the best known brands of this drink and the only one in the world with protected geo-
IGO2C May 2012 9
An Eccentric GeniusIf the Barbican has been linked in recent years to any name, it would be the bril-liant and flamboyant artist Oscar Robert Lenkiewicz. The author of such controver-sial works as ‘Vagrancy Project’ was born in London in 1941 from refugee stock. Thanks to his precocious talent, he was accepted at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and later attended the Royal Academy. However, his particular vi-sion of Art wasn’t welcomed by London’s intellectual circles and, after opening the doors of his studio to anyone – such as addicts, criminals and the mentally ill who were subjects of his paintings - he was forced to leave the metropolis and moved to a remote cottage near Lanreath, in Cornwall. It was not long before he moved again to Plymouth, where he got a stu-dio in the Barbican. The artist’s home and studios once more became a magnet for vagrants and street alcoholics, who would star in much of the more important part of his life and work. As a skilful painter with an intense interest in social issues, his art explored deep into the lives of the socially excluded and society’s taboos.Lenkiewicz also gave the Barbican a really valuable gift: ‘The Barbican Mural’, which despite being currently under restoration is one of the most important point for visitors and an impressive mark of artistic and eccentric genius.
graphical status. Black Friars Distillery has been the working home of Plymouth Gin since 1793 and is also the oldest working gin distillery in England.Plymouth Gin Distillery is open eve-ry day from 10am to 5:30pm, except on Sunday when it is open from 11am to 5pm. If you are interested, you can also take a guided tour (twice a day, at 10:30am and 4:30pm and on Sunday at 11:30am and 3:30pm). During the tour you will learn how their gin is made and also enjoy a tutored testing of it. Finally, if you are a lover of this beverage, you can buy a bottle in the Distillery’s shop, where the whole range of gins produced at Black Friars Distillery are on offer.
Have a restIf you feel a little tired by your morn-ing’s visits now is the perfect time to have lunch. There are a lot of options for eating on the Barbican. If you want something fast you can have a tradition-al Cornish pasty in the Barbican Pasty Co or a burger at Captain Jasper´s. This traditional stand located by the quay en-joys fame in many parts of the world, is one of the first stops for food for many Plymothians and visitors alike and is the
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meeting point for bikers on Sundays. If you prefer to sit down and enjoy a quiet lunch with a view of the harbour you can go to the Glassblowing House Res-taurant, which offers you a good range of fish dishes. You are in the fishermen´s district, so maybe the most popular choice is traditional fish and chips. You will find many ‘chippies’ where you can eat in or take away, such as the Barbi-can Fish Bar or Harbourside, with meals from £5 plus a children’s’ menu.After lunch, especially enjoyable in good weather, the al fresco cafés are open all year and are the best way of having a rest after a long journey or to recover before an afternoon of shopping.
Go shoppingOne of the main attractions on the Bar-bican is its mix of shops, art galleries and antique markets. You can contemplate or buy paintings and works of art in the gal-leries or just admire the two Lenkiewicz murals that decorate the exterior walls of Barbican buildings, one of them is on the front of The House That Jack Built, a small Mall containing many shops with all you can imagine inside.While you stroll through the ancient cobbled streets of the Barbican you can also find some special places like Gip-sy Acora, an esoteric shop located in Southside Street, but one of the most in-teresting places to shop here is, without a doubt, 27 New Street. This courtyard hides many antique shops where you will find anything from books to coins, stamps, comics and collectables.
NightlifeThe best way to begin your night out on the Barbican is to enjoy a delicious meal in Platters. This is one of the most pop-ular restaurants in Plymouth due to its wide variety of good quality fish at an af-fordable price (£11-£17 main course). If your throat is dry, you can quench your thirst with the excellent Dolphin Inn’s cask ale, such as draught Bass served straight from the barrel. This traditional pub, located just steps from Platters, be-came famous throughout the UK thanks to the unique paintings of Beryl Cook and it is listed in CamRa’s (Campaign for
Real Ale) Good Beer Guide. When you leave the Dolphin you will be aware of the fun and colour of this old neighbour-hood. There is music everywhere and you can find whatever you want in order to have your kind of fun. Dance to live rock in Black Jack´s or sail between the waves of blues in the Blues Bar & Grill. If you prefer a quieter kind of fun, stop by the Barbican Theatre and check out
their interesting programming schedule – perhaps it could also be an excuse to not miss the modern B-Bar, located in the same building, anyway, the sounds that escape from other places such as The Crown and Anchor, The Queens Arms or The Cider Press could eventu-ally draw you to their doorstep and you could end your night on The Barbican singing to your kind of music with a
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12 IGO2C May 2012
!! I Can See The Sea !!
Beach WalksIf you are planning to walk along the beach start your walk as the tide is be-ginning to go out. Check local tide ta-bles – you can get these on the web, at local shops or tourist information cen-tres. If you think that the tide is going out quickly then you can be sure it will come in just as quickly and catch you out if you are not vigilant; time soon pass-es when you get involved in the sights, sounds and things to find on the beach. Be aware of your surroundings; make a mental note of places where you can get off the beach. If you or someone else gets into difficulty whilst you are out, speak to a lifeguard if one is available or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Of course you may have your mobile phone with you, but don’t rely on it in case you end up somewhere where there is no sig-nal. It is also important to tell someone where you are going and approximately when you expect to return, so that if you get into trouble they can raise the alarm. Keep an eye on the weather, heavy rain
will make your walk miserable espe-cially if you are not dressed for it and remember that if you shelter in a cave, and the tide is on its way in you could get trapped. The best advice is to check the weather forecast, take some warm clothing and if things start to deteriorate turn around and head for home. If you do find yourself cut off by the tide don’t panic or try to swim for it as you may make a bad situation a whole lot worse, try and keep out of the water and above the high tide mark (this would be above the seaweed line on the cliffs or beach) and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
LifeguardsThey are on beaches and there for your safety, they understand the tides and currents and you ignore their advice at your peril. Swim between the red and yellow flags. If there is nobody in the water then there is a good reason for it; if the red flag is flying then the sea conditions are regarded as unsafe so do something else. Don’t be tempted to go
This article was prepared in association with Maritime and Coastguard Agency
IGO2C May 2012 13
After a long journey in the car the sight of the sea is a truly welcome one, a sparkling azure blue in bril-liant sunshine and the promise of a great holiday ahead. To the uninitiated a view of the ocean can be dramatic and awe inspiring, the lure of the sea is almost a primeval one and naturally we want to get in it or on it and why not, it’s great. What could possibly go wrong? It is so invitingly fresh and clean and smells wonderful, but hang on, before you throw caution to the wind and take the plunge there are a few things you should know. You will have probably heard stories of drownings and people who have been rescued but obviously, that always happens to someone else doesn’t it? We want everyone to have a safe day out whilst they’re at the coast so read on for a few tips on what to do and what to remember.
further along the beach out of sight of the lifeguard, rip currents are especially dangerous and can sweep you out to sea. The flags are on the beach so that you can enjoy yourself in relative safety but beware, no matter how strong a swim-mer you are, you won’t swim against rip currents. These are strong fast moving channels of water flowing seaward from near the shore, they can move to differ-ent locations on a beach, and they can
occur at any beach with breaking waves. If you are unsure of the situation in the water such as where to swim or surf then ask the lifeguard if one is available.
Inflatable beds and toysThese are fun toys and are not designed to go to sea. Every year children and adults are swept away by these craft, all of which carry a warning about the dan-gers of using them in certain circum-
stances. At the slightest hint of off shore wind, if you are on a blow-up toy or in a small inflatable dinghy you will be at the mercy of both wind and tide. If you find yourself in this position you could quick-ly be in trouble, don’t be tempted to try and swim back to shore unless you know that you are definitely within your depth. Stay with the toy and shout for help.
Tombstoning (the clue is in the name)This is definitely not recommended. This involves jumping off rocks, cliffs or man-made structures such as piers into the sea. The water can look deep, but if the jump is only slightly mis-judged there may not be enough water to break your fall. Hidden hazards such as rocks or litter can lurk beneath the water and tidal conditions mean that what was a deep pool at lunchtime could be a shal-low puddle by teatime. Every year peo-ple end up with broken limbs, paralysed or severe injuries resulting in death due to tombstoning. Our advice is simple
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency implements the government’s maritime safety policy in the UK.and works to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea.
We provide a 24-hour maritime search and rescue service around the UK coast and in the international search and rescue region through HM Coastguard and inspect and survey ships to ensure that they are meeting UK and international safety rules. We also provide certification to seafarers, register vessels and respond to pollution from shipping and offshore installations.
IGO2C May 2012 15
– don’t do it. If you want to jump from height into water go to a swimming pool or talk to a coasteering company which arranges safe coastal adventure trips.
Sand pits and tunnelsChildren and adults can have great fun building amazing things such as sand castles with moats and tunnels but sand is unstable and can collapse with-out warning. Always supervise your children when they are digging in the sand and don’t leave tunnels, moats or pits for others to fall in or trip over, always fill them in before you leave the beach. Don’t dig a pit below waist height and never dig a tunnel connect-ed to your pit – if it collapses with you or anyone else in it, it could be lethal.
CavesExploring caves in cliffs can be exciting, especially for children but again, be mindful of the state of the tide, it is so easy to get cut off. Be aware of your surround-ings as the inside of caves is likely to be slippery. Always wear sensi-ble footwear and never let young children explore on their own.
Mud and Soft SandEstuaries and rivers can be just as tidal as beaches and estuarial mud can be a problem. Finding yourself stuck in mud is a messy business and can be serious if you can’t get out before the water reaches you. Both mud and sand can behave like con-crete and once you sink above your knees it can be difficult to get out without help. If this should hap-pen try not to move around as this could make you sink more quickly, don’t encourage a friend to get you out as they could easily get into trou-ble too. The coastguard has mud rescue expertise so call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. They will have the right equipment and expertise to get you out of your sticky situation.
Cliff WalkingIn Devon and Cornwall especially, the cliff walks are outstanding, the lure of the cliff edge is almost irre-sistible and the views are spectacular, but keep to the designated cliff paths, look out for signage and do what they tell you, they are always there for a good reason. Prepare for your trip by wearing sensible footwear and cloth-ing, taking a means of communica-
tion (probably a mobile phone) with you, telling someone where you’re go-ing and when you expect to be back and consulting a map. If you have a dog with you, keep it on a lead. Dogs have a habit of leaping over cliffs after seagulls, rabbits and other wildlife without pay-ing any attention to where they are jumping! If your dog does fall or jump over a cliff, do not attempt to rescue it yourself. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. In some areas, particular-ly on the north coasts of Cornwall and Devon it can be nearly three hundred feet to the ocean and you can see for miles. In Cornwall, although tin min-ing has long been abandoned the work-ings are still there and so are the mine shafts, some of which drop deep into the cliffs. Signs which say “Keep Out Mine Shaft” mean just that, so stay well away. If you want to look at a mine head safely, head towards Camborne where there is one that is open to the public.
We will be covering all these points, together with how to keep safe whilst moorland walking, rambling, cy-cling, camping and many other activi-ties in more depth in future months.
Boscastle: Rediscovering Paradise
“Beneath him with new wonder now he views / To all delight of human sense expos’d / In narrow room Natures whole wealth, yea more, / A Heaven on Earth, for blissful Paradise / Of God the Garden was, by him in the East / Of Eden planted”. Paradise Lost, which the poet Milton evoked in his famous poem, was not about Boscastle, but in the collective memory of the people of Great Britain references to this remote Eden in North West Corn-wall are inevitable. The images of the flood-ravaged homes and desperate people asking for help from the treetops are still alive in everyone’s memory of the day when one of the most beautiful places in Cornwall was destroyed. But, have we forever lost that paradise? The answer is no. In recent years Boscastle has resurfaced and is once again that seclud-ed garden which should never cease to be.
Boscastle: Rediscovering Paradise
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Boscastle, lies within the parish of Forra-bury and Minster on the North Cornish Coast, and is one of the few remaining unspoilt harbour villages in Cornwall. Nowadays, this small harbour hosts sev-eral little fishing boats but was once an essential point of trade between Wales, Bristol and the south of England. Des-ignated an Area of Outstanding beauty, Boscastle represents an ideal head-quarter from which to visit Cornwall or North Devon, moorlands, sheltered wooded valleys and coastal footpaths. Those who arrive at Boscastle will find a charming village hidden in the Va-lency Valley and created by the conflu-ence of three rivers. Even a simple stroll through the cobbled streets of the village or along the River Jordan´s bank would be enough to please anyone. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to have a look at the Museum of Witchcraft. This museum, one of the most important in Cornwall, has the world’s largest collec-tion of witchcraft related artifacts and regalia. Puppets with real hair sewn into them in order to curse someone or for-
tune telling maze stones are some of the star items for wizards, witches or simple tourists.
The Visitor Centre should be the first step in your Boscastle journey. This in-novative office provides a rich array of information and services, including available accommodation, scenic boat trips and guided walks. It also includes a small but interesting exhibition on the tragic flood of 2004.
Walking aroundBoscastle is an excellent starting point to explore the area for walkers. Among the most attractive routes are the Pen-targorn Walk and the Four Church Walk. The first one covers a distance of 7 miles through the cliffs at Beeny and Pentargon, and then back along the Va-lency Valley. This walk provides you with some magnificent views and it was one of Thomas Hardy’s favourite walks, which inspired his early novel of “A Pair of Blue Eyes”. The Four Church Walk is 8½ miles and offers a wonderful oppor-
Blue look from Cornish Cliffs
The great writer and poet Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) owed much to the village of Boscastle. It was in this area where he met his first wife, Emma Lavinia Gifford, who for better or worse had a great in-fluence on his life and work. The Cornish village was also the scene of one of his most acclaimed novels: ‘A Pair of Blue Eyes’. The story, which describes the love triangle of a young woman and her two suitors, has a strong autobiographi-cal content as it recalls the places that witnessed his love for Emma.
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The resurgenceOn 16th August 2004 Boscastle was beaten by the worst natural disaster of its history. The vil-lage was absolutely devastated in less than 24 hours by a flood which dragged and destroyed everything it found in its way. Fortunately, there was not any personal loss, but more than 1.000 people were affected and the water damage left tens of properties ruined and swept away more than a hundred cars.
The reason of this tragedy was a very heavy localized rain that unloaded nearly 2 billion li-tres of water in two hours. This was all caused by a strange atmospheric phenomenon called a blocking high, a large area of static high pres-sure. It can happen anytime and anywhere in the world, but there is a special one in Cornwall, called the Brown Willy effect. This meteorologi-cal effect develops around Brown Willy, found on Bodmin Moor and designated the highest hill in the country. Boscastle was submerged, but it reemerged thanks to the hard work of a lot of people. North Cornwall District Council, the Environment Agency, the National Trust, differ-ent local businesses, and of course, villagers themselves who worked tirelessly to repair the damage. In early 2005 almost all the damaged
restaurants and shops were once again open for business. Over the next four years not only was a lot of reconstruction work completed but also much was done to help prevent a similar tragedy from happening such as increasing the river chan-nel and building a new lower bridge to replace the original one.
All the cleaning and rebuilding tasks cost around £5 million thanks to a huge effort by the com-munity Boscastle is once again back to what it
has always been, a charming and quiet place hidden in a coastal valley. The memories of that day will never be forgotten but after many years of living under the shadow of the flood, the work that has been done has somewhat alleviated the risk of such devastation should another occur. The National Trust has an ongo-ing policy for clearing and coppicing Boscastle valley which will help to keep the river free of debris during periods of heavy rain.
tunity to discover the old churches with-in the Boscastle area, through woods, valleys and babbling brooks.
However, visitors can’t go to Boscastle and miss the chance to see Tintagel. The famous castle, which stands on a small peninsula five miles from Boscastle is the birthplace of great Celtic legends such as the immortal romance of Tristan and Isolde and especially King Arthur
Tintagel: Arthur´s CountryIn Cornish, check spelling, make sure it shouldn’t be Trevenna; in the myth, Camelot. Tintagel is the legendary home of the Arthurian stories. Just 5 miles away from Boscastle you will find plenty of magic in this village that lies by the sea with its castle, a guardian atop the cliffs. Nowadays this mythical place where King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table lived their adventures gets many visitor. According to the legend, in the fifth century Arthur was a great warrior whose symbol of strength was his castle. The original Tintagel Castle was destroyed and rebuilt some 800 years ago, although it is now, once again a ruin but in its stone walls we can still feel the presence of the medieval court and listen to whispers of Queen Guinevere and her love for Lancelot or the amazing deeds of Arthur and his sword Excalibur.
and the Knights of the Round Table. There are bus routes that link Boscastle and Tintagel, but for someone who has the time to walk to this magical penin-sula it is an amazing experience.
Upon returning to Boscastle a walker can enjoy a deserving rest in the his-torical Cobweb Inn and toast the hap-py nightfall. Paradise is found once again.
Camel On!!!You don’t need to travel to the far East for a Spring adventure. During the month of May the southwest of England has enough challenges and events to stop you staying at home in front of the TV. Find out about some of those events here!!
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MAY EVENTS 20
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Olympic Torch RelayThis is the third time in History that the legendary has come to Brit-ain, the last time was in 1948. This ancient symbol of the competition and the union of the countries is travelling from Greece to Land´s End when, on Saturday May 19th, the Olympic Torch Relay will start with Cornwall being the first stop on a long route. The country’s first Evening Celebration event with the arrival of the Olympic Torch will take place in Plymouth. The relay will begin in Devonport at 7:40 pm and will go via the city centre finishing on the Hoe, where there will be live music and free entertainment for everybody. On Sunday May 20th, the Olympic Flame will set off from Plymouth at 7:50 am towards the South Hams.
‘Obby Oss’ in Padstow“Unite and unite and let us all unite, / For summer is acome unto day, / And whither we are going we will all unite, / In the merry morning of May”. They greet the spring in the same way their ancestors did cen-turies ago. Celtic heirs of the charming village of Padstow start eve-ry year one of the most interesting Cornish spring festivals: Obby Oss day. The origin of this traditional celebration, probably arising as a fertility ritual, is lost in the midst of time. The earliest mention of the Obby ‘Oss at Padstow dates from 1803, although an earlier ‘hobby horse’ is mentioned in the Cornish language drama Beunans Meriasek.For their May Day, the inhabitants of Padstow tradition-ally dress in white, with family loyalties dictating wheth-er they follow the ‘Red’/original Oss, or the ‘Blue’/peace Oss.Both black Oss’ (horses) are similar in appearance and perform a dancing ritual accompanied by an hypnotic folk song around the town. Each one is led by a group of followers and a teaser, who make their way through the narrow streets and around the harbour.The festivities start at 10am with the ‘Blue’ Oss making its first appear-ance from its stable, followed at 11am by the appearance of the ‘Red’ Oss from its home. Celebrations go on all day until the Oss’ finally go to bed after 10pm. Just after a day of singing, dancing ... and lots of beer!
Two Handed Transatlantic RaceOn Sunday June 3rd we shall see the start of the Two Handed Transatlan-tic Race, one of the most exciting sailing events of the season. You will be able to enjoy the amazing view of the TWOSTAR and its magnificent boats from the Hoe. This race, which starts from Plymouth Sound and finishes in Newport, Rhode Island, is hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club and is open to boats between 27 and 60 feet. There will also be a special category for Class 40s and some of the best yachtsmen of the day are participating.
English National Surfing ChampionshipsThe big event of the year for surf lovers in England will take place on 5, 6 and 7 May at Watergate Bay. This is the English National Surfing Championships, which is one of the UK’s longest-running surfing competitions and this year cele-brates its 40th anniversary. Surfers from all over Britain battle to knock established surfers off the top spot, over three divi-sions. The proposed categories are Open, Ladies, Longboard, Ladies Longboard, Senior, Masters and Vets. Definitely, an iconic event in the surfing calendar.
Royal Cornwall Show 2012From 7th to 9th June Wadebridge will welcome more than 100.000 people to its traditional countrylife festival. Besides activities like livestock judging and different displays you will be able to enjoy Cornish heritage and wrestling. Dance, health and beauty, agriculture… every facet of Cornish life will be represented here. There is always so much to see and do that it is best to get there early and you will enjoy a fun packed day with something for all the family.
Dart Music FestivalThis festival, which has been celebrated every year in Dartmouth since 1998, is the perfect mix of different kinds of music for all ages. Nearly all activities are free, although this festival is not in receipt of a grant but relies only on donations. During the week-end of 11th May you will be able to enjoy not only concerts and performances indoors and outdoors, but also storytelling, dance displays and workshops for families.
Devon County Show 2012Every year this event attracts thousands of people and is a showcase for the best of the British country life, from shoot-ing to fishing. In its six entertainment rings there are a lot of different activities for all the family, such as a spectacular dis-play with Dartmoor ponies. There is always such a lot to see and do at the Devon County Show but you can also take time to relax and have a taste of some of the best food and drink produced in the county. The show is on during 17th - 19th May with discounts for family groups.
Delamore Arts’ 10th Anniversary exhibitionDuring the whole of May you can enjoy this sculpture and arts exhibition located in the idyllic parks and gardens of Cornwood, on the edge of Dartmoor. Entry fee is £5 for adults and under 16´s are free, the opening hours are from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you want to see this outdoor exhibition which this year is focussing on British works of art, you won´t be disappointed.
Delamore Arts’ 10th Anniversary exhibitionDuring the whole of May you can enjoy this sculpture and arts exhibition located in the idyllic parks and gardens of Cornwood, on the edge of Dartmoor. Entry fee is £5 for adults and under 16´s are free, the opening hours are from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you want to see this outdoor exhibition which this year is focussing on British works of art, you won´t be disappointed.
JP Morgan Asset Management Finn Festival 2012This two-week regatta in Fal-mouth includes the Finn British Open Championships and the Finn Gold Cup (plus a variety of shows on the shore for spec-tators). There will be more than 100 boats from as many as 50 nations and some of the sailors will be competing to win a place to represent their country at the Olympic Games. Exciting races, live music and spectacular fire-work display are all part of this sailing event.
World Pilot Gig Championships 2012Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the stunning Scilly are the venue of one of the most picturesque boat races in Britain. To the uninitiated, gigs are 32 foot traditional wooden working boats, some of which are over 100 years old. Participants compete against each other in multiple races of varying distance, including the ladies and men’s veterans races.This international competition, which was born in 1990, originally involved crews from the Islands and Corn-wall, but in recent years has increased in popularity and more and more gigs come from differents parts of UK and around the world. The 23rd World Pilot Gig Championships will take place from 4 May until 7 May 2012.
Endurancelife FestivalIf you enjoy sports, adventure and challenges, this is an event not to be missed. This three-day festival is held on the first weekend of May in the Flete Estate, South Devon. For £75 you will be able to take part in Coastal Trail Series trail runs, Adventure Racing, a brand new Aquatrail event a great selection of free taster activities and two eve-nings of talks from athletes and adventurers. Your festival pass also includes access to a camp site and live music zone.
24 IGO2C May 2012
