1. Family News
Philippa flew off to visit our Canadian family at the beginning of the month. She’s out there for three weeks with plenty of story telling, book reading, games and cuddles from our three grand-children, now aged 9, 4 and 1.
Driving up to the cafe the other day, we passed one of our friends walking up the road with her four year old daughter and both of us commented on how quickly she had grown up. It made us realise how much of our grand-children’s lives we miss because they live so far away. It’s a hard price to pay, even with the instant communications of telephone and internet – and the extraordinary sounds and images that come out of Skype, not our favourite bit of kit!
Jake and Miranda are so happy over there; there is work, space and opportunity.
It’s the same for Ellie in Brisbane. She is really happy in Australia, the way of life suits her; she has a good job, many new friends and so many opportunities ahead of her. We’ll have to get out to Australia soon!
2. Cook Book People
Josh Prichard has been working with us since he was fourteen, starting at week-ends and in school holidays and taking on the responsibility of full-time chef when an opportunity arose in July last year. He leaves us on 12 March, moving up-country to seek new opportunities like so many young Cornishmen and women before him.
Josh Prichard
We will miss Josh’s cheerful good humour and hard work. He has been a great asset for The Cook Book and goes with our very best wishes for his future.
Josh has been replaced by Toby O’Brien who joined us earlier this month and whom we wish every success in his new post.
3. Winter news
We have had a really quiet winter, with a few great days to keep us on our toes. It’s not only us – trade generally in St Just seems to be quiet. Like all local businesses, we are really hoping for a busy Easter and a good summer. They are vital to us all.
What is especially heartening is the growing number of people living in Cornwall who come down to St Just and into The Cook Book. Years ago Matt Thomas, who has lived here all his long life, told me that we live in ‘a little piece of heaven.’ He is so very right. It’s not only this staggeringly beautiful peninsular set in the shining sea, but also the people with whom we share it. It is a place, a community that wraps its arms around you.
Mine Stream
Penanwell Boulders
Stream Meets Sea
Crumpled Sea at Dusk
Spring is on its way
