Things to do in December and January

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1. VISIT CORNWALL’S MAGICAL ISLAND

During the winter months, access to St Michael’s Mount’s historic harbour, visitor centre and exhibition space in the Steward's House is free until April 30, 2023. The Island Café serves warming dishes - stews, Cornish pasties, homemade mince pies – and hot drinks including gingerbread or Baileys lattes, mulled wine and apple juice. Head to the Island Shop for an array of gift ideas, from pretty bags and homewares to Cornish food and drink, as well as gorgeous Christmas decorations featuring exclusive Mount artwork by illustrator Jennifer Armitage. Opening days and times vary until March 26, with access only via the cobbled granite causeway when the tide permits. From March 27, the Mount will open Sunday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, with ferry boats transporting visitors at high tide. Please note: to visit the castle, a ticket is required. www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

2. COUNT THE BIRDS

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch provides an annual snapshot of how garden birds are faring in the UK. The 2023 event takes place from January 27 to 29, and people in Cornwall are asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds that land in their garden, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB. Last year, nearly 700,000 people across the UK helped to count 11 million birds. The house sparrow was the most commonly seen garden bird with more than 1.7 million recorded sightings, followed by the blue tit and starling. The song thrush, in the top 10 when the event launched in 1979, came in at 20 in the 2022 rankings, further proof of its decline. Registration opens on December 13; to take part, text BIRD to 70030 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

3. CLEAN A BEACH

Can you spare some time to help keep our beaches looking beautiful, and safer for wildlife? The Beach Guardian team hosts an hour-long clean at Trevone Beach on Monday, December 19 from 10am; all equipment is provided, and all waste removed and processed for art pieces, workshops and educational resources. In January, the National Trust on the Roseland peninsula is calling for volunteers at Porthcurnick (January 2, 10am), Pendower (January 2, 2pm) and Hemmick (January 10, 10am). Dogs on leads and children are very welcome. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/roseland

4. THE PEOPLE PROJECT

An ambitious project giving a voice to Cornwall’s homeless people is on show at the Royal Cornwall Museum until December 23, following external exhibitions at venues including The Eden Project and Truro Cathedral. Social documentary photographer Gavan Goulder has shot portraits in collaboration with homelessness charity St Petroc’s and community arts organisation StreetDraw24. The team heard heartbreaking stories of housing insecurity, from life on the streets or in cars or vans, to eviction, sofa-surfing or living with extended family in cramped conditions - as well as uplifting advice on how to survive tough times. A book is to be published, with copies to be archived at Kresen Kernow, Cornwall’s historical archive, and the National Library. Look out for a portrait-themed creative workshop on December 13. www. PeopleProjectCornwall.co.uk

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5. MAKE A SEASONAL WREATH

Cornish Spliced host a seasonal wreathmaking workshop at Surfhouse St Ives on The Island. Learn how to repurpose discarded Cornish fishing gear, cosied up to a log burner with the wind howling outside. These hardy wreaths are built to last and can be dressed throughout the year to reflect the seasons, from spring foliage to conkers and acorns, and festive fairy lights. but I’ve been adding conkers and acorns to mine for autumn. As they are hardy rope, they are also ideal for outside. Experience gift vouchers available. Friday, January 27, 7pm. £45pp, including materials and hot toddy. Facebook @Cornishspliced, email hello@CornishSpliced.co.uk

6. CHECK INTO A THEATRE

Cornwall theatres strive to lighten the mood in the darkest months of the year. Singer-songwriter and Squeeze frontman Chris Difford comes to The Acorn, Penzance on Tuesday, December 20, performing classic songs including Up The Junction and Cool for Cats, while Hall For Cornwall in Truro offers The Commitments starring Corrie actor Nigel Pivaro. For something more experimental, try a rehearsed reading of Blue Moon at the Minack Theatre on December 13. This story is about what happens when the sea meets the land, in response to climate change, set at the island end of Porthmeor beach and has

been inspired by Paula Rego’s painting The Dance.

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7. GET CREATIVE

Cornish organisation Arts Well (Facebook: @ArtsWellCIC) claims creative pursuits are just as important to our health and wellbeing as being physically active. It is encouraging people to adopt them into their long-term daily or weekly routines - you don’t have to become an expert, or make an onerous commitment. Just find a daily habit that can bring rewards very quickly, whether it’s actively listen to music, engaging in mindful doodling, picking up some knitting or taking a photograph – whatever floats your boat. During January, Arts Well is supporting the 64 Million Artists campaign, which encourages people to get involved with 31 creative challenges – one for each day. Find out more at https://64millionartists.com or find a directory of Cornwall creatives at www. arts-well.com/resources/directory

8. MIGRATION

Ruth Wall and Graham Fitkin perform on December 9 at Gerrans and Portscatho Memorial Hall on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. For the last year, harpist Ruth has been exploring the theme of Migration in its many forms. Composer Graham has re-worked old Gaelic songs and tunes from bagpipe and fiddle books for Ruth's three instruments – the buzzing Renaissance bray harp, the medieval Gaelic wire harp (clàrsach) and the Scottish lever harp. The ancient music is re-imagined in looping, evolving patterns. www.carntocove.co.uk

9. BROWN WILLY

If you haven’t overdone it the night before – and even if you have – a run up to the summit of Brown Willy – Bronn Wenneli, Cornwall’s highest point on Bodmin Moor – could be just the tonic you need after the excesses of the festive season. Organised by Truro Running Club, it’s a well-signed informal run (not a race) of about seven miles, leaving Jamaica Inn at 11am. Most of the terrain is open moorland, which can be wet, slippery, boggy or frozen in places, and is definitely steep, so come appropriately dressed. There’s no entry fee, just donations in the charity box to the Cornwall Search & Rescue Team and this year’s chosen charity for that year. For further information, email the run directors at bwr@trurorunningclub.org.uk

10. BURNS NIGHT AT WITH A CORNISH TWIST

Enjoy an evening dedicated to the great work of poet Robert Burns on Saturday, January 27 at The Vine by Knightor in Portscatho. Tradition is key, from piping the arrival of guests to toasting the haggis. Finally, you’ll dance the night away with a traditional Ceilidh band. Tickets £40pp, including a welcome drink. Knightor, page 64.