The Duchess of Cornwall has taken to the sky in the flying car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with DJ Chris Evans to help launch a BBC children’s creative writing competition. Camilla soars over London in cartoon form in a short animated clip that heralds the start of BBC Radio 2’s 500 Words competition. The Duchess, who is an avid reader, patron of a number of literary organisations and has been supporting the writing competition since 2015, says in the cartoon “500 words, let your imagination run wild”. Evans also launched the competition on his Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Monday morning, telling his listeners the final will take place on June 8 during the Hampton Court Palace Festival. Young writers vying for the bronze, silver and gold prizes in the two age categories, five to nine years and 10 to 13, have another goal to aim for. The winners will be treated to a ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – … [Read more...] about Duchess of Cornwall and Chris Evans launch BBC’s 500 Words writing competition
Cornwall
Leopard on the loose in Cornwall for nearly a WEEK after breaking out of its enclosure
A pet leopard wandered free for nearly a week after breaking out of its enclosure. The big cat was finally caught by a farmer who had set traps for what he thought was a fox that had killed some of his sheep. The clouded leopard, native to foothills of the Himalayas, broke out on Boxing Day after floods damaged the compound where it was kept with other exotic animals. A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I’ve got three children that were playing outside on Boxing Day. "No one was hurt, but if the leopard had come in our direction it could have been different. Now I am scared for my children.” Neighbours claim the animal belongs to Todd Dalton, of Great Treverran, near Fowey, Cornwall, who won a legal fight to keep meat-eating animals in his London garden 12 years ago. Cornwall Council said: “The owner of the animal that escaped does have the appropriate licence.” It added: “Circumstances surrounding the escape [have been] … [Read more...] about Leopard on the loose in Cornwall for nearly a WEEK after breaking out of its enclosure
Cornwall MP calls for tougher rules on private landlords to ensure higher standards for renters
Sarah Newton, the Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth, has welcomed new government plans to tighten rules on private landlords to ensure higher standards for people living in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Mrs Newton, a longstanding campaigner for improvements to the private rented sector, is now pressing the government to go further before the proposals become law later this year. Under the plans, landlords who rent properties in England that are occupied by five or more people, from two or more separate households, will need to be licensed. And councils will be able to take further action to crack down on rogue landlords who rent sub-standard and overcrowded homes. There are a number of student HMOs in Falmouth and Penryn due to the rapid expansion of Falmouth and Exeter universities. Truro also has a number of HMOs used by student nurses and doctors working at Royal Cornwall Hospital. Mrs Newton said: “HMOs can provide cheaper accommodation for people … [Read more...] about Cornwall MP calls for tougher rules on private landlords to ensure higher standards for renters
The UK’s best nature holidays, from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall coast
TOO much overindulging this festive season?Then why not undo it all by booking an affordable and healthy holiday?There is no better way to blow away the cobwebs than by reconnecting with nature - and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.From human-sized beehives to yurts by the sea, we've found something for every taste and budget.Here are eight country escapes with fresh air and beautiful surroundings on tap. Ullapool, Scottish HighlandsWild Scottish mountains, sweeping loch views and cosy accommodation await at Studio Hoose.The cabin, sleeping four, is above Loch Broom in the Highlands and has features such as underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove.Nearby activities include walking, cycling and kayaking.Ullapool, brimming with culture and history, is a short drive away.From £32.50pppn, based on four sharing. See canopyandstars.co.uk or call 0117 204 7830. Newquay, CornwallFamilies on a shoestring budget can pay as little as £12 per person per night at new camping … [Read more...] about The UK’s best nature holidays, from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall coast
Get away on relaxed family break to Cornwall
DRIVING west until you hit the sea, you realise just how big Cornwall is — then you find everything is tiny when you get there.The county feels like a string of toy-land villages with dozens of gorgeous seaside towns dotted around the Cornish Riviera.Everywhere is quaint, attractive and pastel-coloured — and it’s all crammed into narrow little streets.My wife Donna, our little boy Lewis and I stayed less than a mile outside the harbour town of Mevagissey. It’s another picture postcard scene, with fishing boats bobbing in the port.Surrounding houses cling to the rocks like limpets while the roads weave in and out of as many cafes, bakeries and pubs as they can squeeze in.It feels like everyone you pass is a tourist — walking a dog, or tucking into a range of delicious local goodies.Wherever we go my mind turns almost instantly to what special grub is on offer, and with Cornwall you are spoiled for choice.Cornish Traditional Cottages sorted us out with the … [Read more...] about Get away on relaxed family break to Cornwall