TRESCO TIMES
AUTUMN 2014
OUR VIEWS ARE CLEAR AU T U MN 2014
TRESCO TIMES
the
GREAT NEWS FROM LAND’S END AIRPORT – THE RUNWAYS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED AND HARDENED. HURRAH! THE £2.6 MILLION PROJECT BEGAN ON 4TH JULY AND FLIGHTS RESUMED ON 29TH JULY. THOUGH THERE MAY BE SOME WHO WILL MOURN THE LOSS OF THE TRADITIONAL “CHOCKS-AWAY” FEEL OF GRASS AIRSTRIP, WE ARE ALL DELIGHTED THAT CORNWALL’S OCCASIONAL LIQUID SUNSHINE WILL NO LONGER HAVE UNDUE INFLUENCE ON FLIGHTS FROM LAND’S END DURING THE WINTER. NOT ONLY DOES LAND’S END NOW HAVE A SPLENDID NEW TERMINAL, IT HAS A RUNWAY TO MATCH.
Edited by Alasdair Moore editor@tresco.co.uk
Published by © Tresco Estate 2014 The Island Office, Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ +44 (0)1720 422849
AUTUMN 2014
With the runway improvements in mind, why not treat yourself to a three night Winter Escape Break with a complimentary mini-spa treatment and winter hamper at our luxurious one bedroom Sea Garden Cottages for only £345 per person? As well as the hamper and mini-spa treatment, this break includes: three nights’ self-catering accommodation, return flights from Land’s End and island transfers, use of our indoor pool and leisure facilities and free access to the Abbey Garden. Prices are based on two people sharing. If you’d like to bring some friends along, you can upgrade to a three bedroom Sea Garden Cottage and unwind in front of the log fire for a £25 supplement per person. Valid for bookings from 1st November 2014 until 6th February 2015, excluding Christmas & New Year. All bookings subject to availability, standard terms & conditions apply.
Design and Art Direction nixondesign.com Print fourwayprint.com
T R E S C O.C O.U K
TRESCO TIMES
AUTUMN 2014
Over £10k Raised for Cancer Research UK
TRESCO TRIATHLON GRAHAM “BIKEMAN” CLEGG PROVED HIS ATHLETIC PROWESS ONCE AGAIN, AS HE TRIUMPHED IN THE 5TH TRESCO TRIATHLON AND TOOK FIRST PLACE FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN SUCCESSION. The greatest excitement on the day (apart from Graham’s victory, of course) was caused at the start line. Island visitor and superstar actress Dame Judi Dench delighted the crowd as the triathlon’s official starter, ably assisted by Xan Dorrien Smith and his father Adam. This year saw the biggest field of competitors yet, with a total of 80, made up of 42 men and 38 ladies. Graham’s winning time was 1.09:40 and the first lady across the finish line was Alison Stedeford in 1.18:13. The event was captured in a short film, which you can view here tresco.co.uk/ island-news/tresco-triathlon-2014 The Triathlon course involves a 0.3 mile swim from the Ruin beach, around the
Old Grimsby Quay and on to Green Porth, followed by a 12 mile cycle around Tresco. Racing conditions range from smooth roads to “off-roading” on tracks across banks above the beaches. The final stage is a three mile road race, finishing at Timothy’s Corner, just by the pub. Next year’s Triathlon takes place on Sunday 21st June and the books are open for those who’d like to compete. Numbers are limited to 80 entrants so book early to avoid disappointment! To apply for 2015 please visit trescotriathlon.co.uk
Huge congratulations to the Ladies’ A crew in the World Pilot Gig Champs – winners of Group B, 13th out of 130!
AIR SQUADRON Aircraft old and
new paid a visit
to the Isles of Scilly recently, as the Air Squadron came to the islands. Islanders and visitors were treated to the site of some twenty or so aircraft landing at the Isles of Scilly airport last week, as
members of the Air Squadron flew out to the islands to spend the night on Tresco. With a mixture of ancient and modern aircraft, there were some real treats on show. Two Tiger Moths actually landed on the old heliport on Tresco, as the Air Squadron spent the night at the Sea Garden Cottages. The Air Squadron was founded in 1966 and among its earliest members was Sir Douglas Bader. AUTUMN 2014 | 3
TRESCO TIMES
ISLAND GIRLS GET MARRIED
AUTUMN 2014
DAVE INCH
Congratulations to Kate Nelhams (younger daughter of Mike and Isobel Nelhams) and Adam Toy, who were married on 3rd May, and also to Jane Ash (daughter of Steve and Jo Ash) and Adam Roberts, who were married on 12th February.
Many congratulations also to Edit Toth on the birth of Aaron Leo on 17th May – we look forward to seeing you back on Tresco very soon.
THE CORNISH PIRATES BROUGHT 50 OF THE SOUTH-WEST’S TOP RUGBY PROFESSIONALS TO TRESCO THIS SUMMER. After a trip to the gardens and a training session with local and visiting youngsters, the lads went for a dip to cool off. On the beach, one lady visitor was heard to comment enthusiastically on the quality of the views on Tresco. 4 | AUTUMN 2014
Congratulations to Dave Inch who retired from his role as propagator at the Abbey Gardens earlier this year. Dave came to the island in 1974 and worked at the New Inn until moving to the gardens in 1986. Though Dave will no longer be found in the Abbey Garden’s Potting Shed, we’ll still see the benefits of his horticultural skills. Dave is working part-time looking after some of the planted areas around the island. Enjoy your retirement Dave!
TRESCO TIMES
AUTUMN 2014
WE BID A FEW FOND FAREWELLS IN THIS ISSUE OF THE TRESCO TIMES AS AUGUST SAW DEPARTURES FOR PASTURES NEW TO SOME OF TRESCO’S MOST FAMILIAR FACES. Robin and Jacqui Lawson and their daughters Connie and Jess, left Tresco for mainland Cornwall at the end of August. The New Inn’s landlord for many years, Robin came to Tresco in 1990 to work at the New Inn. It was here that he met his wife-tobe Jacqui, who had arrived the previous year to work in the pub’s restaurant, which she was to run until 1995. Jacqui was later to become Head Receptionist at the Island Hotel. As the New Inn’s landlord, Robin has for many years been the frontline face of Tresco. Familiar to both islanders and visitors alike, he is well-known for his ability to remember everyone’s name! Many local musicians can testify to his encouragement and support for local talent, while he has helped raise substantial amounts for good causes and charities, both national and local, most particularly with the Ministry of Scilly Walks, which he set up. Robin also introduced Scilly’s first Ale Festival, which has become a firm fixture in the islands’ calendar. Robin is now the landlord of the Old Ale House in Truro for Skinner’s Brewery of Tresco Tipple and Betty Stogs fame. We wish Robin, Jacqui, Connie and Jess all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing them back for a holiday very soon!
Peter and Ellen Marshall have also moved after many years on Tresco. Peter arrived in 2000 and Ellen first came as a garden student in 2001. Peter has been Head Chef at both the Island Hotel and the New Inn and latterly was working as part of the Transport team on St Mary’s quay. Ellen was Head Housekeeper at the Island Hotel before managing the housekeeping side of the Cottage Department. Peter and Ellen were two of the founders of the Tresco Triathlon, which has proved a huge success both for competitors and for the charities involved, raising thousands of pounds. They are moving to Somerset, where Ellen will be Head Housekeeper at Babington House, while Peter is the new sous-chef in Bruton’s At The Chapel. We wish them both great success in their new positions and look forward to seeing them back for the 2015 Triathlon perhaps! A warm goodbye and see you soon to Mark and Becky Watkins and their baby daughter Amélie. They have moved to Penzance where Mark is pursuing his career as a chef, while Becky can concentrate on looking after Amélie full-time!
AUTUMN 2014 | 5
TRESCO TIMES
AUTUMN 2014
BRUCE Since June Tresco has become home to an outdoor art exhibition – the first of its kind in the country. Renowned landscape artist, Anthony Garratt captured our dramatic scenery in situ at four locations across the island. The paintings are exhibited at the very spot where they were painted for all to enjoy...whatever the weather. Each painting is two and a half metres wide and all of them will remain in their outdoor island gallery until the end of September. If you’ve not seen them yet and you’re not popping over before October, then have a look at a film about the exhibition on our website tresco.co.uk/ events/trescos-alfresco-art-on-film/. Folk music star Seth Lakeman was visiting Tresco and performed a special improvised composition in honour of the exhibition.
A portrait of the late Bruce Christopher is now in situ at the New Inn. Drawn by Ren Hathway of St Mary’s, it is a wonderful likeness and a fine tribute to his memory. The first night Bruce’s picture was on show, Tresco’s unofficial Euchre Club (of which Bruce was a key member) met for a game or two at the pub. Naturally there was much talk of Bruce, euchre and the past. A comment was made that Bruce’s favourite playing card was the nine of clubs and in his honour it might be a good idea to place that card by his portrait. A pack of cards was duly opened by Robin Lawson: “I had a thorough look through the pack and there was a card missing: the nine of clubs. I searched again and again but no nine of clubs. The euchre regulars all thought that I was having a joke. I passed the pack around to all the other players but they couldn’t find it either. We laughed, looked over to the portrait and said that Bruce was up to his usual tricks! An hour later, I was still mystified. I looked through that same pack of cards and there was the nine of clubs.” Ren Hathway www.renhathway.com renhathway@btinternet.com
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TRESCO TIMES
OUR GLOBE-TROTTING CURATOR HAS TRAVELLED FAR AND WIDE IN SEARCH OF FINE GARDENS AND PLANTS – THIS YEAR HE VENTURED UP THE AMAZON (IN A SMART SHIP RATHER THAN A CANOE).
A
AUTUMN 2014
Guests will stay at the Flying Boat Cottages with dinner, bed and breakfast and return flights from Land’s End for £925 per person (based on two people sharing). For more details or to book please call the Island Office 01720 422849 or visit tresco.co.uk.
ll this horticultural gadding about has inspired him. For 2015, Mike has renamed our garden break – it is now “The World In A Garden”. Not only will the five night break include an evening lecture by Mike on “Great Gardens of the World” but also two guided walks around the gardens focussing on the Curator’s Top 20 plants from around the globe. There’ll be a goodie bag of plants and cuttings to take home as well!
AUTUMN 2014 | 7
TR ESCO PHO T O C OM PE T I T ION
D
oing That Tresco Thing! is the title of the 2014/15 Tresco photo competition and it’s all about what you like to do when you’re here, from your family on the beach to dancing on the tables at the New Inn. The prize includes four return flights from Land’s End to the Isles of Scilly with dinner for four at any of our restaurants with two bottles of house wine. Have a look at the cover for some of last year’s entries – could be one of yours!
Individual entrants are limited to three entries, emailed to photocomp@tresco.co.uk. All images will need to be high resolution (300dpi) and entrants should be happy for us to use them in print or on the web. The competition is open until 30 November 2014 and the winner will be announced in the 2015 Tresco Times.
OCTOBER AT THE SEA GARDENS OCTOBER Book a four night break at the Sea Garden Cottages in October and get a complimentary two course lunch with champagne at Hell Bay on Bryher. With a fully-fitted kitchen in each cottage, you can choose from self-catering, bed & breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner served at the adjacent Ruin Beach Café). THIS BREAK INCLUDES: Four nights’ accommodation in a one bedroom Sea Garden Cottage, return flights from Land’s End and all island transfers (upgrades to fly from Exeter and Newquay are available at a supplement). Full access to spa and leisure facilities. Complimentary access to the Abbey Garden and complimentary 2 course lunch at Hell Bay Hotel with a 1/2 bottle of champagne per couple. Price from: £495 to £635 per person, based on two people sharing. To book or to find out more please call the Island Office 01720 422849
LUCY-TANIA THIS SUMMER, THE ISLAND’S INTERIORS STUDIO HOSTED A BRAND NEW POP-UP SHOP CALLED “LUCY–TANIA”. The brainchild of Lucy and Tania Dorrien Smith, the shop boasted rails of beautiful clothes and other stylish treats. With freshly-made macaroons, coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, “Lucy-Tania” is retail with a Tresco twist!
The signs of squirrelly romantic intention were spotted early this year and we’re delighted to say that Tresco now has its first island-born red squirrels. The young squirrels, known as kittens, were first seen out and about in June. Born with no hair or teeth, the kittens need about ten weeks before they are weaned and can leave the family drey. A female red squirrel can have two litters a year usually with three or four kittens in each. The second mating season takes place in June and July and so there’s the hope that we might see some more squirrel kittens in the autumn. Though the squirrels have found some of Tresco’s flora to their liking (in particular cones of the Monterey pines), they are still being fed on a daily basis with their favourite delicacy, hazelnuts. Due to enquiries from a few generous donors, we have opened the Tresco Red Squirrel Nut West account (apologies) for those who would like to contribute to the island’s red squirrel project. To make a donation towards the care of these precious animals, you can call the Island Office 01720 422849 or just drop into the Island Office or Garden Shop when you’re here.
Designers showcased in the shop included Lotty-B, Bellaju, jewellery by Catherine Zoraida and Eleanor Dorrien Smith’s collection, Partimi, which combines luxurious fabrics with Abbey Gardensinspired prints. Very much a workshop-boutique, Tresco’s Interiors team (Wendy Callan, Maralyn Hobbs and Tracey Gatland) worked in situ, creating lovely Tresco-themed cushions, bunting, bags, scrunchies and other little trinkets which make perfect gifts or special souvenirs of your visit. Keep your eyes peeled next summer – “Lucy-Tania” is sure to pop up again!
JANUARY 2014 | 9
There’s a bit of a buzz about the new interiors of Baywatch at the moment, even featuring on the elegant pages of sofa.com. Along with other cottages such as Sunfish, Colossus, Dolphin House and Borough Farmhouse, Baywatch is one of the bigger properties on the island, making it perfect for family gatherings and large parties. In fact, book one of the six cottages mentioned above for a week starting before 15th June 2015 and we’ll provide you with some delicious Tresco prosecco and canapés for your first evening.
nearest and dearest together for a great holiday, do let us know. We can help with your entertaining and dining arrangements as well as your travel and accommodation.
If you’d like to celebrate a special family occasion on Tresco or simply gather your
To find out more or to book please call the Island Office 01720 422849.
BLU E WAV E On a flaming 22nd July, Tresco and Bryher’s school children joined forces with the rest of the Five Islands’ School to take part in the Blue Wave Parade! After eight months of planning, preparations culminated in all the students from the Five Islands School taking over the streets of St Mary’s, celebrating and enjoying working together from across the islands Tresco, Bryher, St Agnes, St Martin’s and St Mary’s.
“It was a spectacular event” says event leader Susanna Gates from Tresco & Bryher Base. “Staff and students from all over our four school Bases put so much effort into the whole event. We shall remember it for a long time!”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN! Bryan Wright may have left the island after 20 years a resident but he is not forgotten – on his eightieth birthday islanders gathered outside the New Inn to raise a glass to him. The ensuing photograph was framed and presented to Bryan in Dorset by his nephew, David. 10 | AUTUMN 2014
TRESCO TIMES
AUTUMN 2014
IT MAY BE A BIT EARLY TO BE THINKING ABOUT CHRISTMAS FOR MANY OF US BUT THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR TRESCO’S 93 YEAR OLD CHURCH WARDEN, EVE COOPER.
s part of her fundraising efforts for the island’s church, St Nicholas, Eve is selling a beautiful and rather special Tresco Christmas card. The card is decorated with a fabulous illustration of the island at Christmas, imagined and illustrated by Livi Gosling (livigosling.co.uk). The original was commissioned by the Tresco Times and Eve has transformed it into a handsome Christmas card. Five A6 cards cost £3.00 (postage: 1 pack 75p / 2-4 packs £1.20 / 5 packs plus £2.80). Five A5 cards cost £4.75 (postage: 1-3 packs £1.20 / 4 packs plus £2.80). (Cheques should be made payable to P.C.C. of the Isles of Scilly and sent with your order to Eve Cooper, 5 Bay Row, Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0PY )
ENJOY AN ISLAND CHRISTMAS New Inn Christmas Break with five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast, return flights from Land’s End to St Mary’s with onward transfers to Tresco, membership of the Flying Boat Leisure Spa, homemade mince pies in your room on arrival, a champagne & canapé reception on the first evening and a traditional Christmas lunch on Christmas Day, all for £690 per person (based on two sharing a double or twin room). Alternatively, you can rent one of our five star beachfront cottages for the festivities, which all come with their own special Christmas hamper: to find out more or to make a booking, please call the Island Office 01720 422849
Be the first to send new season Scented Narcissi Order flowers to be delivered* at the start of Scilly’s Scented Narcissi season and get 10% off. Mention this offer or use the code TF14 online.
CALL 01720 422169 VISIT SCILLYFLOWERS.CO.UK LIKE US ON FACEBOOK/SCILLYFLOWERS OR TWEET US @SCILLYFLOWERS
*Deliveries from when the first narcissi are available until 23/11/14. Offer applies to boxes of 30-100 flowers only
30 YEAR FRIDAY CHANGEOVER
Smugglers sleeps 6 Wk 9 21-Feb £2,550 10yr* Wk 21 16-May £19,950 22yr*
North End Wk 29 14-Jul Wk 40 29-Sep Wk 41 06-Sep
sleeps 8 £71,500 £23,600 £21,900
SATURDAY CHANGEOVER
Plover Wk 14 31-Mar
sleeps 4 £9,300
Glen sleeps 6 Wk 20 09-May £27,000 Wk 36 29-Aug £56,500
School House Wk 24 07-Jun
Heron Wk 12 14-Mar Wk 13 21-Mar Wk 28 04-Jul Wk 43 17-Oct
sleeps 6 £9,405 £11,955 £43,000 £16,800
MONDAY CHANGEOVER
Snipe Wk 28 07-Jul Wk 32 04-Aug Wk 38 15-Sep
sleeps 2 £22,500 £25,000 £14,100
Kittiwake Wk 8 14-Feb Wk 17 18-Apr Wk 18 25-Apr Wk 38 12-Sep
sleeps 8 £10,500 £19,425 £19,425 £39,825
Abalone (SG) Wk 16 11-Apr Wk 27 27-Jun Wk 28 04-Jul
sleeps 8/10 £32,145 £50,845 £117,500
Pentle House sleeps 8 Wk 20 09-May £30,560 Wk 24 06-Jun £30,560 Rowesfield Wk 17 18-Apr Wk 18 25-Apr Wk 38 12-Sep
sleeps 6 £16,800 £16,800 £35,500
Sandpiper Wk 17 18-Apr Wk 18 25-Apr Wk 22 23-May Wk 25 13-Jun Wk 32 01-Aug Wk 41 03-Oct
sleeps 6 £12,975 £12,975 £25,500 £24,450 £54,000 £16,800
Seaflower (FBC) sleeps 6 Wk 30 18-Jul £106,500 Wk 31 25-Jul £106,500 Seaspray Wk 39 19-Sep
sleeps 6 £28,275
14 | AUTUMN 2014
sleeps 8 £30,560
Barn Flat sleeps 6 Wk 21 19-May £21,900 Bay House Wk 7 10-Feb Wk 8 17-Feb Wk 41 06-Oct Wk 42 13-Oct
sleeps 6 £7,450 £8,090 £18,585 £18,585
Curlew Wk 21 19-May Wk 30 21-Jul Wk 39 22-Sep
sleeps 6 £16,320 23yr* £54,000 £20,625
Farmhouse Wk 38 15-Sep
sleeps 10 £42,500
Flora (FBC) Wk 15 07-Apr
sleeps 6/8 £28,340
Flotsam (SG) Wk 20 12-May
sleeps 6/8 £40,405
Ivy Cottage Wk 14 31-Mar Wk 15 07-Apr Wk 32 04-Aug Wk 33 11-Aug Wk 40 29-Sep
sleeps 4/5 £11,790 £12,940 £45,250 £45,250 £15,150
Maiden Bower sleeps 8 Wk 37 08-Sep £40,675
TUESDAY CHANGEOVER Beach Wk 35 26-Aug Wk 37 09-Sep Wk 38 16-Sep
sleeps 4 £45,000 £14,500 15yr* £22,420
Doctors Cottage Wk 8 18-Feb Wk 15 08-Apr Wk 29 15-Jul Wk 33 12-Aug
sleeps 4 £5,760 £12,700 £45,000 £50,000
Green Wk 22 27-May Wk 37 09-Sep Wk 42 14-Oct
sleeps 6 £15,000 18yr* £15,467 15yr* £16,800
Just Home Wk 14 01-Apr Wk 40 30-Sep
sleeps 6 £18,288 £23,600
Merrick Wk 36 02-Sep
sleeps 8 £57,000
Norrard Wk 10 04-Mar Wk 15 08-Apr Wk 37 09-Sep
sleeps 8 £13,475 £22,400 £39,995
Phoenix (FBC) Wk 26 24-Jun
sleeps 6 £48,020
WITH BUY BACK GUARANTEE BETWEEN YEARS 4 AND 15 Sandy Lane Wk 13 25-Mar Wk 36 02-Sep
sleeps 6 £15,525 £56,500
Pegasus (FBC) Wk 30 23-Jul Wk 31 30-Jul
sleeps 6 £106,500 £106,500
Teal Wk 20 13-May Wk 21 20-May Wk 38 16-Sep Wk 45 04-Nov
sleeps 4 £13,750 £14,600 £18,000 £4,230
Puffin Wk 35 27-Aug Wk 42 15-Oct Wk 43 22-Oct
sleeps 8 £80,000 £24,525 £24,525
Wigeon Wk 17 22-Apr Wk 21 20-May Wk 22 27-May Wk 25 17-Jun
sleeps 6 £12,975 £21,900 £25,500 £24,450
THURSDAY CHANGEOVER
WEDNESDAY CHANGEOVER Coral (SG) Wk 37 10-Sep
sleeps 6/8 £59,620
Dolphin Cottage sleeps 6 Wk 30 23-Jul £61,500 Wk 31 30-Jul £61,500 Gadwall Wk 7 12-Feb Wk 8 19-Feb Wk 9 26-Feb Wk 10 05-Mar Wk 28 09-Jul Wk 37 10-Sep
sleeps 4 £4,400 £4,825 £4,825 £6,100 £28,500 £20,125
Nurses Wk 20 14-May Wk 21 21-May Wk 44 29-Oct
sleeps 5 £24,500 £24,500 £10,815
Old Mill sleeps 8/10 Wk 17 23-Apr £14,520 23yr * Wk 41 08-Oct £24,525 Pearl (SG) Wk 16 16-Apr Wk 23 04-Jun
sleeps 4/6 £18,850 £25,770
Cliff Cottage Wk 34 21-Aug Wk 42 16-Oct
sleeps 6 £75,000 £18,600
Mincarlo Wk 35 28-Aug
sleeps 8 £25,667 14yr*
Rockpool (SG) Wk 15 10-Apr
sleeps 6/8 £29,685
Sail Loft sleeps 8 Wk 36 04-Sep £57,000 Wk 43 23-Oct £22,400 Tern Wk 7 13-Feb Wk 43 23-Oct
sleeps 8 £4,335 17yr* £18,000
Shoreline sleeps 6 Wk 21 22-May £32,600 Wk 22 29-May £30,600
RCI GOLD CROWN Other weeks are available. In February, March and November we offer a 10-year deferred payment scheme – call for details. Please contact Dean Whillis, Timeshare Manager +44 (0)1720 424111 deanwhillis@tresco.co.uk
30-year Timeshare with Buy Back Guarantee, valid years 4 to 15. FBC membership is included in all new Estate 30-year weeks* (SG) – Sea Garden Cottage. (FBC) – Flying Boat Cottage. *Asterisked weeks do not include FBC membership or have a Buy Back Guarantee. All dates shown relate to 2014. +44 (0)1720 422849 contactus@tresco.co.uk Visit tresco.co.uk Tresco Timeshare, The Island Office, Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ
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