Eco-Friendly Jewellery Shop Opens

The Cornwall Blog: New eco-business bucks the trend

An eco-friendly start-up business in Cornwall is set to beat the credit crunch by opening a brand new shop selling organic and fair trade jewellery and clothing supported by South West insurance firm Cornish Mutual.

Technorati Tags: cornwall, eco-friendly, jewellery

Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival

Over 3,000 sing in county

FINAL preparations are now in hand for the fourth Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival, starting on Wednesday, April 29, and forecast to inject at least three-quarters of a million pounds into the county's economy.

The six-day biennial spectacular involves over 3,000 singers from 54 choirs, including 11 from overseas. A total of 39 events at 30 locations across Cornwall is expected to attract an aggregate audience of around 30,000.

Programme highlights include a bumper batch of gala concerts in Truro, starting on Wednesday in the cathedral and involving Cornwall Boys' Choir, Truro Cathedral Choristers, the Russian Boys' Choir of Dubna, Kapela Khloptchikau from Minsk, Belarus, and Russia's Sverdlovsk Male Choir College.

"This will be a great opening for the festival," said director Peter Davies. "It will be a unique combination of youth and boys' choirs involving our own cathedral choristers and Cornwall Boys' Choir sharing the concert with the choirs from Russia and Belarus. These visiting choirs will also be engaged in workshops with local schools."

Three more gala concerts follow at the Hall for Cornwall on May 1, 2 and 4. Choirs performing on May 1 will be Nankersey, Alcester, Audley, Weybridge and Sverdlovsk Male Choir College plus Sweden's Vocal Six "a cappella" ensemble.

Technorati Tags: Cornwall, International Male Voice Choral Festival,

Amazing English Attractions

Travel to the end of the earth with Trafalgar… well almost - etravelblackboard.com

Since ancient times, England has been one of the most significant countries in the world for myths and magic. Learn of the mysterious legends and stories that surround southern England on Trafalgar’s five-day First Class Best of Devon and Cornwall.

Journey through this historic region riddled with tales of another time. See the ruined castle of Tintagel, linked to the legend of King Arthur, the tomb at the Abbey ruins where he now lays, the Roman Baths and mystical Stonehenge.

This tour also includes a Cornish excursion where passengers can enjoy a scenic drive along the rugged coastline of Cornwall, past Smugglers’ Cove and quaint fishing villages to Land’s End, the most westerly point of the British mainland. Continue to St Ives to see the famous artist colony before travelling to St Michael’s Mont.

Technorati Tags: cornwall, england, smugglers cove, stonehenge, king arthur

Plenty to do on England's Coast

The Complete Guide To: England's coastal highlights - UK, Travel - The Independent

That was how the former tourism minister, Kim Howells, described some English resorts a decade ago. But the modern reality is different.

For a 21st-century take on an English beach holiday, start where the seaside tradition (initially based on the perceived benefits of sea water) took root in the 18th century: Brighton. After his first trip there in 1783, the Prince Regent continued to visit the town regularly for 40 years. The fishing port's proximity to London helped to turn it into an attractive seaside resort.

Modern Brighton has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants and a rich cultural scene. One of its newest hotels is also an art gallery: the Artist Residence at 33 Regency Square (01273 324302; artistresidence. co.uk). An elegant 18th-century townhouse, its ground floor is a display space managed by local artist Jamie Shaw, with frequently changing exhibitions that showcase Brighton's freshest creative talents. Upstairs, double rooms are available from £60, singles from £40. Gradually these rooms are being decorated by different artists: the Mel Sheppard room is already available and renovation is under way on a room that will be the work of street artist Hutch.

Activities to keep your kids entertained

Free days out for kids (and grown-ups too) - UK, Travel - The Independent

The Easter holidays needn’t mean bored kids (and parents). From thrilling bike trails through Welsh valleys to mind-expanding museums and beautiful beaches, the best British day trips won’t cost a penny...

Technorati Tags: uk, welsh valleys, museums, beaches,

Best Mum Celebrated

Best mum celebrated

A CELEBRATION ball has been planned for Friday, May 1 in honour of the president of Tanya's Courage Trust, Iris Billing, who has recently been voted Tesco Magazine 'Mum of the Year'.

Mrs Billing set up the charity to help teenage and young adult cancer sufferers in memory of her daughter who died of leukaemia aged 17.

The ball will be held at the Atlantic Hotel, Newquay, with dinner cooked by TV chefs.

Live entertainment will be provided by the Vanity Girls and Atlantic FM.

Tickets cost £35 each and the booking hotline is 01726 850320 or 01726 70529.

Technorati Tags: newquay, atlantic hotel, tanya's courage trust, iris billing

Cinema Business Booms

The Cornwall Blog: Business booming for St Austell’s cinema

Cornwall’s first new cinema complex for over 70 years – White River Cinema in St Austell is gearing up for a busy Easter and will be preparing to welcome its 50,000th customer since opening.

Owners WTW Cinemas is reporting ‘consistently strong’ business with ‘record’ admissions during the first quarter of this year (January-March 09) and over the Christmas and New Year period. The two most popular films to date have been Academy award winning ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and children’s feature ‘Bolt’.

Technorati Tags: cornwall, cinema, movie theater