The Cove was full to the brim Last Wednesday, 19th July, with all the people involved in making the centre become a reality, and those who are now working there as staff or volunteers. We were all very excited about the arrival of Prince Charles coming to see the Centre. He had a full tour of the building, meeting all of us and even seeing a "Look Good Feel Better" workshop in action for patients undergoing chemotherapy. And it seems he managed a few words with everyone there before giving a lovely speech as Patron of Macmillan ;or was it President, he couldn't remember. ;-) Finally he unveiled the plaque we had made to celebrate his visit admiring the copper lettering inlaid into the oak, and signed the visitors book.

The Cove Macmillan Cancer Support Centre opened for business in November. We were selected from a talented shortlist to make the bespoke furniture for the centre. Following a lengthy design consultation and six months of making in the Woykshop, we installed our pieces this summer. The design brief had suggested boat-building methods for the construction, and so from our six proposal concepts these designs were chosen. We were asked to make the reception desk, cafe counter and a bookshelf screen along with some smaller ancillary pieces. The pieces were based on traditional boat forms and used steam bent oak planking with copper nails. We were particularly proud of a new double bending method we developed to form the top planks of the bookshelves. Most importantly, the ethos of the centre includes the belief that beautiful environments engender well-being. This is something that we wholeheartedly support, and believe that beautifying our surroundings makes us feel better.

I have recently been selected to participate in this year's Cornwall Design Fair at Treriefe house. I am very excited about the show having not done it before, and it will be lovely exhibiting so close to home. I hope to be showing some new furniture pieces, and will have lots of gift sized pieces too. See you there.