NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, it has been a chilly start to the new decade! Down here in SW Cornwall, we have had our first fall of snow today, following several nights of sub-zero temperatures. The geese and ducks have been given extra bedding and we have had to break the ice on their pond and drinking water most mornings. All animals are on extra rations! Luckily, the ducklings which Lavender so proudly hatched this summer, are now fully grown and feathered and well able to look after themselves. She reared 5 ducklings in total and proved herself to be a very diligent and proud mother.

This summer we also welcomed the arrival of 3 new alpacas. Dakota, Paco and Georgio are being fostered here at Tregathenan and will be resident for the foreseeable future. Casper, the friendly alpaca, has left Tregathenan and is now working with autistic children. He really loves all the attention he is getting from his new friends, and is making a big difference to their lives. Legolas has been off on his ‘holidays’ again this year and is expecting to be a father again in August. Our alpaca Quiz proved popular with our younger guests, who hopefully learned a little more about these lovely animals in the process. Not surprisingly, Pippin was voted the favourite alpaca. Our project to install WiFi in Tregathenan House met a major hitch when we discovered that the wireless signal would not actually penetrate the several feet of granite required. Hence we recruited local Helston whizz-kids Primary PC who have installed a ‘plug-in’ system, providing Internet access to both B&B and self-catering guests.

Our project to install WiFi in Tregathenan House met a major hitch when we discovered that the wireless signal would not actually penetrate the several feet of granite required. Hence we recruited local Helston whizz-kids Primary PC who have installed a ‘plug-in’ system, providing Internet access to both B&B and self-catering guests.

Other projects and maintenance activities include the installation of a new bathroom in the Long Barn. A walk-in shower has been added, making the Long Barn even more accessible for those with mobility issues. New carpeting is planned for the Hayloft too.

We told you last year about our ambition to ‘go Green’ at Tregathenan. In April, we were assessed by a representative from the Green Business in Tourism Scheme. Much to our delight, we were rewarded with a Silver Award. Our efforts in recycling, use of local and Fair Trade produce, environmentally friendly cleaning products, our work in the community, and environment and energy management were all recognised. However, it seems we’re not so good at telling people about it ….so watch out! Joining the scheme has really made us think about how our business impacts on the local environment – both good and bad – and we are continually looking at ways to improve. We welcome suggestions from our guests, too

And to round off the year, in October, Ian became a grandfather for the first time!

As usual, we enclose our prices for 2010. We are mindful of difficult economic situation and last year managed to hold off any price increase. Unfortunately this year, continued rises in fuel costs and a significant increase in business rates following the Government’s revaluation exercise have meant a small increase in some of our prices for 2010. The good news is that we will be running our Spring Gardens Break again for the 3rd consecutive year (for details see the Price List) and self-catering bookings of 2 weeks or more will now attract a 10% discount for the second and subsequent weeks.

We look forward to seeing many of you here again at Tregathenan during the year and we wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful 2010.

IMPORTANT LOCAL DIARY DATES

Saturday 24th April: Trevithick Day, Camborne

Saturday May 8th: Flora Day Helston

10th to 12th June: Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge

Monday 12th July: Stithians One Day Show

Wednesday 28th July: RNAS Culdrose Airday

Sunday 22nd August: Porthleven Lifeboat Day

Monday 30th August: Newlyn Fish Festival

14th to 17th October: Falmouth Oyster Festival

12th Dec to 3rd January: Mousehole Christmas Lights

15th May to 19th September: Minack Theatre Season

Price List – 2010

Tregathenan Country Cottages

Tregathenan House B&B

Low Season (October 1st to March 31st)

Single (2 or more nights) £30.00 per night

Double (2 or more nights) £50.00 per night

High Season (April 1st to September 30th)

Single (2 or more nights) £38.00 per night

Double (2 or more nights) £60.00 per night

For stays of just one night, add £5.00/person

Discounted weekly rates available

Spring Gardens Break

Offer runs from 20 February to 30 April 2010. Book 4 nights or more and receive complimentary entry for 2 people to two of South West Cornwall’s most beautiful gardens - Trevarno and Trebah.