November 2024, Jon's Journal

November 2024, Jon's Journal

Hello everyone,

As I write this, BBC news tells me that the American general election is all but concluded and the result is clear. I’m not here to talk about the result of that election, but I am wondering about the outcome of the Falmouth ‘Café of the Year’ competition, run by local news group, Packet Newspapers. It was a very pleasant surprise to find out we had been nominated recently, as one of the finalists alongside such well-regarded competitors as Castle Beach Café and Three Little Birds. We’d love to win of course, but either way it’s great recognition for Catherine and her team in Trebah Kitchen, who work incredibly hard alongside everyone else at Trebah to provide the best possible food and service, so well done to all the staff and volunteers. Thanks to anyone who took the time to buy a newspaper and vote.

Christmas is very much returning to Trebah this year, or at least Santa certainly is. Many of you will have fond memories of the Santa Days that took place before covid and although the experience that we are providing this year will be somewhat different to that, I’m pleased to say that tickets for the six days of Santa’s visits here are selling quicky, so please do book soon if you want to being your children, family and friends along. As the elves dust off the Christmas decorations, we are adding to our usual festive look with some (literally) home grown decorations. Alongside their normal tasks, the garden team have been working to gather seed heads, fir-cones, leaves and foliage to create their own unique and sustainable decorations for the feature trees here at Trebah this year from materials that would otherwise be composted or ignored. I’m looking forward to seeing the result of the new look they are creating this year. The shop has a full stock of great quality gift options for all the family and the café has an excellent festive menu running for most of December, with bookings now being taken.

Some of you will have seen in the news this week that Flambards, near Helston, has sadly closed for the final time. Dairyland Farm Park, near Newquay, also closed recently, as did Dingles Fairground on the Cornwall/Devon border. Times are challenging for visitor attractions and the recent budget will provide new challenges for our industry and businesses across the country as employers work out the impact the next financial year. At Trebah we remain thankful for your support as members, you helping keep us open and thriving as a small independent charity. I hope many of you are finding the time to enjoy your reciprocal entry benefits with our partner attractions this month.

We hope to welcome you to Trebah again soon.

Best wishes,

Jon Cummins
CEO, Trebah Garden