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.

The Cornwall Crafts Association celebrated their 40th Anniversary this year and recently held a reception at the Duchy Nursery in Lostwithiel. I had the honour of meeting Prince Charles and Camilla and showed them a few of my pieces. They seemed to enjoy the pebble box and Prince Charles guessed the woods. Both tried my Sundowner, one of the first ever made that I had borrowed back from Mrs "Mary Doll". Camilla apparently was heard to say "It is absolutely lovely. It just sort of fits nicely" You can read more about the reception and see a fantastic photo of Prince Charles in my Sundowner, in an article here.

http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Furniture-s-fit-grace-palace/story-19537433-detail/story.html#axzz2ZnmlQmS0