2016 YEARBOOK
General Enquiries +44 (0)1720 422849 contactus@tresco.co.uk T R E S C O.C O.U K OUR VIEWS ARE CLEAR
2016 YEARBOOK
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2016 YEARBOOK
C ONSTA N T CH A NGE
Edited by Tom Matthews editor@tresco.co.uk Design & Art Direction nixondesign.com
Members of the Dorrien-Smith family celebrate Marina’s 21st birthday.
Advertising trescotimesads@tresco.co.uk +44 (0)1720 424114 Published by © Tresco Estate 2016 The Island Office, Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ Cover illustration Serge Seidlitz Illustration Livi Gosling Principal Photographer James Darling Additional photography Howard Sooley, Anya Rice, Phil Nicholls, Harry Cory Wright, Islands’ Partnership, Nixon Design, Tom Matthews, Rachel Young, Alan Helliar, David Wright, Asheq Akhtar, and Roger Broughton.
Print Four Way Print fourwayprint.com
Spring is a time of change, but also of reflection. It is four decades since I took the helm on Tresco. In that time I have borne witness to several changes on our island, from the introduction of mains electricity to the building of the luxurious Flying Boat and Sea Garden developments. Perhaps the most significant change was the arrival of Timeshare. This change allowed our visitors to become part of our community and make an investment not just in a cottage, but in the whole island. Those investments have been the catalyst for the transformation of Tresco into what we see and love today. It is in recognition of the importance of this investment that we are introducing Islandshare, our new offering which allows families to really feel a sense of stewardship over Tresco, much as my family has since the 19th Century. You can read more about Islandshare later in this Yearbook. Despite the changes over the years, I like to think we have not lost that which makes Tresco truly special, and you will find that change with a nod to the past is a theme which runs through the 2016 Yearbook. We take a look at Island Fish – the new business from one of Scilly’s oldest fishing families. We uncover the efforts being made to rejuvenate the
Abbey Garden’s bee colonies after years of decline. We explore what Tresco – an inspiration to generations of artists – means to the next cohort of creatives. We discover that even the inaugural Low Tide Experience of last summer can trace its roots back to Tresco’s past. As I write, more changes are underway across Tresco as our teams refresh cottages, create new menus and tend to the Abbey Garden in preparation for the new season. Through all this, though, we never forget what makes this island special: the open spaces, the glorious beaches and the unique sense you have stepped back in time, yet with all the modern luxuries we have all come to expect. Change is good, as long as it is made with a weather eye on what has brought us here.
Robert Dorrien-Smith
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in this issue
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P38
P18 WHEN THE BOAT COMES IN The family doing business their own way.
P30 A WINNING LOCATION
P54
Earning 3 AA rosettes on a remote island.
P38 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Return to your own island home, year after year, with an Islandshare.
P72
P44 OUR MINIATURE HEROES
P30
The bee colonies thriving on Tresco.
P54 DINING AL TRESCO Summer feasting at pop-up events.
P62 ALTERNATIVE VIEWS Meet the next generation of island artists.
P72 PERFECTLY CHILLED Tresco-inspired cocktails from the Ruin Beach CafĂŠ.
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P62
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Features P10 2016 PHOTO COMPETITION “The Tresco image I can’t believe I
captured”: the winner and runners-up.
P28 LUCY-TANIA
Essential wear for a Tresco beach barbecue.
P48 A PATH LESS TRAVELLED The ultimate scenic running routes.
P70 WENDY MCBRIDE
Notes on a week in March.
P71 GALLERY TRESCO
2016 events and exhibitions.
P44
FOUR FERRY CROSSINGS, HUNDREDS OF MILES OF DRIVING AND A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF THE ISLE OF MAN LATER, TRESCO HAD ITS NEW BEE COLONIES.
P76 GET ON BOARD
Our first ever stand up paddle boarding break.
Regulars P6 REVIEW OF 2015 Looking back at the highlights. P14 2016 CALENDAR What’s coming up this year.
P18
P78 TRAVELLING TO TRESCO
It’s easy to get here: just ask us to help.
P82 ISLAND PURSUITS
Your guide to getting the best from the islands.
P90 THINGS TO DO ON TRESCO From yoga to boating, and tennis to cycling.
P94 TRESCO ISLANDSHARE
Find out which cottages are currently available as Islandshare.
P95 USEFUL ISLAND CONTACTS Need a number? Find it here. P96 TRESCO ISLAND MAP 2016 YEARBOOK | 3
YOUR OWN PRIVATE ISLAND
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PICTOR I A L OV E RV IE W OF T WO THOUS A ND A ND FIFTE E N
SE V E N SE V E N ON E The islands bid a fond farewell to 771 Squadron from RNAS Culdrose, who handed Search and Rescue cover for the islands to a new operator on 1st January 2016. For nearly half a century ‘The Ace of Clubs’ has provided Search and Rescue cover to Scilly and the southwest of England. Farewell 771, and thank you.
ON E T HOUS A N D FI V E H U N DR ED The children (and parents) of Tresco and Bryher School raised a staggering £1,500 for Guide Dogs for the Blind through their ‘Pupcakes’ sales – enough to fund a guide dog puppy, who the children named Samson.
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SI XT Y SE V E N
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The winner of the 2015 Tresco Triathlon, Jack Plummer, set a new record of 67 minutes, knocking Tresco’s bikeman Graham Clegg off the top spot after his three year winning streak. Congratulations to all 78 competitors who raised a staggering £14,000 for Cancer Research UK. The event was started by Julie Smith, in memory of her husband Tony, accompanied by Algy Dorrien-Smith and his father Adam. The 2016 Triathlon takes place on Sunday 26th June.
THR EE
Tresco Boat Services now provides boating for the visitors and locals of three islands – Tresco, Bryher and St Martin’s. During the season daily scheduled trips run between Tresco, Bryher and St Mary’s, with St Agnes and St Martin’s visited three times a week. Fast Jetboats provide sightseeing trips around the islands and are also available for private hire. To find out about boating options call the Boat Office on 01720 423373.
FOU R
It was a year of awards, with two Britain in Bloom Awards for Tresco, whilst at the Cornwall Tourism Awards Hell Bay Hotel won Best Small Hotel for the third year running and the Tresco Spa won bronze in the Spa and Wellbeing category.
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FOU R T HOUS A N D ON E H U N DR E D On 26th November – Thanksgiving Day – Tresco received a very special gift from our friends ‘across the pond’ when our jetboat skipper Joe came across a 30-metre long section of a space rocket in Tresco Channel. It is believed the debris is from the Space-X CRS4 rocket – a cargo resupply mission launched to the International Space Station in September 2014. The rocket section re-entered the earth’s atmosphere over the east coast of the United States and drifted over 4,100 miles across the Atlantic to arrive on Tresco’s shores! Sadly the wreckage could not remain on Tresco but we are hopeful Space-X may donate a suitable memento.
TWENTY ON E Congratulations to Marina DorrienSmith on the occasion of her 21st birthday and graduation from Bristol University with a BA in History of Art. Marina is pictured on the left with friend Lara at their joint birthday party. Marina has been working at the Designers Guild in London before she heads to India to volunteer for a women’s charity.
ON E: T W E N T Y-FI V E T HOUS A N D Tresco and Bryher’s Alfie Jenkins gig features on the front cover of the new Ordnance Survey map of the Isles of Scilly. Evelyn Barnard’s image of the craft, being rowed by the 2011 World Champion Ladies Veterans crew, features on the new 1:25000 scale Isles of Scilly map.
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Helen Dorrien-Smith 1932-2015 By Sam Llewellyn
Helen Dorrien-Smith was one of the great characters of Scilly. The youngest daughter of Arthur and Eleanor DorrienSmith, and thus the youngest of her generation of the Dorrien-Smith tribe, she did much to uphold the family tradition of redoubtable auntdom. Blonde, with eyes of a piercing Scillonian blue, she was a highly noticeable figure, dressed in colours usually associated with search and rescue operations. Helen was born in 1932, and educated to a certain extent at Downham, where her career was interrupted by the war, which at times cut her off from the mainland. Perhaps it was this isolation in early life, combined with the deaths of three of her four brothers in action, that gave her the independence of mind that evolved into her extreme forthrightness and unwillingness to suffer fools gladly. Her forthrightness was, however, underpinned by a true kindness and generosity and a fine spirit of adventure. After the war, having been brought up virtually as an only child surrounded by staff in Tresco Abbey, she found herself needing to make a living. She moved to Cranleigh Mews in London, where she took up dressmaking, dragooning her flatmates into helping her stitch wedding dresses on her bedroom floor, and cooking. At both these pursuits she demonstrated a skill far beyond the ordinary. It was around this time that she commenced a bout of globetrotting. (When she left London, her flatmates
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said, ‘We’ll have nobody to ask what we should do now.’) She soon found herself at a diplomatic party in Brisbane, chatting to a young woman she had just met. ‘I see there’s a road that goes all the way round the edge,’ said Helen, pointing at a map of Australia. ‘Let’s try it.’ The young woman agreed, and the two of them set off in a hire-purchased Morris Minor 1000, taking precautions – always skid over a snake, because if you merely roll over it, it will coil itself round the axle and bite you next time you stop. They fell in with the owner of a camper van, who turned out to have romance on his mind. Helen fixed this by insinuating sleeping pills into his evening coffee so she and her friend could use the camper’s bunks unmolested. The cooking came in useful. When they were passing through the wild mountains southwest of Perth, they knocked over a sheep, which Helen expertly butchered and dished up en brochette. Arriving back in England, she cooked at the Fishmongers Hall in London, for Jimmy Goldsmith on Long Island, and in the villas of Europe and the lodges of Scotland. But there was never any doubt that Tresco was her home. In the 1960s the Abbey became a dangerous place to stay, as Hells (as she was generally known) and her merry band would install a cockerel in a basket under your bed to greet the dawn, or sew up your trousers before the dinner gong, or subject you to the torment of the Black Mile, where all the bedroom lightbulbs would be removed and every breakable object in the room connected to every other breakable object in the room with black thread. Meanwhile, she was getting serious about gardening. She had spent time on her Australian trip collecting seeds and cuttings to replace Antipodean specimens that had become extinct in the Abbey gardens. In her London house at Holmead (Holmuddle) Road in Fulham, and later in Peterborough (Peterbugger) Road, she assembled an elite team of landscapers. She had a brilliant eye, though her shortcomings as a quantity surveyor sometimes revealed themselves, as when she loaded 400 house bricks into her unfortunate Volkswagen Beetle (the situation was saved, as usual, by her loyal New Zealand helpers, the only people who would put up with her stentorian
management techniques). The gardening developed from there. Having left her mark on Paris and London, she proceeded to rural France and Britain. Perhaps her greatest work was the garden at St Michael’s Mount, whose precipice rockery she is said to have planted while dangling from a rope. She took no nonsense from plants, landscapes, or their owners, and the results speak for the usefulness of this approach. Helen never married. Behind the daunting exterior, though, there lurked a heart of purest gold. She was passionately loyal to her family, and took pride in acting as a sort of jungle drummer, spreading the news of births, engagements and deaths round the clan. She loved hearing of the deeds of her young relations, particularly if they involved boats, nets and outdoor tribulation. Her bright blue eyes would light up when she made the acquaintance of a brand new great-nephew or niece, and she would hijack the baby for hours, returning only when both parties had reached a deep mutual understanding. She was an appalling driver, as many islanders who dived for cover as her golf buggy (sometimes with one of her terriers at the helm) thundered by. Using cars, she wrecked her shoulder in New Zealand, her feet in Berkshire, and her leg in Delhi. This meant that she was usually in pain, which she treated with alternative medicines, maintaining that she like all her family was abnormally sensitive to drugs, possibly because of the great blueness of our blood. She mistrusted doctors, and told them so. But the Indian surgeon who put her back together after her Delhi accident (she called him Twinkletoes) became a friend. She moved out of London in the 1990s, and divided her time between a house near Newbury and Racket Town on Tresco. It became an island initiation ceremony to send a new boy round to her house with a basket of groceries she had not ordered, and measure his reactions on the paleness-and-trembling scale. But everyone who got to know her, especially the young of succeeding generations of the family, knew that while her bark was horrifying, her bite was non-existent. She loved them, and they loved her back. The world will be a duller place without her. 2016 YEARBOOK | 9
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TR ESCO PHO T O GR A PH IC C OM PE T I T ION WINNER
We received an unprecedented 228 entries to this year’s Tresco Photographic Competition, presenting a difficult – if enjoyable – task to the judges in identifying a winner. 10 | 2016 YEARBOOK
In the end, Lucy Dorrien-Smith selected Alan Helliar’s vibrant and beautiful image ‘Rainbow’ as the winner. Lucy said: “This year it was all about spontaneity. I could actually feel the photographer’s excitement and amazement at the subject they had captured by chance in their photo.” Alan’s image has won him four return flights from Land’s End and dinner for four on Tresco. Runners up were David Wright’s atmospheric image of Men-a-vaur rock in the mist, and Asheq Akhtar’s energetic image of a wave breaking over a rock.
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Left: Alan Helliar – Winner Above-top: David Wright – Runner up | Above-bottom: Asheq Akhtar – Runner up 2016 YEARBOOK | 11
SEA GARDEN COTTAGES BY THE NIGHT OR BY THE WEEK
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Walking Tides 6–10th
YEAR AHEAD
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Key
6th – 11:00 | 7th – 11:46 | 8th – 12:31 9th – 13:15 | 10th – 13:59
Low Tide Experience
Music
Look
Walks
Food & Drink
MARCH Walking Tides 9–12th
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9th – 11:09 | 10th – 11:53 | 11th – 12:36 12th – 13:19
Gallery Tresco Easter Show
Featuring work from Sara Bor, Ian Shearman, Jon Evison, Sophie Harding and Maggie Matthews. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
Isles of Scilly Arts & Literature Festival
Incorporating Art Scilly Week and the Scilly Folk Festival, enjoy a veritable feast of workshops, demonstrations and theatrical, comedy and musical performances.
Join us mid-channel between Tresco and Bryher for a seafood feast, traditional games and a truly unique experience.
Gig Rowing Season opens
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.
MAY
Walk Scilly
Revel in a week of themed, guided walks across the islands. There’s something for everyone – ramblers, stargazers, wildlife lovers, sun worshippers and foragers.
The ladies race on Wednesday nights and men on Friday night. Tresco Boats regularly follow the races – check boat boards for details.
Walking Tides 6–9th
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6th – 11:22 | 7th – 12:09 | 8th – 12:55 9th – 13:41
Yoga Break
Where better to take a deep breath and relax into a Yoga retreat than Tresco? Join Iyengar Yoga teacher Lucy Aldridge and let go for a week of wellbeing and relaxation.
Low Tide Experience
Join us mid-channel between Tresco and Bryher for a seafood feast, traditional games and a truly unique experience.
Gallery Tresco Month of Culture Show
Featuring work from Tom Holland, Iona Sanders, Nicola Hancox, Richard Guy, Teresa Pemberton and Paul Lewin. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
APRIL The New Inn Ale Festival Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
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Gig Championships
Scilly’s biggest sporting festival and a weekend quite unlike any other in the islands’ calendar as over 100 Pilot Gigs battle for the world title.
Celebrate the coming of summer with around 30 special ales and live music at the best pub on Tresco.
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Garden Break
Our globe-trotting Abbey Garden Curator has travelled far and wide in search of fine gardens and plants, inspiring our 2016 World in a Garden Break.
Scilly Folk Festival
The islands-wide celebration of music comes to Tresco’s New Inn on Sunday lunchtime, featuring folk legend Seth Lakeman.
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Scilly Laughs Comedy Festival at the Flying Boat Club, Tresco
Join the Tresco night of this weekendlong festival of fun.
ÖTILLÖ Swimrun
100 teams of two will tackle open-water swims and trail running across St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s and Bryher in one of the toughest endurance races in the world.
JUNE
Tresco Triathlon
Tresco’s big annual fundraising sport event with a 0.36 mile swim, 12 mile cycle and a 3 mile run which, conveniently, finishes by The New Inn!
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
JULY New Inn Music: Sam Mackenzie
Truro’s guitar hero and party man.
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Gallery Tresco Summer Show 1
Featuring work from Pamela Harrington, Maggie O’Brien and David Rust. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
New Inn Music: Fabulous 59 Ford
Traditional Rock ‘n’ Roll at its best.
Shrimping season opens Walking Tides 5–6th
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5th – 11:50 | 6th – 12:38
Wildlife Walk The New Inn Cider Festival
A long weekend of cider supping at The New Inn.
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
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AUGUST Gallery Tresco Summer Show 2
Featuring work from Melanie Max, Imogen Bone and Tresco Drawing Prize winner Theo Crutchley-Mack. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Gallery Tresco Summer Show 5 Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Featuring work from Wendy McBride, John Dyer and Tom Rickman. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
Gallery Tresco Summer Show 4
Featuring work from Rosemary Trestini, Gary Long and Nick Botting. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
Tresco Fete Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Gallery Tresco Summer Show 3
Featuring work from Amanda Hoskin, Ellen Watson and Neil Pinkett. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
New Inn Music: Joss White
Cornish singer-songwriter Joss is the county’s freshest young talent.
What could be more quintessentially English than a traditional fete, with games and entertainment for the whole family on the cricket field at Old Grimsby.
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
The Festival Players: Hamlet
“The Play’s the Thing, wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King.” The Festival Players return to Tresco Abbey Garden with this open air performance of what is arguably Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedy.
Miracle Theatre: Life’s A Dream
The thespians of Miracle Theatre return to Tresco with an open air performance of this wonderful fable, filled with passion and comedy, and regarded as the jewel in the crown of Spain’s golden age of literature.
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Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Gallery Tresco Summer Show 6
Featuring work from Anthony Garratt, Alasdair Urquhart and Stuart Kettle. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
The Islands’ Regatta
Scilly’s inaugural Islands’ Regatta – four days of celebration of our maritime heritage. A colourful parade of sail, tall ships and more.
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OCTOBER
Walk Scilly Weekend
Enjoy splendid Scilly in the autumn with a long weekend of themed walks across the islands – perfect for sighting stunning birds and wildlife.
The Summer Ale Festival At The New Inn, with around 30 ales to quench your thirst, as well as a weekend of live music.
Scilly Sea Swim Challenge
Watch the spectacle as 150 swimmers make their way around Scilly’s main islands.
Walking Tides 17–19th
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Wildlife Walk
17th – 12:06 | 18th – 12:48 | 19th – 13:32
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
SEPTEMBER Taste of Scilly Festival
The inaugural Taste of Scilly food and drink festival – an opportunity to indulge in the best of all that is grown, caught, produced and reared on the islands, incorporating three days of events across Tresco and Bryher on 17–19th September.
Low Tide Experience
Join us mid- channel between Tresco and Bryher for a seafood feast, traditional games and a truly unique experience.
Garden Break
Our globe-trotting Abbey Garden Curator has travelled far and wide in search of fine gardens and plants, inspiring our 2016 World in a Garden Break.
New Inn Music: Scuppered
Probably the finest Dronfield-based folk band in the world return to Tresco for their annual pilgrimage.
SUP Break
Join us for a week of exploration and relaxation for the very first Tresco SUP Break, featuring seashore SUP safaris and the serenely relaxing art of SUP Pose.
Gallery Tresco’s Falmouth Drawing Show
Featuring the latest talent to emerge from the Falmouth University. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
New Inn Music: Ben Waters
Featuring the latest talent to emerge from the Falmouth University. The artists’ reception party is open to all from 6–8pm.
Walking Tides 16–18th
Yoga Break
Where better to take a deep breath and relax into a Yoga retreat than Tresco? Join Iyengar Yoga teacher Lucy Aldridge and let go for a week of wellbeing and relaxation.
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16th – 11:43 | 17th – 12:27 | 18th – 13:12
Wildlife Walk
Free guided walk with an Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust expert. Meet at The Ruin Beach Café at 10am.
Shrimping season closes
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The family doing business their own way We’re gathered around the fire in a SCILLONIAN FISHERMAN’S COTTAGE on BRYHER, the home of the PENDER FAMILY for generations. SIMBA THE CAT has bagged the prime spot in front of the flames, slowly warming himself, his nose twitching periodically at the smell of supper cooking in the Aga. IT’S FISH PIE – what else?
Photography JAMES DARLING Illustration LIVI GOSLING Words TOM MATTHEWS 18 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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“We do eat a lot of fish,” laughs Amanda Pender. “Everything we catch is used in one way or another so we eat well – and so does the cat!” It is winter; time to take stock of the first season for ‘Island Fish’ – Scilly’s newest family business from one of its oldest families. This particular business meeting takes place in Amanda’s kitchen over supper and a glass of wine.“It’s the best way of getting everybody here,” says Amanda. Meeting organisers the world over could learn a lot. Sitting alongside siblings Mark and Amanda are their parents, Mike and Sue. It is midweek, so the youngest generation of Penders are at school, but in the holidays Amanda’s children Chessen and Shamus, and Mark’s children Arran and Lauren, would be here too. “The children help because they want to,” says Mark. “Chessen enjoys it – and it pays for her horseriding habit. Lauren is so passionate about the stall and she’s a natural. The boys are happy as long as they’re pottering around in the punt burning my fuel making deliveries, or going out and catching a few mackerel or pollock, hauling a few pots.” Shamus and Arran are young fishermen in the making. They accent their traditional oilskins with a modern twist: hoodies proudly emblazoned with the name of the fishing boat built by their grandfather Mike nearly four decades ago, the Emerald Dawn. With such a fishing pedigree on Scilly, how could they not be proud? “If you go down to the Churchyard there are quite a few generations down there,” says Mike who, despite being in his seventies, still heads out to sea each day to check the pots. “My father fished, and his father before him. Sue and I started on Tresco in 1972, five years after we got married.” “Amanda was born that year,” chips in son Mark, “They had to pay for her somehow!” His sister rolls her eyes. In those days Sue’s father Dennis supplied shellfish to the Island Hotel. Every Saturday he would walk down to Old Grimsby with a basket of lobsters in his wheelbarrow, usually with a young Mark in tow. At the kitchen door the chef would weigh out the lobsters before they went round to reception to be paid. 20 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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Starting young: Mike takes a young Mark out fishing in the punt.
Penders at work: Mike’s brother Johnny and mother Dorothy picking crab around the kitchen table – over a pot of tea, of course.
Left: Three generations of fishermen load up a day’s worth of catch.
When Dennis hung up his pots Mike and Sue took over his round, and began selling from the door. Over the decades little has changed. The family may have moved across the channel to Bryher but they still sell from the door, delivering fish to Tresco’s guests and restaurants daily and selling from their stall at Tresco market. “Selling direct to our customers is one thing that sets us apart,” says Sue. “Previously a lot of fishing on Scilly was wholesale. Once a week the fish would go off to the mainland and then some would come back a couple of days later packaged or frozen. It was madness.
Emerald Dawn
Tradewinds
Length: 25 feet 6"
Length: 28 feet
Built: 1979
Built: 1987
Hand built by Mike Pender on Tresco when he was aged 35 – hence the registration SC35.
Purchased by Island Fish in 2015, and brought down by lorry from Whitstable in Kent
Sustainability is a bit of a buzzword, says Mike. It’s just common sense really. You can’t go out there and continually harvest the seas without making sure there’s a plentiful supply of little ones coming through.
“For us the pleasure is in meeting people. Over the years our customers have become our friends. There are lots of families who visit Tresco where we know two or three generations of their family and they know two or three generations of ours. Our Christmas card list gets longer by the year!” Selling direct to customers isn’t just a social pleasure though; it’s good business. “There’s definitely a market for it,” says Mark. “People love it. It’s something they can’t do on the mainland; you’re never going to find fish that fresh outside Scilly. I often tell people a good vet would get the lobster back on its feet!”
Mark is undoubtedly the family comedian, but he’s also a skilful and dedicated fisherman. Seawater courses through his veins, I’m sure of it, and with a family history like his, how could it not? Make no mistake, though: even with their ancestry, not all has been plain sailing for this fishing family. Less than twelve months ago Island Fish could so easily never have come about. “Mark and I had been talking about it for years, usually over a glass of wine, which probably explains why it never came to anything,” Amanda muses. “My husband Andy was away at the beginning of the year
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and he just told me to go for it. He quoted from Julius Caesar: ‘There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries.’ Island Fish was born. The early starts and long days are his fault I guess!” A normal day for Mark and Amanda starts at 4am, when the siblings start picking crab. An hour or so later Mark heads to sea, pointing the bow of his boat Tradewinds to the distant horizon where the first light of day is just beginning to show. After hours hauling and setting pots Mark returns to shore mid-afternoon, sets the next day’s crab to boil, and heads across to make the day’s deliveries to Tresco. When he lands back on Bryher he rejoins Amanda at the picking table until late into the evening. Repeat ad infinitum. Now in his seventies Mike allows himself a well-deserved lie-in until about six in the morning, when he heads out to sea in the Emerald Dawn. After many years of early starts he understands better than anyone just how hard the life of a fisherman is. “Mark works hard,” he says. “To catch the volume of crab and lobster we need he has to haul more than 200 pots. Sometimes the weather is on your side, but even when it’s blowing a gale and lashing with rain you have to go, because we can’t let people down. It’s a long, hard day, and to then come ashore and start grading and picking is tough. Sometimes the fishing is the easy bit.” Every day Mark and Mike head out as far as Bishop Rock and across to St Martin’s Head in search of their aquatic quarry. Their skill lies in knowing where the fish will be feeding at any state of tide, and in any weather; knowledge that can never be learned, only passed down through the generations. Back on shore the Pender ladies are working equally hard, picking crab and lobster and preparing an array of delicious homemade products, from Amanda’s tasty fish pie to Sue’s delicious crab quiche, cooked to a family recipe. “They make our catch look so incredibly inviting,” says Mike proudly. In between the picking, cooking and preparing, the shop at the front of the Pender’s house on Bryher must be manned, and orders for guests and restaurants prepared. On Tresco market
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day, things are even more frenetic. “We aim to leave for the market about 3.30am,” says Amanda. “Inevitably though it ends up like something from Ready, Steady, Cook! When we reach Tresco there’s usually a queue of people waiting, patiently but expectantly, to see what we’ve brought.” On many occasions over the summer the fish doesn’t even touch the shore. Often Mike and Amanda are Trescobound, making their way across to the market in Mike’s green punt just as Mark returns from sea. The day’s haul is handed over mid-channel. “We’ll go over in all weathers; there’s always someone there waiting. I remember one of the last markets of 2015: there was a stiff wind and a spring tide, so the water was up over New Grimsby Quay and still Dad and Lauren were standing there doggedly manning the stand, up to their ankles in water. It was like King Canute fisheries!”
Amanda was born that year, chips in son Mark, They had to pay for her somehow! His sister rolls her eyes.
It would take more than wet feet to keep these hardy Scillonians down. They’ll still deliver to Tresco, even if they have just one order for the day. Home deliveries are made to elderly residents who can’t make it to the stall. On one occasion over the summer, Bryher’s Crab Shack found themselves one crab short and Amanda found herself taking a midevening run down to the barn, live crab in hand. The guests were none the wiser. “Our customers look after us, and we look after them,” says Mark. “The businesses and guests of Tresco and Bryher have been good to us over the years – and we don’t take that for granted. It’s how things work on Scilly: everyone looks after each other and everyone is better for it.”
These traditional values of community spirit, trust and dependability are at the very heart of what this family business is all about, but that doesn’t mean they’re stuck in the past. Some of their ideas for the future will see them at the cutting edge of sustainable fishing. Learning from the decline in Scandinavian lobster stocks, Island Fish is about to enter into a partnership with the National Lobster Hatchery charity in Padstow, launching a ‘buy one, release one’ scheme. For every lobster order Island Fish receives they will donate £1 to the Hatchery to help raise and release a lobster. Already, egg-carrying female lobsters have their tails notched and are released back into the ocean, giving them at least another two year’s breeding before they can be caught. Scillonian fishermen also have the most stringent minimum landing size in the country, meaning juvenile lobsters are left in the ocean to reproduce for longer. “Sustainability is a bit of a buzzword,” says Mike. “It’s just common sense really. You can’t go out there and continually harvest the seas without making sure there’s a plentiful supply of little ones coming through. We have to look out for the fish stocks, and for our children and grandchildren’s livelihoods. “I’ve actually kept a record of all the lobsters I’ve caught since 1972, and I think the efforts are working. Certainly in the last ten years the numbers around Scilly have not been declining; if anything it’s the opposite.” “Perhaps you’ve finally learned to fish,” jokes Sue. The family laughs. Simba the cat licks his lips and yawns. I take this as my cue to leave the family to their meeting – and Simba to his dinner.
Sample the Penders’ fruits de mer along with colourful fruit and veg, cakes and preserves from Tresco’s Boro Farm and Salakee Duck from St Mary’s at the weekly Tresco Market on New Grimsby Quay. Everything for sale has been caught, produced, grown or reared on the islands. 2016 YEARBOOK | 23
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Dance to your Daddy, my little laddie Dance to your Daddy, my little man When thou art an old man, father to a son Sing to him the old songs, sing of all you’ve done Pass along the old ways, then let his song begin Dance to your Daddy, my little man Taken from WHEN THE BOAT COMES IN Traditional English Folk Song
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othing connects you to SCILLY more than a wander down to the market to gather an abundance of FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE, followed by a barbecue on the beach watching the sun dip into the ocean. In 2016 keep an eye out for details of our BARBECUE HOTSPOTS which will be springing up at stunning locations across the island including PENTLE BEACH, FLOOD HATCH and BLOCKHOUSE POINT.
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Photography JAMES DARLING
he Beach Barbecue is, for many, a Tresco summer ritual. Long shadows cast across the silvery sand by the golden evening light makes for a magical scene. For the ladies of Lucy-Tania that’s the perfect excuse to dress for the occasion. “It would be easy to just slip on a sundress and a pair of flip flops,” says interior designer Wendy Callan. “Sometimes, though, a special evening on Tresco calls for something a little more unique.” Wendy highlights some of the top summer wear featuring in the Lucy-Tania 2016 collection… Ladies The Emma Rose collection is stunning: summery yet feminine and pretty. It’s designed and woven in Bali so it’s perfect for wearing around the beach or pool – ideal for life on Tresco. The Frenchie shorts have been a real hit, proving a summer essential which can be worn both day and night. During the day team with a simple white bikini for a laid back luxe beach look. When the sun begins to sink, pair these versatile shorts with a beautiful white cotton singlet to continue the celebration into the summer’s evening. To really complete the look we’ve got some great, fun Flamingo espadrilles new in from Soludos. Perfect. Gentlemen One of our most popular ranges for men is the Pink House collection, fresh from the Caribbean island of Mustique. It’s all influenced by the flora and fauna found on the island, so the collection includes brightly coloured and patterned trunks and linen shirts perfect for a day – and evening – on the beach on Tresco. For a really cool, laid back look the linen shirts are perfect with their bright and fun patterns. A particular favourite is the coral monkey shirt, paired with a simple pair of coral shorts. Or go for a chic, nautical feel with a beautiful cool blue linen shirt with a pair of the seafan print shorts. Lucy-Tania stocks a range of fashion and beach wear from brands including Mustique, Lotty-B, Emma Rose, Catherine Zoraida, Soludos, Soxsmith and Henri Lloyd. There’s also a wide selection of handmade bags, purses, cushions, sunhats, bunting, napkins and more, made by the talented Tresco team. 28 | 2016 YEARBOOK
Lucy-Tania 01720 422569 interiors@tresco.co.uk Summer 9am - 4:30pm every day Winter 9am - 4pm Monday - Friday
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Is it possible to run an award-winning restaurant on a remote island? At HELL BAY, it’s all down to keeping it simple. Photography JAMES DARLING Words TOM MATTHEWS
“The ingredients that come into the kitchen inspire the menu, never the other way round.” Richard Kearsley is the man at the helm of arguably the most remote 3 AA Rosette kitchen in the UK – a job many chefs would take on with trepidation. In contrast, Richard believes a large part of the restaurant’s success is down to its location. “It’s island life,” he explains. “If the boat doesn’t come, or the delivery is delayed we have to adapt, improvise and overcome using what we have on the island. On Bryher, that’s not a hardship – it’s a luxury.” “The menu at Hell Bay is all about sophisticated simplicity and authenticity,” Richard explains. “Simplicity because if you’re totally reliant on lots of shipped in ingredients you’re going to fall flat on your face when the boat doesn’t come in. Authenticity because that’s what our guests come to Scilly for: fresh, local shellfish straight from the sea, or vegetables they walked past in the fields hours before.” On Scilly buying local makes sense. It adds to the island economy and gives 30 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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the team in the kitchen wonderful fresh produce to put on the table. Everyone is happy: producer, chef and, most importantly, guest. “It feels like Christmas when Mark and Mike from Island Fish come to the kitchen door with the day’s catch – except the presents are being delivered by a man in oilskins,” Richard laughs. “They know whatever they bring me I’ll use. There’s no doubting the quality or provenance when you can watch them hauling in nets one hour and take delivery of the fish at the kitchen door the next.” It’s not just fish and shellfish Richard and his team source from the islands. He points out a rack of ingredients waiting to be whipped up into award-winning cuisine. Tomatoes from Bryher’s Hillside Farm, eggs from Boro Farm on Tresco, Spinach from Mike and Sue Pender's kitchen garden on Bryher. Tresco Beef is chilling in the fridge; St Agnes ice cream in the freezer. Of course some produce has to be brought in from the mainland, but Richard and his team source as much of their stock from the Westcountry as 32 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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possible. Fish they can’t get from the islands comes fresh from the boats of Matthew Stevens in and Stevensons of Newlyn; fruit and vegetables from Westcountry Fruit in Falmouth. “It’s all about relationships,” says Richard. “We’ve got a great bond with our suppliers because I’ve explained to them: I’m stuck on a rock; you need to be my eyes at the market telling me what’s fresh, what’s best, what we should be using. It actually works well for us because they really keep their finger on the pulse so we get the very best produce around.” Relationships on the island are important, too. When the supply launch arrives on Bryher a frenetic energy engulfs the quay for all of about half an hour as pallets and crates are unloaded, packed onto trailers and trundled up to the hotel. “The team works,” says Richard. “It’s not just the kitchen that’s involved in producing the meal that people tuck into each evening; everyone has to play their part. Again, that’s island life. It’s what makes the job great.” Richard and his team pull off something remarkable. On a remote and tiny island flung into the Atlantic they produce award-winning food not in spite of their location, but because of it.
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RI C HARD ’ S H O M E C U R E D SA LM O N
Richard shares his recipe for this dazzling dish from the Hell Bay recipe folder, using fresh island ingredients. To recreate at home, make sure to use great local or home grown produce. YOU NEED 1 Side of salmon, scaled and pin boned 4 Hillside Farm purple beetroot Equal quantities of rock salt and sugar A good pinch of juniper berries Zest of a couple of limes and lemons A bunch of fresh dill from Veronica Farm Dijon mustard
Experience Richard’s award-winning cuisine at Hell Bay, our stunning hotel on the beautiful island of Bryher. Set in a picturesque cove facing the Atlantic Ocean, Hell Bay offers a friendly and private oasis to relax and spend quality time together and to enjoy the wild, natural delights of Bryher and the other islands of Scilly. hellbay.co.uk | +44 (0)1720 422947
METHOD 1. Place salmon skin side down in a high edged tray. 2. Grate the beetroot and smash the juniper berries, then combine the sugar, salt, dill stalks and zests of the lemon and lime in a pestle and mortar. 3. Place the ingredients over the salmon, being sure to pop some onto the skin. 4. Leave salmon to cure in the fridge for 24 hours. 5. Scrape off the beetroot and salt mix, then brush the salmon with a thin layer of Dijon mustard and sprinkle with freshly chopped dill. 6. Thinly slice and serve with fresh lemon, crusty brown bread and fresh Hillside Farm salad leaves. 2016 YEARBOOK | 33
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TR ESCO MO OR I NG S DEEP WAT ER MOOR I NG S FOR V I SI T I NG YACH T SM EN A N D CRU I SER S
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J OI N T H E T R E S C O COMMUNITY
Photography JAMES DARLING Words TOM MATTHEWS
Over the past four decades, over 3,000 families have chosen to invest in Tresco through our Timeshare offering, allowing them to return to their favourite holiday home year after year.
The Timesharers who have invested in Tresco have contributed in many ways to our island community. Indeed, they have been our partners in the transformation of Tresco from one family’s remote farming estate to one of the most beautiful and exclusive private island destinations in Northern Europe. An investment in Tresco is about far more than just the cottage of choice; it is an investment in the island as a whole. It contributes to the maintenance of Tresco’s beautiful landscape, the world famous Abbey Gardens and the peace and seclusion that the island offers. Our Timesharers have become our membership, and to reflect the importance of these families and their investment in the whole island, we are introducing the name Islandshare. 38 | 2016 YEARBOOK
Whether you wish to visit in the height of the summer to enjoy the Enid Blyton holidays of old or choose to come in the spring or autumn and seek peace and relaxation, the Tresco Islandshare grants you an exclusive licence for your chosen dates in your favourite property for forty years. You can choose between traditional Cornish cottages, contemporary beach houses or stunning Sea Garden holiday homes, all furnished to an exacting standard and featuring bespoke artwork. Tresco is an exclusive destination by default due to the limited supply of holiday homes available; a private island with no gates, just sandy beaches and aquamarine sea.
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With Islandshare, families can 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. For a forty year period Islandshare secures your place on Tresco, granting your family access to all the facilities on offer, including the island Spa, tennis courts and other leisure facilities as well as unrivalled access to 800 acres of playground for young and old. Whether you have not yet taken the opportunity to invest in Tresco and would like to hear more, or are an existing owner interested in extending your lease, please do get in contact with our Islandshare team. The Dorrien-Smith Family Find out more To discuss the options available, please call 01720 424111 or email islandshare@tresco.co.uk
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T R A DI T ION A L C O T TAGE S BY THE W EEK
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Photography JAMES DARLING Words TOM MATTHEWS 44 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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There are few things more reminiscent of summer than a stunning callistemon pulsating with bees, but on a blustery autumnal day summer feels a long way away. Abbey Garden Curator Mike Nelhams and Head Gardener Andrew Lawson are sat talking bees over steaming mugs of tea.
“The bees will still be out and about,” says Andrew. “Bees generally stay in the hive in the winter but ours will be out making the most of all that Tresco offers.” It is a combination of Scilly’s mild climate and the veritable buffet of plants in the Abbey Garden that allow bees to thrive here, but beekeeping on Tresco hasn’t always been plain sailing.
“There have been bees on Tresco as long as I can remember,” muses Garden Curator Mike Nelhams.“When I first arrived in the 1970s two of the elder statesmen of the garden, Frank Naylor and David Hopkins, were the beekeepers. They passed on all their knowledge to Andrew, along with Alasdair Moore, and everything went well for many years.”
Over the past few years though, the Tresco bees went into decline, as they have throughout the world. The global decline has been attributed to many causes – largely insecticides and the varroa mite – but Andrew and Mike say Scilly is quarantined from such blights. With no obvious problem, it was time to look to the future. 2016 YEARBOOK | 45
“We started looking into how we could reintroduce bees to the island,” recalls Andrew. “Buying in bees is a fairly straightforward process; what’s difficult is making sure they are disease free. We didn’t want to be responsible for bringing a pest like varroa to the islands. “It was easier said than done, though. Practically the only varroa-free areas in the UK are Scilly, the Inner Hebridean island of Colonsay, and the Isle of Man.” Cue a rather unusual road trip to the north for Andrew and fellow gardener David Hamilton. Four ferry crossings, hundreds of miles of driving and a whistle stop tour of the Isle of Man later, Tresco had its new bee colonies. “It was quite a nerve-wracking drive,” recalls Andrew. “The bees were in a box on the back seat. They shouldn’t be able to get out but you are quite aware of them! “All went well, though, and we went from one hive at the start of the year to the six we have now. People love to see the bees; they hear doom and gloom about how bees are in decline, and then they come to Tresco and see thriving hives, it’s really rewarding.” 46 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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Of course, bees are not just a talking point. They’re miniature heroes, central to our very survival, pollinating the flowers we love and the crops on which we rely. They also just happen to produce delicious amber nectar which has been sorely missed on Tresco in recent years. The array of plants in the Abbey Garden lends Tresco honey a unique, international flavour all of its own. The bees feast on Puyas from South America in the summer and gorge on Protea from South Africa in the winter. “It’s a totally unique flavour, and we’re hoping to be able to take our first decent crop of honey in 2016,” says Andrew.“We’d like to get back to the point where we have a steady stream of honey for the Abbey and for our visitors to take home a real taste of Tresco.”
If you’re eager to discover more about the extraordinary diversity of plants which lend Tresco honey its unique flavour, join our globetrotting Curator Mike Nelhams and the rest of the Abbey Garden team on our World in a Garden break. Taking place in the spring and autumn, these five-night breaks will allow you to develop your horticultural skills and knowledge with garden tuition, lectures and tours. To find out more go to www.tresco.co.uk or call +44 (0)1720 422849
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Ask people what they love most about Tresco and pretty close to the top of their list will be R&R. Rest and Relaxation. You can guarantee very few will say ‘running.’ Photography JAMES DARLING | Illustration LIVI GOSLING Words TOM MATTHEWS 2016 YEARBOOK | 49
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Draw inspiration from our maps, take a deep breath, and take the first step. Run through the vibrant heather of the north end in the early autumn, jog through whispering rushes and across silver sands in the summer, or take to the car-free tracks criss-crossing the heart of the island and lined with stunning flowers in the spring. You might just discover the freedom that a run on Tresco can bring. Perhaps in the case of this beautiful isle an extra character should be added to the old axiom. R, R & R: Rest, Relaxation and Running.
e all know that running is good for the body, but scientific studies have also proved it is good for the soul. Not only does it help you lose weight and tone up; running is actually one of the best stress relievers known to science. Perhaps that’s hard to believe if you think of a run on the mainland. Dodging traffic on the roads, pounding endless miles of hard tarmac, admiring the views of‌ well, what exactly? On Tresco, though, things are different. Sure, for some the very idea of taking a run whilst on holiday may make them quake in their flip flops, but try it sometime.
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ROUTE 1 Approx distance:
3.5M
Approx time at 9 min/mile:
32 MINS
Calories:
500
A beautifully scenic route at any time of year, taking in all Tresco has to offer. Head downhill from The New Inn and turn left at Timothy’s Corner, skirting along New Grimsby harbour and past the Abbey Farm cottages. At the fork by Great Pool turn left and run along Abbey Drive – a picture of wild flowers in the spring. As you run past the grand entrance to the Abbey, head downhill and bear right to pass Abbey Pool on your left. Continue along this lane, passing Valhalla and the garden entrance before crossing the old heliport, heading toward Carn Near Quay. Run through the heather on Appletree Banks and take the first left off the road onto a sandy track along the edge of Bathinghouse Porth, enjoying the stunning views across to St Mary’s. Bear left to head back toward the Abbey Pool and on reaching the main track turn left again to join a stunning stretch hugging the coast of Pentle Bay to reach the Old Blockhouse. Leaving the fort behind you rejoin the road and run along the shore at Old Grimsby, bearing left at Lucy-Tania and following the track past the church and over Town Hill, returning to The New Inn.
ROUTE 2 Approx distance:
2M
Approx time at 9 min/mile:
18 MINS
Calories:
300
A short, sharp exploration of Tresco’s rugged north end, this route is stunning in early autumn when the heather is in full colour. Set out along the road from New Grimsby Quay, taking the first left and climbing to the top of the hill before bearing left onto the track as the road flattens out. Follow this track, bearing right when it forks near the edge of the copse and then right again shortly after. Run through the heather, hugging the treeline and overlooking the white sands of Gimble Porth. As you reach the north end take the track across to King Charles’ Castle and circle the ancient fort, taking in handsome views across to Bryher’s Shipman Head. Turn back to the main track and run south along the shoulder of the island. When the track forks take the right hand track and follow the path to return to New Grimsby Quay. 2016 YEARBOOK | 51
OPEN 10AM-4PM EVERY DAY
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Photography JAMES DARLING Words TOM MATTHEWS
Whether it’s the middle of TRESCO CHANNEL at low tide, or the ABBEY GARDEN after hours, there is an enigmatic, almost subversive pleasure in being ‘OUT OF BOUNDS’. Add sumptuous food into the equation and you’ve got the recipe for a truly memorable Tresco experience.
From beach feasts on Pentle Bay and an after-hours tour of the Abbey Gardens, to a world-first mid-channel dining event, a series of unique events ‘popped up’ on – and off – Tresco over the summer. The Tresco Times was there to sample the fare (it’s a tough job, but someone had to do it…)
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THE Low Tide Experience “In a couple of hours this will all be beneath the waves once more. Let’s eat!” It’s August, and hundreds of people have converged for a feast in an unlikely location: half way between Tresco and Bryher. Those who have made the journey through the shallows – including Gordon, a nonagenarian and first time visitor to Scilly – greet each other and celebrate. Defying the natural order of things, they enjoy a popup mussel and Prosecco feast, accompanied by the soft tones of Jess Lawson’s guitar and the laughter of children learning to hunt for razor clams and playing traditional games. Hours later, after the tractors have removed all trace of the feast from the sandbar, the tripper boats once again ply their trade between the islands; the scene of the first mid-channel event lost beneath the clear Scillonian water once more. 56 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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THE Garden Popup “We’ve never done this as a family. I can’t even remember when I last did it myself. It was probably when I was a boy. It’s the simple things, isn’t it?” A group of people stands around a firepit in the middle of the Garden Café terrace. A dad watches his children toast marshmallows, their grins stretching from ear to ear. A molten stream of marshmallow drips into the fire. It doesn’t matter. The children’s appetite is just about satiated. The adults have enjoyed a feast too – of Tresco beef and Bryher lobster, all washed down with a glass of Prosecco – but also a horticultural feast: a private after-hours tour of the Abbey Garden, the adults gleaning gardening gems from Mike as the children explore hidden glades. Curator Mike Nelhams and Head Gardener Andrew Lawson mingle, their tour complete but their knowledge far from exhausted. Fortunate, really, as the questions keep on flowing, as does the Prosecco. We’re planning more unique events in 2016 so keep your eyes peeled for details on island.
Join us on a four night-break to experience one of our Low Tide mid-channel popup events 8th April, 8th May, or 18th September, or for one of our other popup events throughout the summer. For details call the Island Office on +44 (0)1720 422849
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hese splendid images from the archives prove mid-channel gatherings are nothing new on Tresco. In July 1921 a low tide celebration is in full swing, with the Dorrien-Smith children, numbering five at the time, revelling in the heady, carefree days of a summer on Scilly. Ignore, for a moment, the sepia tone and somewhat conservative bathing attire and the scene has changed little to this day. Within weeks, the Dorrien-Smith family would be bolstered by the birth of Francis and, a decade later, Helen would bring the total number of children to seven.
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THE NEW INN B Y T H E N IGH T OR B Y T H E W E E K
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Words & Photography TOM MATTHEWS
W S Our islands are every creative mind’s PARADISE, but to some inspiration lies in surprising places. We meet the next generation of artists on Tresco.
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“Over there!” calls THEO CRUTCHLEY-MACK as he scans the horizon. I wonder what has caught the young artist’s eye as I follow him over the bow of a jet boat, jumping the last few feet and sinking into the soft white sand of Samson. Laden with easel, chair, canvas, paint, brushes and provisions for a day’s drawing, Theo sets off apace through the rushes at the top of the beach, striding over the bouncing heather and russet bracken into the heart of the island. I follow, still wondering what has caught his attention. Perhaps a stunning vista or white sand beach? Not Theo. We arrive at one of Samson’s ruined cottages, abandoned along with the rest of the island in the 19th century when the islanders were driven from the shores of Samson by hunger. Theo’s face lights up at the sight of the decaying ruin. It’s as far from a classic romantic seascape and dreamy views as you can get. They’re not really his thing. “Just look at this cottage,” he enthuses. “The textures are incredible with the crumbling stonework. It’s beautiful. The other day I was down at Carn Near painting the quay jutting out into the sea, surrounded by giant boulders thrown there by wind and waves. I even found the old road concrete mixers the other day. They’re all rusting now so they’re really striking. I’d rather paint those than a pretty landscape any day. Beautiful vistas are lovely, but they’re not really for me.” There’s no artistic license here. Theo paints things as they are: rust, decay and all. His work is totally unique, which is why it caught the eye of Robert and Lucy Dorrien-Smith.
Lucy explains: “I first saw Theo’s work when he visited Tresco as a student on Falmouth University’s Drawing course. At the end of the week drawing on Tresco the students showed me their sketchbooks. His work had an extraordinary presence about it. I knew he was going to go far as an artist. “Three years later, Theo’s work was exhibited at the Falmouth Graduation show. There are so many talented artists emerging from Falmouth University in all disciplines it’s difficult to choose one whose work stands out from the rest, but Theo’s undoubtedly does. That’s why we made him the first winner of the Tresco Prize for Drawing.” As well as travel and accommodation for a month as Artist in Residence on Tresco, Theo’s work will be included in a mixed exhibition at Gallery Tresco next summer. He has also received introductions to prestigious London galleries that Tresco has forged friendships with over the years. The prize itself has been designed by another of Tresco’s drawing protégés, artist Hugo Dalton, and will be presented to Theo at the opening of his exhibition at Gallery Tresco on the 16th July 2016. It’s not the first time Theo’s talent has been recognised either. At the age of 16 his work was featured on a commemorative coin for the 2012 Olympic Games. Next time you have a 50p piece in your hand, take a look. If it features a picture of a cyclist in a velodrome, it was designed by this rising star. Back on Samson, I ask aloud: What was the history of this cottage, who might have lived here? “For me it’s all about the texture and the material – that’s what gets me excited. But hey, that’s the great thing about art: everybody gets something different out of it.” It strikes me the same is true of Tresco, and of Scilly: everyone who visits these islands takes away something different. Like grains of sand on a beach, memories of Scilly may all seem the same at first glance, but look a little closer and these islands mean something different to all who come here. For an artist, that must be pretty inspiring.
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The Tresco Artist’s Uniform Serge Seidlitz is another young artist inspired by his travels to Tresco’s shores and whose work features on the cover of the Tresco Times Yearbook. Contrary to public opinion, a beanie hat is not obligatory attire for artists in residence…
Above A preliminary sketch looking across Samson flats from South Hill
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Top Rusting road concrete mixers provide Theo with inspiration Middle Stark and bold, Carn Near Quay juts into the sea Bottom Preliminary sketches from onboard Scillonian III (L) and Samson (R)
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LEVI SPONG has already discovered that inspiration, despite being just eleven years old. “I really enjoyed my visit to Tresco,” he recalls. “I had never stayed on such a small island before; I loved the fact there were no cars and I could cycle from one end to the other in 20 minutes. It was constantly sunny and the beaches were amazing.” On returning home Levi wanted to capture his feelings and, where many children his age would take to Instagram or Facebook, Levi picked up his paint box. “I wanted to do an abstract picture that represented my feelings about my visit. First, I pencilled an outline of the island, and then I spray painted the paper with ink, using an old-fashioned sprayer that you blow with your mouth. “I chose the colours – bright blue and yellow – because they represented my memory of the island. I was pretty chuffed with the painting, because I felt it resembled Tresco enough to be recognised by other people who had visited.” Last summer, Levi presented the picture to Lucy Dorrien-Smith. “I wasn’t sure if she would like it,” he recalls. “I was surprised and really pleased that she wanted to hang it on the wall on the island. I have never had a painting hung up in public before, so this was a really special thing for me.” Levi’s painting now hangs proudly on display in the Lobster Room at The New Inn. Perhaps one day it will stir another young artist to pick up their paintbrush and take their inspiration from this magical isle.
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If Tresco inspires you to pick up your paintbrush, keep an eye out for details of our Painting Breaks. Combine a short escape to Tresco with expert painting tuition from some of Cornwall’s most respected artists from the Newlyn School of Art.
For details see www.newlynartschool.co.uk 2016 YEARBOOK | 67
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A DV E RT
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 68 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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Hell Bay is an award-winning hotel and restaurant on Bryher, the neighbouring island to Tresco. Owned by Tresco Estate, Hell Bay is the highest-rated hotel on the Isles of Scilly and Gold winner of Small Hotel of the Year at the Cornwall Tourism Awards for 3 consecutive years. 01720 422947 | hellbay.co.uk
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Notes On a Week in March
have always had a thing about islands, small wild ones in particular. Perhaps it has something to do with being born on Anglesey, where we lived until I was 7. So it was many years later that I came to the Scilly Isles for a summer holiday with our young family. It generated such excitement to actually bump down on those little blobs you could sometimes glimpse on what seemed like the blue edge of the world. We have been back many times. Now my children bring their children. I also come back to paint, often on my own and usually out of season. This time it is March and the islands cannot seem to settle on winter or the beginning of spring. Neither can I. Every day I walk and watch, and wait and see. The daffodils are almost a memory, clouds are too wild to catch, rain kindly wipes clean my sketches, and the sun 70 | 2016 YEARBOOK
glows like a first time thing. The sea disappears. Even so, as ever, there is a kind of magic here, a resonance and luminosity that lifts my heart and brings a lump to my throat. It can strike unbidden in any weather round any corner of this beautiful place. These moments, these sudden mysterious intense feelings of connection with everything around me are what I want to paint. But how? Not a picture postcard, not quite abstraction, impressionism, or expressionism. I think of Turner, his late work melting into abstraction, he strapped himself to the mast to paint a storm, and there was Monet chasing light on the cliffs at Etretat. Joan Eardley, a Scottish painter whose work I love – she sat on the ground to paint, her canvas held down with stones. You can see bits of windblown grasses stuck to her canvas. I remember a line from To The
Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, given to a character probably partly based on her artist sister Vanessa, and partly on herself: “So much depends on distance…” I think of my granddaughters inquiring as to when “Nin” was going to do her ‘colouring in’. I find that now to be alone in the room works for me. There, memory and imagination play on those moments that have stuck in my mind. Maybe, just maybe, after a few tentative marks or a splash of colour, if I am lucky and following what the marks dictate, the picture will begin to take on a life of its own. The whole procedure becomes overlaid with misremembering and sometimes, hopefully, happy accidents with my materials so that the picture can take form and become, should I be able to stop at the right point, at least my own creation.
EXHIBITIONS 2016 EASTER SHOW Saturday 26th March Sara Bor, Ian Shearman, Jon Evison, Sophie Harding, Maggie Matthews MAY (MONTH OF CULTURE) SHOW Thursday 19th May Tom Holland, Iona Sanders, Nicola Hancox, Richard Guy, Teresa Pemberton, Paul Lewin Wednesday 6th JULY Pamela Harrington, Maggie O’Brien, David Rust Saturday 16TH JULY Melanie Max, Theo Crutchley-Mack, Imogen Bone
Tuesday 26TH JULY Amanda Hoskin, Ellen Watson, Neil Pinkett Saturday 6TH AUGUST Rosemary Trestini, Gary Long, Nick Botting Tuesday 16TH AUGUST Wendy Mcbride, John Dyer, Tom Rickman Friday 26TH AUGUST Anthony Garratt, Alasdair Urquhart, Stuart Kettle Friday 14th OCTOBER Falmouth Drawing Show
SEALED BIDS AUCTION
Win this exquisite Merman sculpture by Mandy Long
Made from raku-fired ceramic and glass. Stands 32cm tall. Base measures 32 x 39cm. Retailing at £1000, this exceptional piece could be yours! To see more images visit our website
www.gallerytresco.co.uk
This sculpture will be on display at Gallery Tresco, where you can also leave your sealed bid. All proceeds will be donated to the Tresco & Bryher Rowing Club.
LAST BID 30 Th SEPTEMBER 2016
galleryTRESCO t.
01720 424 925 e. gallery@tresco.co.uk www.gallerytresco.co.uk
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PE R F E C T LY CHILLED
Photography JAMES DARLING
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“I want my toes in the sand and a cocktail in my hand.” Whether it’s a cool lunchtime drink as little ones enjoy the beach, or the perfect start to the evening ahead, the relaxed atmosphere and ocean outlook at the RUIN BEACH CAFÉ make it the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail. DUFFY from The Ruin guides us through her favourites. 2016 YEARBOOK | 73
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GINGER BARKEEPER
arge measure homemade coconut L infused Sipsmith Gin
Small measure Beekeepers Balm syrup
Small measure Velvet Falernum
Large measure Mount Gay Rum
Dash of maraschino Liqueur
Pour over crushed ice
Stir with a twist of lime over ice
Top with ginger ale
Pour into a chilled Martini glass
Pour into a chilled Martini glass
Garnish with a blueberry and lime twist
Garnish with a sprig of island-grown lemon balm and a twist of lemon
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CRANBERRY & HIBISCUS ICED GREEN TEA
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SANGRIA VERDE Chop melon, white grapes, cucumber, apple, mint and basil and add to a glass
mall measure cranberry and S hibiscus cordial
Mix in a large measure of white rum and a large glass of dry white wine
Large measure Sipsmith Vodka
Leave for as long as you can – the longer the better
Pour over ice in a tall glass Add sliced lime, fresh Boro Farm Strawberries and a handful of mint leaves
Top with soda and serve in a chilled glass
Top with 100ml of chilled green tea
“ We’re open every day, serving a delicious selection of Tresco-inspired cocktails – not to mention coffee, pizzas, seafood, and dishes with a Mediterranean feel from our wood-fired oven. Be sure to call ahead and book if you're coming in the evening!” The Ruin Beach Café Tel. 01720 424849
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G E T O N BOA R D
JOIN US FOR A WEEK OF EXPLORATION AND RELAXATION BETWEEN 8–13 SEPTEMBER 2016 FOR THE VERY FIRST TRESCO SUP BREAK. Explore Tresco’s stunning coastline from a different perspective on Seashore SUP Safaris with expert instructor Lawrence Smith, and practice the serenely relaxing art of SUP Pose with yoga instructor Lucy Aldridge. To find out more visit the Offers and Breaks section at tresco.co.uk
T R AV E LLI NG TO T R E S C O 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. By Plane
By Boat
Skybus fly 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.
To benefit from Tresco’s comprehensive island transfer service, please be sure to book through the Island Office, where our team can organise all travel arrangements on your behalf. Please call us on 01720 422849 or email contactus@tresco.co.uk
STAY I NG ON ROU T E 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
Chapel House
Number 38
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
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
Award winning townhouse accommodation in a recently converted Georgian merchant’s house in Bristol. number38clifton.com
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TR ESCO B OATS DA I LY SCH EDU LED T R I P S TO BRY H ER A N D ST M A RY’S, W I T H T R I P S TO ST M A RT I N’S A N D ST AGN E S T H R EE T I M E S PER W EEK . Private Charter – Fishing Expeditions – Wildlife and History Trips – Evening Dinner Boats – Gig Race Spectators’ Boat For daily boat times and bookings visit tresco.co.uk or call 01720 423373
LIVE THE ISLAND LIFE ON SCILLY It’s that first glimpse of pristine white sands. The bracing hit of sea air. Flowers you’ve never seen before. Shellfish fresh from the sea. Island hopping by day and tapping your feet to folk songs by night. When we connect you to the Isles of Scilly, you’ll connect with the rhythm of island life. #TRAVELLOCAL
Fly to Scilly in an hour or less from Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End airports. You can also sail to Scilly from Penzance on the Scillonian III passenger ferry.
WWW.ISLESOFSCILLY-TRAVEL.CO.UK • CALL 01736 334220 STAYING ON TRESCO? BOOK THROUGH THE ISLAND OFFICE 01720 422849
190x244 2016 IOS Tresco times ad v1.indd 1
23/12/2015 16:48
An impressive Georgian building with spacious double rooms and extensive sea views, Chapel House draws together classic style and contemporary comfort.
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
ISLAND PURSUITS A brief guide to enjoying the Isles of Scilly.
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UNSPOILT AND PEACEFUL
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Island size: 366 acres Population: 72 Images courtesy of Islands’ Partnership.
t Agnes forms the southwesterly tip of the Scillonian archipelago and is joined by a sandbar to the neighbouring island of Gugh (population: 3). 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.
– 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 2016 YEARBOOK | 83
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Island size: 327 acres Population: 81
Images courtesy of Roger Broughton.
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 to the east. Home to Hell Bay, Droppy Nose Point and Popplestones. TRESCO TIMES DAY OUT ON BRYHER – Lunch at the Hell Bay Hotel followed by pitch and putt – 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 84 | 2016 YEARBOOK
The island is virtually traffic free, and is criss-crossed by footpaths and tracks
Hell Bay Hotel A stylish and relaxing boutique hotel. Welcoming non-residents to use our bar, terrace and restaurant as well as our spa treatment room for the ulitmate pamper and relax.
LOCAL, SIMPLE, DELICIOUS. May – September Booking is essential Call 01720 422947
01720 422947 | hellbay.co.uk Open daily from 10am Lunch from 12–2pm Dinner from 6:45pm–9pm
Spa
hellbay.co.uk
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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 86 | 2016 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.
RUIN BEACH CAFÉ OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER
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Fabulous food. Fabulous view. julietsgardenrestaurant.co.uk
On the coastal footpath, above Porthloo, St Mary’s. Food served all day and most evenings, inside and out. Call ahead to book an evening table.
Isles of Scilly Parking
01736 332727 Mobile 07724 879 482
contact@islesofscillyparking.co.uk
Secure Parking in Penzance SECURE ONLINE BOOKING AND PAYMENT SERVICE:
01720 422228
www.islesofscillyparking.co.uk Relax when on holiday in Scilly. We can park anything, anytime; boats, trailers, campers and bikes. From a Mini Cooper to a coach. Fully insured collection and delivery service. Providing parking for all holiday makers travelling to the Isles of scilly. Also available for Skybus customers.
The IOS Store. A truly Scillonian business. A true Scillonian brand. Located in the heart of Hugh Town. Tel: 01720 423288
Secure indoor and outdoor parking at competitive rates. Contact us for estimates and bookings. Office hours are Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.30pm
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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! 88 | 2016 YEARBOOK
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.
Scilly’s postal flower service The perfect island gift, beautiful scented flowers for any occasion. Pop in and see us at Churchtown Farm. CALL 01720 422169 VISIT SCILLYFLOWERS.CO.UK LIKE US ON FACEBOOK/SCILLYFLOWERS OR TWEET US @SCILLYFLOWERS
TR ESCO STOR ES
CYCLING The best way to enjoy Tresco is on two wheels. Bikes for all ages are available for hire next door to Tresco Stores.
From everyday essentials to the gourmet , we have a wide selection of produce that will satisfy fussy kids as well as the most discerning foodie.
01720 422849
01720 422806
THE NEW INN 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.
OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER
Open Sunday to Friday April to September
01720 422046 www.polreath.com
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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. Under 16s get in free and kids will love the Valhalla Shipwreck Museum and Trail.
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 snorkel 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 79.
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 seventeenth 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.
SWIMMING
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Wildlife walks in July & 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 21st June until 30th August. There will also be walks on 29th March, 5th April, 31st May and 25th October. Where? Meet outside The Ruin Beach Café at 10am. How long? About 2 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!
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 heath lands 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).
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R EL A X AND I N DU L GE Tresco Spa
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TRESCO
TRESCO ISLAND IS AN RCI GOLD CROWN RESORT
ISLANDSHAR E OFFER S THE OPPORTUNITY TO IN VEST NOT JUST IN YOUR FAVOUR ITE PROPERTY ON TR ESCO, BUT IN THE WHOLE ISLAND.
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 school holiday availability once more.
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.
MONDAY CHANGEOVER Bay House Week 29 11-Jul
Sleeps 6 £65,000
Driftwood (SG) Week 13 21-Mar Week 14 28-Mar Week 20 09-May Week 23 30-May Week 36 05-Sep Week 37 12-Sep Week 41 10-Oct
Sleeps 6/8 £23,530 £28,000 £40,405 £43,080 £73,015 £59,620 £32,475
Farmhouse Week 15 04-Apr Week 38 19-Sep
Sleeps 10 £18,000 18yrs* £28,000 21yrs*
Flora (FBC) Week 20 09-May Week 21 16-May Week 26 20-Jun Week 27 27-Jun
Sleeps 6/8 £38,550 £41,100 £48,020 £48,020
Ivy Cottage Week 30 18-Jul Week 32 01-Aug Week 33 08-Aug
Sleeps 4/5 £45,250 £30,800 21yrs* £30,800 21yrs*
Maiden Bower Sleeps 8 Week 19 02-May £10,000 15yrs* North End Week 22 23-May
Sleeps 6 £33,500
Snipe Week 38 19-Sep
Sleeps 2 £9,520
21yrs*
TUESDAY CHANGEOVER Beach Week 32 01-Aug Week 37 13-Sep
Sleeps 4 £50,000 £10,445
Fearless Week 16 12-Apr Week 35 30-Aug
Sleeps 6 £30,210 £125,000
Green Week 12 15-Mar Week 37 13-Sep
Sleeps 6 £1,845 £12,570
7yrs* 13yrs*
Just Home Week 14 29-Mar
Sleeps 6 £11,192
20yrs*
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13yrs*
Merrick Week 42 18-Oct
Sleeps 8 £19,040
28yrs*
Moorings Week 41 11-Oct
Sleeps 8 £12,500
19yrs*
Norrard Week 27 28-Jun Week 37 13-Sep
Sleeps 8 £24,085 £22,695
17yrs* 18yrs*
Pebble (SG) Week 29 12-Jul
Sleeps 2/4 £58,250
Sandy Lane Week 13 22-Mar Week 21 17-May
Sleeps 6 £10,753 £17,900
Seagrass (SG) Week 21 17-May Week 25 14-Jun Week 34 16-Aug Week 35 30-Aug Week 36 06-Sep Week 37 13-Sep
Sleeps 6/8 £43,080 £47,555 £140,000 £140,000 £73,015 £59,620
Sunfish (SG) Week 16 12-Apr Week 17 19-Apr Week 18 26-Apr Week 19 03-May Week 20 10-May Week 23 31-May Week 26 21-Jun Week 28 05-Jul Week 29 12-Jul Week 37 13-Sep
Sleeps 8/10 £32,145 £32,145 £32,145 £40,905 £40,905 £43,580 £50,845 £117,500 £152,000 £60,120
23yrs 19yrs*
The below 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.
Dolphin Cottage Week 30 20-Jul
Sleeps 6 £14,000 7yrs*
Endeavour (FBC) Week 35 31-Aug Week 36 07-Sep Week 41 12-Oct
Sleeps 8/9 £112,000 £70,110 £32,975
Old Mill Week 35 31-Aug Week 40 05-Oct
Sleeps 8/10 £80,000 £17,255 21yrs*
Pearl (SG) Week 20 11-May Week 35 31-Aug Week 41 12-Oct
Sleeps 4/6 £24,295 £95,500 £18,940
Pegasus (FBC) Week 30 20-Jul Week 31 27-Jul
Sleeps 6 £125,000 £125,000
Seapink (SG) Week 15 06-Apr Week 16 13-Apr Week 22 25-May Week 23 01-Jun Week 24 08-Jun Week 30 20-Jul Week 33 10-Aug Week 35 31-Aug Week 36 07-Sep
Sleeps 6/8 £31,645 £31,645 £43,080 £43,080 £43,080 £140,000 £140,000 £140,000 £73,015
THURSDAY CHANGEOVER Dial Rocks Week 31 28-Jul
Sleeps 6 £85,000
Mincarlo Week 18 28-Apr
Sleeps 8 £17,300
Rockpool (SG) Week 19 05-May Week 31 28-Jul Week 37 15-Sep
Sleeps 6/8 £40,405 £140,000 £59,620
WEDNESDAY CHANGEOVER
Shoreline Week 35 01-Sep
Sleeps 6 £61,500
Coastguards Week 24 08-Jun
Sleeps 8 £28,560
FRIDAY CHANGEOVER
Coral (SG) Week 15 06-Apr Week 28 06-Jul
Sleeps 6/8 £29,685 £96,000
Teal Sleeps 4 Week 19 03-May £8,925 Week 38 20-Sep £11,900 Wigeon Week 22 24-May Week 32 02-Aug Week 33 09-Aug
Sleeps 6 £17,600 £54,000 £54,000
21yrs* 21yrs* 21yrs*
28yrs*
Abalone (SG) Week 28 01-Jul Week 42 14-Oct
Sleeps 8/10 £117,500 £32,975
Glen Week 29 08-Jul Week 36 02-Sep
Sleeps 6 £71,500 £11,000
Heron Week 19 29-Apr Week 20 06-May Week 28 01-Jul Week 33 05-Aug Week 35 26-Aug
Sleeps 6 £17,213 £13,388 £30,435 £36,750 £54,000
Kittiwake Sleeps 8 Week 38 16-Sep £34,043 Week 45 04-Nov £6,500
6yrs* 27yrs* 21yrs* 22yrs* 21yrs* 27yrs* 19yrs*
Porth Sleeps 6 Week 23 27-May £24,000 26yrs* Rowesfield Week 38 16-Sep
Sleeps 6 £29,467
26yrs*
Sandpiper Week 17 15-Apr Week 18 22-Apr Week 25 10-Jun Week 32 29-Jul Week 33 05-Aug
Sleeps 6 £8,415 £8,415 £16,065 £43,750 £36,750
22yrs* 22yrs* 21yrs* 25yrs* 21yrs*
Smugglers Week 9 19-Feb
Sleeps 6 £2,040
8yrs*
SATURDAY CHANGEOVER Gem (FBC) Week 28 01-Jul Week 35 27-Aug
Sleeps 6/8 £91,500 £125,000
Sea Horse (SG) Week 16 09-Apr Week 28 02-Jul Week 29 09-Jul Week 30 16-Jul Week 34 13-Aug Week 35 27-Aug
Sleeps 6/8 £31,645 £96,000 £140,000 £140,000 £140,000 £140,000
(SG) – Sea Garden Cottage, (FBC) – Flying Boat Cottage. *Asterisked weeks are Timeshare resales and do not include FBC membership.
TRESCO TIMES
2016 YEARBOOK
TRESCO
POSTAL ADDRESS:
TRESCO
Isles of Scilly Diving School: 422848
The Island Office Tresco The Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ
Abbey Garden Café: 424108
Isles of Scilly Golf Club: 422692
Abbey Garden Office: 424105 mikenelhams@tresco.co.uk
Isles of Scilly Steamship Company: 424222
Cottages Manager: 424106 (24hr emergency line)
Island Sea Safaris : 422732
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.
Flying Boat Restaurant: 424068 Gallery Tresco: 424925 Harbourmaster: 07778 601237 Hell Bay Hotel (on Bryher): 422947 contactus@hellbay.co.uk Islandshare: 424111 islandshare@tresco.co.uk
Island Supply: 422388 Island Fish: 423880 Police: 08452 777444/422444 Sailing Centre (St Mary’s): 422060 St Mary’s Boatmen: 423999 St Mary’s Harbourmaster: 422768 St Mary’s Horse Riding Centre: 423855
New Inn: 423006
Scillonia Boatshare: 422702
Post Office (at the Stores & Delicatessen): 424113
Skybus St Mary’s: 422905
Ruin Beach Café: 424849 Sailing Centre (Tresco): 424919 (July & August) Tresco Boat Services: 423373 Tresco Spa: 424075 Tresco Stores & Delicatessen: 422806
SCILLY
Steamship Quay: 424230 Taxi (St Mary’s): 422555/422635/422260 Tourist Information on St Mary’s: 422536
MAINLAND National Rail Enquiries: 03457 484950 Skybus Land’s End: 01736 787017
Bennett Boat Hire: 422205
Steamship Freight Bookings: 01736 334249
Bryher Marine Engineering: 423047
Steamship Travel Centre: 08457 105555
Dentist: 422694
Steamship Warehouse: 01736 334236
Doctor: 422628 Hell Bay Hotel (on Bryher): 422947 contactus@hellbay.co.uk
T R E S C O.C O.U K
Hospital: 422392
EMERGENCY Fire/Police/Ambulance/Coastguard: Call 999 in an emergency 2016 YEARBOOK | 95
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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
Meet The Sipsmiths Meet The Sipsmiths
Sipsmith? Why ‘Sipsmith?’ Well, much the same way wordsmiths love to create all things wordical, we love to create things Like gin. Sipsmith? Why ‘Sipsmith?’ Well,all much thesippical. same way wordsmiths love to create all things wordical, we love to create all things sippical. Like gin. On a mission to bring gin of uncompromising quality and character back to the city where it all began; thisgin is aofclassic gin made thequality way it and usedcharacter to be, theback waytoit the should On a mission to bring uncompromising city be. where it all began; this is a classic gin made the way it used to be, the way it should be. Handcrafted at the Sipsmith Distillery in genuinely small batches with skill, care and an almost fetishistical love, weDistillery distil theintraditional - on copper, only ever taking Handcrafted at the Sipsmith genuinelyway small batches with skill, care and the heart of the spiritlove, and we never using a concentrate. result makes it perfect an almost fetishistical distil the traditional way -The on copper, only ever taking for or G&T; full of character andmakes exploding with the your heartMartini of the spirit and stunningly never usingsmooth, a concentrate. The result it perfect flavour. for your Martini or G&T; stunningly smooth, full of character and exploding with flavour. Sipsmith: where old meets new and the two hit it off really quite spectacularly. Sipsmith: where old meets new and the two hit it off really quite spectacularly.
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
www.sipsmith.com www.sipsmith.com
Good Hotel Guide 2016 Editor’s Choice
2016 YEARBOOK
General Enquiries +44 (0)1720 422849 contactus@tresco.co.uk T R E S C O.C O.U K OUR VIEWS ARE CLEAR
2016 YEARBOOK