Wednesday 9 June 2021

Treasure those Memories – Carbis Bay and G7 Summit operative preparations …

 

Hey-ho … select one of the most out of the way places in little old England … this be long … so be warned!

 

St Ives, Penzance across the peninsula - both shown
... Newquay airport and Falmouth both marked

… Carbis Bay: a village of ribbon development above a cliff beach … population about 2,000 … where my Cornish roots stem from and where I took my first beach walk – has to be about as major an event as walking on the moon – surely?!




Ordnance Survey map One-Inch map - sheet 189: Land's End



… a post with tongue in cheek as I write, or facetiously stated …


If you can get here - you can shop
… don’t worry about the residents or people who have businesses in the area or locality …

… bring in the sewer police – check all the waste pipes and drainage sewers for potential trouble-makers …



… close down the roads, trails, coastal paths …

… alternative routes – have you lived down there? practically none available …



Digging the meeting rooms
… chop down ancient trees … because there aren’t enough ‘break-out’ rooms for the various meetings – in what is not a very large hotel at the best of times … but was originally decided just right for the G7 Summit … what was planned?  



Also no planning permission was given – it was just ‘done’ … chop, chop, chop

… with all that expansion – I wonder where the parking will be …



Tregenna Castle Hotel
... the VIPs are all staying about a mile away at Tregenna Castle Hotel ... plenty of room for helicopters and for accommodation ... it's above St Ives ... 




The cruiser accommodating the extra security
... the Media is being put up at Falmouth, the police too in a cruiser brought in ...




... tower over the little bit of land - St Ives a Royal Navy vessel, and the cruiser in Falmouth ... 



… Hayle Towans, across the bay from the Carbis Bay Hotel, is Mount Recyclemore – highlighting the growing threat of e-waste … climate change, and building a greener future all subjects on the G7’s agenda …



Adam Handling - the chef

… Food – a subject after my own heart … the chef, Adam Handling, was selected for his sustainable menus … and focuses his restaurants on food, drink, art and music – the newly created meeting rooms will be used by the Ugly Butterfly group after the event for both teaching and as a restaurant …


… a favourite I spotted was lamb sweetbreads with seaweed and Cornish potatoes – yummy! … for my 21st I requested that we serve sweetbreads … took the family and guests by surprise, as too the hotel … delicious! = a memory …


The Ugly Butterfly logo

... my Ma's care home was in Newlyn, just outside Penzance very near the crabbery (crab is on the menu) ... so guess where we went when I visited!




… the meat, fish, vegetables, herbs and desserts will as far as possible be made from local foods …



Royal Navy guarding St Ives - but towering
above the town ... 

... spread 5,500 police officers, every ten feet,  around for security …


… further security detail will be there too …




… have your two pieces of ID available and probably a lock-down certificate or two, or even three … just check the zone though … it might have gone from green, to zombie amber … ready for show at all times … even leaving your home, should you live there …



All closed with nowhere to go ... 
I love these wooden signposts we use here

… cars are banned, train stations closed, buses suspended, and as I mentioned the South West Coast Path blocked … to keep protesters out …



… some will benefit, some will just move out for the duration … a local b+b has no bookings, but is full of police! = benefit …


… police are insisting that protests must be held in designated areas … is that normally the case, when you protest – me thinks not.


Roadside verges - I hope ..
and planted around Newquay
airport
… some benefits – how long lasting is another thing … wild-flower roadsides, potholes filled – it’d be nice if they would do the rest of the country’s potholes …




… Newquay airport … tidy it up, fill those potholes too … look who’s coming G7 leaders perhaps … they could balloon in, or glide in, or even drive … if they’ve enough IDs on them – passports at the ready … or for that matter sail in …


… time is of no essence – the powers that be are coming … more importantly the Boris man – will he wear a wetsuit, or just a cozzie – that’d be interesting … my imagination reels!


From Newlyn looking towards
Penzance ... on a very wet day (c 1900)
… oh or he could go to the Penzance Jubilee Pool (one of the oldest surviving Art Deco pools) – now heated utilising thermal energy from the rocks below … 


...the interesting thing is that my mother seriously looked into that for heating the care home business she owned in Newlyn back in the early 1980s … way too expensive then – but it was an option …

Boris prevailed – the pool is heated!


Closed off tomorrow 10th June
… Penzance – by the way is over the other side of the peninsula – they’ve closed the promenade to traffic – only pedestrians and bikes … as one chap said – there were traffic jams before – guess what now: impossible to drive locally … queues already on the main road into to Cornwall – let alone the Penwith area …


… I have now found out that Stanley, Boris' father, an Ottoman by descent, was born in Penzance – that was a surprise … not sure what my mother would have said!



Working on the new meeting rooms -
they were still being built last week
… there’s a ‘green push’ going on by our Government … though with the trees being felled, I’m somewhat befuddled …




… the Cornish are great – they’ll embrace anything … cow-poo is being collected and the carbon gas emitted is being used to run the Council vans …



Tin Mining +/- 1890
Camborne and Redruth
… they’re looking into mining again … this time Lithium – a necessity in the requirement to go green – batteries will be needed.  It was found in Cornwall at Wheal Clifford, when mined for copper and tin during the years 1835 – 61 … so what now: start mining again …



… I thought these security guys could fly their planes and helicopters … but they seem to be practicing a lot!


Looking down from St Michael's Mount
battlements ... 
… they’re staying at Tregenna Castle Hotel … so helicopters in and out there … as well as Exeter, Devon and Newquay, Cornwall airports … and good heavens – in the garden area at St Michael’s Mount … and at Carlyon Bay, St Austell, Cornwall …



Looking up ... 
… the helicopters were ‘dropped off’ from the US Air Force plane, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III (for anyone interested) …




Windsor Castle -
Crimson Drawing Room
after restoration from 
1992 fire

… the powers that be – the President and his wife, will stop over to meet the Queen at Windsor Castle on Sunday …




 



Botallack Engine buildings
Promote all areas of Penwith … including Poldark’s area … these were very early ‘wheals’ (engine houses) – another memory: I had my reception at the Botallack Count House, when it was a restaurant – back in 1980 … stunning food then, the setting was shrouded in mist (and it was this time of year) – says much for the future of the two protagonists … !!  Enough said …

 

Let’s hope that whatever is agreed, is then pursued and achieved …

… the Cornish economy is supported in the foreseeable future … and that the fishing businesses have their lives sorted out …



Mount Recyclable G7 summit - built on
Hayle Towans facing across St Ives Bay
towards Carbis Bay

… that everyone leaves, taking their rubbish with them … so the Cornish coasts and countryside are left as nature intended, and that the people can be peace again …






… I hope it will not be a county of haves with second homes, and have nots - no jobs to apply for, no opportunities …

 

The links I used to write up this post … with many thanks for all their information and pics I’ve ‘borrowed’ … they bring the post to life so I’m very grateful …


Cornwall Live - which has been regularly updating details of the 'goings on' ... 

Ugly Butterfly - details re the chef and general info ... wonderful reading: I think!

iNews G7 Summit - introduces us to the menu ... 


PS - that yellow sand on Carbis Bay beach has been shipped in ... oh the expense!  After all I was toddling on that beach in 1949 and ever after ... 


Hilary Melton-Butcher

Positive Letters Inspirational Stories


33 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you.
I shudder to think of the work involved in hosting this event - and mourn the trees.
One of our erstwhile Prime Ministers was photographed in his swimmers (speedos at that) far too often.
I do hope that Boris doesn't inflict that torture on any but consenting adults.

Liz A. said...

Hopefully the locals can hunker down somewhere for the duration. They'll be glad when this is all over, I'm sure. (I just saw a Twitter post by our First Lady about prep for the event. Hopefully they'll be on their best behavior. A better chance of this than the last administration, gratefully.)

Joanne said...

Thanks for this post and I appreciate the tongue in cheek touch.
I can promise that our US President and First Lady are meeting old friends and will prove well behaved, gracious, and appreciative. I believe there can be conversations all around that prove fruitful, or polite disagreements too - either way - refreshing from the last mess.
Admittedly - this seems like quite a unique place for so many bigwigs and the big show. I hope it can help locally and not hinder.
Should prove interesting. Let history tell the story.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
It's all such a ****show, really...

am a bit confused (it is nearly three in the morning after all - sigh), but "Boris, an Ottoman, was born in Penzance"...??? Boris was born in New York - or is the ottoman bit a sign we are not talking Johnson?" YAM xx

Hels said...

Great choice for mum... beautiful Newlyn :)

I knew about Newlyn even before we visited the UK for the first time, largely from Stanhope Forbes and his colleagues in the important Newlyn school of artists. It was so refreshing to see real human beings in their outdoor paintings, boats landing and villages buying products.

Pradeep Nair said...

I was watching BBC News, and I liked it when the reporter at the venue said, the place doesn't have a police station but now there are 6,000 security officials swarming the area!
I hope that pristine nature's treasure is left untouched by the pomp of officialdom.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Looking forward to seeing them on their surfboards and reeling home from the pub singing "Lamorna". Even as far away as East Anglia we have people camping out near Mildenhall hoping for a glimpse of Airforce One.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ EC – thank you … it’d be interesting to be there and see exactly what is going on – yes the hillside and trees are sad … perhaps the chef will bring the place to life after the event.
I sincerely hope Boris won’t go in the water … too eye-shattering to think about!

@ Liz – I guess everyone will get over it – and I do hope the west Penwith area (west Cornwall) will benefit from this hullaballoo. Your President and his wife have safely arrived – looking happy and cheerful – they seem a really down to earth couple.

@ Joanne – a bit of a run around … but it’s Cornwall – my part of the country.
Your President and First Lady will be just perfect for us … and are already starting well … and yes – let’s hope there’s a lot of fruitful outcomes, with few disagreements.
As you say let history tell its story … it will be interesting to see what happens …

@ Yam – you’re right: Boris was born in New York, it was his Dad who was born in Penzance … while Boris’ great-grandfather was Ali Kermal Bey – of Ottoman Turkish origin. Hope that clears that up … apologies!

@ Hels – remember my mother came from that part of the world … her family were from St Ives and so knew many in that part of the world …
It was a lovely place to spend time in …

@ Pradeep – oh lots of police stations have been closed in recent years … if we had local ones they’d know so much more about the residents in their area.
Yes – lots of security around …
I’m not sure the nature trails were pristine to start off – but we all need reminders to look after our world …

@ John – well there’s lots of artists mocking things up – as to what Boris et al might look like on surfboards … horror of horrors! I noted that the President had been to Mildenhall to visit the troops stationed there … I hadn’t realised that people had camped out to see the spectacle …
Getting to a pub could be challenging!

Thanks so much … this will be an interesting weekend for those leaders, and associated organisations … and for West Penwith … let’s hope the world can become more peaceful and acceptance of our differences will make us all more tolerant towards each other. Great to see you - Hilary

David M. Gascoigne, said...

The part that hit me in the gut right away, Hilary, was the sad news that these beautiful old trees are going to be removed from this ancient landscape to facilitate the visit of this unsavoury group of opportunistic politicians for whom self aggrandizement is more important than anything else. The cost of all of this would fund the National Health System for who knows how long? It seems by any standard to be an odd choice of venue for a G7 Summit, and will doubtless be remembered as a blight on the area. May it return to peace, normalcy and tranquility as soon as possible. The one thing we can all be thankful for is that Trump is not there. Now if only the US media would stop covering him and let him fade into the oblivion where his feeble mind already resides.......Stay strong people of Cornwall. This too shall pass!

Keith's Ramblings said...

Hilary, you've excelled yourself with this brilliant summing up of current events down there in Cornwall! After reading it there's only one thing for me to do, I need to find a pasty!

Computer Tutor said...

What a nice visit! Lamb sweetbreads with seaweed--OK, love sweetbreads. I would try this.

Anabel Marsh said...

It seems a crazy place to hold a summit if you ask me. Pity the poor people who live there and have to endure. And that mental image of Boris in a cozzie? I do wish you hadn’t planted it!

Sandra Cox said...

I agree with Joann's comment. Both Joe and Jill Biden will be gracious guests. I'd heard they were going to be redoing the road.

Unknown said...

What a great sculpture - Mount Recyclemore. Sue

David M. Gascoigne, said...

It is a sad reflection on our times that people feel the need to comment that Joe Biden and his wife will be courteous and polite. We have sunk a long way into a hole when we have to emphasize what should be the default position for anyone we meet, politician or not. It is interesting that only Americans feel the need to comment on this. I can't imagine any Canadian reassuring others that Justin and Sophie will be well mannered. We know that!

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

A happy feeling post that made me feel good, thank you

retirementreflections said...

Hi, Hilary - I agree with other commenters. Such a crazy place to hold a summit.
A great blog post - I greatly appreciated the tongue in cheek!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ David – I know … trees in Cornwall are mostly gnarled and have survived life for a long time … but I gather it was the hotel which took the action – they own the land. Who knows though …
I just hope things improve for all in the world …
It’s interesting seeing what’s going on … and as you rightly say … it too will pass – and life does go on …

@ Keith – thanks … ok I’ll write a pasty post for you … after I’ve done WEP next week … yes it is pasty time … nothing like home-made ones … simple and true …

@ Jacqui – thank you … oh and delighted you’d relish the sweetbreads with seaweed … I’d love to try his foods – sounds so delicious …

@ Anabel – I so agree … but I wish my grandmother and my mother were still alive – I’d love to know their thoughts … we’d be laughing so much – hysterics at the thoughts.
Sorry – had to put in the bit about Boris in a cozzie – just horrific, I so agree …

@ Sandra – they are being very gracious guests, but sensible in his comments and thoughts. Yes – the road was repaved – just omitted for my post – sorreeee!!

@ Sue – isn’t Mount Recyclemore a great sculpture … couldn’t resist showing it here …

@ David – Yes you’re right to note the comments about Joe and Jill Biden, as you say it shouldn’t need to be said … I expect it’s just the comparison between the previous appalling visit we had, when the gravy train was jumped on by the hangers on …
Yes – many of us are well mannered … and leaders should be setting examples – these G7 ones seem to be doing that …

@ Jo-Anne – thank you …

@ Donna – glad you appreciated the tongue-in-cheek aspects … one can’t help, but laugh …
Carbis Bay has changed in my brain – sad after 70+ years of it being my home beach … c’est la vie …

Thanks to you all – funny things go on in life … I never thought I’d see Carbis Bay as a main player in hosting leaders in the world, where I took my first beach walk all those years ago. Cheers and all the best - Hilary

Annalisa Crawford said...

I missed the news about the trees being felled - that does seem out of sync with the Green message. As does the travelling by plane and helicopter. But hey... what do I know?

Nick Wilford said...

Cornwall will be feeling like a whirlwind hit it. I agree with Annalisa, cutting down trees does seem to show a cavalier attitude to sustainability and I thought that's what is to be discussed.

Mason Canyon said...

I know that this is a very important event, but just think of all the good that work and money could do for the residents there if it was used for their benefit instead. So sad about the trees.

Michelle Wallace said...

Your post is always so informative, Hilary!
"lamb sweetbreads with seaweed and Cornish potatoes" sounds so yummy!
Hope you're well.
Stay safe. Take care.

D.G. Kaye said...

Great info on the summit Hilary. I'm sure the natives will be glad when it's over. :) xx

Sue Bursztynski said...

This is the first time I have heard where this year’s G7 summit is being held, and goodness, what a lot of organising for something that, in this pandemic, could have been done virtually, with no environmental damage to beautiful Cornwall!

Our horrible PM, who has no interest in saving the planet, is there. Last year he was holidaying in Hawaii when the country was burning.

Marja said...

Loved walking with you through memory lane Love the name and sculpture of Mount recyclemore Need more of that. G7 is quite a big happening. Must be strange with all these police running around to keep it safe.
It will change the whole area for a while. Love that castel Hotel but is probably onlu for the rich and the famous

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Annalisa – it seems the hotel decided more space and meeting rooms were needed, so it’s not yet been approved, presumably it won’t be reversed now … and yes I know the travelling aspects – helicopter to all places with ‘pads’ for landing … nothing is nearby, but again with roads being closed and cleared that’ll make their life easier …
Pretty pics – and they’ve highlighted wonderful areas ... but I hope some positive outcomes happen in the years ahead …

@ Nick – Cornwall must be suffering shellshock … and as you concur with Annalisa re the trees … so be it now.

@ Mason – the economy could certainly do with a hefty boost … but for the residents, not those with holiday homes … I hope the meeting rooms will bring visitors in and benefit the area …

@ Michelle – yes the food does sound really rather delicious … all well here – thank you. You too take care down in sunny wintery South Africa!

@ Debby – thanks so much for coming by with all you’ve got going on. I hope the county with those of have and have nots comes together for the ‘have nots’ …

@ Sue – yes it’s an interesting time for the tip of Cornwall … and I gather your chap is over – and that he was holidaying last year when those devastating bush fires were raging … some leaders can’t seem to see what’s important in life: service and devotion to duty should be foremost … selfish interests seem to pertain …

@ Marja – thanks so much … Mount Recyclemore was an inspirational art work to sculpt for the G7 Summit. I hate to think what Cornwall is like and has been like … or how it will look after the event. I sincerely hope things will improve for the residents – with more opportunities opening up …
Tregenna was a large family home, before it was expanded into the hotel it is today …

Thanks so much to you all for your visits and comments … I’ve been slightly shell-shocked to see ‘my grandparents’ beach’ turned into a Carbis Bay G7 Declaration … Global Health paper …

Most importantly I hope the fishing industry is being looked after … that’s a worry - stay safe all of you – cheers Hilary

Lynda Dietz said...

I'm always baffled when a beautiful location is chosen for something like this, and then so many things that made it beautiful are altered in preparation. Why ruin a gorgeous area when there are plenty of places that would have been sufficient and are built already?

Chrys Fey said...

I'm sad about the ancient tress getting cut down. :(

Sandra Cox said...

I watched the meetings on TV and thoroughly enjoyed them. Seemed to have went well.
YOU have a wondrous day.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Lynda - well I've learnt a bit more of the 'why' ... Boris' grandparents lived near there - hence the decision to show case one of Cornwall's more beautiful areas ... lots of interesting sites nearby ... they did show case any number ... it was just the hotel cutting down the trees and creating more areas in which to create and work. I'll be interested in the Planning Committee's comments ... when they meet in the next few weeks ...

@ Chrys - yes I am too ... I hate losing trees etc ... they'll have been there for over 120 years - since the railway viaduct and railway extension into St Ives was built ...

@ Sandra - thank you for watching some of the tv programmes ... it does seem to have gone well for the delegates - the locals ... well we'll find out!

Thanks so much to you all ... beautiful day again here - all the best - Hilary

Deniz Bevan said...

Thanks for a great introduction to the area, Hilary! I have to admit, I was really envious when I saw that early morning shot of Boris Johnson going for a swim on an empty beach...

Rhodesia said...

I enjoyed this post. I have a blog friend, (who is a retired helicopter pilot), who lives about 5kms away from all the drama. He loved watching the flights going and out. Lots of info about what was going on, which in turn brought out lots of info about some of his flights. Cheers Diane

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Deniz - the shot of Boris swimming rather put me off! Now the area does not appeal so much ... sad, but true ...

@ Diane - thank you ... how fun to hear/read about your friend who lives nearby and has been able to watch the comings and goings of the various aircraft, and who understood them ...

I'll be interested to see the results of what the area looks like now - all those people have left ... and thanks for visiting and leaving a comment - cheers Hilary