Welcome to your winter issue of Wadebridge Life. Can you believe it’s December already?! 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 sustainable, kind and jolly festive period with all your loved ones. We have a delicious winter warmer recipe from Pentruse Farm Shop with some lovely festive drink recommendations throughout the magazine, some cosy crafts to get stuck into, and a look at buying your Christmas tree locally with Prestige Christmas Trees.
This issue, your front cover story is with the wonderful team at Concern Wadebridge and the John Betjeman Centre. Similar to the elves at Santa’s Workshop, they are super busy at the moment, working incredibly hard to provide some support and warmth to the community this winter. They tell us more about the Warm Spaces initiative, their special Christmas lunch and much more.
We also have a new competition for you to enter: the chance to win tickets to an intoBodmin show of your choice!
We’re so excited for the winter events coming up too! You can read all about inTune Choir’s busy season ahead, and of course 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 fantastic start to 2023!
Wadebridge Life wadebridgelifemag lifecommunitymedia
Published by Life Community Media
4 Market St, Launceston PL15 8EP | 01566 788700 www.wadebridgelife.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. Wadebridge Life does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.
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
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@launcestonlife.com
This issue is all about how we can replace the consumerism of Christmas with community spirit, festive fun and kindness.
Supporting local businesses is important to many people in our lovely town, but we think if you do one thing differently this Christmas, you should opt to shop in our wonderful local businesses.
Did you know that you can get most things on your doorstep this festive season, and all year-round? Yep, we’re talking about all those lovely indulgences for the Christmas table, meaningful gifts to put around the tree, and even adorable little fillers for stockings.
Grab your tree from Prestige Christmas Trees, and treat yourself to some new decorations from some of the beautiful home and gift shops in town. Stock up on Christmas food and drink goodies from Pentruse Farm Shop and Wadebridge Wines, and make sure you check out Pippa’s Vintage, Rock Gin, Robertson’s Jewellers and the huge range of gift shops for a present that your mum, dad, aunt or friend will absolutely love!
Spread some festive cheer this winter and support your local shops!
Estuary Textiles offers homewares and soft furnishing goods for your home; from Victorian patchwork quilts, vintage Welsh tapestry rugs and antique French linen sheets for the bedroom, to brand new cushions and lampshades for the living room, you will find an interesting range of unique items.
The cushions and shades are handmade in Padstow using fabric with patterns and prints from the shop stock, which features British textiles from across the decades and also rare pieces from around the world. Additionally, there is a selection of contemporary materials chosen for the quality of both the fabric and designs.
The shop offers a personalised ‘custom cutting’ service, so for your own projects, you can purchase exactly the quantity of fabric needed. Whether that be a square for a cushion or the exact size required for a DIY lampshade, custom cutting ensures minimal costs and wastage.
Next time you’re in Wadebridge, be sure to pop in and see how they can help, at 5, Polmorla Road, Wadebridge, PL27 7ND.
For more information visit Instagram @estuarytextiles
Shopping locally and supporting independent businesses is something that is important to many of us in our little corner of the world.
That’s why at such a busy time of year, choosing where we buy from makes a huge difference - and that includes selecting your Christmas tree!
We met with Pete from Prestige Christmas Trees, a local supplier of Christmas trees in Wadebridge and Newquay, who also deliver across Cornwall.
Prestige provides Nordmann Fir and, this year, are introducing Fraser Firs to their collection, which come from Dartmoor, Helston and Truro and are available to buy at pop-up shops in Wadebridge and Newquay. In Wadebridge, they can be found in the car park behind Wadebridge Wines, and for free they deliver trees in the local area.
Wadebridge is Pete’s home town, so ensuring the community could get high quality Christmas trees as locally as possible has always been important to him. With the majority of his full-time business, Cornwall Waverunner Safaris, based in Lusty Glaze and Carlyon Bay, plus with a new restaurant business underway, Pete wanted to start a separate business to offer winter employment to his staff. Nine years later, this is exactly what Prestige is doing - providing work to local people while offering fantastic Christmas trees to the community.
Having started this year’s Christmas tree pop-up in Wadebridge on 23rd November, people can wander into town, do some Christmas shopping and then choose their Christmas tree from Prestige. As well as their locally grown cut trees, they also offer potted trees, wreaths and stands.
Pete added: “We’re a local company, providing support and employment to local people. We always plan to sell out so we don’t have a lot of waste.”
Prestige Christmas Trees can be found by Wadebridge Wines, and are usually open from 9.00am - 5.00pm.
Visit www.prestigechristmastrees.co.uk for more information.
Christmas is traditionally a season of joy, family reunions, roast turkey and Christmas pudding, as well as generosity and openness.
But for many, it can also be a stressful time with high expectations and excess pressure, or perhaps a time of loneliness – reducing our ability to cope and destroying our wellbeing.
It’s important to manage stress levels and adopt daily self-care habits so that you can thrive, mentally, physically and emotionally, and be ready to sail through Christmas. In addition, scheduling in therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology and reiki are not only deeply relaxing and restorative they also have many health benefits, including: reducing the effects of stress improving sleep patterns relieving muscle tension and headaches boosting your immune system and energy levels restoring a sense of balance and wellbeing
This is also the time of year when many people notice a drop in their mood, immunity and energy levels. Vitamin B12 is an essential winter vitamin for maintaining your mood and managing fatigue.
To discuss your treatment needs, book a B12 consultation or to book an appointment call Denise Christie on 07930 096451 or email contact@healthandharmony.info For more information go to www.healthandharmony.info
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 08000 146600 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.
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.wadebridgelife.com
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.wadebridgelife.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
What could be better than digging into a warmed mince pie with a side of Cornish clotted cream this December?
Get the fire on, grab a glass of your favourite Christmas tipple (we have some inspiration for you at the bottom of this article) and roll up your sleeves for some festive baking with this lovely winter warmer recipe, with all the ingredients available from Pentruse Farm Shop…
Ingredients:
● 375g plain flour
● 260g unsalted butter
● 125g caster sugar
● 1 egg
● Jar of mince meat
● Icing sugar
● Clotted cream
● ¼ tsp mixed spice
1. Rub the flour and butter together until you get fine ‘breadcrumbs’, then add the sugar and egg, mixing until it comes together to form a dough.
2. Wrap the dough in cling film and place in the fridge for ten minutes.
3. Open up your jar of mincemeat from Pentruse Farm Shop and set it aside while you roll out your dough. Use a round cutter, or a suitable sized glass, to cut circles out of the pastry dough, and lay them in a muffin tray.
4. Dollop a tablespoon - or more, depending on the depth of the pastry - into each casing, then roll out the pastry and cut out circles for the mince pie lids. Once they’re on, brush over the pies with egg and poke the tops with a small knife or a fork. If you like, you could cut mini holly or snowflakes out of the pastry to layer on top.
5. Bake the mince pies in the oven until they’re golden brown, for about 20 minutes. Leave to cool.
6. In a bowl, dollop some clotted cream and sprinkle over the mixed spice, mixing so it’s combined into the cream.
7. Once the mince pies have cooled down, but are still warm, pop them onto a festive plate or board, dust over a little icing sugar and serve with the spiced clotted cream on the side. Watch as your family and friends swarm the plate - only crumbs will be left! Serve with…
If you’re hosting friends, or simply want something a little stronger to have with your mince pie, Wadebridge Wines has a wonderful range of ports, brandies and wines to indulge in. We recommend pairing your mince pies with this special bottle, available to buy from Wadebridge Wines. A mix of Cognac and grape juice, Pineau des Charentes is one of France’s best-kept, and most intoxicating, secrets.
With many people facing a difficult winter, it is reassuring to know that there are places in the community that are welcoming everyone in to keep warm, have some food or simply meet with others in a time of crisis.
The John Betjeman Centre in Wadebridge is doing just that this winter. This friendly, sociable community hub, which is home to Concern Wadebridge and lots of local groups and organisations, will be opening their doors to anyone and everyone between now and the end of March, when people are more likely to struggle with heating their homes. They have officially become a ‘Warm Space’, and will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm for anybody to come in and use.
Concern Wadebridge manager Emma Burt told us more about the Warm Space initiative. “We will be open so anybody can come in here and keep warm. They don’t have to buy anything; they can simply come in and charge their phones, use our free WiFi and keep warm.”
Concern Wadebridge and the John Betjeman Centre is run by Emma and her team of volunteers and staff, who ‘make’ the centre what it is - friendly, community-focused and always offering a smile.
As part of their support this winter, they will be teaming up with Wadebridge Lions and Camel Community Supported Agriculture to offer their new ‘Winter Warmer Wednesdays’, where people can pay just £3 for soup and a roll, £5 for a main meal and £2.50 for a rice pudding. In addition to this, once a fortnight the centre will be visited by WREN (Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network) and Community Energy Plus, so that people can get free energy advice, and apply for grants if they need some support.
All of these schemes will be running until the end of March, giving everyone in the community some much needed support and reassurance if they need it.
Talking about why they wanted to offer this service to the community, Emma said: “We’re a community hub and encourage people to feel safe. This is a safe, warm space that is open to everyone. It could be that someone has lost a partner and just needs someone to talk to, or can’t afford to put their heating on and really just needs to come and sit in the warm for an hour.”
The team works closely with Wadebridge Foodbank, the local GP surgeries and social subscriber to offer help to the community’s most vulnerable. If someone comes in and wants to talk to Emma or a member of the team, everything is kept confidential and they can even help make phone calls to services if needed.
Emma said: “Yes, the charity (Concern Wadebridge) is for the over 50’s, but the building is for everybody. “If you’re struggling, come here and we’ll look after you. We know our regulars, but when someone new comes in we can carefully approach them for a friendly chat if that’s what they want.”
While Wadebridge Life was visiting, we experienced the embracing nature of the John Betjeman Centre and the wonderful people within its walls, from the group of regulars sipping on cups of tea and chattering away to one another, to the volunteers stopping for conversations, grabbing trays of teas and coffees or making the delicious lunches that are available there.
Volunteer Jill Chapman told us: “I love being in the cafe because it feels like being in your own front room!”
Aside from the winter support, the John Betjeman Centre will also be hosting a Christmas lunch for older members of the community who might need a warm meal, some socialisation and a bit of Christmas joy. This will take place from 10am-3pm on Friday 23rd December, where delicious hot jacket potatoes and mince pies will be served. Entertainment will be provided by The Shipwrecks, Wadebridge Male Voice Choir and the Golden Oldies, a singing group that meets at the centre. If you know of a neighbour, friend or relative who might be in need of a bit of Christmas cheer, call the centre on 01208 812392 and speak to Emma to arrange a space.
Emma added: “Thank you to my volunteers. They are the heartbeat of the centre.”
For more information about the John Betjeman Centre and Concern Wadebridge, go to www.concernwadebridge.org.uk
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.
Got an event? email mimi@life-media.co.uk
Stroke Support Group - 2pm - 4 pm at The John Betjeman Centre every 1st & 3rd Monday. Contact John on 07955 659607 for more information.
Parkinson’s Support Group - 2pm - 4pm at The John Betjeman Centre every 4th Monday of the month. Please contact Sue on 07958 716882 for more details.
Wadebridge Menopause Support Group -
The John Betjeman Centre. 7th January 2023 7pm to 8pm. Room 1. This will be an informal opportunity to meet, chat and learn from one another, in a confidential, supportive, respectful and relaxed way. All women are welcome. Tea and coffee are available. Just turn up!
Pop Up Play Village – Every Wednesday at 9am at The John Betjeman Centre. Suitable for ages 0–8-year-olds. For more information, please visit their website - www.popupplayvillage.co.uk
Carers Support Group - 2pm - 4pm at The John Betjeman Centre every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Margaret on 07917 195372 for more information.
Man Down – The meetings are held fortnightly on a Wednesday at The John Betjeman Centre from 7pm - 9pm. New members are asked to arrive from 6:30pm. Please double check the September dates via their website: www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk
Golden Oldies (singing) - 2pm - 4pm at The John Betjeman Centre every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. 01208 812392. admin@ concernwadebridge.org.uk.
Cuppa Companions – Drop into have a chat and a cuppa from 2pm - 4pm at The John Betjeman Centre every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month. 01208 812392. admin@concernwadebridge.org.uk.
Cancer Café – A supportive and friendly space for those that have been affected by Cancer. A place to share support and understanding with people that are in or have been in a similar situation. The Café is at The John Betjeman Centre and is open from 10.30am - 12.30pm every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month.
Betjeman Belles WI - Meet at 7:30pm at The John Betjeman Centre. New members contact them for details. The Betjeman Belles are very happy to welcome visitors if people want to give them a try. Please contact the secretary, Sally Chippindale on 01208 815983.
WREN Energy Clinic - Wadebridge renewable energy network meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at The John Betjeman Centre from 10am - 1pm. They provide advice and information on energy costs for a sustainable living. www.wren.uk.com
continued on page 21
Polmorla Road - Wadebridge - PL27 7NB 01208 813231
sales@wadebridgekitchens.co.uk www.wadebridgekitchens.co.uk
inTune Choir - Thursday evenings 7.30pm9.15pm at The John Betjeman Centre. Concern Wadebridge. For further details and other 1locations please contact Amy at intunechoir@outlook.com or check the website www.intunechoir.co.uk.
Wadebridge Board Gaming Group - This group now meet every Tuesday at The Cornerstone Hall from 7pm. Each member is encouraged to bring refreshments to share with the group. For locals or anyone passing through, all are welcome! Join their Facebook page Wadebridge Board Gaming Group for more information and to vote for the game you'd most like to play each week!
Thinking of joining YFC? - Wadebridge YFC is a rural youth club run by members aged 14-28, meeting weekly on Thursdays. They take part in a variety of events and competitions whilst raising money for charity, developing new skills and making great friends along the way! Want more information? Please text or call Bea on 07510345212 or find them on Facebook or Instagram.
Wadebridge Country Market - Every Thursday 8.45am to 12.30 pm at the Town Hall, The Platt. Free entry. Disabled access. Dogs welcome. Cafe open 9am to 12ish. Please note the market will be closed on 8th December, due to the Christmas Panto. Last market 22nd December 2022. 1st market of 2023, 9th February. We are on Instagram and Facebook www. country-markets.co.uk
Little Acorns Wadebridge - Mums and toddler/ baby group at Connect Church Cornwall, Moleworth Street, every Tuesday term time from 10-11.30am. Come along for free play, crafts, healthy snacks, story and music time, and free hot drinks and biscuits for the grown-ups. £3.00/ child and £1 per additional child. Follow on Facebook @littleacornswadebridge for updates.
Christmas Market Extravaganza - Head to Trevone Beach Cafe, Trevone Bay on the 17th December for an all day Christmas market from 11am - 11pm. Over 30 stalls, music, mulled wine and cider and meet Rudi and Ted the reindeer! Enjoy music and a family quiz in the evening! See the event on facebook for more information or explore on the day!
Trevone Bay Beach Clean - Run by Beach Guardian on December 19th at 10am on Trevone Beach. Follow Beach Guardian on facebook for more information.
Santa’s Grotto at Trelawney Garden CentreThe following weekends are available to book: 17th & 18th and weekdays of 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Book this event now (no walk ins) via the website: bluediamond.gg
Wadebridge Choral Society - With the Choir now back to full strength, the Christmas concert will take place at Egloshayle Church on Saturday December 17th. Tickets are on sale at The Wadebridge Bookshop. For further information contact the Hon Secretary, Fiona May on 01208 851382 or email: jandfrmay@btinternet.com.
Christmas Concert - Wadebridge Town Council presents a Christmas concert with St Breward Silver Band and Songbirds at Wadebridge Town Hall on 21st December at 7:30pm. Tickets £7.50. To book, call Talia on 01208 817085 office@wadebridge-tc-gov.uk.
Wadebridge Carnival Annual Business Quiz - 27th January in the Town Hall if any businesses would like to contact us for a table. info@wadebridgecarnival.co.uk
Wadebridge Carnival Big Breakfast - 28th January in the Town Hall 9am -12pm. Turn up to be fed £7 small breakfast, £9 for large including Tea, Coffee, Orange Juice and Toast. info@wadebridgecarnival.co.uk
'Bring your own bottle' festive evening at KilnCraft - On 16th December grab your friends and enjoy a get together at KilnCraft! Enjoy chatting, drinking and painting a festive gift this Christmas to keep or give to a loved one. To book, visit the KilnCraft website: www.kilncraft.org
Emergency repair | All small jobs welcome Full installation service all aspects covered 07854 105912 | easy.plumb@hotmail.co.uk
Talented women from the Wadebridge area are taking Cornwall by storm as they use the power of their beautiful voices to make a difference in their community.
inTune Choir is led by Amy Sapwell, whose love for music and singing encouraged her to allow others to pursue this passion. In almost ten years, three choirs have emerged under Amy’s guidance, in Wadebridge, Chacewater and St Columb with around 50 women in each.
At the dawn of Covid-19, the choir had to overcome a number of challenges, from rehearsing online during the lockdowns, to social distancing and avoiding the virus in-person once restrictions had been lifted.
“We spent 18 months doing an online choir on Facebook Live,” Amy said. “Their support throughout the pandemic was amazing and the main focus when we returned to choir was supporting each other and getting to grips with singing together again. It took time but it now feels like we are finally back!”
inTune Choir can perform at a range of events and gatherings. The choir recently delivered a spellbinding performance at the Minack Theatre with 100 of their ladies, which contributed to raising £11,000 for Cornwall Air Ambulance. The funds were handed over at a cheque presentation during Helifest.
The beauty of inTune Choir is how it nurtures individual talents. Amy said: “It’s so nice seeing friendships and confidence blossom. It can be life changing because it challenges you, which results in an enormous sense of achievement.” Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for inTune Choir, with carol services and singing in the street dominating their calendar in December.
The choir performed at Wadebridge Late Night Shopping and Padstow Christmas Festival. For other dates check their website or Facebook for more information.
If you would like to join the choir, order a copy of the inTune Choir CD or book the choir to sing at an event, email intunechoir@outlook.com. inTune Choir will be holding a free concert on Thursday 15th December at 7.30pm. You can also catch them at Pentire National Trust at 1.30pm on Sunday 18th December.
The talented group of women from Wadebridge making a difference
By the time your magazine reaches you, hopefully many of you will be feeling festive and ready to enjoy the Christmas season - but if not, let’s have a look at all the wonderful things that have been going on in Wadebridge this month so far…
By now, the town will have been adorned in this year’s twinkling Christmas lights for us all to marvel at as we dash home from the cold after a day’s shopping!
Organised by Wadebridge Town Council and generously put up by the team at Davey Electrical Services who also provide storage and monitor the lights for any issues, Christmas lights are an important part of any town’s festivities. Not only do they represent the joyful time of year, they add a bit of colour and sparkle to the community!
Each year, the town council recruits a team of volunteers to help Davey Electrical Services put up the lights and take them down at the end of the season. The team are supported by local businesses such as The Granary, The Swan and Barnecutts, who all provide food and drinks to the volunteers during those hours of hard work.
A huge well done to Davey Electrical Services, Wadebridge Town Council, volunteers and those who made this year’s fantastic Christmas lights possible!
We all love a good event to get us in the Christmas spirit, and Wadebridge Town Council has facilitated plenty of these this month!
From wreath workshops, cocktail mixology classes and Christmas concerts, to the annual Christmas Panto - which this year was Cinderella, put on by Hopeful Monsters: A Wadebridge Theatre Company - there have been lots of opportunities for fantastic office parties, friend meet-ups and family days out this December.
We’re sure lots of you had a wonderful time at the Wadebridge late night shopping evening on Friday 2nd December. From carol singing to Santa and his elves, the event gave everyone the chance to get a good chunk of their Christmas shopping done!
You still have the chance to book tickets to the Christmas concert coming to Wadebridge Town Hall on Wednesday 21st December, with St Breward Silverband and Songbirds. To book tickets, call 01208 817085 or email office@wadebridge-tc.gov.uk
See pages 19 and 21 for more Wadebridge events…
To arrange an appointment or for further information, contact Gerry on: 07570146598
www.clearearsmicrosuction.co.uk
to children in Wadebridge Have you ever thought about encouraging your children to take up yoga?
Nina Barnard at Happy Soul Yoga runs a children’s yoga and mindfulness class at Wadebridge Leisure Centre on Tuesdays from 3.15pm-4.15pm.
The class has been such a success that she is now offering another class on Wednesdays, 4pm-5pm, which started on 2nd November and has already filled up!
Nina qualified in Children’s Yoga in 2017 and wanted to bring her love for teaching these classes with her when she relocated 18 months ago.
The classes are term time only, 1 hour duration and are made up of approximately 20-25mins of yoga practice, followed by games, mindful tasks or discussion, breathing practice and relaxation.
They are aimed at primary school age children and can be extremely helpful in teaching them self control and self regulation.
Children's yoga is fun, creative and non competitive. The use of animated poses and basic stretching promotes flexibility, strength, co-ordination, body awareness and body confidence. Breathing techniques, mindfulness and visualisation teach children how to focus and relax.
For more information about Happy Soul Yoga, contact Nina on happysoulyoga@yahoo.com, 07753 221130 or follow them on Facebook, where updates on exciting new classes will be posted.
Foodbank volunteers have been working hard in preparation for the winter months. The friendly team is here to support anyone in crisis, with additional help available at the Foodbank.
Citizens Advice drop-in sessions at Wadebridge Foodbank every Thursday between 10am-1pm.
Christians Against Poverty (who provide free debt support). Appointments available at Wadebridge Foodbank.
Financial Health Check - available at Wadebridge Foodbank, call 01208 815374 to arrange an appointment to check any available grants/benefits which may help you.
Wadebridge Foodbank project manager Jacqui White said: “We are so grateful for the continued support we receive from our community, including local businesses, organisations and supermarkets, schools, churches and individuals. All your donations enable us to continue providing a valuable service to people in crisis.
“The need for our Foodbanks, during this difficult time, has increased by 65% compared to this time last year. We provide around 2,021 meals per week. If you are struggling and not sure how to get help, please call us in confidence on 01208 815374.”
The team have extended thanks to the Tesco shoppers who donated to their Christmas collection. All the festive food will be packed into special Christmas boxes for local people who are referred to the foodbank by the professional agencies they work with. Jacqui added: “We want to help make Christmas as special as we can. Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. We wouldn’t be able to provide our service in the community without your kindness and generosity. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year from us all at the Foodbank.”
Bodmin, Camelford and Wadebridge Foodbank Tel. 01208 815374 www.wadebridgefoodbank.org contact@wadebridgefoodbank.org
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W e ' v e t e a m e d u p w i t h l o c a l o r g a n i s a t i o n s , n e t w o r k s a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l g r o u p s , s o w e c a n o f f e r a g r e a t e r r a n g e o f i n f o r m a t i o n a n d a d v i c e f o r o u r c o m m u n i t y i n C o r n w a l l
Drop by our En at the John Betje every 1st and 3rd Wedn 10am - 1 l
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L e t ' s w o r k t o g e t h e r o n t h i s . . . W e ' v e t e a m e d u p w i t h l o c a l o r g a n i s a t i o n s , n e t w o r k s a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l g r o u p s , f f
During the autumn and winter months with less changeovers to fill our days, the DFL team busy ourselves with spring cleaning for our regular holiday homes. Getting things ready for anther busy Christmas season, and continuing our caretaking and property management for our second homes.
We continue to service our regular local clients and often hear about the difference we make to their daily lives, coming home from work to a clean, fresh smelling, organised home.
James will be busying himself over the next few weeks playing nursemaid to me after a recent operation - he has many strings to his bow! He will also be looking after the exterior of some of our properties, with some much needed jet washing. It is this time of year when pathways can become dangerously slippery. He will also be doing some interior painting.
Please do get in touch on 07817452879 or 01208 814539, or www.dustfree.uk if you feel DFL can help you with what many people find mundane, yet stressful and necessary tasks. We hear often what a difference we make to our clients daily lives, check out our 51 five star reviews on our google page, Rosie Dust Free Living.
We wish all of our existing and loyal customers a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy 2023.
And a fond farewell to Sarah from Local Eyes…
Your second issue of Wadebridge Life is here and we hope you are enjoying it so far!
We’ve loved every second, getting to know all of the local businesses, chatting away to residents and community groups so we can get your news out there, and becoming more familiar with how wonderful Wadebridge and its surrounding area really is!
There is no doubt we wouldn’t be here without the help and support of Sarah Prosser of ‘Local Eyes’, the magazine that formerly graced your doors and postboxes before us. Sarah spent a number of years building up a supportive network between the magazine and the community, and she has trusted us to take the magazine forward as Wadebridge Life.
We really appreciate Sarah’s knowledge of the local area and while we understand it is never an easy thing to give up something that you have poured years of hard work into, we only hope to be able to continue the publication’s legacy as an informative and much-loved community magazine.
The library is accessible to everyone and free to use, offering a warm space that is a safe, friendly, comfortable environment where people are invited to spend time, feel at ease and at home. Join in with a jigsaw, chess, dominoes or scrabble.
Free resources available with your library card include:
Free hire of Classic Film DVD Collection
PressReader to access over 7000 UK and international digital newspapers and magazines for FREE.
BorrowBox to download eAudiobooks and eBooks for FREE.
Cornwall Library customers can now enjoy free access to Comics Plus. A huge collection of Comics and Graphic novels, something for all ages. Access a collection of over 19K titles, available from publishers like Disney, Dark Horse, IDW and more.
Naxos Spoken Word Library is a massive collection of the world’s greatest literature including classic novels, plays and poetry all the way from medieval times to modern day in an easy to access digital audiobook format.
Naxos Music Library is an invaluable resource for music professionals and collectors with a wide ranging repertoire including opera, classical, jazz, blues, world and Chinese.
For further information on any of the above please call in or contact: wadebridge. library@liscornwall.org.uk
Welcome a visit from these spirits this Christmas
Wadebridge Life spoke to Angie and George from Rock Gin. A company born from Angie’s love of smooth gins, good enough to drink straight!
Angie has now perfected a range of gins and rums made from all natural products. Rock Gin’s ‘Blue Angel Gin’ is one of their best sellers with its deliciously smooth and extremely striking blue colouring from the Blue Gardenia flower.
Despite this drink's loose connection to Christmas through the song ‘Blue Gardenia’ by Nat King Cole, the voice of Christmas, George recommends the Cornish Espresso Martini this festive season.
Rock Gin boasts a range of spirits that make incredible instant cocktails. George said, “There isn’t a bar in London where you won’t find one of these, an Espresso Martini!”
For more information and recommendations, call 01208 851718 or email info@rockgincornish.com. The distillery is open 10am-6pm, Monday to Sunday. Free entry and tasters available.
Pour a shot of Cornish Espresso rum into a martini glass.
Add a shot of Cornish Vanilla rum if you fancy a sweeter kick.
Top it up with a shot of fresh coffee, hot or cold, depending on your preference. Enjoy!
Christmas is a time for giving, and St Breock Residential Home is asking the community to consider gifting a present to a resident as part of their ‘Santa for a Senior’ initiative.
The idea for this thoughtful project came about last year at another Cornwall Care home and was so popular that it has been rolled out across all the Cornwall Care homes this year.
The idea is simple: people from the community can let St Breock know that they would like to contribute with a present, and they are assigned a resident so they know exactly what they like and don’t like, in order to make the present as special as possible.
Not only do local projects like this brighten someone’s day, it really connects you with your community and the people that live amongst us.
A spokesperson from St Breock Residential Home said: “‘We posted the advert on Love Wadebridge and had a fantastic response, all our residents got more than one gift last year.
As a home we always fundraise to buy each of our residents a Christmas present too, but anything they can open, however small, makes all the difference. We just like to be able to give each of our residents the best Christmas, especially after the last couple of years.”
The official date for receiving presents from the community was 1st December, but the home says they will still accept gifts if the community would like to contribute to putting a smile on someone’s face this Christmas. The presents will be opened on Christmas morning. Call 01208 812 246 or email stbreock.home@cornwallcare.org for more information.
While many of us look forward to our delicious Christmas dinners on 25th December, for many people in Cornwall, this isn’t a reality.
This is where Cornwall Christmas Box comes in! This charity works to put together and distribute ‘Christmas dinners in a box’ to families across Cornwall via Cornwall Council’s ‘Children’s Early Help, Social Care and Psychology Service’ and some children’s centres.
The boxes contain the items needed to create a Christmas dinner, plus festive treats, for families of up to six.
Last year, Cornwall Christmas Box delivered 3,500 boxes to local families, and the charity is keen to continue this support for 2022.
To donate a box, all you need to do is place your items in a box according to the checklist (available on the website), wrap it up and drop it off at a local collection point.
Local collection points Stir - Unit 5 The Cedar Barn, Eddystone Road, Wadebridge.
St Minver School - Rock Road, Wadebridge. Please leave boxes on the porch and do not enter the building.
Trevisker Garden Centre
Trewornan Manor - Trewornan Bridge, St Minver. Please drop off between 9am-6pm.
Concern Wadebridge - The John Betjeman Centre, Wadebridge
Duchy Designs - The Duchy Unit, Hawksfield Cornwall, A39 Atlantic Highway, St Breock, Wadebridge.
For more information about the project and collection points, go to www.cornwallchristmasbox.co.uk or email hello@cornwallchristmasbox.co.uk
What if we were to combine Christmas spirit with ‘community spirit’?
Here are a couple of local projects that you might like to support this Christmas...
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.
Concern Wadebridge - The John Betjeman Centre will be open to provide a warm space, WiFi and the ability to charge devices, hot drinks and food, and a friendly chat. Open Monday to Friday.
Winter Warmer Wednesdays - The John Betjeman Centre are teaming up with the Wadebridge Lions and Camel Community Supported Agriculture, to put on ‘Winter Warmer Wednesdays’, 12pm-2pm, offering low price hot meals.
Mental health support
Pentreath - Call 01726 862727 or visit www.pentreath.co.uk
Man Down - Fortnightly on Wednesdays, 7pm9pm, the John Betjeman Centre. www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk
Holistic Therapies at the John Betjeman Centre
- A range of holistic therapies to help destress, relax, reduce stress related problems, support muscle aches and pains, arthritis, insomnia and much more. Contact Bridget by emailing seahollytherapies@gmail.com or call the centre on 01208 812 392.
Energy Clinic - Takes place at the John Betjeman Centre every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 10am-1pm, featuring Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network (WREN) and Community Energy Plus, who are on-hand to provide support and advice.
Wadebridge Cancer Cafe - A drop in for anyone who has been affected by cancer, 10.30am12.30pm on 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, at the John Betjeman Centre.
Wadebridge Foodbank - If you need some help or support, Wadebridge Foodbank is available. Visit www.wadebridgefoodbank.org/get-help/ or call the team on 01208 815374.
Time2Move holiday programme - Offering fun activities across Cornwall, with a healthy meal included from 19th-23rd December. Free places for children eligible for free school meals. For more information, call 01872 323335 or email Time2Move.HolidayProgramme@cornwall.gov.uk
See our Wosson section on pages 19 & 21 for more local groups and information, and read our article on the John Betjeman Centre, who have lots of support groups and projects in place this winter, on pages 14 & 15. If you’d like some tips on how to be more efficient when heating your home this year, see South West Heating Solutions’ article on page 8.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is arguably the most famous and much-loved Christmas story, with countless film adaptations and its powerful message carried through to each festive period since its release in 1843.
But did you know Cornwall may have played a vital role in inspiring the Victorian writer to pen A Christmas Carol, plus one man in particular is thought to have helped shape one of the story’s most important characters?
Barry West is a historian from St Austell who travels the lengths and breadths of Cornwall to uncover historical mysteries and reveal the county’s past. A few years ago, he started following the journey of Charles Dickens, who visited Cornwall in 1842 after stating he wanted to see ‘the very dreariest and most desolate portion’ of the Cornish coast.
On the 180th anniversary of Dickens’ trip to Cornwall, we look at how his adventure through the most rugged parts of the county, and a gentleman who lived his final days in Port Isaac and is buried in St Endellion, could have inspired A Christmas Carol.
On a Saturday in October 1842, Dr Southwood Smith in Cornwall received a letter from Dickens. He was setting off to St Michael’s Mount, the first leg of his trip, that Thursday and asked for the doctor’s knowledge on ‘the next best bleak and barren part’. He also asked if the doctor would help him down a mine!
In reply, Dr Southwood wrote: “I do not think you will find St Michael’s Mount particularly desolate, but it is nevertheless a very remarkable and interesting place. The coast about Land’s End, I am told, is incomparably more dreary and presents a fine specimen of wrecken scenery. But the place above all others for dreariness is Tintagel (King Arthur’s) castle, near Camelford. There shall you see nothing but bleak looking rocks and an everlastingly boisterous sea, both in much the same state as when good King Arthur reigned.”
On 27th October 1842, Dickens embarked on his Cornish adventure with two artists and his biographer, arriving in Exeter by train and then likely crossing the Tamar via steam-powered ferry to reach Cornwall.
During the trip, they visited St Michael’s Mount, Tintagel, St Nectan’s Glen, the Logan stone at Treen, the mine at Botallack and Land’s End, which appears in A Christmas Carol.
But Barry West, who has heavily researched Dickens’ associations with Cornwall, believes that one of the most notable characters in the famous novel, A Christmas Carol, which was published in 1843 - just a year after his Cornish trip - may have been based on a doctor he met in London, who later moved to Port Isaac.
Jacob Marley is the distasteful business partner of the greedy, mean and selfish Ebenezer Scrooge, who encounters a terrifying night on Christmas Eve seven years after Marley’s death, when he is visited by four ghosts. The first ghost is that of his long-dead business partner Marley, who brings the warning that he will be visited by three ghosts - the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future - to show him the error of his ways. Barry came across a Dr Miles Marley while researching Dickens and after visiting the Pickwick Inn in St Issey. He was told that a Dr Frederick Marley, born 1831, had lived and practiced in Padstow for 50 years up until his death in 1908 at St Issey, who was revealed to be Dr Miles Marley’s son.
It’s recorded that Dickens attended a party on St Patrick’s Day hosted by Dr Miles Marley in Piccadilly, who remarked on the unusual name of the author and claimed it would become ‘a household word’ - and it certainly did. Dr Marley later moved to Port Isaac, died in 1854 and is buried in St Endellion Church. His relative, Christopher Marley, visited his grave last year.
Dickens’ stories have a recurring theme running throughout, that of poverty and the harsh times that Victorian folk faced every day. A Christmas Carol represents this entirely, and enforces that the simple acts of kindness and generosity can overcome some of these difficulties - perhaps something we should all try and bring through to our modern world.
The weather is closing in; it’s time to chuck a log on the fire and partake in a cosy activity. What could be more festive than venturing into the garden or along your local country walk to forage for bits and pieces to make a wholesome, beautiful craft? Wreaths are gorgeous ways to impress and provide a warm, festive welcome to visitors over the Christmas period. All you need is a wire ring with moss, string or mossing wire, and plenty of foliage and decorations.
Using the wire, begin wrapping your foliage around the wire ring, repeating so the wire is covered. Add things like moss to add some texture to your wreath and pad it out slightly, and then wrap smaller bits of foliage like decorative berries, pinecones, flowers or leaves to add some colour to it. Ensure everything is secure and then find the perfect spot to hang your wreath - perhaps your front door, above the fireplace or in the kitchen to add some festive cheer!
Alternatively, if you’d rather make something that you can keep forever, you could always make a wreath out of felt and fabrics. Try a mixture of different festive colours, patterns and designs.
Got your old Wadebridge Life mag hanging around? Why not put it to use and cut some shapes out to make some hanging tree ornaments? Ask for advice from your local craft group or shop, or search the internet for some tips and inspiration!
If you do make some ornaments with your old Wadebridge Life magazines, send us a photo! We’d love to see them!
Do you want to take on a new offer as a CareRooms host, supporting your community?
CareRooms is looking to expand into Cornwall and is looking for new Hosts in the Wadebridge area. Hosts are able to support their community by taking in those who have spent time in hospital, looking for a carer’s break or some respite to recharge their batteries and seek some companionship, all safely in the comfort of a Host’s spare room.
In turn, this frees up more beds in the area for those who may need them.
If you have a spare room and want to receive an extra income starting at £50 for each night someone stays in your room, and you can offer some companionship and support to those in need, contact the team at CareRooms on 03331 212 227 or visit www.CareRooms.com to register.
After the community campaign to secure the future of Wadebridge sports and leisure centre was successful, it opened its doors to a new era on 1st September 2022! Just a few months on and it is filled with community sports and spirit! They now have over 1,000 active members, offer lots of regular classes, personal training sessions and exciting events, including recently hosting MindBodyDance and Yoga’s Danceathon for Children in Need. Opening hours have also recently been extended to 9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays to accommodate local surf life-saving clubs’ winter training schedules.
Wadebridge Life caught up with Wadebridge’s Mayor, Amanda Pennington who played an active role in securing the leisure centre for the town, she said: "The sports centre is a vital hub for our community and I'm delighted that user numbers continue to increase, while we add more classes, more equipment, and more schools and surf life-saving clubs join us. Sign up to our newsletter for more exciting news coming soon." To sign up to the newsletter visit: www.wadebridgeslc.co.uk
We often wake up in the morning, get showered and ready, and crack on with the rest of our day. Rushing about and not taking a moment to stop, can be a common occurrence for many of us.
But perhaps, in this busy world, we should all take a moment to stop and appreciate the people that work within our community, tirelessly keeping our streets clean, looking after our loved ones, teaching our young people, and delivering our pay-day treats in the post.
This winter, when the darker months can cause our moods to also feel a little dull, we can brighten a community worker's day with a little ‘thank you’. This could be leaving a little festive treat for the post or bin men and women that pass by our houses each day and week.
If you would like to give someone a special shoutout, email US ON rosie@ life-media.co.uk
It could be as simple as a smile and ‘hello’ to the friendly workers in orange that tidy our pavements and streets, a box of treats for staff and residents at a local care home, or a letter of thanks to your child’s favourite teacher! While we navigate through difficult, testing times this winter, let’s also remember to carry kindness with us wherever we go. Even if we’re having a terrible day, a kind word, or being mindful of our tone when speaking to others is very important. We must remember that there is a human behind a business, Facebook page, reception desk, classroom or on the other end of the phone. Look back at how our community came together during the difficult times of the pandemic - it was magical to witness. The one tiny thing each of us have in our power is to BE KIND - it’s a superpower!
THANK YOU to everyone in our community who has worked tirelessly for others, supported local people and initiatives and has simply been a shining light in our town this year.
Fundraising to improve Nursery and Reception classes
The Friends of St Breock School are delighted to have been selected by the Co-op for their Community Causes scheme for the next 12 months. They are asking local residents to choose them as their selected cause on their Co-op card to help raise money to improve the school's Preschool and Reception classrooms. The volunteer run charity associated with the primary school are hoping the scheme will raise money towards improving the Early Years classes. Upgrading the resources and learning environments for the youngest children in the school, means that everyone will be able to get a fantastic learning experience from an early age. Kirsty Cotton, chair of the Friends of St Breock School, said: “We'd love the community to help us provide our youngest learners with a positive start to school.” Anyone with a Co-op membership card can log into their account via the website or app to select the school as their chosen charity. After that, each time you do your shopping in Co-op, the supermarket will donate towards the cause.
For more information about the fundraising and to choose St Breock School as your chosen cause to support, go to membership.coop.co.uk/causes/74966
Have yourself a sandy little Christmas at Trevone Beach Cafe! It may be unlikely to snow but there will be reindeer!
Last year, Jasmine Caldwell began a new tradition at Trevone Beach Cafe, ‘The Christmas Market Extravaganza!’ After a tough 2020 Jasmine wanted to do something special for the local community and filling Trevone Bay with festive feels seemed like the perfect plan!
The ‘Extravaganza’ will be running from 11am - 11pm on December 17th! There will be over 30 stalls of local artists, crafters and businesses. The food will be provided by local business, Duchy Grub and there will be music throughout the day from local DJ, Kev Mud.
There will be free parking available all day, face painting, live music, a raffle and reindeer! Ted and Rudi from Enchantment Cornwall are the beautiful reindeer that will be bringing with them a little bit of Christmas magic for all the family. Also, all profits will be donated to charity! Jasmine said, “Last year we donated to The Seal Sanctuary and The Children’s Hospice, we usually try and pick one humanitarian charity and one environmental!”. For more information find the Christmas Market Extravaganza on Facebook.
If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly and rewarding way to get your 12 days of treats this festive season, take a look at our very own Christmas calendar with a difference - encouraging everyone to be kind, support others and share with your community…
Make a festive bake and give it to a friend, neighbour, colleague or someone who needs cheering up!
Donate pet supplies to a local animal shelter - food, treats, toys, blankets will spread plenty of festive cheer to sweet dogs, cats and other animals looking for forever homes this Christmas.
Take a walk around your local area and pick up any litter left on pavements, roads and hedgerows. The planet will thank you for it, and it will leave our landscapes looking beautiful under the winter skies.
Arrange a small group of willing volunteers - neighbours, villagers, friends or a local group - to spread some festive cheer to those who might need it, whether it’s carolling around your village or delivering Christmas goodies to a local charity.
Write a Christmas card to the residents of your local care home.
Donate whatever you can to your local foodbank - as much or as little as you can manage, it will go a long way with the fantastic team providing food parcels to local families this Christmas.
Set up a Christmas book box in your village or outside your home. Take your unwanted books, wrap them up and attach a festive greeting, and leave them in a box for people to take - it might make the most unexpectedly perfect Christmas gift, or simply brighten someone’s day!
Volunteer with a local organisation or charity.
Create a parcel for the Shoebox Appeal, or put together some treat hampers to donate to the foodbank or for children in your village.
If you’re creative, why not make mini Christmas wreaths, felt decorations, chutneys or mini festive bakes and leave them outside the front doors of people in your village or local area?
While your fridge or cupboard may be stocked, ready for Christmas, there will be many elderly people, those who struggle to get out to the shops or people who simply work long shifts who are unable to get themselves prepared. If you’ve got some spare time, why not offer to take someone’s shopping list and grab their Christmas shop for them to help them out a little?
Reach out to a friend or loved one you haven’t seen in a while - they might need it!
Every donation you make towards the first £75,000* of the Christmas campaign will be doubled, thanks to the amazing financial support of a few generous donors.
