2017 YEARBOOK
OUR VIEWS ARE CLEAR
“The dream bottle to buy” -THE TIMES
“Stupendous gin” -TELEGRAPH
Gin made the way it used to be, the way it used to be. In 2009 we launched the first copper distillery in London for nearly 200 years, on a mission to bring the art of beautifully hand crafted gin back to the capital where it all began. It was to mark the beginning of a gin renaissance in London (and who doesn’t love a renaissance). We hand craft our gin in small batches with skill, care and love. Only ever taking the heart of the spirit, and never made from concentrate, this is gin made the way it used to be, the way it should be. The result is stunningly smooth, full of character and exploding with flavour. SIPSMITH.COM | @SIPSMITH
Tresco Times Yearbook-190x244mm.indd 1
| THE SIPSMITH DISTILLERY, LONDON, W4 2LJ, UK Please Sip Responsibly
23/05/2017 15:20
TRESCO TIMES
2017 YEARBOOK
A N E W OLD FR I E N D
Edited by Tom Matthews editor@tresco.co.uk Design & Art Direction nixondesign.com Advertising trescotimesads@tresco.co.uk +44 (0)1720 424114 Published by © Tresco Estate 2017 The Island Office, Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ Illustration Jess Fitzpatrick Serge Seidlitz Harry Tennant Livi Gosling Principal Photographer James Darling Additional photography Howard Sooley, Anya Rice, Phil Nicholls, Harry Cory Wright, Islands’ Partnership, Nixon Design and Tom Matthews. With thanks to Nicholas Clayton Mike Nelhams James Boughey Reverend Penny Prince Sophie Conran Sam Llewellyn Neil Pinkett
Print Four Way Print fourwayprint.com
No remote island community can thrive without a robust transport system. The helicopter was always the backbone of our islands’ economy and now we can look forward to a re-established service between Penzance and Scilly, taking to the skies in 2018.
The service will reinstate the helicopter link between St Mary's, Tresco and Penzance.
This project is about reinstating a year-round, weather-resilient, reliable, customer-focused lifeline to the islands. We aim to grow visitor numbers by re-establishing the islands’ reputation as an accessible destination in all seasons, to make life easier for those who live here, and to encourage businesses to invest in the future of Scilly. I gratefully acknowledge the remarkable support I received from islanders, visitors, Islandshare owners, local businesses, councils and other parties who voiced their support, quite literally in their thousands. Cornwall Council confirmed this project received the highest level of public support they have ever seen – which led to a unanimous favourable vote at Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee. All of which demonstrates the importance of this project to the future of the islands.
We are confident that this major investment in the infrastructure of our islands will benefit islanders, visitors and Islandshare owners for many years to come. This is about making Scilly a better place to live, visit and work for all – and we look forward to welcoming you on board.
Robert Dorrien-Smith
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in this issue P42 P22 HELICOPTER LINK TO RETURN TO SCILLY We look forward to the return of a much-missed service.
P12
P24 THE BUTLER’S GUIDE How to throw the ultimate Tresco feast night – with some guidance from an expert.
P32 40 YEARS OF MIKE NELHAMS ON TRESCO
P32
Tresco’s globetrotting curator looks back fondly on forty years on Tresco.
P64
P42 THE RESTAURANT GUIDE Good food, good friends, good wine and good times; we take a look at our island eateries.
P48 THE TRESCO RETUNE From sea swimming to spa treatments, Tresco is the ultimate retune for mind, body and soul.
P58 THE CASTLE Let your imagination run wild in Cromwell’s Castle… But is it your imagination? Was that lightning…? 4 | 2017 YEARBOOK
P58
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Features P9 A RIGHT ROYAL OCCASION
Prince William introduces the Duchess to his childhood holiday island.
P12 #MYTRESCO
P48
Sometimes it’s hard to keep Tresco all to yourself.
P14 SOPHIE CONRAN
Designer, cook and author Sophie Conran reflects on her introduction to our little island paradise.
P64 HELL BAY GIN
Some places boast of their fine gin collection; few have their very own spirit.
P72 ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE
One Tresco islander takes an old adage to the extreme.
P79 GALLERY TRESCO
Neil Pinkett on how a dramatic solar event inspires his island art.
Regulars P6 REVIEW OF 2016 Looking back at the highlights. P18 2017 CALENDAR What’s coming up this year. P95 TRAVELLING TO TRESCO
It’s easy to get here: just ask us to help.
P84 ISLAND PURSUITS
Your guide to getting the best from the islands.
P90 THINGS TO DO ON TRESCO
P24
From yoga to boating and tennis to cycling.
P92 TRESCO ISLANDSHARE
Find out which cottages are currently available as Islandshare.
P93 USEFUL ISLAND CONTACTS Need a number? Find it here. P96 TRESCO ISLAND MAP 2017 YEARBOOK | 5
YOUR OWN PRIVATE HOLIDAY ISLAND
T R E S C O.C O.U K
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2017 YEARBOOK
PICTOR I A L OV E RV IE W OF T WO THOUS A ND A ND SIXTE E N NINE
The nine Hawks of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, wowed the Scilly crowds over the August bank holiday as they flew their first-ever island display. STOP PRESS: Tresco Island is proudly sponsoring the return of the Red Arrows over the 2017 August bank holiday!
FI R ST Congratulations to Fergus Brown, who won first prize in the Young Person category at the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition with his image of Tresco Abbey Garden, titled Kaleidoscope. 8 | 2017 YEARBOOK
ON E H U N DR ED A N D FOU RT E E N Congratulations to Paul and Jake from Tresco Farm – and their 114-strong herd – for being recognised by the Red Tractor scheme. The award shows our beef is produced to some of the highest welfare, environmental and safety standards in the world.
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T H I RT E E N T H Sunday 13 November – Remembrance Sunday – was particularly poignant for one Tresco islander. Richard Hobbs, Tresco’s Cottage Manager, Fireman and Lead Ambulance First Responder, represented the islands as part of the Civilian Services contingent of the Guard of Honour at the Cenotaph. Richard said: “The emotion and power of the occasion is deeply, deeply moving. It’s something that will always be with me.”
T W E LV E
Tresco’s first Guitar Retreat struck a chord with the twelve musicians who took part in the sell-out break. Participants enjoyed five days of expert tuition from guitar hero Stuart Marshall. The week culminated in a jam session at The New Inn in aid of the Red Cross East Africa Famine Appeal. If you missed out, don’t fret – we’ll pluck some 2018 dates out soon!
FI F T E E N
2016 was an astounding year for the Tresco and Bryher Gig Club ladies’ A crew, who came fifteenth in the World Pilot Gig Championships, won the islands’ domestic season and even took actress Alison Steadman out for a row (and to the pub!). 2017 YEARBOOK | 9
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SI X T HOUS A N D FI V E H U N DR ED A N D SE V E N T Y-T WO Islander Eddie Birch raised an incredible £6,572.75 for the RNLI, selling lifeboat souvenirs at the Abbey Garden throughout the summer. As a result of his fundraising efforts, Eddie has been asked to become President of the Isles of Scilly RNLI.
T WO We bid a fond farewell to two of Tresco’s longest-serving and best-known faces: Services Manager Steve Ash and Harbourmaster Henry Birch. Thankfully, both Steve and Henry will be staying put on the island to enjoy a more sedate pace of life!
E IGH T N I N E H U N DR ED Lucy Dorrien-Smith has joined over nine hundred worldwide members of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle – a group of accomplished women with the common goal of helping vulnerable people in crisis by supporting the Red Cross. Lucy has been busy planning a host of events on Tresco over the coming months to raise funds and awareness for the work of the Red Cross; see the ‘Year Ahead’ on page 18 and tresco.co.uk for details.
FI V E A N D T H R E E We celebrated five births and three engagements in our island community in the last 12 months… 10 | 2017 YEARBOOK
Births Arlo Stephen Newton (24.01.16) Izzy Mary Greenlaw (12.08.16) Erin Louisa O’Neill (02.12.16) Nina Jacqueline Jean Pender (04.12.16) Florence Lottie Sandford (19.03.17)
It took just eight hours for a truly ‘valiant’ crew of rowers to make the crossing from the mainland to Scilly in their new gig, H4H Valiant. She was the product of the Great Big Cornish Gig Project which saw injured serving and veteran forces personnel build the gig and row her to Scilly in aid of Help for Heroes. The crew were supported in their efforts by Tresco Island and Tresco and Bryher Gig Club. Engagements Michael Dorrien-Smith & Isabella Monson Marcus Munt & Emma Tyrrell Logan Melley & Jasmine Callan
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A R IGH T ROYA L O CC A SION
If there’s one thing Tresco loves, it’s a royal visit! The DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE were given a rousing welcome by hundreds of islanders and visitors on 2 September 2016. The royal couple met garden students and toured Tresco Abbey Garden with Robert and Lucy Dorrien-Smith, accompanied by Adam and Tania Dorrien-Smith and their children Xan and Algy. Afterwards, the Duke and Duchess met islanders and visitors lining the quay at Old Grimsby, before departing for St Martin’s. The visit by the Duke and Duchess is the first time Prince William has returned to Tresco since family holidays on the island during his childhood. Many other members of the royal family have also enjoyed visiting the island over the years, most notably Her Majesty The Queen and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. 2017 YEARBOOK | 11
TRESCO TIMES
Major Bryan Henry Fitzherbert Wright 1934-2016
By James Boughey, Bryan’s Nephew
What a life we have to remember – the charmed and exciting life of a kind and gentle man: Bryan, Uncle Bryan, Fred, Unc, Maj, The Major, Boo and – to our children – Ol’Bry. His 82 years were full of excitement and opportunity, initially all over the world as a soldier and pilot; more latterly he found his own paradise on Tresco – an idyllic island lifestyle that gave him, without doubt, the happiest years of his life. He embraced Tresco and was, in turn, embraced by all that knew him there. Bryan was a man who really adored people – never lost for a word, he had a very easy manner in conversation which enabled him to quickly connect with a complete stranger. Sometimes he would open up to my friends with “Who are you?” accompanied by a smile and he would be off. At the centre of his life was his family. Having no children of his own he took great interest in the lives of all his nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and Godchildren. Above all he was kind and thoughtful, hugely appreciative of his friendships and of their support to him in difficult times, of which he endured his fair share in mid life. Bryan was the only son of Fitz and Da Wright, but he had three spirited and 12 | 2017 YEARBOOK
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beautiful sisters: Brigid, Bina and Susie – all of whom he adored. He was to me, and I suspect to others, a very good and generous uncle, Godfather and friend. I remember him giving me a covert coat in 1982 that he had especially made, unbeknownst to me, by my regimental tailors – hugely generous and still worn many times each year. Bryan’s life was really rather extraordinary by modern standards. Born in 1934, educated at Maidwell and Eton, he enjoyed his school days yet suffered greatly from homesickness, finding parting very painful. Bright, yet not over-bright, Eton he loved, throwing himself into the busy life with gusto and enthusiasm. After Eton it was national service for Bryan and so started, on 16 October 1952, a rather glamorous if not glittering military career that took him to Malaya, Aden, India, Cyprus, Belize and Germany. He served seven years with the 8th Hussars before training as a pilot at Middle Wallop. He loved his flying years and flew many hundreds of hours in both planes and helicopters. How he managed to fit in rally driving, power boating, bobsleighing, show jumping, racing and a busy social life as well – heaven only knows! Speed and daring seemed to be very much to the fore of Bryan’s life in these early days of the 1960s. You can see him buzzing the Salmond family at Durnford as he often did with a low fly past or landing at Eton to visit the corps before taking cadets up for a spin. You certainly wouldn’t be allowed to do that nowadays. In 1965, Bryan transferred to the Blues & Royals for seven years, during which time he commanded a squadron in Cyprus. Whilst there his beloved dog, George, stayed at Dummer, but this did not stop him communicating with him. Obviously this he did over the telephone and he and George would have tremendous dog conversations down the wire. After the Blue it was to Africa that Bryan went to live, running the Nanyuki Sports Club for a couple of years before moving to Nairobi, where he was Secretary to the Kenyan Jockey Club. Bryan adored racing and to work in it was for him a great pleasure – he followed the
form of horses throughout his life. Only a month before his death he told me that he was probably his bookmaker’s oldest and longest-serving client. This I certainly did not doubt and I am glad to say that he backed the 2016 Derby winner, Harzand, at 25/1, three weeks before it ran. It won at 13/2! After Africa, Bryan struggled to settle back in England before eventually taking a job as Butler to the Cavendishes at Holker. The role he fulfilled with meticulous diligence and, I think, occasionally made up the bridge four after the washing up. After Holker, Bryan spent five years as Estate Manager to the Kent family at Dodington Park in Gloucestershire before his varied career took him to run The Dorchester Nightclub in Park Lane. All this preceded his arrival on Tresco where he immediately seemed to relax; his worries receded as he threw himself into island life. His garden tours were superb and he quickly built up a great knowledge of the many hundreds of plants in the beautiful garden. Bryan loved the garden, the island and its people – it really was the most perfect match and I believe it gave him a real purpose in his life. Whilst on Tresco he met and worked with Mike Nelhams, with whom he forged a deep friendship; they enjoyed several garden tours to Ireland, Italy and France. More adventure to the end for Bryan. None of Bryan’s Tresco life would have been possible without the wonderful love and support of the Dorrien-Smith family. It was quite simply an utter joy for him to be a part of Tresco. It was to Tresco that Bryan took his last holiday just seven weeks before his death – a happy farewell before he sensed that his time on this earth had come. He talked freely of being tired and ready to move on and this he did with minimum fuss on 29 July, much to all our surprise and shock. There was a strange sense that his spirit preceded him and he very gently let his body follow. You will not be surprised to hear that he was issuing orders right to the end. My last one was: “You ought to go now,” and so I went, having bid him “Goodnight Bryan, talk tomorrow at one.”
TRESCO TIMES
Mrs Evelyn Joan Cooper 1921-2016 By The Reverend Penny Prince
All of us on Tresco feel we knew Eve. She was special to us and she made us feel special to her. Eve was a very private person – independent and strong in character. At the same time, she was a gentle lady with a quiet humility that belied those strengths. We loved her and we know Eve loved us, and so she was an inspiration to many. Eve began life in Southampton where she grew up with her sister Pat. Eve was a keen Girl Guide, which had a big influence on her life and her way of looking at the world. Another influence was Eve’s love of reading and, in particular, a book she read as a youngster: Ann of Green Gables by Lucy Montgomery. Her take on life could be said to be modelled on Ann’s: ‘You can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.’ That was Eve! On leaving school, Eve went to Commercial College and, while there, won a silver medal for being the best at shorthand in Great Britain. After college she went to work for Hedges and Leathers Accountants in Bargate, Southampton, moving in briefly with the family, until the dropping of a bomb close by caused
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her to return home to Woolston. That was not to be her only brush with World War II; Eve was called up into the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and became a sergeant, spending time in London and Germany. On Remembrance Sunday she wore her medals with quiet pride. At the end of the war Eve worked in Chichester for six years and then joined Fairey Marine and Aviation Company, Southampton, as a secretary. It was here that Eve met her dear husband Roy, and they were married in 1960. Eve remembered a visit to Farnborough Airshow in 1952 when a jet exploded mid-air. An engine ploughed into the observation hill where Roy and Eve were standing. Roy’s quick thinking resulted in him throwing them both out of harm’s way, saving them from injury or possible death. Eve and Roy came to the islands on holiday and, as you do, fell in love with the place. They determined to live here and so Eve became Commander Tom Dorrien-Smith’s PA, and later took on the same role with Mr Robert Dorrien-Smith. Roy became Tresco’s Postmaster. Eve delighted in planning trips to see her sister and her nieces, of whom she was extremely fond. She was undaunted by the uncertainty of travel here, always having a plan B. She even made the journey in August 2015, aged 94! Eve loved her job so much that she worked until 1994, when she was 73. She was given a wonderful retirement present of a ticket to see the world, accompanied by Roy. Mr Robert recalls how, on her return, Eve came back to work again; he was convinced this was a ruse to get another round-the-world trip. In the 1980s Eve began helping in St Nicholas’ Church, becoming Warden in 1995. She did everything from running the clergy holiday scheme, to helping at St Nicholas’ fair and providing Christmas presents for all the school children, which miraculously were always just what they wanted! She sold tea towels and prayer cards and was responsible for much of the fundraising for the restoration of the church, which was completed in 2015. She also raised the money to put in the sound system by selling Christmas cards. Her interest in the history of the
church led her to write her booklet ‘Fifteen Centuries of Faith on Tresco’ – an excellent book which still sells well for the upkeep of the church. In 2011 Eve was presented with the Cross of St Piran by the Bishop of Truro in recognition of her remarkable service to St Nicholas’ Church and the Tresco community. She wore it as a necklace every Sunday in church, demonstrating how proud she was to have been chosen to receive it. It is so very fortunate that Eve received this honour, as sadly she passed away just a few days before a planned thanksgiving party on Tresco to mark her retirement as Church Warden. Eve was rather averse to the idea of being the centre of attention at the party, though – if it’s not too disrespectful to say so – she found a rather extreme way of getting out of it! Eve had passed on all her duties over the winter of 2015-16, writing instructions in triplicate, as you would expect. She had been sorting her papers, her books, her church responsibilities. Several of us feel it was as though she planned her departure. The last time I saw Eve was the Sunday week before she died. It would have been Roy’s birthday. She came to the Eucharist in the parsonage on a fine but very windy day and was the only member of the congregation. We shared the peace and the bread and wine together and, after coffee, walked arm in arm back to her cottage. Next day she became ill with a cold and in a little over a week had slipped quietly away. Her going is the end of an era. Eve was the continuity in life on Tresco. She was the backbone of the Christian community. She was generous, kind, efficient and dependable. We will miss her more than we can say. I pray that Eve will continue to inspire us. Eve knew the steadfast love of her Lord and Saviour and she shared that love with all whom she met. She was faithful and committed to the service of others and of God. Now she is safe in the everlasting arms of God, reunited with her husband Roy, and in a place of rest, peace and joy in the presence of our loving God. 2017 YEARBOOK | 13
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We know everybody likes to keep Tresco their little secret, but on occasion that smug holiday snap is just screaming out to be shared.
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Don't forget to share Share your images on Instagram using #MyTresco and yours could appear here next year!
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SO P H I E CO N R A N #MyTresco
Interior DESIGNER, COOK and AUTHOR Sophie Conran visited Tresco for the first time in summer 2016. Here she shares her first impressions of the island…
rom the moment we landed at St Mary’s airport we knew we were entering another world. A world where everyone stops for tea and people smile at each other and chat in the street. Filled with excitement, it was not long before we headed to the quay to be whisked across to Tresco in a froth of white-crested waves. The sun shone down, the sea was sparkling and the air was sweet with salt spray and seaweed. Tresco is the perfect size: large enough for a Swallows and Amazons-style adventure, yet small enough to get your bearings in an afternoon. We were based at one of the island’s many adorable cottages, complete with seaside décor and a glistening sea view. We enjoyed local music and a beer festival at the pub and even a lobster and Prosecco BBQ in the Abbey Garden one evening. The beaches are like a Caribbean dream, with white sands and turquoise water stretching far in each direction and protected by agapanthus-studded dunes. It’s not just quality, but quantity – there are plenty of beaches, meaning even on an August bank holiday we had a pristine beach all to ourselves – heaven! My husband – a creature of the water – wanted to rent a boat, so within minutes it had been arranged and we pottered off in our lifejackets to explore the islands. We went to beautiful Bryher and met up with an old friend who visits often to paint the astonishing landscapes that are amazingly diverse. Just on Tresco we find the English country idyll, craggy rocks with mountainous sea spray crashing against them, gorgeous
heather-covered hills as soft as a bed and long white beaches with endless dunes. An unexpected delight of Tresco is the complete lack of cars: the only way to get about is by foot or on bike. So it was that – with not a little trepidation – I wobbled off down the lane, soon to be whizzing about with a ridiculous, wide grin on my face. Off I headed to the spectacular subtropical Abbey Garden – the jewel in the crown of the island. A breathtaking patchwork of microclimates awaits, housing avenues of palm trees, paper barks and tree ferns laced with tropical colours and exquisite varieties that don’t seem possible. Many of the plants from the garden have made a bid for freedom, escaping onto the rest of the island and creating an Eden of beauty wherever you go. And who can blame them for wanting to break the boundaries of the garden and explore further afield on this island gem? With the ruins of two castles, woodlands, nature trails and shell-strewn white-sand beaches to explore, you could never be bored. Everywhere you go on Tresco the people are warm, friendly and welcoming. You instantly feel part of this special and unique community, and I for one cannot wait to go back.
Sophie Conran is a designer, cook and creator of sophieconran.com whose Portmeirion tableware and cookware features in many Tresco properties. 2017 YEARBOOK | 17
F LY I NG B OAT C O T TAGE S B each f ront elega nce We e k l y p e r c o t t a ge L OW FROM
MID FROM
HIGH FROM
£1, 6 0 0
£3,500
£5,300
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2017 YEARBOOK
YEAR AHEAD Gallery Tresco May Show
Featuring the work of Stuart Kettle, Amanda Hoskin, Sophie Harding, Ian Shearman, Nicola Hancox, Sara Bor and Geoffrey Bickley. Join us at the artists’ reception from 6-8pm.
Key
Music
Look
Walks
Food & Drink
Walking Tides
These are the dates and times of low tides when it should be possible to walk between Tresco and Bryher, but always check with the Island Office on the day.
Paul Lewin Art Break
Join contemporary landscape artist Paul Lewin for a week of painting tuition on Tresco, in association with the prestigious Newlyn School of Art.
APRIL
Scilly Swim Challenge
Swim your way around the stunning Isles of Scilly in just one day. Discover the beauty of these islands from a whole different perspective.
Art Scilly Festival
A range of workshops, demonstrations and open studios, showcasing the best of Scilly’s fantastic art, crafts and creativity.
Yoga Break
Amanda Hoskin Art Break
Join Cornish landscape artist Amanda Hoskin for a week of painting tuition on Tresco, in association with the prestigious Newlyn School of Art.
Rejuvenate body and soul with Lucy Aldridge’s Yoga Break on Tresco – the ultimate retreat from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
Walking Tides
ht lt
World Pilot Gig Championships
One of the most spectacular sporting events in the world and one of the bestkept secrets too! More than 200 crews compete for the title of world champions.
Scilly Folk Festival
A long weekend of music, song and dance featuring some of the best folk music from Scilly and the South West.
MAY
Domestic gig rowing season opens
Ladies race on a Wednesday night and men’s crews on a Friday night. Catch the regular spectator boats to watch the races – see boat boards for details. 20 | 2017 YEARBOOK
25th – 11:18 | 26th – 12:06 | 27th – 12:53
The Crab Shack opens
Our rustic eatery on Bryher. Simple, communal dining with the freshest crab on Scilly. Booking in advance is essential – call Hell Bay Hotel on +44 (0)1720 422947.
The New Inn Beer Festival
Celebrating the best of British and European beers.
TRESCO TIMES
Maggie O’Brien Art Break
As the tide drops, this ultra-pop-up festival mid-channel between Tresco and Bryher celebrates with a seafood feast, bar, music, fishing demonstrations, fish stall and more.
Landscape artist Maggie O’Brien leads a week of painting tuition on Tresco, in association with the prestigious Newlyn School of Art.
Wildlife Walk
Tresco Triathlon
Free guided walk with an expert from the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. Meet outside the Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
JUNE
Tresco’s biggest annual sporting event – a sprint triathlon with a 0.36-mile swim, a 12-mile cycle (three laps of the island!) and a three-mile run, finishing – rather conveniently – at The New Inn. Take part or just spectate…
Nadja Odenhage
The Low Tide Event
2017 YEARBOOK
ÖTILLÖ Swimrun
One hundred teams of two from around the world tackle a 45km swimming and running course around the islands hoping to qualify for the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championship.
Scilly Laughs Comedy Festival
A unique festival held over four islands on four different days, including Tresco on 11 June.
Red Cross Tiffany Circle weekend
A weekend of fundraising and awareness for the work of the Red Cross, led by Lucy Dorrien-Smith, including a film screening, gallery exhibition, music night at The New Inn, and Open Garden day at Tresco Abbey Garden.
Shrimping season opens
A great tradition on Scilly; catch these little beauties, cook and serve up with crusty bread.
World in a Garden Break
Our globetrotting Garden Curator has travelled far and wide in search of fine gardens and plants, inspiring our World in a Garden Break, which gives you the opportunity to fine-tune your gardening skills.
Fabulous 59 Ford live at The New Inn
One of the best authentic rock ‘n’ roll bands playing classics from the 50s guaranteed to get everyone on the dancefloor.
Gallery Tresco Tiffany Circle Show
Seth Lakeman live at The New Inn
Folk hero Seth plays his songs telling of seafaring, haunting legends and West-Country life.
A special exhibition in aid of the Red Cross, featuring the work of Maggie O’Brien, Chris Potterton, John Bampfield, Chris Hankey, Tom Rickman, Richard Guy, Iona Sanders, Anthony Garratt, Stuart Kettle and Rosemary Trestini. Join us from 6pm.
The New Inn Cider Festival
A long weekend of cider supping and celebration. Raise your glass to the summer and sample a range of ciders straight from the barrel, plus a number of bottled favourites. 2017 YEARBOOK | 21
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Gallery Tresco July Show 2
Featuring the work of Neil Pinkett, John Bampfield and Marie Mills. Join us at the artists’ reception from 6-8pm.
The Low Tide Event
As the tide drops, this ultra-pop-up festival mid-channel between Tresco and Bryher celebrates with a seafood feast, bar, live music from Fabulous 59 Ford, fishing demonstrations, fish stall and more.
Walking Tide ht lt
Gallery Tresco July Show 1
Featuring the work of Ellen Watson, Ramie Leahy and Imogen Bone. Join us at the artists’ reception from 6-8pm.
Book signing and evening garden stroll
‘We’d owned the boat for all of two days. How could it be sinking already?’
ncounters with Amelia Dalton have been mostly on the eas where she has proven time and again her ingenuity, ce and courage. Mistress and Commander is exuberant, heart-warming and inspiring, a captivating read.’ Lee Durrell
magine A Year in Provence with the cast of Para Handy; d a touch of James Herriot, and you’ll get the drift.’ Peter Hughes, travel writer RRP: £8.99 ISBN: 978-1-910985-17-5
9 781910 985175 Cover design: davidwardle.co.uk
24th – 12:27 | 25th – 13:14
The Bard’s most farcical play, performed in the Abbey Garden.
Tresco Fete and Fun Day
Tresco’s annual fete with fun for the whole family.
Wildlife Walk
Gallery Tresco August Show 2
Miracle Theatre – The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien
Walking Tides
Free guided walk with an expert from the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. Meet outside the Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Featuring the work of Anthony Garratt, Flynn O’Reilly, Alasdair Urquhart. Join us at the artists’ reception from 6-8pm.
25th – 12:40
JULY
eary of life in English society, Amelia Dalton threw elf into transforming a neglected Arctic fishing boat a chic expedition ship. What could go wrong... apart bloody-minded fishermen, redtape and shareholders? What began as a love affair with life at sea became a battle to stay afloat.
Walking Tides
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The Festival Players – The Merry Wives of Windsor
Join Tresco regular and author Amelia Dalton for an introduction to her book, Mistress and Commander, followed by Prosecco on the Mediterranean terrace. Weary of life in English society, Amelia threw herself into transforming a neglected Arctic fishing boat into a chic expedition ship. What could possibly go wrong? 22 | 2017 YEARBOOK
At first glance it’s a thriller, set in the wilds of Ireland, about a botched robbery, three rural policemen, and their bicycles.
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22th – 12:13 | 23th – 12:55
AUGUST Gallery Tresco August Show 3
Wildlife Walks
Free guided walks with an expert from the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. Meet outside the Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Featuring the work of Maggie O’Brien, Theo Crutchley-Mack and Melanie Max. Join us at the artists’ reception from 6-8pm.
Gallery Tresco August Show 1
The New Inn Ale Festival
Featuring the work of Tom Rickman, Teresa Pemberton and Jenny Ulyatt. Join us at the artists’ reception from 6-8pm.
A winning selection of ales from the islands, the West Country and beyond.
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OCTOBER Wildlife Walk
Taste of Scilly Food Festival
A mouthwatering, month-long celebration of the very best in local food and drink from across the islands.
Walking Tides ht lt
Free guided walk with an expert from the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. Meet outside the Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
7th – 12:46 | 8th – 13:27
NOVEMBER Scilly Swim Challenge
Swim and walk the islands over one or two days with six swims averaging 2.5km and six walks averaging 1.7km.
Walk Scilly Weekend
A feast of different walks including history and archaeology, foraging, and exploring uninhabited islands.
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5th – 11:25
DECEMBER
Scuppered live at The New Inn
“Probably the best Coal Aston-based folk band in the world”.
Walking Tides ht lt
Maggie O’Brien Art Break
Landscape artist Maggie O’Brien leads a week of painting tuition on Tresco, in association with the prestigious Newlyn School of Art.
Yoga Break
Rejuvenate body and soul with Lucy Aldridge’s Yoga Break on Tresco – the ultimate retreat from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
Ben Waters Weekend
Ben has played with The Rolling Stones, Jools Holland, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis! Far more importantly, he’s been playing at The New Inn for the past 20 years, so he’s a bona fide island favourite.
Guitar Retreat
Indulge your passion for the guitar in the perfect relaxed, supportive and inspiring environment, with expert tuition from Stuart Marshall.
4th – 11:05 | 5th – 11:56
The New Inn Christmas Break
Christmas at The New Inn is all about the crackling log burner in the cosy residents’ lounge, the spicy aroma of the simmering mulled wine, and the knowledge that when the festivities are over you need only wander up the stairs to bed...
The New Inn New Year Break Imogen Bone Art Break
Landscape artist Imogen Bone hosts a week of painting tuition on Tresco, in association with the prestigious Newlyn School of Art.
Gallery Tresco Falmouth Drawing Show
Featuring the latest talent to emerge from the Falmouth School of Art. Join us at the artists’ reception from 6-8pm.
New Year is always a special time at The New Inn, with the pub at the heart of the island’s celebrations.
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HELICOPTER LINK TO RETURN TO SCILLY Illustration HARRY TENNANT
It’s the one topic on everyone’s lips: the Isles of Scilly is to benefit from a HELICOPTER LINK with the mainland once again. It is hoped the service will launch in 2018, serving all the islands through St Mary’s Airport and reinstating a direct link to Tresco for the first time since the previous service ceased in 2012. Robert Dorrien-Smith, who is behind the proposals, said: “We believe this project will bring about huge improvements for islanders, visitors and local businesses. “This project will reinstate a yearround, weather-resilient transport link to the islands with a focus on ensuring passengers receive the best possible service and experience.”
A PROVEN LOCATION
The mainland base for the new service will be a replacement heliport at Jelbert Way on the outskirts of Penzance, adjacent to the previous heliport site. Penzance proved an excellent home for this lifeline link for some 48 years due to its weather resilience, excellent road and rail links, relative proximity to the islands, existing visitor infrastructure, and range of essential services. Former route pilot, Captain Justin Wood, puts it simply: “There is no other 24 | 2017 YEARBOOK
site in Cornwall that can match Penzance to deliver a viable and enduring solution. For a helicopter link to the islands, Penzance is perfect.” The link will also bring huge benefits to the local area, creating around 30 permanent jobs in west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and delivering an influx of visitors to the town.
Visit Cornwall, Derek Thomas MP, Friends of Isles of Scilly Transport, the Isles of Scilly Community Transport Initiative, Devon and Cornwall Business Council and the Isles of Scilly Health Centre. A lone, anonymous attempt to stall or delay the proposals was swept aside by the Secretary of State in March.
SPEED AND COMFORT
In all, Cornwall Council received over 2,600 letters and emails of support – the most they have ever received for a planning application. Robert Dorrien-Smith commented: “The volume – but also the content – of the public support demonstrates without a doubt the importance of this project to the future of tourism on Scilly, and in Cornwall as a whole. “One in three of the comments submitted to Cornwall Council say the reinstatement of the helicopter link will encourage them to visit the islands more – indisputable evidence that this project is excellent news for the islands. “I would like to sincerely thank all those who shared often very personal reasons for supporting the reinstatement of this lifeline service.”
The route will be flown using state-ofthe-art AW139 helicopters – the marketleading helicopter in its class considered the benchmark for safety, performance and reliability. The helicopter will carry up to 15 passengers, each enjoying a 20kg luggage allowance. The AW139 is faster than the previous helicopters used on the route, meaning a journey time of just 15 minutes, with up to 17 return flights per day.
“TRANSFORMATIVE”
Cornwall Council’s Strategic Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning consent in February 2017, with councilors agreeing the project will deliver “significant benefits for local businesses and visitors”. The project has been described as “transformative” and “strategically important”. Among others, the project was welcomed by the Council of the Isles of Scilly, Visit Isles of Scilly, the Duchy of Cornwall, Penzance Town Council, Penzance Chamber of Commerce,
“THANK YOU”
WHAT NEXT?
We anticipate the service will launch in 2018, and full details will be announced in the coming months. Register for updates and find out more tresco.co.uk/helicopter
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TH E
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BUTLER S GU DE '
Words TOM MATTHEWS (with guidance from The Butler) Photography JAMES DARLING
TO TH E
ULTI MATE TRESCO
FEAST They say the ‘dinner-party years’ were the eighties and nineties. For those of us who held them, who can forget them? Prawn cocktails prepared with military precision. That one well-practiced, ol’ faithful main – usually duck a l’orange or salmon en croute. The pride in laying out ‘The Wedding China’ and the ironed white tablecloth, knowing that by the end 26 | 2017 YEARBOOK
of the night it would bear the unmistakable hallmark of spilt Châtaeuneuf-du-Pape. For those too young to have hosted a dinner party – for whom the dinnerparty years were their formative years – the memories might be different. For them was the excitement of creeping out of bed to sit on the stairs and listen
to the conversation, wondering what tasty morsels might be left over by morning. Etched in their memory is the faint smell of mother’s best scent in the air, and conversation and laughter growing ever louder until stagewhispered shouts from the waiting taxi: “You must come to ours next time!”
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But that “next time” never happened; Your guests will want to see the “It’s a myth that tipping the glass reduces the dinner party fell out of fashion. spectacular spread you’ve laid on for frothing as you’re pouring fizz. The best Somewhere there must be some cavernous them – and they’ll likely want to see method is to pour a small amount into warehouse piled full of hostess trolleys each other! Lighting at a dinner party the glass and then stop pouring to and avocado dishes, waiting for fashion should always be slightly subdued but allow the frothing to subside before you to come back around. Prawns of the never dark. Candles literally light up a continue to pour. Pour only two-thirds world no longer fear being doused liberally room and lend a wonderful atmosphere, of a glass of Champagne at a time so it in a Marie Rose sauce. Wedding china whether you’re in a cosy traditional never gets warm.” gathers dust. cottage or an open-plan modern property. They say the dinner party is dead. And on the topic of drinks...… Well I hate to cause an argument – though It used to be said that white wine is served every good dinner party had one – but with lunch or to accompany lighter foods “I dr ink Ch ampag n e wh e n I say: The dinner party is dead; long live such as chicken and shellfish; red wine the dinner party! is served at dinner or with dark meats. I’m h ap p y an d wh e n I’m The rise of the celebrity chef and This is no longer a hard-and-fast rule sa d . Som e t im es I dr ink it success of The Great British Bake Off and pretty much anything goes at the has, if anything, lead to a renaissance modern dinner party. wh e n I’m al on e. Wh e n I in home cooking and entertaining; Rosé and gris are drunk at any time h ave c ompany I con s i de r it’s just changed a little over the years. of the day; you could even go continental it obliga tor y. I t r if l e Today’s dinner parties are altogether and enjoy a glass with breakfast – you are more casual, laid-back affairs. Gone is on holiday after all... w ith it if I’m n ot hung r y the formality, precision and ceremony. Timing and Service an d dr ink it wh e n I am . The key to a great dinner party today is Timing is important, even for a relaxed, a beautiful location, great décor, locally O th e r w i se, I n e ve r tou ch modern dinner party; you would be sourced ingredients, simple sharing surprised how even the calmest of dinner it, unl ess I’m thirs t y.” – dishes, and a relaxed atmosphere. All guests can turn if kept waiting! of which make Tresco the perfect place M ada m e Lily Bollin g er to host your next big celebration – whether “If you are serving, look after the oldest for a special birthday, a significant person first and then the ladies; obvious anniversary, or simply catching up with and old-fashioned, maybe, but always best.” Welcome Drink friends and family. There is nothing quite like an ice-cold Below we take a look at how to host the Of course, if you are enjoying a more glass of Champagne or Prosecco to kick ultimate modern dinner party on Tresco, relaxed feast night the guests will help a party off. and to make your event even more special themselves, though you may still like to we’ve asked a quintessentially British suggest the eldest member of the group, “Poured properly there are approximately butler for some of his top tips… or a guest of honour such as the birthday six to seven glasses in a bottle. Allow one or The Décor celebrant, kicks off proceedings. two glasses per person, but always have a “Just because this is a feast night doesn’t mean The number-one rule is to remember couple of chilled bottles in reserve.” you should let standards slip! No matter that you are the host, and however how informal the occasion, a well-laid table informal your dinner party, your primary On a hot summer’s day a perfect always creates a good impression. We eat with duty is to ensure the comfort of your guests. alternative to fizz is delicious Sipsmith our eyes and a beautifully set table is all part Look after everyone, make sure London Cup, described by BuzzFeed as of the theatre.” your guests are comfortable and – most ‘Kind of like Pimm’s but 100x better.’ importantly – ensure everybody’s glass The sublimely sippable punch is crafted The gorgeous Sophie Conran is kept topped up (you are on holiday, from the distillery’s award-winning Portmeirion crockery used in the Tresco after all, and nobody has to drive!). London Dry Gin, infused with Earl Grey cottages makes any place setting look tea, borage, lemon verbena and a host The Food magnificent; just ensure the crockery of other botanicals. “There is absolutely no harm in is all equally spaced. You could mix simply with lemonade sticking to tried-and-tested recipes. and pieces of orange, mint, cucumber, It’s worth having a few up your sleeve “If you spot a mark on your glassware, strawberries, apple and lemon. Or toast so you can cater for guests’ tastes – and a great old butler trick is to fill a large teapot the warm weather in style by popping so you can have people round more than with boiling water and remove the lid. Hold a generous measure in a Champagne once without serving up the same dish.” each glass over the open pot; the steam coats flute, topping with a good glug of Prosecco the glass making it really easy to polish with Lobster makes a wonderful party piece. and garnishing with a lemon wheel. an immaculately clean lint-free teacloth.” Quick, easy to cook and – on Tresco at Roll on summer… 28 | 2017 YEARBOOK
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We eat with our eyes
a beautifully set table is all part of th e th eatre
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least – readily available, it will certainly make your guests feel you’ve – ahem – pushed the boat out. The crystal clear waters around Scilly offer up these coral-coloured crustaceans most of the year – and local fishing practices ensure Scillonian lobster is not just readily available, but sustainable to boot. With seafood this fresh and this good, we’d suggest simply boiling in salted water. It gives the lobster a delightfully fresh ocean flavour – not to mention keeping your dinner party simple and relaxed (buy your lobster pre-boiled and it’s even easier). Serve simply with melted butter, lemon wedges, fresh island leaves and hunks of crusty bread or new potatoes. Pair with a deliciously rich Chardonnay, and relax! The other obvious choice is a delicious piece of Tresco beef. Our 100-strong island herd grazes 160 acres of prime Tresco pasture, producing outstanding beef available almost exclusively on the island. Tresco Stores always stocks an excellent selection of cuts.
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All of our cottages include a barbecue Keep it simple by serving up delicious and whether your outlook is Tresco’s pan-seared rib-eyes with a rich, buttery green and pleasant pastures or the béarnaise. Feeling adventurous? A beef sparkling sea, what better backdrop Wellington is tough to master but never fails to impress. Or do something different, to the ultimate feast night? topping tenderloin with a caesar crust “The key, as with all cooking, is getting the or spicing things up with a cumin, timing right. Only start cooking when the chilli and lemon rub. charcoals are glowing red with a layer For vegetarian inspiration, pop to one of grey ash, and move the food around of the island vegetable stalls and suss out the grill regularly. what’s in season. Celebrate the coming of summer with a delicious creamy Chicken is one of the most sensitive foods to risotto packed with island asparagus, have on a barbecue, but often one of the most runner beans and fresh mint, or serve rewarding. To avoiding waiting three quarters up a warming dish of moussaka packed of an hour for a piece to cook, or being burnt with home-grown aubergines for your on the outside and raw on the inside, the key guests to get stuck into as the nights is to boil it first before it goes on the grill.” draw in. Something Altogether Different Of course, if the weather’s right there’s always that most British of culinary exploits: the barbecue, that strange phenomenon that prompts even the most reluctant of cooks to don a pinny and take up their tongs.
Clearing Up The dishwasher is a wonderful invention and is there for a reason. Make any ‘my dishwasher is [insert partner’s name here]’ jokes at your peril.
"TH ERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO HARM IN STICKIN G TO TRIE D -AN D -TESTE D RECIPES."
Lobster Available from: Island Fish, Bryher Island Fish will deliver fresh fish and shellfish to Tresco – just call +44 (0)1720 423880 to place your order. 3300 | | 22001167 YYEEAARRBBO OO OKK
Tresco Prosecco Available from: Tresco Stores Our deliciously quaffable Prosecco from the Colli Euganie Regional Park. A standout wine perfect on its own or as a London Cup mixer.
Made in Provence Rosé Available from: Tresco Stores A cracking rosé that needs no introduction. Just what a summer dinner party ordered with a core of power and drive with delicious berry fruit.
Home-baked bread Available from: The Ruin Beach Café Pop into the Ruin Beach Café early and you can grab a freshly baked loaf, straight out of the oven. Delicious with so many meals...
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THE BUT LER Nicholas Clayton is a highly experienced freelance professional butler with over 20 years’ experience working with leading directors and personalities from industry, finance, television, film and sport in locations all over the world. Nicholas is available for hire and can be contacted at nclayton@blueyonder.co.uk – and is certainly not averse to travelling to Tresco! Nicholas shares more of his professional expertise in his Butler’s Guides books, covering everything from how to eat an oyster to what is acceptable to eat with your fingers and even expert guidance on gentlemen’s grooming. The Perfect Location Tresco’s large cottages sleep up to ten people, making the perfect destination for a celebration with friends and family. Whether it’s a special birthday, a big anniversary, or just a long-overdue catch up, call the Island Office on +44 (0)1720 422849 to discuss the options available.
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Affable, jolly and utterly synonymous with the island, Abbey Garden Curator MIKE NELHAMS looks back on 40 YEARS since he first set foot on Tresco’s golden sands… Words MIKE NELHAMS
Filming BBC Gardeners’ World with Alan Titchmarsh. Mike was never good at blending in... 34 | 2017 YEARBOOK
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1 The visit of The Queen Mother on the occasion of her birthday in 1985. Mike trimmed his beard for the occasion. 2 The launch of the Great Gardens of Cornwall at Tresco Abbey Garden, 1991. A fine crop of horticulturists. 3 Mike taking a knowing glance at a Protea during a Royal Horticultural Society show in 1994. 4 Mike clings to wife Isobel as she spots someone far better-looking across the room.
5 Mike spots a rare glimpse of a garden student at work during a stroll along the top terrace with Head Gardener Andrew Lawson.
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6 Mike during a cruise lecture tour of the Canaries in 2012. A rather prickly audience... 7 The crew of the Men-a-vaur during the Old Wreck gig race in 1989. Mike, second from left, was not the old wreck...
I still remember my first moments on Tresco. It was September 1976 and I appeared – fresh-faced and full of enthusiasm – as a scholarship student direct from the Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Wisley in Surrey. Having been met at Carn Near quay I was conveyed – or rather, bounced – to my new place of residence on the back of an aged grey Massey Ferguson tractor of unknown vintage. My new accommodation was, I believe, of an even greater vintage – an old potato store in New Grimsby then known as ‘the Bothy’. It was, however, a waterfront building with excellent views across to the island of Bryher. Not all was lost. 36 | 2017 YEARBOOK
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My first move was to ask Head Gardener Peter Clough about the awful din emanating from immediately behind the building. Were my new colleagues having a tug of war with two giant tractors? “That’s the island generator,” Peter replied. “You’ll get used to it; it goes all day… oh, and all night.” Welcome to Tresco!
Some years later in 1984, after five years running High Beeches Garden in Sussex for the Boscawen family, I received a call from Robert Dorrien-Smith. He asked me to return to Tresco as Head Gardener of the Abbey Garden – generally considered
to be one of the finest jobs in British horticulture. It took me all of five minutes to consider the offer and, shortly after, I arrived back on Tresco on a sunny February day. Tresco hadn’t changed much in the intervening few years, but then neither had I – with the exception of the new growth of a full, bushy beard. Why the choice of facial accessory? In all honesty, this was a somewhat vain attempt to impress the garden team – who of course had known me previously as ‘the long-haired garden student’ – with a sense of experience, gravitas and an idea that I might actually know what I was talking about. Surprisingly, besides looking like David Bellamy, it appeared to work!
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One other significant change had occurred in my life in the years between the long-haired student days and the heady heights of the bearded Head Gardener. As with so many of us with a love of this special place, I had kept in touch with the island in the intervening years, and had in fact gone one step further than most and snapped up and married Isobel, a Tresco girl born and bred. Two daughters, Max and Kate also came along and our new family life on Tresco was complete. What could be more perfect? With a new family, life was busy. In fact, island life is always busy. Life here often demands that you take on more than one role and so it was not long before I was seconded to the heliport team as Radio Assistant. I could often be found at weekends enjoying myself greeting visitors at Tresco heliport, shrouded in headphones, clipboards and bright yellow fire clothing. Boys and their toys… Island life is also unpredictable, as I found out about three years into my stint as Head Gardener. It was December 1986 and I was on the top terrace of the garden with then Propagator, Andrew Lawson. I had decided that the garden was going to get a complete revamp and we were excitedly discussing the work ahead. We needn’t have bothered. January 1987 came along and saw the garden completely devastated by icy weather, virtually unheard of on these ‘subtropical islands’.
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contacts across Britain to replace the unique collection within the Abbey Garden. The Royal Botanic Garden Kew, in particular, has been extremely generous over many years. Of course, such a unique collection could not be replicated and replaced without a degree of horticultural perambulation across the globe, and the subsequent years also saw trips to the various Mediterranean climate zones of the world, including California, Australia, New Zealand, South America and South Africa… Nice work if you can get it! Travel has been something of a theme of my time on Tresco. In 1999 I instigated an annual garden visit to the finest garden on the Italian Riviera. Each spring, for around ten days, the whole garden team would decamp to the Italian village of La Mortola and the world-famous Giardini Botanici Hanbury, just ten miles from Monte Carlo. This visit gives the opportunity to prune the occasional olive tree, visit some wonderful properties up and down the riviera and compare notes with some of the greatest gardens in the world. Of course, every now and then there is also the obligation to sample the odd glass of Prosecco on a sunny coastal Mediterranean terrace. All, of course, in the name of gardening. Every year, I have the pleasure of attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as a judge. One exhibit in particular
always stands out to me: the South African exhibit from Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden just on the fringe of Cape Town. The stand usually comes away with a Gold Award and Tresco has enjoyed a close relationship with the garden for many years. There is a serious side to all this horticultural gadding about, mind you. Building connections with other world-famous gardens allows us to share knowledge and expertise and to encourage visitors to delve into horticulture. There is no better example of this than the Great Gardens of Cornwall – a marketing initiative designed to entice visitors to Cornwall and Scilly to experience the incredible gardens on their doorstep. Five gardens – including Tresco and Heligan – became founder members; the launch was on Tresco and now, 25 years later, the group has grown to 18 gardens. The marketing stretches beyond British shores, mind you. As the first Abbey Garden Curator, it is always a great treat and honour to be invited to speak aboard ships sailing around the world. A genteel few days viewing the splendid botanic gardens on the Mediterranean or Canary Islands always makes life worthwhile, and short circumnavigations of the British Isles speaking on gardens visited is always an excellent opportunity to get in a few words to entice passengers back to Tresco.
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Nearly the entire garden was reduced to a substance that looked much like stewed rhubarb – and smelt like something a lot worse. The proposed revamp took on a whole new meaning. Three years later – almost to the day – came an event that would be etched in the mind of anybody that lived through it as, in January 1990, a hurricane swept across the south of England. Tresco did not escape, with 127mph winds decimating the garden’s windbreaks, wiping out hundreds of trees that had provided shelter to the tender floral gems within for over 100 years. Cue another extensive ‘revamp’. I believe the phrase is ‘triumph over adversity’… This combination of unseasonable weather events entailed many visits to
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We enjoy nothing more than welcoming visitors to our own slice of paradise. Cruise ships have been visiting Tresco and the Abbey Garden for nearly 40 years, but my, how things have changed. In 1976, Argonaut was the lone ship, bringing a modest number of American guests keen to see the garden. In 2017 we expect 75 cruise calls. In a brisk two or three hours the passengers will leave their ships, take a guided tour of the garden, enjoy tea and scones (“Hey, how British!”), buy distant relatives the obligatory pot of honey, tea towel and postcard before returning to their ships for onward travel to the next destination, sailing out through the islands in the late afternoon. Every visit is a mammoth event which entails the whole garden team mobilising to meet, greet and give guided tours to visitors from across the globe. Many of those conducting the tours are students. One thing I have never forgotten is my student gardener roots (pardon the pun) and students have always played a strong role within the garden team. Tresco is fortunate to enjoy close links with the Studley College Trust, which assists in enabling three young gardeners to come to Tresco for 12 months. Each year in August there is a round of interviews for prospective students, held in London in the surroundings of the Royal Horticultural Society Council chamber. I am always delighted at the quality of students we attract, three of whom will arrive on the island six months later to start their scholarship – much as I did many moons ago. Thankfully, they no longer have to put up with the generator! Our garden students are always happy to speak to visitors about their placement, especially when that visitor happens to have royal connections! Royal visits have always been a great treat for the garden team and over the years the Abbey Garden has played host to many members of the royal family. There is always a great flurry of activity beforehand, raking paths and cutting back errant shrubs that may otherwise ungraciously dislodge the royal headwear. After the garden is made ready I usually find myself being pruned with a new haircut, shirt, tie and freshly polished 38 | 2017 YEARBOOK
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shoes, before strolling through the garden as though it’s all in a day’s work! Royal visits aside, Tresco has always been a magnet for publicity and there is something of a running joke on the island that where there is a camera, I am never far away. I honestly don’t know what they mean… Over the years many programmes and their stars have made the pilgrimage to Tresco, from Harry Secombe’s Highway to Pebble Mill at One, children’s favourite Blue Peter (yes, I do have the badge!) and Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardeners’ World. Alan and I have gone on to be great friends; he very kindly wrote the foreword to my first book (a clever ruse by me that if people saw Alan’s name on the cover they might think he wrote it and I might sell more copies!). Outstripping even me in the Tresco media stakes, however, are Tresco’s most famous residents – the red squirrels. Their arrival has been most fortuitous for me, precipitating the visit of one of my film heroes, Judi Dench, whose partner David Mills was instrumental in bringing the little critters to Tresco (the squirrels, not Judi). I must say I felt somewhat like Judi’s on-screen associate Bond when we flew the first young squirrels to the island aboard a search-and-rescue helicopter, courtesy of 771 Squadron of RNAS Culdrose. It may surprise you to know that I believe in a healthy work-life balance! Sport has always taken a strong role in my activities over the years. Immediately upon arrival to Tresco I was drafted into one of the two gig crews on the island. I stayed true to the Men-a-vaur crew for nearly 15 8
years, rowing in countless races across the islands. When my body dictated enough was enough I took to being Coxswain for the Men-a-vaur ladies’ crew, who were highly successful, winning many trophies. My role in their success was simply steering them in the right direction and the odd word of vocal encouragement to make sure they were not slacking. On dry land, football was my first choice of sport. I was a founding member of ‘The Oiks’ or ‘Off Island Kickers’, a name invented by Richard Barber. The Oiks were formed from a selection of islanders from around the off-islands to play annual matches against the mighty St Mary’s. We even won once or twice. I also enjoyed many a game of cricket each summer for many seasons. I was worth my place on the field, with little escaping my grasp. My bowling action, however, was once described by local farmer Roger Oyler as akin to someone bowling with a broken arm. I could bat when I felt like it but usually did not have the patience to last long at the crease, often playing a golf shot across the ball – a harbinger of my future sporting life. Golf is now my chosen sport, and each Saturday I enjoy nothing more than scrambling into my boat, picking up fellow enthusiasts and colleagues Dean and Philip and – in the summer months – an assortment of Tresco visitors such as Paul Wilson and Ewan Cameron. We dash down to St Mary’s for a swift eighteen holes before rushing back to Tresco before the tide drops. 9
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All in a day’s work on the island I love to call home: TRESCO. 8 Mike brings in some local celebrities for the launch of his book, 2000.
9 Mike with youngest daughter Kate enjoying time on Tresco.
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Contact our Private Clients Managers on: privateclients@wpsinsurance.co.uk 01752 675483 / 424656 www.wpsinsurance.co.uk
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EATDRINKSLEEP
Restaurants with rooms in Britain’s most beautiful places
E AT D R I N K S L E E P AD
THE GURNARD’S HEAD For St. Ives & Zennor (01736) 796 928 enquiries@gurnardshead.co.uk
THE FELIN FACH GRIFFIN THE OLD COASTGUARD For Brecon & Hay-on-Wye (01874) 620 111 enquiries@felinfachgriffin.co.uk
For Mousehole & The Minack (01736) 731 222 bookings@oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk
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THE R E STAU R A N T G U I DE
“First we eat, then we do everything else” — M. F. K. Fisher, American food writer 44 | 2017 YEARBOOK
njoying fine food in the company of friends and family is a key part of any holiday on Tresco. Whether you’re looking for local lobster or fresh pizza, a special meal out or a quick bite to eat between sandcastle building, you’ll be thoroughly spoilt for choice. From this year, if you’re staying on one of our tempting dinner, bed and breakfast breaks, you can choose to dine at any Tresco Estate restaurant. Of course, that means you’ll need to stay at least five nights to try every one… Speak to the Island Office for full details.
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NEW GRIMSBY
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The Flying Boat Bar & Bistro Serving exceptional food, with a view to match…
The Flying Boat has had a bit of a makeover, now with an upstairs snug dotted with sofas, armchairs and banquettes and a light and airy bistro downstairs. During the day the courtyard is a famous suntrap, whilst of an evening full-width picture windows perfectly frame the sun as it sets over the neighbouring island of Bryher. Throughout the day the offering is a tempting brunch menu featuring stacks of American pancakes, the Flying Boat Brunch, lobster bisque, bruschetta and – of course – chef Jack’s signature homemade salt beef hash. Or of course you can always just pop in for a coffee – or something a little more spirited… The Flying Boat is also open for dinner several evenings each week, with highlights being the seafood supper on Tuesdays and the Tresco beef cuts available on a Friday evening. The Flying Boat is open throughout the season, serving brunch every day and open for dinner several evenings each week. Opening times may vary seasonally. Be sure to book for dinner. Call +44 (0)1720 424068.
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NEW GRIMSBY
The New Inn The best pub on Tresco – serving award-winning food and drink
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The New Inn might have had a lick of paint over the winter but it’s still very much at the heart of island life. Relax in an armchair, mingle at the driftwood bar, enjoy occasional live music, or simply grab an ice cream and a pint to enjoy in the beer garden on a sunny summer day. How best to describe The New Inn menu? Chef Sarah has devised a menu that showcases the best of land and sea, with fresh Cornish fish, Tresco beef, and Bryher lobster and crab all featuring, as well as pub favourites like the Tresco burger and beer-battered cod and chips. Oh – and whether it’s Mothers’ Day, the first crop of tender island asparagus, a fresh delivery of Tresco beef, or even American Thanksgiving, Sarah loves nothing more than an excuse to get creative with a special menu! The New Inn has been awarded four Yellow Stars and a Gold Star from the AA for quality and service, an AA Rosette for food excellence, and is one of only 12 Cornish pubs to be listed in the Michelin ‘Eating Out in Pubs’ guide. The New Inn is open throughout the year, serving lunch and dinner. Opening times may vary seasonally. Call +44 (0)1720 423006.
OLD GRIMSBY
The Ruin Beach Café Right on the beach with a Mediterranean feel… The Ruin Beach Café takes its name from the ruined smuggler’s cottage that forms part of its beautiful terrace overlooking the beach at Raven’s Porth. Shady 19thcentury activities aside, today the terrace is the perfect place to relax with a drink or enjoy a meal as the children play on the safe beach below. Inside the restaurant – housed in former gig sheds – the wood-fired oven sits at the heart of the restaurant – and the menu. Fuelled with island wood, the oven lends a real taste of the Mediterranean to the cooking, roasting succulent island beef and fresh fish and baking the bread. Other highlights from the menu include confit pork belly, catch of the day and the ever-popular sharing boards and famous Ruin pizzas. The Ruin Beach Café is open throughout the season for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Opening times may vary seasonally. Be sure to book for breakfast or dinner. Call +44 (0)1720 424849.
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BRYHER
The Crab Shack You simply cannot describe The Crab Shack to somebody who has not been there, but I shall try, if only to coax you into its granite interior. This rustic little eatery doesn’t just stick to the adage of serving fresh shellfish straight from the boat; it goes one step further by having just three simple local
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seafood dishes on the menu – Bryher crab, mussels and scallops. The only additions are wine, coffee, bread, fries, mixed salad, a cheese board and Eton mess. Served informally in Portuguese cataplanas, it’s the sort of meal for which you need to put your apron on and be prepared to get messy. There’s no ceremony; tables and benches are shared, but once the wine starts flowing and the crab shells start flying you’ll find you leave at the end of the night with new friends and a smile on your face. The Crab Shack is open several evenings each week, from late spring to early autumn. Opening times vary seasonally. Booking months in advance is essential! Call +44 (0)1720 422947.
BRYHER
Hell Bay Hotel People come from across the islands to eat at Hell Bay. The hotel is the highest-rated on the Isles of Scilly, with four AA stars and a three-Rosette restaurant. Its reputation is well-earned… Head Chef Richard sources outstanding produce from the islands, including seasonal vegetables from Bryher’s Hillside Farm and fresh fish and shellfish from the Penders of Island Fish. Enjoy a bar meal as a pit stop during an amble around Bryher’s rugged coastline, or a special evening out in the award-winning restaurant. Menus change daily, depending on the availability of local produce, but in the restaurant you can expect to feast on the likes of haunch of West Country venison or pan-roasted wild sea bass. Meanwhile the bar menu serves up favourites such as moules marinière and the Hell Bay Burger alongside chargrilled steak and brill, crab, lemongrass and ginger risotto. Hell Bay is open from spring to autumn, with lunch and dinner served daily. Opening times may vary seasonally. Be sure to book for dinner. Call +44 (0)1720 422947. 2017 YEARBOOK | 47
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T R A DI T ION A L C O T TAGE S C ha rac ter f u l S ci l lon ia n cot t a ges We e k l y p e r c o t t a ge L OW FROM
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£800
£1, 24 0
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Photography JAMES DARLING
slip quietly from the cottage just as the SUN peeks above the HORIZON, casting an ORANGE GLOW across the glassy sea from somewhere beyond the eastern isles. I cut an odd figure as I edge along the waterfront past sleeping cottages. Today the ocean is my pool; the quay my diving board. The water of a high spring tide gently laps at my toes as I reach the end of the quay, enticing me in as I gaze out across the vast, empty ocean. “That view,” I say aloud, to nobody in particular. A morning haze is gathering, cloaking the islands in a soft diffuse light, accenting the stillness of the waking day. An oystercatcher eyes me inquisitively then continues his wade along the shoreline. It feels as though we’re the only ones awake on the whole island. Perhaps we are… 52 | 2017 YEARBOOK
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GOGGLES ON. Watch set. Deep breath. Dive in. I’m awake. I’M ALIVE. Strolling home along Old Grimsby beach the early morning sun warms my back, the soft sand buffs my feet, the salt water crystallises on my skin. I reach the cottage, greeted by contented yawns and sleepy stretches. The shower steams as the sensation of the rushing water quiets my mind, an endless waterfall of warmth enveloping me once more. Breakfast time and the Ruin is calling: fresh fruit, muesli and natural yoghurt for me while the others dig into American pancakes, Scottish smoked salmon and freshly baked bread thickly spread with jam. They’ll walk it off during the day; this is Tresco after all. We set off to explore the rugged north end of the island. It’s a hazy day but the warmth of the sun shines through. Rocks are scaled, paths explored, castles reimagined. A Flying Boat brunch is needed. After brunch it’s time for my treatment; I’ve been looking forward to this all week – in fact, all year. The fluffy robe, the warming spa, the soothing music, the delicate harmony of the essential oils combine to create a tonic I only wish could be bottled and taken away. I could easily sink into a sunlounger back at the cottage and not move for the rest of the day, but that feels a waste. The end of the holiday approaches and I yearn for one last run, one final burst of freedom. I stop to stretch at the Great Pool. A swan glides lazily past, curious but unfazed by this interloper into his world. The hazy sun casts a golden glow across the marram grass at the head of Pentle Bay as I gaze out across the beach,
my favourite spot in the world. I pause for a moment and drink in the view of the endless ocean, the sound of silence, the warm breeze through my hair. Store that away safely, ready for the long, arduous commute back home. It feels almost mischievous, sitting on the train, a gentle smile spreading across my face, my fellow passengers oblivious to the wonderful memories filling my mind. They’ve not been to Tresco.
Where to go – north or south? It matters not. I take off. JUST RUN.
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James Darling holds a MA in Photojournalism from Westminster, London. He now applies his reportage photography style to weddings, children’s photography and commercial commissions worldwide. www.jamesdarlingphotography.com info@jamesdarlingphotography.com +44(0)7799 674826
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Self Drive Boat Hire or Skippered Trips 7.7m Sealegs
200hp Amphibious Rib
Timeshare or Skippered
Powercat 525
Twin engine Catamaran
Timeshare or Daily Hire
Island Pilot
Gaff Rigged Sailing Boat
Daily Hire
Orkney
25hp Electric Start Engine
Daily Hire
Complimentary fishing equipment on all Boat Hires Free water skis and Ringo hire on all Motorboats
Quality Boats with a Quality Service To book your boat contact Richard Bryher Boatyard, Bryher, Isles of Scilly, TR23 0PR Email info@islesofscillyboathire.com Telephone (01720) 422702 Mobile 07881767504 Website www.islesofscillyboathire.com
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WATCH THE CREWS OF THESE HISTORIC WOODEN BOATS RACE FOR GLORY See BOAT BOARDS for weekly spectator boat information
NEW FOR 2017: gig boat takeaways from The New Inn on selected nights
S E A G A R DEN C O T TAGE S S ea f ront lu x u r y We e k l y p e r c o t t a ge L OW FROM
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Words SAM LLEWELLYN Illustration JESS FITZPATRICK
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“Forward!” cried Mr Barge, sticking his chin out. The croc set off down the road behind the beach. “No ice creams, I’m off,” said Dave. He dropped to his knees and scuttled behind a rock. Emma said, “Me too,” and scuttled after him.“This way,” said Dave, pointing at a sign that said ‘Cromwell’s Castle’. “Castle,” said Emma. “Wow.” They set off down a narrow path. “Morning,” said a voice. It belonged to a lean, long-haired man sprawling on the heather by the side of the path. He was wearing baggy clothes, very dirty, and smoking a pipe. “Hippie,” said Emma, who could be rude on occasion. Merlin turned his pipe over in his mouth without using his hands. It gave off bright green sparks. “The name’s Merlin, but don’t tell anyone,” he said. “Looks like rain.”
he Firethorn was chugging away from New Grimsby. Year Five had climbed off the boat and were standing two by two on the quay. There was a good smell of old seaweed.
A roof of black cloud had crawled over from Bryher. Fat warm drops began to fall. Dave and Emma ran to the castle, up the steps and into a high room with a vaulted ceiling. There was a smell of mould. “Yuk,” said Emma. She was beginning to regret bunking off with Dave. Mr Barge would come and look for them. There would be awful trouble. “Up!” cried Dave, pointing at a spiral staircase. She followed him. It was dark on the stairs. There was a mighty rumble of thunder, then the roar of heavy rain. Emma betted everyone else had found somewhere proper to shelter. This was such a mistake.
“Everybody,” said mean grim Mr Barge, “is going for a walk. There will be no ice creams. Ice creams are bad for you. Count off!”
The stairs ended in a little porch. Outside, the world had vanished into stair-rods of rain. Suddenly Dave looked as if he had a hedgehog sitting on his head. Her own hair was standing on end, prickling...
The children counted, gloomily. Emma, who was at the back with Dave, said, “Fifteen.” “Sixteen,” said Dave.
A huge blue-white flash lit the empty tower-top. There was a shocking bang and a smell of burnt stone. Lightning, thought Emma, oh help oh help, but she could not tell if she was saying it aloud because of the ringing in her ears. Behind which, now she came to think of it, there was a grinding tramp on the stairs.
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“Barge!” she cried. “Lock the door!” said Dave. She slammed the door and shot the bolt, thinking as she did it that the bolt seemed rather new, and come to think of it she did not remember there having been an actual door. Another flash of lightning. In it the tower-top looked different. The stones were the same. But crouched in front of each of the gunports in the wall was a grim black cannon. Emma’s heart gave an odd thump. Cannons? “Over here!” said Dave’s voice. In a flash of lightning she saw him beckon her, then wriggle round one of the cannons and into the gunport. There was a man with him, dressed in a long brocade waistcoat and baggy breeches. It was the Merlin hippie. Except that he did not look like a hippie any more, but someone from a painting of the old, old days. A... cavalier. What was happening?
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uphill, away from the angry crunch of the sea at the castle’s foot. Dave followed. He had a terrible urge to cry and ask questions, but the uphill was too steep for either. They came to a squat stone building and went through a door, then another door. A leather curtain fell to.
“What’s this place?” said Dave. Merlin lit a lamp. “They will call it King Charles’ castle.” “Will?”
Before she could start for the gun there was a crash, and the door burst open, and Emma thought, oh, no, Mr Barge. But it was not Mr Barge, but four big men wearing metal hats and shirts that glinted in the blue glare of a lightning flash. Armour. And one of them had a sword. “Hah!” said the one with the sword. A hand shot out and gripped Emma’s chin. She smelt wet iron and raw onions and tried to pull away, but the grip was a terrible one. “Why art here?” said onion-breath in a strong, odd accent. She said, “I’m with Mr Barge’s class.” The face came very close to hers. In the flicker of the lightning she saw a streak of rust running out of the iron helmet down the unshaven cheek. “A bold little maid,” said the smelly mouth. “So we will put her in a strait place, and she may think what she will tell us, or be whipped.” “Whipped?” said Emma, only the words came out as a squeak, because now she was more frightened than she had ever been in her life, because something was very, very wrong, and she could not even begin to work out what. Then she was dragged down some stairs, and there was a slamming door; then darkness, with the sound of thunder. She sat in a corner, shivering. What next? Dave was wet. The water was pouring out of the sky and on to the big slope of wooden scaffolding that stood against the landward side of the tower. He did not remember it from before. “Down,” said Merlin, behind him.
“What about Emma?” “They will have her shut up close,” said the voice. “That wasn’t Mr Barge. That was oldfashioned soldiers.” The voice said, “Climb.” They went down the scaffolding, which was made of wood and rope. “Come.” Merlin strode off
The lamplight made deep hollows in the man’s face. “You might better ask when you are. This is a strange island, i’faith,” he said. “There are doors that lead not only from place to place, but from then to now and now to then. What you will call time travel. When you have a release of fulminant ether, that you will call lightning, these doors can open and you may fall through into another time. Now, for instance, you are in the time 350 years ago when the forces of Parliament, called the Roundheads, were fighting the forces of the King, called the Cavaliers. It was a bad time, unpleasantly rough. Particularly on Tresco.” 2017 YEARBOOK | 63
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“Are you that Merlin?” said Dave nervously. “The wizard?” “Wizard, dunno,” said Merlin, though he did not look displeased. “I swim back and forth in time, is all. There is less noise in this age, but the beer is better in yours.” Dave’s heart felt frozen in his chest. This was so weird that he actually found he could not take it in, so it seemed best to pay no attention to it. “Now look. Mr Barge is going to be furious. And those... soldiers...” “Roundheads,” said Merlin, helpfully. “...have locked Emma up. We must rescue her.” He tried to say it calmly. He did not feel calm at all. “It will do her good. Rude girl.” Dave said, “It’s my fault. I’ve got to get her back.”
“And how do you intend to do that?” “I’ll go up the scaffolding. I’ll find her and get her out.” Merlin did not look impressed. “They’ve got swords,” he said. “And they’re shockin’ big.” The same thought had occurred to Dave. He said, “Have you got a better idea?” “Since you ask, yup,” said Merlin. “The Illusion Gastronomical, I think.” He pulled a piece of string out of the pocket of his breeches, and tied what looked like a knot, though in the yellow lamplight it seemed to Dave that he used several more fingers than rightly belonged on a human hand. “Right,” said Merlin. “If you really want that bumptious little girl back, get down to the main gate and watch your chance. Follow the glim. I’ll help. But when you meet as many people as I do you need to be a bit discreet. So whatever you do don’t mention my name, or things will go wrong. ”
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“All right,” said Dave. Merlin’s eye was on him. It had a wizardly glow, and he found it most encouraging, though he was wondering what a glim was. “But we’re 350 years ago.” ‘Myes. You will want to get back to your own time, I suppose. Well, there’s a gate somewhere around the tower. Get up as high as you can and hope for the best, my advice. And for goodness’ sake don’t speak my name. Go on, now, hurry.” Dave pushed the curtain aside and went out. Thunder grumbled to the west. In front of him he saw a tiny point of red light. The glim, perhaps. He took a step forward. The glim moved forward too. Two steps, and the glim moved to the left. He followed it, and found he was on a path. Down he went, the glim always ahead of him, until he saw the loom of the great drum of stone with scaffolding up the side. He headed for the scaffolding... A whitish blob hissed over his head and landed with a crash just ahead of him. The blob wriggled, extending lengthways and widthways until it became a long table bearing blazing candles and enormous dishes piled high with fruit and bread and joints of meat. A small breeze bent the flames of the candles towards the drum of stone, wafting delicious smells towards the door. Almost immediately the door opened and a head wearing an iron helmet appeared. “Cor,” said the head. More men came out of the door and down the steps. “I’ve had enough of salt pork and hardtack,” said one of them. “Tuck in!” Down they all went to the table, whose candles burned brightly enough to make everything else invisible. Dave realised that there was a quicker way in than climbing scaffolding. He crept past the feasting Roundheads, up the steps and into the tower. There seemed to be more floors than before, and it was very dark. But the glim appeared again, and up the stairs he went until he found himself outside a little door. In the middle was a small barred window. “Emma?” he said. “Where have you been?” said Emma’s voice. She sounded cross and frightened.
“Shush,” said Dave. “I’ve come to rescue you.” “About time,” said Emma. He could see the door by the feasttable candlelight coming in at a little window. He unbolted it and said, “We’ve got to be quiet. We’ll creep out, and Merlin says –” The candlelight went out as if someone had flicked a switch. “Where’s it gone?” roared a great voice outside the tower. “SORCERY!” “Oh, no,” said Dave. “I said his name.” He found Emma’s hand. “Come on.” He dragged her out and up the spiral stairs to the top of the tower. “What are we doing up here?” said Emma. “We’ll climb down the scaffolding,” he said. There were shouts from below. Someone had found the cell door open. Terrible feet hammered the stairs. Dave said, “Climb down. I’ll hold them off.” He had no idea how. It sounded encouraging, though, for about a second. 64 | 2017 YEARBOOK
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The storm was coming in again. In the blue flicker of the lightning he saw an iron-clad figure stride out of the door and towards him across the tower roof, sword held high. The man kicked Dave’s legs from under him. Down he went, crash, onto the rough stones. Looking up, he saw the rain-gleaming figure, sword held high for the killing blow, smelt sweat and rust... There was an enormous flash, and a bang that drove his eardrums together in his head, and a smell of burnt stone. And somehow it was daylight again. Dave scrambled to his feet. There were more footsteps on the stairs. He ran to the place where the staircase came onto the tower-top and watched a man come up the staircase. He gave the man a mighty kick that caught him solidly in the chest, then saw too late who it was. Mr Barge. There was the sound of a teacher crashing down a spiral staircase. Then there was the sound of a teacher stamping up the staircase. “You,” hissed Mr Barge, “are in big trouble.” Emma strolled across the tower. “Mr Barge,” she said wearily, “you have no idea what trouble is.”
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Mr Barge’s black mouth opened in his mauve face. Then a voice behind him said, “He did, you know,” and Merlin, grubby again, wandered onto the tower roof. His fingers were doing something with a bit of string. There seemed to be slightly too many of them, but it was hard to be sure. “The Impersonation Dauntful, I think,” he murmured. And suddenly somehow he was not Merlin the Hippie any more, but Mr Smithers, the Headmaster, with piercing eyes that bored into Mr Barge’s. “Well, Barge?” said the voice of Mr Smithers. Mr Barge’s face turned suddenly pale. He said, “Roundhead. Of course you did.” “And now,” said Emma, “Dave and I will explain what used to happen in the castle, which we know thanks to the busy research we have been doing. And then you will buy the whole class an ice cream.” The left-hand side of Mr Barge’s face seemed to be having a battle with the right-hand side of Mr Barge’s face. Then he caught Merlin’s Smithers eye and nodded so hard Dave thought his head would fall off. “Exactly what I was intending all along,” he said. “Explain the castle, do. And then ho for refreshing ice creams at The New Inn!”
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“ Th e g in an d toni c h a s saved m ore Engli shm e n’s lives, an d min d s, th an all th e doc tors in th e Empire.” – W i n s t o n C hu r c h i l l
Tom Ma t th e ws di sco ve rs th e g in s pira t i on behin d Hell Bay’s n e w s pir it…
Photography JAMES DARLING
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hen TARQUIN, Head Distiller at Southwestern Distillery, asked HELL BAY HOTEL if they wanted to create their own gin, you can imagine the decision didn’t take long. The BEACHCOMBER was born.
As its base, the spirit takes Tarquin’s superbly crisp London Dry Gin. This exceptional spirit is crafted from fragrant hand-picked Devon violets, Cornish spring water and botanicals from across the world, including Kosovan juniper, Guatemalan cardamom and Madagascan cinnamon. 68 | 2017 YEARBOOK
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SEAWEED has been used on these islands for centuries, but not always for its ‘GINTERESTING’ qualities… It is seaweed’s high nutritional content that makes it an excellent fertiliser, the secret of many an island garden for centuries. Indeed, if you go down to the seashore at dawn, you may witness islanders furtively wheeling away barrows overspilling with kelp to fertilise their veg patches. In the 18th century kelping proved one of the most lucrative industries as Scillonians burned kelp to produce the minerals required for medicines and glass. It was the forebear of an industry that today sees kelp extracts used to keep ice cream smooth, give clarity to wine and – of course – add taste to our Beachcomber Gin.
The gin is distilled using traditional techniques and old-fashioned equipment. The copper stills (named Tamara, Senara and Ferrara – try reeling those off after a few tastings) are fired by flame and judged by eye. Only the heart of the run makes it to the bottle. The botanicals are handpicked by sight and feel. Each bottle is filled, corked, sealed, labelled, numbered and waxed by hand, and – after a rigorous assessment (nice work if you can get it) – Tarquin handwrites his own batch tasting notes on every single bottle. Coming from such a pedigree, what could possibly make The Beachcomber any better? The answer: one of the world’s most unassuming and underrated superfoods: seaweed. Yes, it is this most humble of seashore botanicals – specifically locally foraged dulse and kombu – that lends our gin something truly unique. The imbiber will not only benefit from a deliciously different gin but seaweed is, of course, one of the most powerful superfoods on the planet with the highest number of vitamins and minerals of any food group.
So what are these superfoods that have extracted so much goodness from the ocean, ready to impart it so delicately into this superb spirit? Kombu is a leafy kelp with a fullbodied flavour described by Japanese cooks as umami – a pleasant savouriness quite distinct from the four standard taste sensations. Dulse is a purple-red seaweed with an exceptional, slightly spicy flavour. It is also, ironically, a popular hangover cure in Ireland. Of course, the more traditional gin botanicals have been used in herbal medicine for centuries. Juniper, lemon and orange naturally stimulate and enhance the mood; coriander, cardamom and cinnamon sooth and calm the mind. So, a drink crafted from a host of herbal remedies, one of the world’s greatest superfoods and a reputed hangover cure? A scientist I am not, but there seems only one logical, serendipitous conclusion: drinking this gin really is rather good for you. To the bar!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS After a good deal of taste testing I can thoroughly recommend The Beachcomber served simply with plenty of ice, Fever-Tree tonic, a pink grapefruit slice and a sprig of fresh samphire. Pink peppercorns add an extra hint of spice.
ALTERNATIVELY… Tarquin’s Hell Bay Martini 50ml Tarquin’s Hell Bay Gin 15ml dry vermouth Stir and strain into a coupe martini glass and garnish with sprig of samphire and an olive. Hell Bay Dirty Negroni 25ml Tarquin’s Hell Bay Gin 25ml sweet vermouth 25ml campari 5ml olive brine Serve over ice in a rocks glass, stir, and garnish with slice of orange and a sprig of samphire. Tasting Notes: Nose: wild fennel, lemon thyme, fresh pine. Body: lemon sherbert, eastern spice, juniper. Finish: rock samphire, sea salt, candied anise. Available From: Sample The Beachcomber at the Hell Bay Bar, or purchase a bottle to take home with you from Tresco Stores.
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The IOS Store A truly Scillonian business. A true Scillonian brand In the heart of Hugh Town Tel: 01720 423288
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Hell Bay Hotel is an award-winning hotel and restaurant on Bryher, the neighbouring island to Tresco. Owned by Tresco Estate, Hell Bay Hotel is the highest-rated hotel on the Isles of Scilly. Non-residents welcome for morning coffees, lunches and evening meals in the 3 rosette restaurant. 01720 422947 | hellbay.co.uk
Serving a simple menu of Bryher crab, scallops and mussels plucked fresh from the sea, the Crab Shack at Hell Bay Hotel is a rustic eatery with a relaxed atmosphere. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from mid May to mid September. Booking is essential. 01720 422947 | hellbay.co.uk
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ANOTHER MAN'S
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Photography JAMES DARLING
Islander and Abbey Gardener EMMA BAGNALL-OAKELEY is on a mission: piece by piece, her thought-provoking art is creating a wave of change...
“I love watching people’s reactions when they see my artwork,” says Emma with a playful grin. “As they get closer their expression changes until you can actually see the penny drop. It’s the same every time.” Emma is putting together a new piece: a seahorse. Like most pieces of art, it has been painstakingly built up, its multiple layers and component pieces meticulously positioned. Unlike most pieces of art however, Emma’s medium includes a crimson shotgun cartridge, a tangle of emerald fishing net and a Lucky Buddha beer bottle cap. Emma’s kitchen table in her cosy Tresco cottage is her easel and is quite unlike any I have seen before; it’s covered in rubbish. She won’t mind me saying that either; Emma wholeheartedly embraces the idiom ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’.
Jon, Emma’s partner who works alongside her in the Abbey Garden, glances across the room. “Don’t encourage her,” he laughs, rolling his eyes. Spread across the tabletop are tubes of glue, jars of seaglass, bags of brightly coloured shells and pots of ceramic fragments. There are also boxes and boxes of more unusual artistic media: old lighters, toothbrushes, bottle tops, buttons, fishing net mesh, pen lids, keys, combs and even a BIC razor. Flotsam and jetsam fill the table, spanning the spectrum: buttercup yellows, coral reds, cobalt blues, jade greens. “Marine debris is a fact of modern life,” says Emma. “We’re fortunate here on Scilly as our beaches and seas are pretty much pristine with very little marine debris. Islanders and visitors love and care for our natural environment.” 2017 YEARBOOK | 75
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The seas around the Isles of Scilly are largely protected by a number of Marine Conservation Zones, in recognition of the importance of their exceptional diversity of habitats and species. “Marine debris doesn’t respect international borders though,” Emma continues. “We do get some debris washing up on the beaches here, particularly after a storm. Much of it has probably travelled thousands of miles and might have been in the sea for decades before it finally makes landfall.” As she speaks, Emma adds the finishing touch to the seahorse: a small, pearly button. Someone, somewhere in the world, is looking for that. I wonder where it has come from, how long its journey has been… The seahorse is beautiful and all the more beguiling for its complexity and intricacy. Every constituent part has a story to tell, a history. “I think I’ll call this one Wilbur,” she says. Emma carefully turns the piece over, takes a pen and writes on the back. I read over her shoulder: “Wilbur” Created using material collected on the beaches of Tresco to highlight the plastic in our ocean. By 2050 it is predicted there will be more plastic than fish in the sea. We need to cut plastic out of our everyday lives and see it as a last resort. REFUSE, reduce, reuse, recycle. There’s a definite irony to this beautiful piece of art. “You could think of marine debris as a depressing thing,” Emma says. “But there’s a really positive feeling now; I think we’ve finally hit that tipping point where people have woken up. When you get people like Sir David Attenborough
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talking about the issue, people really cartridges from a cargo spill in 2014, and start to listen.” Lego pieces from a container that crashed It’s not just the big names taking overboard off Land’s End in 1997. action either. It’s not all plastic filling Emma’s bag, “There’s an increasingly popular though. Fishing net, rope, pottery, glass movement called #2MinuteBeachClean,” and wood all end up in Emma’s canvas explains Emma. “If everybody took just bag. Emma keeps a particularly beady two minutes each day to pick up some eye out for sea beans – actually seeds litter from the beach it would make a huge from across the world – considered lucky difference.” by fishermen and mariners. Emma photographs many of her And don’t get her started on beach finds, posting them on Instagram Smarties lids… using #2MinuteBeachClean and joining “I’m trying to collect the full alphabet,” a truly global movement. To date, over Emma laughs. “You can learn a lot about 36,000 finds have been logged. Smarties lids! A capital letter means the lid “Sharing your finds online makes it predates the 1970s; a lid saying ‘Rowntrees’ quite addictive,” she says. “Meet me at rather than ‘Smarties’ is from before 1988; Appletree tomorrow and I’ll show you.” some lids which include words like ‘pass’ are I meet Emma – accompanied by dogs from special themed tubes.” Toby and Bandit – during her lunchtime You learn something new every day… stroll along Appletree Bay the next day. I We’re interrupted by a loud splash as can’t quite figure out why she’s suggested Toby the doe-eyed Spaniel bounds into meeting here on this pristine beach to what appears to be his natural habitat. talk – well – rubbish. “It’s the animals we need to do this “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Emma says, for,” says Emma as Toby disappears off looking along the beach. I’m confused. in the direction of Samson. “To a fish or a There’s not a single piece of litter to be seen. marine mammal, brightly coloured plastic Emma sets off along the beach, looks temptingly like food. They don’t know leaning down every so often to rummage the difference. We need to get this out of our under seaweed or pluck an object from oceans. Everyone needs to do their bit.” the sand. By the end of the beach I’ve helped At first I look on, bemused, but after Emma fill her canvas bag with treasures; a while I join in. Once you start looking, new media to take back to her kitchen table there are tiny bits of driftwood, seaglass, easel. Jon won’t be pleased… old pottery and marine debris lurking Our #2MinuteBeachClean has under piles of seaweed, lodged in fissures run on a little and Emma must return between rocks, or hiding just beneath the to work, but I don’t want this to end. surface of the sand. Emma is right: this is addictive. What During our amble along the beach we if my next find is something never seen come across a plastic Martini lid, a strip of before? Who knew beach cleaning could rubber tyre proudly emblazoned ‘Made be so fun? in Czechoslovakia’ and a lobster trap tag “I’ll never change the world,” says Emma. which has journeyed over 2,500 miles from “But if everyone who sees my art, who comes to the fishing grounds of Nova Scotia. Tresco, who strolls along the beach anywhere Some of Emma’s most interesting in the world – if they all just pick up a piece finds originate from high-profile cargo of debris here, or change their plastic usage spills. She’s found pink and blue HP ink there; that’s when you get real change.”
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“
I want to keep our islands unspoilt and pristine, so I’ve been beach cleaning for years. Then one day I saw an artist on Instagram who put the rubbish to good use in her art and I thought: I could do that.
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SUSTAINABLE For almost 180 years, the stewardship of the DORRIEN-SMITH family has maintained Tresco’s NATURAL BEAUTY and our dedication to preserving it continues today. What are we doing to reduce our contribution to waste? 1 From 2017, our restaurants will no longer use plastic straws (one of the worst polluters), replacing them with biodegradable straws. 2 All plates, glasses and cutlery used at our outdoor events are biodegradable or recyclable. 3 We operate an extensive recycling system across the island. Glass is crushed and used as aggregate for building on the island. Metal, plastic and polystyrene is shipped to the mainland for processing. 4 Tresco Stores exclusively uses compostable and recyclable food packaging from London Bio Packaging, offers paper bags for fruit and vegetables and purchases all fruit and veg loose wherever possible. Plastic carrier bags have not been available in Tresco Stores for many years.
“
It’s really simple for us all to do our bit to keep Scilly special; it doesn’t entail hours of commitment or an organised group, just the desire to make a difference (and maybe find a bit of Lego lost at sea or a Smarties lid on the beach in the process!) Whether it’s a #2MinuteBeachClean or you simply #Take3ForTheSea, that’s a bag of marine debris or three pieces of marine plastic you take home with you which will no longer affect our marine wildlife in a negative way.
"
NIKKI BANKFIELD Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust
Tresco has received an award for its environmental business practices and has formally signed up to the 10:10 campaign, committing to reduce its carbon emissions. The estate is a member of the Higher Level Stewardship Agreement with Natural England. We also work closely with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust to protect and enhance the natural environment on and around the islands.
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EXHIBITIONS 2017 saturday 15 JULY Neil Pinkett, John Bampfield, Marie Mills
EASTER SHOW: Saturday 15 April Gary Long, Rob Braybrooks, Tom Holland, Wendy McBride, Richard Guy, Jon Evison, Will Shakspeare
tuesday 25 july Paul Lewin, Rosemary Trestini, Iona Sanders
Saturday 20 May Stuart Kettle, Amanda Hoskin, Sophie Harding, Ian Shearman, Nicola Hancox, Sara Bor, Geoffrey Bickley
saturday 5 AUGUST Tom Rickman, Teresa Pemberton, Jenny Ulyatt
Tiffany Circle show: Saturday 17 june ‘Humanity in crisis’ in aid of the Red Cross.
tuesday 15 AUGUST Anthony Garratt, Flynn O’Reilly, Alasdair Urquhart
Maggie O’Brien, Chris Potterton, John Bampfield, Chris Hankey, Tom Rickman, Richard Guy, Iona Sanders, Anthony Garratt, Stuart Kettle, Rosemary Trestini, Jon Evison
Friday 25 august Maggie O’Brien, Theo Crutchley-Mack, Melanie Max Friday 20 october Falmouth University BA Drawing Show
wednesday 5 JULY Ellen Watson, Ramie Leahy, Imogen Bone
galleryTRESCO Visit Gallery Tresco for the finest artwork, studio glass, bronze and wood sculpture, gold, silver and ceramic jewellery, not to mention knitwear, silk scarves, bags, books, cards and much, much more.
gallerytresco.co.uk
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ISLES OF SCILLY CORNWALL TR24 0QE tel. 01720 424 925 email. gallery@tresco.co.uk
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The Pilgrimage
y childhood was spent on the Cornish coast at the most westerly point of the mainland, so the Isles of Scilly were a constant visual presence albeit on the horizon. For me the low tide meant you could see more rocks, though further round the coast there was sand, but it was usually covered with windbreaks and holidaymakers. Those few shadows on the horizon became something real and very special in 1998 when I travelled over on the Scillonian. I’ve come over every year since. On the mainland my gaze casts out towards the horizon, scanning moor and cliff, then on to the beaches and out to sea. To my mind there’s a different perspective on the Scillies. There’s a relationship between the islands which directs the attention away from the wild Atlantic into the safe confines of the lagoon. That relationship is reinforced by the lowest of low tides. There are times when St Mary’s, Tresco, Bryher and Samson seem part of one land mass – peaks around and on a shallow bowl of sand. Walking across the sand is like walking on the ocean floor and always feels a privilege. This privilege is shared several times a year as the water retreats and scores of people make the pilgrimage between Tresco and Bryher. My latest body of work is based on this small journey. My working life is ruled by the tides, the weather forecast and the position of the sun, so I was very lucky to get over and have those conditions working for me. 2017 YEARBOOK | 81
#M Y T R E S C O #N O F I LT E R
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DISCOVER THE DESTINATION ON YOUR DOORSTEP Fly with Skybus to the Isles of Scilly from Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End.
MAKE YOUR ESCAPE Discover more at islesofscilly-travel.co.uk or call 01736 334220 #flyscilly
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An impressive Georgian building with spacious double rooms and extensive sea views, Chapel House draws together classic style and contemporary comfort.
CH APEL HOUSE AD
Chapel House —Penzance
Winner of The Sunday Times Ultimate 100 British Hotels: B&B — ‘This six bedroom B&B in Penzance is like walking into an Elle Deco cover story: its airy Georgian architecture and antiques are complemented by Ercol furniture and bespoke modern beds.’ — Sunday TimeS
chapelhousepz.co.uk
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Island size: 366 acres Population: 72
Images courtesy of Islands’ Partnership
UNSPOILT AND PEACEFUL
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t Agnes forms the south-westerly tip of the Scillonian archipelago and is joined by a sandbar to the neighbouring island of Gugh (population: three). Home to Wingletang Down, St Warna’s Well and Periglis. TRESCO TIMES DAY OUT ON ST AGNES
St Agnes is home to some unique island businesses, including island soap, chocolate and ice cream.
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– Meet the Old Man of Gugh and discover an ancient tomb, Obadiah’s Barrow. – Find a shipwrecked bead in Beady Pool. – Enjoy an ice cream with clotted cream at Troytown Farm. – Find the old lighthouse keepers’ maze. – Enjoy a pint with a view at The Turk’s Head.
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Island size: 327 acres Population: 81
Images courtesy of Rob Lee
RUGGED, YET DEEPLY BEAUTIFUL
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ryher is a beautiful island of contrasts, from crashing waves on the western coast to white sands and turquoise waters on the east. Home to Hell Bay, Droppy Nose Point and Popplestones. TRESCO TIMES DAY OUT ON BRYHER – Lunch at the Hell Bay Hotel. – Hire a boat for the day at Bennett Boatyard. – Tattie cake and a pasty at Bryher Shop. – Climb the five hills of Bryher. – A crab sandwich and a pint at Fraggle Rock. – Find Veronica Farm’s fudge stall.
The island is virtually traffic free, and is criss-crossed by footpaths and tracks.
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Island size: 1554 acres Population: 1666
Images courtesy of Islands’ Partnership
THE HUB OF SCILLONIAN LIFE
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t Mary’s is Scilly’s largest island in terms of size and population, with a cluster of shops, cafés, galleries, restaurants and pubs as well as lovely beaches and beautiful countryside. Home to Giant’s Castle, Innisidgen and Maypole. TRESCO TIMES DAY OUT ON ST MARY’S – Four legs good – take a horse ride down to the beach. – Go back in Scilly time to the Ancient Village at Halangy Down and Bant’s Carn burial chamber. Don’t forget the Isles of Scilly Museum too! – Have a Porthmellon morning with kayaking followed by lunch at Spero’s. – Take in the view at Juliet’s Garden Restaurant and Bar. 88 | 2017 YEARBOOK
For the visitor, St Mary’s offers a range of activities, including horse riding, bicycle hire, golf, sea safaris and even guided bus tours.
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Island size: 568 acres Population: 140
Images courtesy of Islands’ Partnership
A PREVAILING SENSE OF CALM
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t Martin’s is easily spotted by its red-and-white daymark and is home to many small industries, including flower farming and a silver workshop. Home to Tinkler’s Hill, Wine Cove and Brandy Point. TRESCO TIMES DAY OUT ON ST MARTIN’S – Earn your stripes at the daymark and find Billy Idol, the islands’ oldest resident. – Sit back with a pint and the view at the Seven Stones Inn. – Grab a handmade Cornish pasty from the Island Bakery. – Discover local wildlife, snorkelling with the seals, and top it off with a cream tea at Polreath. – Find some island treasure at Fay Page’s Gallery!
The island has two quays, which are situated at Lower Town (looking across to Tresco) and Higher Town. Its most recognisable feature is the red-and-white striped daymark, built in 1683. 2017 YEARBOOK | 89
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CYCLING Lunches & Dinners Drinks & Cakes
The best way to enjoy Tresco is on two wheels. Bikes for all ages are available for hire next door to Tresco Stores.
Tel: 01720 422222
01720 422849
Bryher
Scillonian-caught lobster, crab & fish delivered to Tresco daily ready to eat Also available: dressed & picked crab, potted crab & quiche Suppliers to Tresco & Bryher for over 50 years www.islandfish.co.uk Tel: 01720 423880 Email: contactus@islandfish.co.uk
TEA ROOM • ST. MARTIN’S For delicious homebaked cakes, lunches, cream teas and Moomaid ice cream, join us in our conservatory, plantsman’s garden or Scillonian glasshouse. Licensed.
TR ESCO STOR ES
Open Sunday to Friday April to September
From everyday essentials to the gourmet, we have you covered.
01720 422046 www.polreath.com
01720 422806
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THINGS TO DO THE ABBEY GARDEN
TENNIS
A unique, world-famous horticultural gem. Enjoy the extraordinary diversity of plants from across the globe growing side by side in this perennial Kew without the glass.
There are two all-weather courts near the Flying Boat and another at the Sea Garden Cottages. Pop into the Spa to book and for racquets and balls.
BOATING Tresco Boat Services visit other islands daily as well as offering trips to see birds and seals. Private charters and fishing trips are also available. For further details call +44 (0)1720 423373. Island Sea Safaris on St Mary’s offer ‘Shipwreck, Seals and Seabirds’ wildlife RIB excursions and private charters. For further details please call Mark or Susie on +44 (0)1720 422732. Boat hire is available from Bennett Boat Yard – call Dan on +44 (0)1720 422205. For long-term boatshare, call Scillonia Boatshare +44 (0)1720 422702.
DIVING Isles of Scilly Diving School on St Martin’s organise diving and snorkelling excursions. Call +44 (0)1720 422848 for more information.
FISHING
Don’t miss GIG ROWING The islands’ gig crews race throughout the summer from May to September. Men race on Friday nights and ladies on Wednesdays, and there are regular spectators’ boats to catch the action. Check boat boards for details.
SAILING/WINDSURFING/ CANOEING/PADDLEBOARDING These are all available at the Sailing Centre at Old Grimsby. Call +44 (0)1720 424919 or +44 (0)1720 422060 for details.
Tresco Boat Services also arrange offshore fishing adventures (see Boating for contact details).
GOLF CYCLING The best way to enjoy Tresco is on two wheels. Bikes for all ages are available for hire next door to Tresco Stores.
There’s a nine-hole, eighteen-tee golf course on St Mary’s. Call +44(0)1720 424075.
GALLERY TRESCO Gallery Tresco is open throughout the season, with regular artists’ reception nights open to all. The exhibition calendar is on page 78.
YOGA AND WELL-BEING For more information about spa treatments and yoga please call +44 (0)1720 424075.
GYM There’s a fully equipped gym at the Spa and the Sea Garden Cottages.
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WALKING There is a network of footpaths criss-crossing Tresco. One option is to follow the coastal path along to Cromwell’s 17th-century castle on the island’s north-west promontory (built to guard the anchorage between Bryher and Tresco). A short hike up the hill behind leads you to King Charles’ Castle with fabulous views of the islands.
HISTORIC MONUMENTS Two forts (the Old Blockhouse and King Charles’ Castle) were built in Tudor times to defend the harbours at Old and New Grimsby from French and Spanish invaders. The remains can be seen today. In the 1650s, Cromwell’s Castle – a tall cylindrical building with a lower gun platform – was built and still dominates the channel between Tresco and Bryher.
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Wildlife walks in July and August Join the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust on a free guided walk exploring Tresco’s natural beauty, with one of their ranger team. The walks will give you the chance to see lots of wildlife, enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about the island’s creatures. When? Every Tuesday from 25 July until 30 August. There will also be walks throughout the year; see information on-island for details. Where? Meet outside the Ruin Beach Café at 10am. How long? About two hours. How much? Free! The walks are open to all Tresco guests. Due to the length and the terrain they may not be suitable for children under eight; parental discretion is advised. Bring binoculars if you have them!
SWIMMING There are indoor pools at the Spa and Sea Gardens, available to members, and three heated outdoor pools on the island.
RSPB Date with nature
BIRDWATCHING The island is a magnet for birdwatchers. Tresco has three bird hides and two freshwater pools. Special spring and autumn tours are available with professional ornithologist David Rosair.
HORSE RIDING St Mary’s Riding Centre caters for a range of abilities. They also offer trips on a horse-drawn carriage. Please call +44 (0)1720 423855 for more details.
In partnership with Tresco, the RSPB are offering free bird walks on the island. From 10am-4pm, on dates in June and September, there will be guided walks to look for wading birds at the Great Pool and Abbey Pool. See linnets and stonechats on the heathlands and garden birds in tranquil surroundings. There’s also the chance of the odd ornithological rarity! Meet up by the entrance to the Abbey Garden (entrance to the garden is not included).
Why not give the Island Office a call on +44 (0)1720 422849? You’ll talk to an islander who knows what’s what. 2017 YEARBOOK | 93
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TRESCO TRESCO ISLAND IS AN RCI GOLD CROWN RESORT
ISLANDSHARE OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST NOT JUST IN YOUR FAVOURITE PROPERTY ON TRESCO, BUT IN THE WHOLE ISLAND. All options are for a full 40-year term and can be passed on from generation to generation. With an Islandshare your family can enjoy an exclusive license for your chosen dates in your favourite cottage, year after year. You will also enjoy access to all of the island facilities, including the island spa, as well as unrivalled access to 800 acres of beautiful playground for young and old. An Islandshare investment allows families to pass their place on this island from one generation to the next, allowing parents and grandparents to introduce younger generations to the cottages of their childhood memories. Tresco offers a wide range of properties, from beautiful, traditional cottages to stunning contemporary beachfront houses. With the release of some new cottages we are now able to offer summer-holiday, half-term and other schoolholiday availability once more. The table (right) is only a selection of the opportunities available, so please call our Islandshare team on +44 (0)1720 424111 or email islandshare@tresco.co.uk for more information.
MONDAY CHANGEOVER
THURSDAY CHANGEOVER
Snipe Week 27 2-Jul Week 28 9-Jul
Sleeps 2 £7,900 £22,500
Hilltop Week 25 21-Jun Week 26 28-Jun
Sleeps 6 £7,085 £29,550
Curlew Week 16 16-Apr Week 25 18-Jun
Sleeps 6 £16,163 £16,500
Shoreline Week 18 3-May
Sleeps 6 £32,000 39yrs*
Farmhouse Week 38 17-Sep
Sleeps 10 £26,667 20yrs*
Mincarlo Week 37 13-Sep
Sleeps 8 £40,175
Ivy Cottage Week 30 23-Jul Week 32 6-Aug Week 33 13-Aug
Sleeps 5 £50,000 £29,333 £29,333
Ocean View Week 41 11-Oct
Sleeps 8/10 £32,975
20yrs* 20yrs*
Rockpool (SG) Week 35 30-Aug
Sleeps 6/8 £96,000
Maiden Bower Week 28 9-Jul
Sleeps 8 £46,250
25yrs*
Driftwood (SG) Week 17 23-Apr
Sleeps 6/8 £26,500
Reading Room Week 26 25-Jun
Sleeps 6 £29,550
15yrs*
19yrs*
8yrs*
FRIDAY CHANGEOVER
TUESDAY CHANGEOVER Green Week 37 11-Sep
Sleeps 6 £11,603
Merrick Week 24 12-Jun Week 42 16 Oct
Sleeps 8 £14,000 14yrs* £18,360 27yrs*
Moorings Week 37 11-Sep
Sleeps 8 £19,100
17yrs*
Norrard Week 24 12-Jun Week 25 19-Jun Week 26 26-Jun Week 27 3-Jul Week 37 11-Sep
Sleeps 8 £27,867 £27,867 £27,867 £22,668 £21,434
22yrs* 22yrs* 22yrs* 16yrs* 17yrs*
Sandy Lane Week 17 24-Apr
Sleeps 6 £21,500
25yrs*
Beach Week 27 3-Jul
Sleeps 4 £25,100
Fearless (FBC) Week 16 17-Apr
Sleeps 6 £30,210
Pebble (SG) Week 15 10-Apr
Sleeps 2/4 £16,938
Teal Week 16 17-Apr
Sleeps 4 £11,200
Wigeon Week 21 22-May
Sleeps 6 £21,900
12yrs*
Glen Week 36 31-Aug
Sleeps 6 £9,167
5yrs*
Heron Week 28 6-Jul Week 38 14-Sep
Sleeps 6 £29,050 £18,700
21yrs* 22yrs*
Porth Week 15 6-Apr Week 16 13-Apr Week 17 20-Apr Week 18 27-Apr Week 19 4-May Week 38 14-Sep Week 39 21-Sep Week 40 28-Sep Week 41 5-Oct Week 43 19-Oct Week 44 26-Oct
Sleeps 6 £15,640 £15,640 £15,640 £15,640 £18,020 £27,200 £20,400 £17,680 £16,320 £16,320 £16,320
24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs* 24yrs*
Rowesfield Week 12 16-Mar Week 38 14-Sep
Sleeps 6 £5,667 £28,336
16yrs* 25yrs*
Sandpiper Week 25 15-Jun Week 33 10-Aug
Sleeps 6 £15,300 20yrs* £35,000 20yrs*
Abalone (SG) Sleeps 8/10 Week 28 6-Jul £117,500 Garland (FBC) Sleeps 6 Week 29 13-Jul £125,000 Nautilus (SG) Sleeps 6-8 Week 36 31-Aug £73,015 Seaflower (FBC) Week 30 20-Jul Week 31 27-Jul Week 32 3-Aug
Sleeps 6 £125,000 £125,000 £125,000
WEDNESDAY CHANGEOVER
(SG) – Sea Garden Cottage, (FBC) – Flying Boat Cottage. *Asterisked weeks are Timeshare resales and do not include FBC membership.
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Coastguards Week 24 13-Jun Week 37 12-Sep
Sleeps 8 £25,704 £44,925
Old Mill Week 40 3-Oct
Sleeps 8/10 £16,433 20yrs*
Nurses Week 25 20-Jun
Sleeps 5 £19,890
Pegasus (FBC) Week 30 25-Jul Week 31 1-Aug
Sleeps 6 £125,000 £125,000
27yrs*
26yrs*
SATURDAY CHANGEOVER Sea Horse (SG) Week 30 21-Jul Week 31 28-Jul
Sleeps 6/8 £140,000 £140,000
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TRESCO POSTAL ADDRESS:
TRESCO
Sailing Centre (St Mary’s): 422060
The Island Office Tresco The Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ
Abbey Garden Café: 424108
St Mary’s Boatmen: 423999
Abbey Garden Office: 424105 mikenelhams@tresco.co.uk
St Mary’s Harbourmaster: 422768
contactus@tresco.co.uk Tresco Telephone Directory Dialling code: 01720 If calling from outside the UK, use the international dialling code +44 and remove first 0 from local dialling code. Island Office: 422849 This is the number to call to enquire about availability or to book accommodation on the island.
Cottages Manager: 424106 (24hr emergency line) Flying Boat Restaurant: 424068 Gallery Tresco: 424925 Harbourmaster: 07778 601237 Hell Bay Hotel (on Bryher): 422947 contactus@hellbay.co.uk
St Mary’s Horse Riding Centre: 423855 Scillonia Boatshare: 422702 Skybus St Mary’s: 422905 Steamship Quay: 424230 Taxi (St Mary’s): 422555/422635/422260 Tourist Information on St Mary’s: 422536
Islandshare: 424111 islandshare@tresco.co.uk
MAINLAND
The New Inn: 423006
National Rail Enquiries: 03457 484950
Post Office (at the Stores & Delicatessen): 424113
Skybus Land’s End: 01736 787017
The Ruin Beach Café: 424849 Sailing Centre (Tresco): 424919 (July & August) Tresco Boat Services: 423373 Tresco Spa: 424075 Tresco Stores & Delicatessen: 422806
Steamship Freight Bookings: 01736 334249 Steamship Travel Centre: 08457 105555 Steamship Warehouse: 01736 334236
EMERGENCY Fire/Police/Ambulance/Coastguard: Call 999 in an emergency
SCILLY Bennett Boat Hire: 422205 Bryher Marine Engineering: 423047 Dentist: 422694 Doctor: 422628 Hospital: 422392 Isles of Scilly Diving School: 422848 Isles of Scilly Golf Club: 422692 Isles of Scilly Steamship Company: 424222 Island Sea Safaris : 422732 Island Supply: 422388 Island Fish: 423880
T R E S C O.C O.U K
Police: 08452 777444/422444
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TALK TO
AN ISLANDER
The Island Office, Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ tresco.co.uk +44 (0)1720 422849 contactus@tresco.co.uk
We all live on Tresco, so we can help with any aspect of your holiday planning. Get in touch to let us help plan your perfect escape to Tresco. 96 | 2017 YEARBOOK
In need of a Tresco top-up? First-time visitor? Take a look at our offers and breaks on our website: tresco.co.uk/breaks
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TR AVELLING TO TRESCO
STAYING ON ROUTE
Tresco may feel like a world apart but is just 28 MILES off the Cornish coast, easily accessible by both SEA and AIR. The Island Office team is here to make it easy for you and will organise all the necessary travel arrangements on your behalf. Our aim is for your journey to Tresco to be as convenient and as enjoyable as possible.
Breaking up your journey can make for a far more relaxing start to your holiday. Tresco RECOMMENDS these great places to stay.
Eat Drink Sleep Restaurants with rooms at The Gurnard’s Head between St Ives and St Just or The Old Coastguard in Mousehole. oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk gurnardshead.co.uk
By plane
By boat
Skybus flies to the neighbouring island of St Mary’s from Land’s End and Newquay all year round, and Exeter from March to October. On arrival on St Mary’s, you will be met by a Tresco representative who will accompany you to one of our boats and assist you on the final leg of your journey.
Alternatively, from March to November you can opt to take the two-and-a-half -hour ferry crossing to St Mary’s from Penzance. From St Mary’s quay, it’s only a short boat journey to Tresco, where you will be met and taken to your accommodation.
Chapel House Best B&B in the Sunday Times’ ‘Ultimate 100 British Hotels’, this newcomer to Penzance has beautiful interiors and wonderful sea views. chapelhousepz.co.uk
Travel can be booked direct with Isles of Scilly Travel (islesofscilly-travel.co.uk or +44 (0)1736 334220). To benefit from Tresco’s comprehensive island transfer service, please be sure to contact the Island Office with your travel details on +44 (0)1720 422849 or contactus@tresco.co.uk.
Number 38 Award-winning townhouse accommodation in a recently converted Georgian merchant’s house in Bristol. number38clifton.com
2017 YEARBOOK | 97
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KEY 1 King Charles’ Castle 2 Cromwell’s Castle 3 The Sea Garden Cottages The Ruin Beach Café Sailing School 4 St Nicholas’ Church 5 The New Inn Gallery Tresco 6 Bird Hides 7 Blockhouse 8 Monument 9 Tresco Abbey and Garden 10 Valhalla Collection 11 Tresco Stores and Delicatessen Post Office Bike Hire The Island Office Flying Boat Cottages, Bar and Spa 12 New Grimsby Quay 13 Old Grimsby Quay 14 Carn Near Quay
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CLIFTON | BRISTOL
Adam and Michael Dorrien Smith invite you to visit their award winning Bristol Townhouse. Rates from £135 for two people bed and breakfast.
www.number38clifton.com 01179 466 905
Certificate of Excellence
2015
Good Hotel Guide 2016 Editor’s Choice
TO MAKE A BOOKING +44 (0)1720 422849 contactus@tresco.co.uk T R E S C O.C O.U K