Claims that The America's Cup was Suitably Promoted - Ridiculous

I heard on Spotlight this evening that as far as Plymouth City Council are concerned, The current America's cup was publisized and advertised to the very best of their ability. I'm sorry, but from what I can see, that's pure rubbish.

The irony of it all hasn't escaped me; people complain about the lack of these events in the South West and then afterwards find themselves complaining about how rubbish it all was - I'm sorry but has anyone seen these boats? Pure adreneline written into the back of a cheque book; and how is anyone going to benefit from this?

The simple fact that there are people who are in charge of their various marketing deparments out there who really don't know what they're doing. They don't have the contacts they need, they don't have the networking skills and they don't have the proficiency to make these kind of events what they deserve to be - someone has to be in charge and say 'LOOK, WE FINALLY HAVE SOMETHING THE WORLD MIGHT WANT TO LOOK AT US FOR...WHY DON'T WE MAKE THE MOST OF IT???'

I would have more luck tuning into American TV 3000 miles away and watching the race than actually see anything promoting it in my part of the South West. Why isn't the whole region promoted at the same time - even a few posters would go down well. I type in BBC Devon and there is literally nothing on the front page...just Duncan Warren's mug and something about a Pet Food Maker going into administration. Get real people, embrace civilization when it comes knocking at your door.

The Welcome News of Increase in Passenger Travel on UK Branch Lines

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14580224


This really can be only good news for the rail industry in England. For those branch lines that are related to tourism such as the Liskeard - Looe and the St Erth - St Ives line the number can be seen to be increasingly significantly year upon year. The Truro - Falmouth branch line alone has seen passenger numbers grow by 90.6% percent according to this BBC report, fueling claims from local communities that these lines are part of regional tradition that needs to be maintained.

Four Weekend's Travel Blog stated a while ago that 'The days of the great travel romance are, in the UK anyway, gone.' Yes in the main this is true, for long distance journies anyway..but I truly believe in the romantic power of regional branch lines through stunning countryside - and in many ways I think other people believe in that as well hence the growth of such a slow, winding form of travel. Slow, sustainable travel has become more and more popular in recent years and that's a very good thing for both the public's sensebilties and the communities that are being invaded year upon year.

Obviously railways journies and the British countryside are inextricably linked, and there have been hundreds of eulogies to the 'romantic' era of rail travel. If you look hard enough though, I'm pretty confident it still remains...it's just what the individual chooses to get out of it and how much they connect with the landscape in which their speeding through. One of the most resonant and one of my favourite films linked with this is Night Mail - the poetic nature of the railways never ceases to interest me. As the poet De Sola Pinto claims - it is 'the strong unchanging steel rails of necessity.'

For more information visit http://www.branchlinebritain.co.uk/

For a small film featuring the area of the St. Ives Branch Line called 'Noise & Silence,' visit my Vimeo. http://www.vimeo.com/14190145

Image - The Sandy Apartments, Carbis Bay



RT @Newquay_Airport Government gives go ahead to NQY Aerohub Enterprise Zone!! http://ow.ly/65tcR

This is very good news for Newquay. I can't really see there's a future in passenger travel for the airport...unfortunately there are just the right routes for the right people st the right price. With this, however, industry once again takes a front seat and provides an interesting outlet that could be very beneficial to a variety of aerospace businesses

Catch Maggie Matthews at Cornwall Contemporary

Until the 4th August St. Just based artist Maggie Matthews is exhibiting in the main gallery of Cornwall Contemporary at the top of Chapel Street in Penzance. After studying at Newport College of Art and Exeter University, Maggie moved to St. Just where her abstracts have been inspired by the outdoors and the wild western environment.

The artwork is available for purchase, and more information can be found on the Cornwall Contemporary website by following the link below.

http://www.cornwallcontemporary.com/nature.html

Boardmasters Tickets to be Won!

If you didn't already know - Boardmasters and giving away tickets with ThisIsCornwall all this week.

There are 5 chances to win a pair of tickets to the Boardmasters festival in Newquay (Friday only)

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Boardmasters-giveaway-tickets-Friday-won/story-13034056-detail/story.html

Follow the link for more info!

Boardmasters 2010 - Chase & Status

King Air Avenger to Replace Jetstream's at Culdrose

This rather impressive and smart looking aircraft is a new King Air Avenger, and it will be operating from Culdrose Naval Base for 750 Squadron training Naval Observers. It replaced the old Jetstream 41 which were retired earlier this year

The King Air will fulfill the role left by the Jetstreams, but will increase the top speed to 350mph and its range to 2,000 miles...

Expect to see these in the skies over Cornwall (probably doing a clockwise circuit as per the original T1's) very shortly!

The original article can be found here

Pete Goss Completes RIB Arctic Circle Voyage

The celebrated seaman and adventurer Pete Goss has made the record books once again by leading the first crew on an inflatable RIB around the Arctic Circle.

The crew of 8 battled through huge seas and bad weather - with only a few hours sleep - in order to complete to journey from Shetland to Maloy in Norway. The trip was conducted to prove the RIB's capabilities in all weathers - and from the looks of it Pete Goss was certainly impressed!

More info can be found here:

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Cornwall-s-Pete-Goss-leads-mixed-crew-historic/story-12883401-detail/story.html

Flying Lesson - Taking to the Skies for the First Time!

I know it's been a little quiet here and this flying lesson was a long time ago - the end of April in fact - but I thought I had to blog about it seeing as it fulfilled a bit of a lifelong dream for me....as well as being very cool and an amazing experience.



Cue standard 'first time flying' picture. In fact, I say flying, but as Alex Wade correctly points out in his blog Surf Nation about his trial flying experience - it's a actually really a case of driving. It's a very systematic experience, and without the terminology controlling the aircraft boils down to a 'steering wheel' and a 'speedo.' In fact, sometimes it feels a little bit like this. Being a bit of an aviation geek (ok, a proper aviation geek) I knew my FPM from my QNH, and it was a very self satisfying feeling to have an understanding of the aircraft and actually see some of the instruments and dials for real. Like they say, pilots are very techy people anyway but regardless of this the sensation of actually flying the plane was second to none.

The guys down at MSH Flight Training do an excellent job at Land's End. Glen, my instructor, also did an excellent job in ensuring I felt like I had control and was doing as much of the flying as I could for as long as possible. The taxi, takeoff and a lot of the turns were all Pilot in Command for me...and although I was happy he took over when it came to the landing, I didn't for once feel like he had cheated me out of actual flight time for myself. The fact I had probably chosen the best day of the year so far had added benefit for me...the wind was calm and the sky almost cloudless - a really wonderful view and an thrilling experience.

I would really recommend Land's End Airport even if you have a passing interest in aviation. Some of the types are pretty unique and the small scale operation brings in the Isles of Scilly Skybus flights with amazing regularity. (I happen to work for them in their booking office - so shamless plug there!) Everything for private pistons to the Turboprop DHC6 Otters and there and it can get excting during summer months. MSH Flight School are reasonably priced and offer some the best views money can buy of this amazing county. Certainly, the best place in the UK to learn how to fly!

New Geevor Mine Film on Vimeo

Last year I spent a few days at Geevor Tin Mine filming their Museum there and getting to know a little bit about what they do. They have some interesting 'as it was left' displays and some fascinating stories to tell about what is a very local and community based mine and heritage centre.

I filmed a short film while I was there and edited it a while ago. It's now on Vimeo and available to watch by following this link:

http://vimeo.com/25086926

It's not the most polished footage, but I have aimed to encapsulate a feeling at Geevor within the editing. If you like it - tell your friends!

Cheers for now

Event Cornwall Update

http://www.eventcornwall.co.uk/ 

Event Cornwall have not so long ago updated their site, and there are some fantastic things worth checking out if you have a spare minute or two. They have an extensive and imaginative portfolio and work with many different events to promote all that Cornwall has to offer.

Something that particularly caught my eye was their Outdoor Screening Season; where films are being shown in locations as diverse as hangers at Newquay Airport!

More info to be found here:

http://www.eventcornwall.co.uk/coming-soon/the-outdoor-screenings-season-2011/

What's On in Cornwall

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-12525949

Some interesting information here as to what's on in Cornwall. Activities range from events to galleries, theatre performances and music and showcase a lot of emerging talent down here in the South West. In addition, I think it's important to point out that it's also gaining more a more popular to host events and large scale activity based exhibitions and festivals down here - long may it continue!

Some Cornish dining ideas courtesy of this month's excellent Food Magazine.

Rejection of Scilly's Link

So, in some ways the inevitable has happened. The bid for upgrading the Penzance - St. Mary's link has been rejected - continuing claims from the powers that be that the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company need to find a more viable, cost effective way of transporting passengers and goods to the islands. Yes, this is a blow, but the people I feel sorry for are the people that are trying their hardest to literally force change into Cornwall.

For them this has been a flagship campaign; a campaign which has got media attention and the clear recognition from people that something really does have to change. The limitations caused by the ignorance and short sightedness of those in charge in Cornwall is plain for all to see - there is no way that the provisions given on the quay for the Scilly's link from Penzance are in any way adequate and the fiasco over Battery Rocks have left many bemused tourists. For them, it is inconceivable that development has been halted by such trivial matters, and working the Isles of Scilly Steamship Comany I sometimes feel that  I cannot necessarily give people the service that they expect and deserve - the facilities literally are not there. There is absolutely no way of solving this short term, but I feel that people need to be given something in return for paying for the most expensive passenger per mile journey in the world.

http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/2011/03/breathtaking-locations-in-cornwall-set-to-play-host-outdoor-cinema-screenings.html

This is good news! Missed out on the ones in St Ives which were happening last year - I think it's an absolutely ideal opportunity to get out and watch films without the thing that normally puts people off - staying inside!

Godrevy Images 29/03

Went down to the beach today and I was lucky enough to enjoy a lovely break in the clouds as evening drew in. I'm very much enjoying the increase daylight in the evening now - starting to feel a bit more like summer as the region begins to bustle with promise. I'm very much enjoying taking photos of Cornwall right now

Link to Picasa Albums

New Jacob Little Webpage focusing on Cornish web and photography

http//www.jclittlephotographs.co.uk

I've recently gone through a few web updates, but I have decided to settle on one which I think will be the best for showing my images of Cornwall and the photos of Cornwall and elsewhere which I have accumulated throughout the years. I have seperated my photography through three different catagories so far; country, coastal and urban...and I hope to develop more catagories as time goes on.

The site links my blogs, and will continue to concentrate on Cornish based web and creative graphic design - expanding to include links to my documentary and design work in future updates.

Martin Scorsese in Cornwall as Curator of Port Eliot Film Festival

It's recently been announced that legendary film director Martin Scorsese will be curating the Port Eliot Film Festival.

The surprise announcement came as hype for the festival builds and the appeal of small scale local based art ventures increases.

Scorsese will take a break from editing his first 3d film to curate the festival, and he is currently deliberating over a number of vintage classics which match the epic proportions and beauty of the landscape.

More can be read in this Guardian article

A Future for Penzace?

If you haven't already, then it is definately worth checking out this facebook page. I do think it raises some important issues and some issues which people will also raise objection to. Penzance has always suffered from being at the 'end of the line;' and this is no more obvious than during a economic slump.

The reason I've raised this now is that they've recently posted some pretty clear observations of Penzance's plight. They are things we see everyday and recognise as being a problem but don't always really step back and think of how things really appear on the outside.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/afutureforpenzance

New 'ILoveCornwall' Site

A nice little new site which mixes 'what's on' with holiday guides and general feedback from people who 'Love Cornwall.'  Also included are videos and an active forum.

http://www.ilovecornwall.net/

St Michael's Hotel and Spa Falmouth - Competiton!

Win a Luxury Spa Break at St Michael's Hotel and Spa with Visit Cornwall!

Visit Cornwall are offering a fantastic competition that can be entered until the 28th Feb 2011 - the prize is a 3 night spa break, for two people, including 2 spa treatments each.

This is a lot of money's worth...the redevelopment programme of this hotel is wonderful; and I can say from personal experience that it is one of the best hotel experiences I've had in Cornwall. This is definately worth visiting so entering the competition is a no-brainer really!

Link to the competition page - http://www.visitcornwall.com/site/win-a-luxury-spa-break-in-cornwall

Enjoy Truro Website

In the unlikely event you haven't seen this Enjoy Truro website as yet - Cornish Life is here to point you in the right direction!

It's a really well designed and intelligent website; packed full of information about Truro and Cornwall in general - including a great Events and What's On guide which unlike many I trawl through is constantly updated and clearly has good user input.

Generally a well designed Cornish website with a eye to the future and development - what I like to see!

Rick Stein Seafood Restaurant Padstow - Lunch Set Menu - £28.50 for 3 Courses

Here's a great chance to sample the amazing cuisine of Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant in Padstow for a relatively small price. Of course, the Seafood Restaurant is normally out of the price range of most people and is visited for special occasions only - however it is worth splashing out the cash for this lunch...the details of which can be found at Rick Stein's website linked here:

http://www.rickstein.com/The-Seafood-Restaurant.html 

'The 3-course £28.50 set lunch menu will be running from Monday 1st November 2010 through until Sunday 3rd April 2011. Available everyday between 12pm and 2.30pm.'

The news of the return of this special offer at the Seafood Restaurant comes at a time when the Padstow based establishment was named as one of the fifty best restaurants in the United Kingdom. There has been much talk of Rick Stein's domination of the small town of Padstow; however anywhere in Cornwall with this kind of national recognition has to be appreciated and accepted as a beneficial contribution to the county's economy and reputation.

Save Our Sands in Hayle

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=126194807395843&v=wall

For anyone interested in the plight of Hayle's beautiful beaches this is certainly worth a look...Save Our Sands is a fantastic project to raise awareness of the removal of sand from the '3 Miles of Golden Sands.'

Taken from their facebook site (which has been linked above)

'One of the world's most beautiful beaches is under threat. The
extraction of sand to sell off is causing the beach levels to drop,
exposing shingle and rock.'

This is not a specifically "anti-development" movement which unfortunately we have seen rather a lot of recently. Instead, the group is to raise awareness of the need to act now and is truely devoted to preservation and conservation.

If you are interested, they have a meeting in the Passmore Edwards in Hayle on the 11th January.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - WELCOME TO 2011!

Happy New Year to everyone!

Very soon I'll be releasing some info about my plans for this coming year and my blog, photographs as well as some documentary films that I have in the pipeline. Of course I will be continuing to update my blog; and now I'm back from my travels I will be able to update it a lot more regularly and give you up to date and current news about life in the South West. You will hopefully see larger online integration with other Cornish sites and I will of course keep everyone updated!

Wishing everyone a prosperous 2011!