Bodmin Life | Issue 07 | Winter 2022

Dunmere Road, Bodmin www.rowesbakers.co.uk

Hello Bodmin!

Welcome to your winter issue of Bodmin Life. Can you believe December is already upon us?!

As we come to the end of another busy year, this issue of the magazine is focusing on the power and brilliance of community spirit.

It can be all too easy to get caught in the web of consumerism at Christmas, and the trail of waste and lack of compassion that can come with it. This issue will hopefully give you some inspiration on having a kind and jolly festive period with all your loved ones. We have a delicious recipe from Seaview Farm Shop which is sure to impress your Christmas Day guests, and our front cover interview is with the wonderful team at Cedar Croft. Similar to the elves at Santa’s Workshop, they are already getting stuck into one of their busiest times of year, and they tell us about their fantastic selection of trees, which will make the perfect festive centrepiece in your home this Christmas.

We also have not one, but TWO new competitions for you to enter. First, you have the chance to win tickets to Charlestown Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Simply find Hank the dog in the pages of your magazine, and go to our website to enter. Our second competition is with the lovely intoBodmin, who are offering tickets to a show of your choice - go to page 29 for all the details.

We’re so excited for the winter events coming up too! St Petroc’s Christmas Tree Festival is in the pipeline once again this year, celebrating a wonderful 20 years, and of course you can catch up with all the local events, groups and activities with two pages of ‘Wosson’.

As you cosy up by the fire, perhaps a hot chocolate, mulled wine or Bailey’s in-hand, do remember the importance of community spirit during the festive season, showing kindness, compassion, support and awareness for the environment, other people around us and local businesses. In the famous words of Paul McCartney, hopefully we’ll all be ‘having a wonderful Christmas time’...

Merry Christmas, and have a fabulous start to 2023!

Contacts

CONTENT

Rosie Cripps

Head of Community Engagement rosie@life-media.co.uk

Mimi Attenburrow

Junior Community Engagement mimi@life-media.co.uk

Emma Eccles

Junior Community Engagement content@life-media.co.uk

Barbara Brittain

Bodmin-based writer news@bodminway.org

ADVERTISING

Claire Pearce

Head of Client Engagement claire@life-media.co.uk

Kim Ashworth

Junior Client Engagement kim@life-media.co.uk

Ellie Mason

Growth Director ellie@life-media.co.uk

Kenny Marshall

Publisher hello@life-media.co.uk

Claire Fry Business Administrator admin@life-media.co.uk Bodmin

Published by Life Community Media

4 Market St, Launceston PL15 8EP | 01566 788700 www.bodminlife.com | hello@life-media.co.uk

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, the publisher accepts no liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or ommisions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Bodmin Life does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

A Wonderful Christmastime…

Following the success of Lights Up 2021 and the town take-over of festive fun, Bodmin Christmas Lights Committee, in association with a host of local partners, were delighted to once again host an elfy dose of free family activity on Friday 25th November.

Pirate FM’s Neil Caddy played host and was joined by excited crowds as he switched on the lights for another festive season. Leading up to this, an array of free family activities took place across the town centre.

Some highlights included dance performances by KBSK, elf fun across a range of businesses in the town - fitting in with the elf theme - the Bodmin Town Council Christmas Market with music from Bodmin Town Band, and much more.

Bodmin Rotary’s ‘Winter Warmers’ campaign

Bodmin Rotary Club is on a mission to help Bodmin's elderly people stay warm and well this winter.

The Bodmin Rotary’s new ‘Winter Warmers campaign’ will raise funds to buy electrically heated fleece throws to give to elderly people in Bodmin who might otherwise struggle to stay warm in their homes this winter.

These throws are soft, cosy, and cost little to run compared to central heating or other heaters.

If you wish to donate, please go to the Bodmin Rotary website: www.bodminrotary.org.uk and follow the links to the Winter Warmers Campaign article.

Walking in a winter wonderland…

Visit Cardinham Woods this winter

Take a festive stroll in Cardinham Woods this winter and fill your senses with the joy of the season, from the smell of the Norway spruce and the sight of the bright red berries of the holly, to the feel of the cold air on your rosy cheeks!

Chris Mason is a member of the Forestry England team that cares for forests across Cornwall, including our local beauty spot, Cardinham Woods. Chris told Bodmin Life all about the winter trees and plants that grow in this beautiful working woodland.

That wonderful scent of Christmas that fills the woods is from the Norway spruce that grows there, a variety that has not been so popular with Christmas consumers in recent years due to the fact that it is more prone to drop its needles. Chris explained how these incredible trees stay green all year round. “While deciduous trees drop their leaves before cold weather arrives, conifer needles contain a chemical that acts like a natural antifreeze,” he said. “When the weather turns frosty, trees shut themselves down while this antifreeze helps them to keep their needles, ready to photosynthesise when conditions are suitable. “The activation of this antifreeze chemical is important for good quality and longlasting Christmas trees. Trees that are cut before being exposed to a few hard frosts (e.g. during a mild autumn) are likely to drop their needles more quickly.” There is also plenty of holly and ivy decking the hollows and hedgerows of the woods. Chris added: “The red berries that are so traditional at Christmas are only found on the female trees. They also often have more prickles on their leaves, possibly to help protect their precious berries.”

Annual thinning work takes place at Cardinham Woods from early November until March 2023. The forest will be open to visitors throughout, except for 9th-20th January, when there will be no public access for safety reasons.

Keeping warm this winter

Bodmin Town Council is spearheading a Warm Spaces Project, bringing together other organisations, community groups and businesses in the town to help people who may struggle with rising fuel and food costs this winter.

The plan is to offer warm and welcoming spaces where people can come and get a hot drink, read, play games or get help or advice for their individual circumstances. Already the level of support and generosity has been outstanding, and the hope is that many more offers may come forward.

Small grants of £50 to £500 will help organisations offer a Warm Space. There will also be a full support package including signage, media packs, a signposting directory and membership to a communication group where information can be shared quickly and effectively, and a list of participating services and venues can be collated. More information is available at info@bodmin.gov.uk or from 01208 76616.

Warm Spaces venues already up and running

 Court 2, Shire Hall, Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 4pm.

 St Petroc’s Parish Centre (next to Priory Park), Fridays, 9.30am to to 12pm, free refreshments.

 Curious School of the Wild, Wednesdays, 10am to 4pm, at Base Camp, 9 Market Arcade, (near Waffles).

 The Old Library Café, 10 Lower Bore Street, provides a Warm Space through its ‘Cosy Club’, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 2pm. Its Cosy Club menu is for anyone using the café as a warm space and includes tea, coffee and a hot meal that’s free, donations are welcome; just ask for the Cosy Club menu when ordering.

The Autism Friendly Santa’s Grotto!

Bodmin woman Katherine Blight is a caring parent that founded The Autism Friendly Grotto after struggling to find safe events for children with additional needs that would have benefitted her own son.

The grotto is extremely friendly, relaxed and a welcoming space for all ages. This year the grotto will be popping up at Castle Canyke on December 10th and 11th and will be by ticket only! So, keep an eye on their Facebook page ‘Autism Friendly Santa’s Grotto Bodmin’ for bookings.

Kat said: “Last year, a couple of care homes brought adults with additional needs and one of the most rewarding experiences was a non-verbal adult being so in awe that they said their first word, ‘wow’.”

Kat also brings glad tidings of their expansion into Autism Friendly Events for the community to enjoy their events all year round!

Kat and Louise Gilbert, director of Autism Friendly Events, said they plan to produce more events throughout the year, and hope to become an accessible support hub for parents and people at all stages of diagnosis.

Love in the walls of Bodmin’s churches

The five historic churches in the Bodmin cluster have borne witness to many weddings, baptisms and other celebrations through the ages.

Arches, stained glass, ancient fonts and architecture provide stunning backdrops for family photographs.

The ringing of bells and soaring organ music add to the traditional and romantic atmosphere of a wedding day, while experienced and caring ministers help make the event special and memorable. With five churches to choose from, the venue that’s right for you, your family and friends, is bound to be available.

For an intimate occasion, the quaint Victorian church of St Stephen’s, Nanstallon has room for 40 guests. St Hydroc’s, set in the eloquence and grandeur of the National Trust estate at Lanhydrock, has space for 120 guests with photo opportunities in the estate grounds. Village churches at Lanivet and St Meubred’s, Cardinham can both accommodate 170 guests and the most spacious of all and the largest parish church in Cornwall, St Petroc’s, Bodmin, has capacity for 350 guests.

For those wishing to renew their vows, ministers work with the couple to create a bespoke service for family and friends to celebrate the continuation of commitments made on their wedding day.

Funeral services are also held at all five churches. Ministers pay careful attention to incorporating the wishes of the family in designing the service and selecting music. Rev’d Paul Holley, team rector, said: “We want to help family and friends celebrate the life of their loved one.”

The cost of a wedding is less than most people imagine, from £562, a renewal of vows service from £350, a funeral from £251 and baptisms are conducted without charge.

To find out more, visit bodminway.org/life-celebrations and contact the team on 01208 809601 or office@bodminway.org

St Stephens

St Hydrocs

December concerts amidst the trees

Tuesday 6th, 6.30pm - Opening Schools Concert.

Wednesday 7th, 7pm - Loveny Male Voice Choir ‘A Christmas Performance’, tickets on the door

Thursday 8th, 7pm - St Agnes Fountain’s award-winning duo Chris While and Julia Matthews join Chris Leslie to bring their annual tour to Cornwall for the first time, tickets from cask.yapsody.com.

Friday 9th, 7.30pm - ‘Adele of a Tribute’, licensed bar, tickets from phoenix-events.co.uk.

Saturday 10th, 5.30pm - The Polar Express Film Night with hot chocolate (PJs optional), tickets from the Magical Christmas Market or the Christmas Tree Festival.

Monday 12th, 7pm - The Kernow Chamber Players presents ‘A Ceremony of Carols’, choir music by Britten, Petherick and others, tickets from kernowchamberplayers.com.

Tuesday 13th, 7pm to 8.20pm - ‘Lowender Nadelik!’ featuring the talented Cornwall Youth Orchestra. A free celebration of uplifting and inspiring Christmas music performed by young people from across Cornwall. Schools and groups will perform music inspired by Christmas, either live or in some cases screened, allowing for a wide range of music – not just carols, but a variety of Christmas music of different styles and reflecting the full age range of youth groups. It’s a wonderful celebration of young people’s talent and a time for people of different ages to share together.

Thursday 15th, 7pm - ‘A Cornish Christmas’. Following Johnny Cowling’s sell out ‘Concert in the Trees’ last year, he’s returning to perform during the 20th anniversary of Christmas Tree Festival. This year’s event also features another Cornishman, Will Keating, accompanied by outstanding banjo player John Dowling. The concert brings a truly Cornish Christmas to Bodmin. Doors at 6.30pm and a fully licensed bar and raffle. Tickets include a pasty supper, from crbo.co.uk/johnny, 01726 63513 or at Bodmin Tourist Information Centre.

Friday 16th, 7.30pm - Bodmin Town Band ‘Christmas Concert’, tickets on the door.

Saturday 17th, 7.30pm - The Swing Empire, sounds of The Rat Pack, licensed bar, tickets from phoenix-events.co.uk.

Monday 19th, 10am to 4pm - Kids’ Craft Day.

Sunday 18th, 6pm - St Petroc’s Church Carol Service.

For details please visit bodminway.org/events-bodmin-way

www.bodminway.org

St Agnes Fountain

Adele of a Tribute

Johnny Cowling

The Swing Empire

Christmas

The Bodmin Way!

BODMIN TEAM MINISTRY

Sunday Services:

St Petroc’s Bodmin - 10am

St Stephen’s Nanstallon - 10am (first Sunday monthly) and Evensong - 6pm (third Sunday monthly)

St Meubred’s Cardinham - 9.30am

St Hydroc’s Lanhydrock - 9.45am Lanivet Church - 11am and Evensong 6pm (first Sunday monthly)

Special seasonal services across the Bodmin Team

Carol service at St Petroc’s, St Meubred’s and St Stephen’sSunday 18 December - 6pm

Carol Service at Lanivet - Monday 19 December 6.30pm

Christingle at St Petroc’s - Saturday 24 December 4pm Crib service at Lanivet - Saturday 24 December 4pm

Christmas Eve Eucharist at St Petroc’s and Lanivet - Saturday December 24 11.30pm

Christmas Day Service - Sunday 25 December at St Petroc’s 10am, St Stephen’s 10am, St Meubred’s 10am, St Hydroc’s 9.45am

A message from Revd Paul Holley

The onset of winter is cheered by fireworks and twinkling Christmas lights. The looming darkness of the season need not dampen our spirits. We light up our homes and our streets and enjoy the celebrations.

At the risk of stating the obvious, lights don’t turn themselves on. We have to flick the switch. The same is true of hope and joy. God’s light has shone throughout eternity. But at a particular time, a new life emerged that switched on that light to all around. As we celebrate this and other stories over winter, we would do well to generate some light, hope and joy.

The darkness need not overcome us.

Revd Paul Holley - Chair, Bodmin Way

Outstanding Opportunities

Callywith College’s Open Day on Saturday 28 January, 10am – 3pm will provide future students the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art campus and facilities, talk to exceptional teaching and support staff about the wide choice of A Level and vocational courses, extra-curricular opportunities and support on offer and get first-hand experience of what learning and life is like from current students.

Callywith Principal Jon Grey said: “Our open events are a great opportunity to discover more about the College. If you’re deciding where to study after your GCSEs, we would love to meet you and show you why Callywith College was

You need a will!

ranked in The Sunday Times top 20 best state sixth form colleges in England 2022 and rated Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in 2020.” Open day visitors will be able to experience a variety of interactive activities and demonstrations and find out more about the College from the Principal in the College’s Lecture Theatre.

Students will also have the opportunity to apply on the day in the College’s Application Stations. Find out more at www.callywith.ac.uk

Personal Will Writing

You don’t have to write a Will in the UK, but if you don’t, the UK government can decide who inherits your assets.

Having a correctly authored and witnessed Will ensures your estate is distributed as you wish. It can also:

• provide significant protection for your home from long term care costs,

• ensure that suitable guardianship arrangements are made for your dependants and pets.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

LPA’s are important if you become mentally incapacitated. If this situation arose, you would need someone to help you make decisions regarding your welfare and financial and property matters.

LPA’s enable you to nominate a person, or persons who you trust to handle your affairs, if you are unable to do so.

This is relevant to you now!

I am a professional local will writer who will visit you at home to discuss your requirements.

• Professional will writing service in the comfort of your own home.

• Feel confident your instructions are drafted precisely and confidentially.

• Couples can protect their home from residential care fees.

• Lasting power of attorney.

• Living Wills.

Anita is a member of the Society of Will Writers

Prices are reasonable (no VAT)

The Bigger Picture

Life Below Water

By Russell Cosway Gydeline.com

Each issue, Russell Cosway from Gydeline.com looks into one of the United Nation’s 17 goals to show how our community could be part of a global change. World leaders signed up to these 17 Sustainable Development Goals with the aim to deliver them by 2030.

In this edition, we focus on Goal 14: Life Below Water

There is nowhere in Cornwall which is far from water. Whether you live near to part of the 422 miles of coastline or the 40+ rivers or innumerable streams and springs, water is everywhere. You can live up to two months without food, but only three days without water; it is essential to our wellbeing, our community, our life. However, only 14% of English rivers meet good ecological status and not a single river in England has received a clean bill of health for chemical contamination (Jan22). If that’s true for rivers, then what about the oceans?

Every year, around 8-million tonnes of plastic waste end up in our oceans and it's estimated that 75 to 199-million tonnes of plastic is already there!

What difference can one person make?

We cannot help but change the ecosystems we are a part of through our presence, but we can decide to value them. We can make better choices like buying less plastic, conscientiously sorting, and cleaning our recycling or telling our shops and politicians that they need to improve and reduce packaging. We could all get involved in local community action and support water-based projects which are restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Organic farming makes healthier soil which stores more water, and they don’t use chemicals which can run into our rivers. So, eating organic produce supports life below water.

How can a business make a difference?

Every organisation has a duty to understand, reduce and reverse the impact it makes in doing what it does. Are you aware of your impact on water? Could you change your practices, or your supply chain, to use less water and output less pollution?

Finally, find a Local B Corp; they are always keen to help all businesses and join the B Local Cornwall group on LinkedIn.

O’ Christmas Tree, O’ Christmas Tree…

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, make sure you support your local Christmas tree festival, which begins at St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin on 7th December!

This year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Petroc’s Church, with market stalls, music, refreshments and a grand draw, is open with free entry for everyone from Wednesday, 7th December to Saturday, 18th December, 10am to 4.30pm, (excluding Sundays), with tree viewing only from December 19 to 26.

Muriel Nicholl, one of the organising team, has been involved from the start. She recalls: “Following a successful exhibition for Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, it was suggested the church should consider a Christmas Tree Festival.

“In 2003 trees and lights were sourced and the church’s invitation to schools, charities and retailers to decorate a tree, was willingly accepted. Over the years the number of trees has grown.

“The decorated trees are a source of awe and excitement and provide a sense of peace and wonderment, in the often stressful time leading up to Christmas Day.”

Roland Oakley heads the team. He told Bodmin Life: “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary, we’re injecting new energy into the festival, to make it extra special for the community. All the traditions of previous festivals are being kept but new ideas will bring a new feel to it this year. People who’ve attended over the past two decades will definitely see some surprises!”

When pressed to share the ‘surprises’, Roland didn’t give much away, but did reveal that Bodmin Nursery has donated a huge tree for families to decorate during the festival. It’s also no secret that there will be concerts on virtually every evening of the festival.

Bodmin College Sixth Form students will help again with tree installations, will add a new feature to the external nativity scene, and this year will help serve refreshments.

Bodmin celebrates 20 years of Christmas Tree Festivals

Win a family ticket to the Tunnel of Lights at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown

Get into the festive mood at Charlestown’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum this Christmas at their Tunnel of Lights which runs from Saturday 3 December until Sunday 8 January. You will journey through every imaginable Christmas setting, take a pit stop at the mini German Christmas Market, enjoy festive crafts that the whole family can take part in and post a letter in Santa’s post box. Catch snow falling on the replica ship that overlooks Charlestown harbour.

Finally, follow Santa’s footsteps through the glittering North Pole to walk amongst thousands of twinkling lights in the UK’s longest tunnel of indoor festive lights on dazzling display!

You can get that perfect Christmas photo with your family in the Giant Snow Globe* which is a new addition for 2022.

Find out more at shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk

To enter simply find Hank and go to www.bodminlife.com to fill out the form. We will then select the winner! Entries close on 16 December 2022.

Terms & Conditions: No purchase necessary. Entrants must be over 18. Competition excludes employees of Life

Enter now at www.bodminlife.com

plus their families and anyone else connected to the above promotions. Prize is a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children aged 5 – 17

at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown. Prize value is £42 and must be pre-booked. Prize is non-transferable and

available. Winners may be asked to partake in publicity if required. One entry per household. Prize must be redeemed

Community Media or Shipwreck Treasure Museum

years of age) to the Tunnel of Lights

non-exchangeable and no cash alternative is

by 8 January 2023. * Small additional fee applies.

A Cedar Croft Christmas

Mark Orchard is the proud owner of the family run business, Cedar Croft Nurseries. Mark opened Cedar Croft at the young age of 18 with his family's support. Now, after 30 years of building the business Mark seems to have morphed into a real-life Cornish Father Christmas. Bodmin Life went to meet Mark to find out all about the Cedar Croft Christmas trees and found that Cedar Croft Nurseries is so much more than just a field of thousands of happy evergreens. Mark’s eyes lit up when he spoke about Christmas, his ringtone screamed ‘It’s Christmas’ from that classic song by Slade and when asked, ‘So,why Christmas trees?’, he replied: “Because it’s a happy time of year!” Cedar Croft Nurseries is Christmas trees at their finest planted and tended with Christmas spirit all year around!

After feeling Mark’s love of Christmas and the business, it was devastating to hear that a few weeks prior to our visit, they had a terrible fire that completely destroyed their on-site Christmas shop. A disaster that Mark was barely ready to speak about.

Despite the sadness of the event, the true spirit of Christmas that emanates from Cedar Croft was still present in Mark’s passion for the trees and the loyal customers that came by and offered support, even donating chainsaws ready for the season.

Mark ‘loves seeing people’s happy faces’ and enjoys watching families return year after year. He added: “There is no time limit and families can come and either follow the pathway around or go off-road in search of their tree.”

Families, businesses, couples and people from all over Cornwall can enjoy choosing a tree from a field of all shapes and sizes, up to an impressive 20 feet. Mark runs a reservation system in the lead up to Halloween when people can get in early to select a tree. They then decorate it with ribbons provided, or bring their own decorations, to help set it apart from the other reserved trees at the time of collection. One family that has been reserving trees for years, now fully decorates their tree, lights and all!

There is a nostalgic and traditional feel to the business as every tree is pruned, shaped and tended to by hand. Mark said: “Some need a bit of encouragement to take on the traditional shape of a Christmas tree, whereas for some it is their destiny.”

There are a few varieties grown at Cedar Croft Nurseries, including the Nordmann fir. According to Mark, this variety is the most popular in the country and makes up 80% of all Christmas tree sales in the UK.

Mark also grows the Noble fir, Continental spruce, Fraser fir, Norway spruce and the Corianna for potting. As popular as the Nordmann is, it is the Norway Spruce which is ‘the smell of Christmas’ and a personal favourite of Mark’s 12-year-old daughter, Ruby.

Ruby is a big part of Cedar Croft and is as passionate about helping her father as she is about spending time amongst the trees.

Ruby told Bodmin Life that she loves helping out at Cedar Croft because it is ‘an adventure everyday’. She helps with chores in the field and takes on the big responsibility of choosing their family Christmas tree each year, favouring the traditional Norway Spruce!

Open weekends only 8.30-17.00. All big trees by appointment only.

Save money on your heating bill

How to be efficient with your heating this winter

Although higher bills are unavoidable for most of us this winter, there are a few things you can do to make your home more efficient.

The following advice comes from local heating provider and Which? trusted trader South West Heating Solutions. Call the team on 08000146600 for more advice.

Control: The more control you have over your heating, the better. If each of the radiators in your home can be controlled individually, set each room in your home to its own temperature and time schedule based on how you use that room. If you have central heating, turning down your thermostat by just 1°C means a 13% save on energy throughout the year. This could reduce your bills significantly.

Close: Always close doors to the rooms in your home so you’re not losing any heat, even if your heating is on throughout the house. This can also help prevent draughts.

Check: Make sure your systems are in good working order. Electric heating doesn’t need maintenance but wet systems do. Regular radiator bleeding and boiler servicing is important to ensure your system is as efficient as possible.

Change: If your heating or hot water needs updating, switch to an energy efficient system as possible within your budget. Thoroughly compare companies and quotes for different heating and hot water options. Think about initial cost but also longevity, maintenance and running costs.

Winter support

Don’t be alone this winter…

With costs rising, we understand that many people will be worrying about heating their homes and how they’re going to be able to keep up with their bills, all while Christmas is thrown into the mix too.

If you are struggling this winter, here are some signposts to useful community hubs and organisations that are offering support in the local area, whether you need to stay warm, seek advice or simply see a friendly face.

Warm Spaces

Warm Spaces Bodmin - There are a number of locations in Bodmin that are welcoming the community if they are struggling to keep warm. For the current locations taking part in this initiative, see our article on page 9 on the Bodmin Warm Spaces project. Warmth Bank, Lanivet Hub - Lanivet Hub will be offering access to a heated environment, affordable food and drink to have at the hub or to take home, advice on healthy eating, cooking and budgeting, and social activities. The hub will work with agencies such as Age UK, Volunteer Cornwall and social subscribers to provide further support.

Mental health support

Pentreath - Call 01726 862727 or visit www.pentreath.co.uk Man Down - Fortnightly on Tuesdays, 7pm-9pm, St Petroc’s Parish Hall. www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk Bodmin Wellness Hub - First and third Tuesdays of the month at the Old Library, 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Other support

Foodbank - Provided by Wadebridge Foodbank, which covers the length of north Cornwall, Bodmin’s foodbank is available on Mondays and Wednesdays, 1pm-3pm at the Immanuel Church on Berrycoombe Road. If you need some support, call the team on 01208 815374.

Our Gate - Run by Revd Elaine Munday and a group of volunteers from the community, Our Gate provides food and everyday household items such as toiletries on a table at St Mary’s Crescent in Bodmin. All items are free and are for people to take as and when they need it, as long as the weather is dry.

Win a pair of tickets to the event of your choice with intoBodmin

Fancy winning tickets to one of intoBodmin’s fantastic events?!

This edition we have linked up with intoBodmin to offer our readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the event of your choice (see www.intobodmin.co.uk/events for wosson).

Question: What date is the Viking storytelling adventure "Vinland" coming to Bodmin?

Entries close on 30th December 2022

No purchase necessary. Entrants must be over 18. Competition excludes employees of Life Community Media or intoBodmin plus their families and anyone else connected to the above promotions. Prize is a pair of tickets to the event of your choice. Prize is non-transferable and non-exchangable and no cash alternative is available. Winners may be asked to partake in publicity if required. One entry per household. Prize must be redeemed by 28th February 2023.

Enter now at www.bodminlife.com

Music, Theatre & Co THE OLD LIBRARY AND OTHER VENUES

The Christmassy Christmas Show

Sat 10th Dec | 2pm & 4pm £6 /£8 / £10

The Art of Elfing - Christmas Pop-Up

Running 26th Nov 23rd Dec Elf HQ 14 Fore St

Cat Florence - Music

Fri 13th Jan | 7pm £5

www.bodminlife.com

Luke Wright - Spoken Word

Fri 20th Jan | 7pm £8 / £10 / £12

Kernow King & Anna Keirle - Comedy

Sat 28th Jan | 7pm | £8/£10/£12

Vinland - Family Theatre Book at www.intobodmin.co.uk

Sat 25th Feb | 4pm St Petroc's £8/£10 /£12

Women’s health and hormone harmony

Denise Christie of Health and Harmony has been using acupuncture to treat women’s health issues for many years to great effect.

A woman’s wellbeing is naturally linked to her menstrual cycle and hormonal changes at different stages of her life. Ideally menstruation should be regular, moderate and painless, and transitions like the menopause should be a steady, gradual passage into a new stage of life.

Denise’s interests include supporting couples through a struggle to conceive and working with women who are suffering a difficult menopause.

Acupuncture aims to treat the whole person, restore balance and can be effective for a wide range of women’s issues including painful periods, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, fertility issues, PMS and PCOS. The secret to your fertility is that not only your lifestyle that matters, but your relationship too. Denise guides you through what steps to take to get your mind, body and relationship on track to conceive. A 3-4 month preparation window is essential to improve egg and sperm quality and resolve any underlying health issues.

As a fertility coach and acupuncturist Denise brings a softness to the fertility struggle, together with emotional support, guidance and a listening ear.

The menopause or “change of life” marks the end of menstruation. This typically happens around the age of 52, caused by a change in the balance of a woman’s hormones.

The drop in oestrogen that occurs has troublesome side effects that can cause physical and emotional issues. These include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, forgetfulness, loss of libido and mood swings. Sleep disturbances can cause significant distress - having a knockon effect on every area of her life.

Whilst most women require little or no treatment for the menopause some women suffer severe effects. Often, they will turn to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This relieves symptoms by increasing oestrogen. However, more and more women find that acupuncture is a safe and very effective alternative.

The good news is, if you are suffering the effects of the menopause or struggling to conceive then relief may not be far away.

Contact Denise on 07930096451 or contact@healthandharmony.info to discuss your treatment needs.

Bodmin’s Proper Cornish has supported over 40 local charities in 2022

As a major employer in Bodmin, Proper Cornish recognises the importance of supporting the community and local charities.

In 2022, the company has supported a wide range of Bodmin charities and organisations in a variety of different ways, whether by way of financial donation, donation of pasties, raffle prizes, sponsoring of local events, sponsoring the kit of local sports teams or fundraising.

CHARITIES NEED SUPPORT MORE THAN EVER

Bodmin has a large number of amazing charities and organisations who have been busy this year providing much needed help and support to the community through very difficult times caused by the cost-of-living crisis. Proper Cornish is thrilled to have been able to support many of these charities and organisations in what has been the company’s biggest year of charity support to date. So far this year, the company has donated a total of 8,280 pasties, provided more than 20 organisations with raffle prizes, sponsored the kit of two local football teams, as well as making cash donations to other charities. All of this support has been so well received by the charities that have benefitted.

The Hugs Foundation, a rescue and rehabilitation charity for horses, ponies and other animals based in Bodmin, has remained Proper Cornish’s chosen charity of the year, with the company continuing to support them in many ways including fundraising, donating raffle prizes for their Open Days and supporting them with design work for their marketing materials.

said: “There is no doubt that charities are seeing an increase in demand for their services during these very difficult times. We are therefore delighted to have been able to offer support through a variety of different ways to so many local charities in 2022.”

Chris Pauling, managing director at Proper Cornish

Lanhydrock Woodland Christmas 2022

Lanhydrock Woodland

Lanhydrock Woodland Christmas 2022

Christmas 2022

A little woodlandmagic has settled on the Lanhydrock hub this Christmas. Enjoy a tasty wintertreat fromthe Park Cafe and listen to festive carol singersand bell ringers on selecteddates. Pickup some Christmas gifts from the Plant Centre or hire a bike from the Cycle Hire and ride the woodlandtrails.

Price: Free, no booking required

Lanhydrock Woodland Christmas 2022

Lanhydrock Woodland Christmas 2022

A little woodlandmagic has settled on the Lanhydrock hub this Christmas. Enjoy a tasty wintertreat fromthe Park Cafe and listen to festive carol singersand bell ringers on selecteddates. Pickup some Christmas gifts from the Plant Centre or hire a bike from the Cycle Hire and ride the woodlandtrails.

Father Christmas is paying a visit to the Lanhydrock hub this year in his very own woodland cottage. Bring alongyour canine cuties to thisdog friendly experience.

Price: £8perchild,£10withdoggietreatsincluded. Timedtickets,booking essential. Age appropriate gift included.

woodlandmagic has settled on the Lanhydrock hub this Christmas. Enjoy wintertreat fromthe Park Cafe and listen to festive carol singersand bell on selecteddates. Pickup some Christmas gifts from the Plant Centre or bike from the Cycle Hire and ride the woodlandtrails. Free, no booking required

A little woodland magic has settled on the Lanhydrock hub this Christmas. Enjoy a tasty winter treat from the Park Cafe. On selected dates, listen to carol singers and bell ringers outside. Pick up some Christmas gifts from the Plant Centre or hire a bike from the Cycle Hire and ride the woodland trails.

Price: Free, no booking required

Price: Free, no booking required.

Wrap up warm andhead outto explore the Lanhydrock countryside with our festive wintertrail.

A little woodlandmagic has settled on the Lanhydrock hub this Christmas. Enjoy a tasty wintertreat fromthe Park Cafe and listen to festive carol singersand bell ringers on selecteddates. Pickup some Christmas gifts from the Plant Centre or hire a bike from the Cycle Hire and ride the woodlandtrails.

Price: Free

Price: Free, no booking required

Father Christmas is paying a visit to the Lanhydrock hub this year in his very own woodland cottage. Bring alongyour canine cuties to thisdog friendly experience.

Christmas is paying a visit to the Lanhydrock hub this year in his very own woodland cottage. Bring alongyour canine cuties to thisdog friendly experience. £8perchild,£10withdoggietreatsincluded. Timedtickets,booking essential. Age appropriate gift included.

Father Christmas is paying a visit to the Lanhydrock hub this year in his very own woodland cottage. Bring along your canine cuties to this dog-friendly experience.

Price: £8perchild,£10withdoggietreatsincluded. Timedtickets,booking essential. Age appropriate gift included.

P Price: £8 per child, £10 with doggie treats included. Timed tickets, booking essential via www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock or call the box office on 0344 249 1895. Age appropriate gift included.

Father Christmas is paying a visit to the Lanhydrock hub this year in his very own woodland cottage. Bring alongyour canine cuties to thisdog friendly experience.

Wrap up warm andhead outto explore the Lanhydrock countryside with our festive wintertrail.

up warm andhead outto explore the Lanhydrock countryside with our wintertrail.

Free

Wrap up warm and head out to explore the Lanhydrock countryside with our festive winter trail.

Price: Free

P Price: Free

Price: £8perchild,£10withdoggietreatsincluded. Timedtickets,booking essential. Age appropriate gift included.

Wrap up warm andhead outto explore the Lanhydrock countryside with our festive wintertrail.

Price: Free

Wosson Bodmin!

Got an event? email mimi@life-media.co.uk

Curious School of the Wild presents, Basecamp: Outside Inside! Catch up with the Curious Crew at Basecamp in Bodmin, in the Market Arcade, for chat, cups of tea, surplus food, outdoor clothes swap, information, kit library. Open 10am - 4pm. For more information contact: nikwildartist@gmail.com

Curious School of the Wild presents, Basecamp: Youth Crew! Open to young people on Wednesday evenings for food, adventure skills and outdoor activity as well as games, crafts and community. Running 4pm - 7pm. For more information contact: nikwildartist@gmail.com

Bodmin Inner Wheel Club - The club meets monthly at The Weavers Restaurant in Bodmin at 6pm. If you’re female and over the age of 18 years and are interested in joining, contact the membership officer on 07391892721.

Royal Air Forces Association - The Bodmin branch meets on the second Tuesday of the month, 10.30am, at the Masons Arms, Bodmin. Phone 01208 243478 for further details.

Beacon Quilters - Meeting on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 7pm-9pm at Callywith College. Contact Mary Norman for information - 07460313777.

Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club - The Bodmin branch meets on the third Saturday of the month, 10am, the Lanivet Inn. Find the club on Facebook for further information.

Bodmin Camera Club - The group meets on Monday evenings at St Petroc’s Parish Hall. Go to www.bodmincameraclub.org.uk for information on how to join and club updates.

SkillSHARE - Meets every Tuesday, 1pm-4pm, at 81a Fore Street. Learn a new skill or develop familiar ones. Refreshments served.

Bodmin Gaolbirds WI - The Bodmin Gaolbirds meet on the second Wednesday of the month, 7pm-9pm, Lanhydrock Memorial Hall. Come for a taster session, membership fees not due for the first two months. See their Facebook page for more information.

Open Stage Bodmin - An open stage event held every 3rd Wednesday of the month where any act of any genre can perform. 7pm-10pm at the Old Library in Bodmin. Bar available for snacks and drinks.

Knit & Knatter - Wednesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm at the Old Library Cafe for anyone enthusiastic about knitting and crocheting, or would like to get started. Email: julie@intobodmin.co.uk.

continued on page 39

Time Together – Every Wednesday from 10.30am – 2.30pm a social and open space welcomes everyone to the Shire House Suite. The Bodmin & District Horizon Club - A social / recreational club for adults 18+ with a learning disability/ physical disability. Every Thursday night from 6.30 - 8.30pm at Bodmin College. Memberships are £10 annually and subscriptions are currently £1 a week. Please email hello@ horizonclub.org.uk.

Saturday Coffee Morning – Bodmin Methodist Church holds a coffee morning every Saturday from 10am – 12pm.

Bodmin Wellness Hub (Cuppa Companions)

- Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1.30pm – 3.30pm, pop along to the Old Library in Bodmin for a free cup of tea or coffee and meet new people.

‘YES, Really!’ Storytelling - A FREE storytelling evening of local, true tales takes place every Monday at 8pm – 10pm at the Garland Ox. Suitable for anyone over the age of 16.

Family activities

Storytime for 0-5 years – Come along on Mondays at 10am to storytime at Bodmin Library at Chy Trevail, Beacon Technology Park. Bookstart Rhymetime for 0-5 years - Join a friendly and fun environment on Fridays at 10am at Bodmin Library, Chy Trevail.

Children’s Chess Club - At the Bodmin Library, Chy Trevail on Thursday at 3:30pm for ages 8+. No experience needed.

Lanivet Baby Group - Thursdays, 9.30am-11am at Lanivet Community Centre, for children aged 0-2. £1.50 per child, hot drink included. Join their Facebook group for more information.

Bodmin Way Youth Club - For children aged 11+, meeting on the second Saturday of the month at St Petroc’s Parish Centre. Email info@bodminway.org to book.

Bodmin Youth Band - Rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, 6.30pm-8pm at Bodmin Band and Social Club. Email bodminyouthband@gmail.com

KBSK - Performing arts group for young people, led by Adie Dove. Go to www.kbsk.co.uk for the class timetable and more information.

Winter Events

The Art of Elfing – Elf HQ Bodmin. Nov 26-Dec 23. Storytelling and Crafting led by actual Elves (recommended ages 10yrs and below). Booking: intobodmin.co.uk.

St Petroc’s Carol Service - Fill St Petroc’s Church with Christmas spirit through song on December 18th at 6pm.

Bodmin Christmas Market - Get into the festive spirit at the Christmas market on 17th December 9am - 3pm on Mount Folly Square. Roche Pantomime Players Christmas Market 2022 - Sunday 4th December from 12 noon until 6pm at Roche Victory Hall. Featuring over 20 stalls from local creatives. Santa’s grotto £5 per child including a gift.

Mayor’s Charities Quiz Night - Taking place on January 29th and February 26th. £12 per team all in aid of BRIN and Little Harbour Children’s Hospice. Call 01208 76616 or turn up on the night. St Petroc’s Wellbeing Festival - Support your healthy New Year resolutions with this wellbeing festival on the 25th February at St Petroc’s Church, Bodmin and explore stalls run by experts in fitness, nutrition and wellbeing.

Show Stopping Christmas Turkey

Ingredients:

● 1 turkey

● 1 lemon

● 4 shallots

● Sprigs of fresh thyme and sage, plus extra for the stuffing

● 25g butter, softened

● One onion, chopped

● 200g sausage meat

● 200g cranberries

● Breadcrumbs

● 1l chicken/vegetable stock

● 1tbsp plain flour

With festive stuffing and homemade gravy

1. According to the size of your turkey, pre-heat your oven and weigh the bird to calculate the amount of cooking time.

2. Slice the lemon into wedges and pop them inside the turkey, along with the chopped shallots and herbs. Rub the skin with butter and season, before covering with foil and popping in the oven for the correct cooking time.

3. Now, turn your attention to the festive stuffing. Fry off the chopped onion in butter or olive oil and add your breadcrumbs - about two slices of bread whizzed up. Let the mixture cool before pouring it into a big bowl, along with the sausage meat, cranberries, sage and some seasoning. Roll the mixture into balls and place in a dish. They will take around 40 minutes to cook.

4. Once the turkey has cooked, take it out and leave it under foil on a board or plate to rest. Now you can focus on the gravy!

5. Using the juices from the turkey roasting tray, add the flour and add the stock gradually, along with a good splash of red wine or port to add a rich, festive flavour. Simmer until the gravy reaches the consistency you like, and pour into a gravy boat, ready to serve. You can strain it first if the shallots and herbs have escaped into the mix from the turkey.

6. Serve the turkey in the centre of the dinner table, along with your stuffing balls, delicious gravy and your chosen trimmings - honey roasted carrots and parsnips, roast potatoes, greens and, of course, brussel sprouts, are good contenders!

We now cook a Midweek Roast with all the trimmings every Wednesday from 12.30!

At Sea View we cook a full breakfast and lunch every day of the week from 9am. We have toasted sandwiches, ploughmans, lasagne, steak and ale stew, chicken or vegi currys, sausages and mash with cider sauce, pork chop, and lots more, all come with a side salad, crisps, or veg and sauce.

All meals are home made with produce from our own farm, expect good quality food, good size portions, and reasonable prices, every one welcome!

How Cornish innovators are providing eHealth solutions in primary care

Cornwall has a unique set of challenges when it comes to healthcare provision, which also brings unique opportunities for the county’s up and coming eHealth companies and their enthusiastic founders.

From affordable online resources filling gaps in the women’s health industry to social prescribing apps that reduce pressure on overstretched GPs, Cornish tech companies are making a positive difference in how patients and practitioners access and deliver care – and their solutions are improving lives throughout the county.

Truro-based Kensa Health is a women’s health platform created by practicing GP Dr. Rose Abbott and software company director Caitlin Gould. The co-founders recently launched their first affordable online course on endometriosis, which supplements a library of free women’s health information written by medical professionals who ensure that articles are both accurate and easily understandable.

“We see ourselves as sitting just outside of the NHS but supporting people’s relationship with the NHS,” says co-founder, Caitlin.

“It’s about encouraging people to have better relationships with their doctors.”

The entrepreneurial pair are also developing a companion mobile app that will enable women to maintain their personal health information on their phones in an easily accessible format.

On the practitioner side, social prescribing software Joy is connecting health and social care professionals with local community services to streamline the referral process and help individuals quickly get the health and wellbeing support they need.

Initial data shows that 7 out of 10 people referred to a service through Joy go on to access support, compared with just 1 out of 10 people who are signposted to a service. The app also reduces the average referral time from 45 minutes to just 5 minutes.

Many of the county’s eHealth businesses, including Kensa Health and Joy, are getting the support they need from the eHealth Productivity and Innovation in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (EPIC). The project provides a wide variety of benefits, including academic support from subject matter experts at the University of Plymouth and grant funding through the Challenge Fund.

EPIC is a three-year collaborative project, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the South West Academic Health Science Network.

For more information, contact epic@plymouth.ac.uk.

Kensa Health co-founders Caitlin Gould and Dr. Rose Abbott recently launched their women’s health platform with the support of EPIC.

Kensa Health co-founder Caitlin Gould gathering feedback at a launch event organised by EPIC earlier this year.

As if the daily step count of walking his round each day wasn’t enough, Bodmin postie Scott Cavill decided to push his daily steps even further and take up long distance running to support his mental health.

Scott has worked as a post person for 32 years. After years of putting on a smiley persona for the people on his rounds and for his colleagues, he discovered he had stored up his troubling feelings for too long which resulted in a breakdown at work in 2018.

Scott told Bodmin Life: “For many years I stored all my problems away suffering alone, trying to put on a smile and pretending to everyone that everything was ok, but behind the smile it was a different story , the trouble was one day it was like the bubble burst and I couldn't pretend I was ok anymore.”

By opening up to his work, friends and colleagues, Scott discovered a whole support network that is now continually offering support, advice and a listening and caring ear when needed. Many people within his support network encouraged his decision to take up his latest hobby of running, a skill that Scott has developed at an incredibly impressive rate and one that he values as positively impacting his wellbeing.

Scott said: “When I run, my mind doesn’t think about those things because all it wants to do is just run and listen to music, which is something else I like to do.”

From his first 5k in Cardinham Woods to being the No.1 entrant to the Bodmin Beast Marathon only a few years later (thanks to a friend of his that sweetly ‘tricked’ him into signing up), Scott has gained some impressive achievements and some rather lovely looking medals!

When entering these competitive runs Scott pushes through a range of anxieties which includes being in crowds of people and therefore, he finishes with a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction for a variety of reasons.

However, Scott’s battle with his mental health is ongoing.

Scott’s story is not about a quick fix mental health trick but one that recognises the importance of opening up and talking about your problems to friends, family and colleagues. It highlights the support that should be provided by all workplaces, the effort required to take positive steps in supporting one’s own mental health.

It is also a reminder of the longer journeys some people may be on to improve their wellbeing but the incredibly positive impact a smile and a few extra moments of encouragement and support can have on any one of us!

If you are concerned about your mental health then contact your local GP and reach out to local support groups such as, Man Down, Cornwall Mind and The Wellness Hub.

Walk a mile (or many more) in a local postie’s shoes!

West Carclaze Garden Village is a lakeside community built around the unique and historic china clay landscape of St Austell, with life enriching connection to the stunning Cornish countryside, and far reaching views towards the coast.

Our first residents moved into their new EPC ‘A’ rated homes over the summer — all of them excited to be part of this growing community, and thrilled at the integrated technologies, high performance glazing, solar panels and high levels of insulation as standard that push running costs far below the national average. And with the majority of homes falling below the stamp duty threshold for first time buyers, you could be saving thousands and enjoying more of your money living a healthier, active lifestyle.

With a wide range of apartments, bungalows and houses available, there is a sustainable home for everyone at West Carclaze Garden Village.

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