Views from the Summerhouse Ann Kinahan

It’s winter; its lockdown – we have permission to be kind to ourselves and enjoy comfort food.

For their 12th and last episode of season one,  Tiggy,  Susie and Ann, who all enjoy their comfort food in winter, laugh about their favourites,  talk about their signature dishes and outline their favourite recipes.  They also reveal where to buy the best Cornish pasties!  They run through some of their listener comments too and do their best to answer their questions - including on how to choose the right swim wet suit!

Listeners also hear for the first time from Pete, their production engineer.

Although the episode is once again recorded on Zoom,  the 40 mph wind whistling in the chimneys was extremely noisy during the recording – apologies if this is has been picked up by the mike.

Notes and mentions:

Bread and butter pudding with melted chocolate – make as normal bread and butter pudding but add squares of good plain chocolate just before baking

Frangipan pie recipe - Apricot & ginger frangipane tart recipe - BBC Good Food

Sourdough bread recipe - How to make sourdough bread - BBC Good Food

Treacle tart recipe - Treacle tart recipe - BBC Good Food

Ricotta cake recipe – 175 gms ricotta; 175 gms SR flour; 150 gms caster sugar; 1 egg; 35 gms melted butter; uice and zest of orange; choc chips (optional); mix all togethe;  cook for 25 mins at 200 degrees until brown on top.

Hokey pokey cake recipe - Hokey Pokey Coffee Cake - The Happy Foodie

Bara brith cake recipe - Bara brith recipe - BBC Good Food

Excellent Cornish pasties:  Barnicutts Bakery;  Looe Bakery;  Helluva Pasties.

The Hairy Bikers Comfort Food TV Series

Coconut shell cakes for birds – stir bird seed into melted lard and fill coconut shells

IntoTRI –  Virtual Races & 2021 Event Calendar (mailchi.mp)

Thank you for being such patient and loyal listeners. We hope you can rejoin us for season two when we look forward to exploring a number of proper summer adventures in Cornwall.  E mail:  viewsfromthesummerhouse@gmail.com

Audio attributions:

Happy Boy Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3855-happy-boy-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy Boy End Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3854-happy-boy-end-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The right pet could be a wonderful companion – but what are the costs?

This week, with the help of Rebecca Morgan who knows all about taking on a puppy,   Susie,  Tiggy and Ann look at what is involved in taking on a pet - something which a newly retired person might well consider once they were able to give them a bit more time than would have been possible when they were working.  Lots of issues to consider of course:  what are the costs?  How much time is involved?  Where can you find the help you might need?  Can you provide the right facilities?  What are the benefits?  Which would be the right pet for you?  And given that you have to make a lot of sacrifices to have a pet with you ….. is it worth it?  Rebecca tells us about the time she had to care for a python;  and Tiggy tells us about the time she bought a puppy from Harrods!

Apologies as usual if there is annoying interference affecting the sound quality.

Notes and mentions:

The Kennel Club – registered puppy breeders

Borrowmydoggy.com – to experience looking after a dog without buying

Moor View Alpacas – for alpaca trekking on Bodmin Moor

Lower Tokenbury Equestrian Centre, Caradon Hill Trekking; Hallogena Trekking – for horse and pony riding on Bodmin Moor.

Cold Comfort Farm - film

The Dig - Netflix

Diary of an MP’s Wife by Sasha Swire

Do please e mail us if you can with your question about ‘adventures in Cornwall’  or with something new you might be trying in lockdown at:  viewsfromthesummerhouse@gmail.com

Audio attributions:

Happy Boy Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3855-happy-boy-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy Boy End Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3854-happy-boy-end-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Furniture upcycling – could this be the perfect winter hobby for you if you have just stopped work?  Could it even be a money spinner?

No guest this week but Tiggy, Susie and Ann in their little Zoom boxes giggle their way through what they know about turning old furniture which has seen better days into something that is bright and cheerful for today’s homes.  Chalk paint, crackle glaze, decoupage, where to pick up your old furniture in the first place and even how to get a diploma in furniture restoration, all feature in their conversation.

Apologies as usual if there is annoying interference affecting the sound quality.  Fingers crossed not so bad this week!

Notes and mentions:

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint  Annie Sloan | the Home of Chalk Paint®

Stax Reclamation, Saltash Stax Reclamation Ltd

Sue Ryder Saltash Sue Ryder Charity Shop Saltash - Unit A-E Carkeel Gateway, Carkeel, PL12 6FG » Charity Retail Association

On line Diploma in Furniture Restoration  Furniture Restoration Course Online - John Academy

Money for Nothing TV Series BBC One - Money for Nothing

The Repair Shop TV Series BBC One - The Repair Shop

Gumtree for cheap furniture Gumtree | Free classified ads from the #1 classifieds site in the UK

Excellent Horse Vets:  Shorefield Equine  Home | Shorefield Equine Veterinary Practice

Walking Poles: TREKOLOGY Walking Trekking Poles 2pc/set - Lightweight Collapsible Adjustable Aluminum Telescopic Hiking Pole Walking Sticks Pair with Nordic Trek Accessories for Women Men Seniors Trail Hike: Amazon.co.uk: Clothing

Do please e mail us if you can with your question about ‘adventures in Cornwall’  or with something new you might be trying in lockdown at:  viewsfromthesummerhouse@gmail.com

Audio attributions:

Happy Boy Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3855-happy-boy-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy Boy End Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3854-happy-boy-end-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Watching birds in winter – is there anything interesting to see?  Surely it’s all blackbirds, robins and seagulls at this time of year?

In this episode, again recorded in lockdown but with the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 29th to 31st January in mind, Susie, Tiggy and Ann are joined on zoom by their friend,  Jane, to chat about the birds they have seen this winter.  Jane lives at the coast and so is able to bring a different perspective from the Liskeard gardens and farmland. Winter is often the best time to see birds if this is a new hobby for you because you can see them so easily without any leaves on the trees – and lockdown walking and a little bit of seed in the bird feeders have brought some surprising bird sightings for our podcasters; Jane also reports a range of night time noises; Susie and Ann identify more unusual birds with distinctive markings; and Tiggy tells us how her bedroom is full of unexpected companions!

Our podcasters hope you will have time to try the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this week end (see below).  And they apologise for omitting the spectacular starling murmurations that Susie and Ann have been to watch this winter at Rough Tor, near Camelford – well worth a visit at sunset.

Apologies too for the usual interference from outside activities – this time a delivery of logs forces an interruption to the recording!



Notes and mentions:

Useful Bird Guide:  Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe  (Available from Amazon during lockdown)

Big Garden Birdwatch, 29-31 January, 2021    rspb.org.uk  

The Cornell Lab Merlin bird identification app - free

Bird feeders:  Kingfisher Traditional Bird Feeding Station on OnBuy ; 

Gardman Wild Bird Flip top Nyger Thistle Feeder (swallowaquatics.co.uk) 

Affordable binoculars: see the range offered by the RSPB e.g. RSPB 8x42 Puffin Binoculars: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo 



Tawny Owl Calls: Wikipedia: .  Tawny Owls can make a variety of calls but the most familiar are their "kee-wick" and "hoot" sounds. The hooting or “twoo” sound is usually made by the male and is a territorial call. You can sometimes hear a female responding to a male's “twoo” call with a sharp “kee-wick”.

But they make more noise than the other four species put together during October and November. And all this extra shieking,  hooting and 'kee-wick'- ing is down to one thing: territory. Young birds are reaching maturity and looking for new homes while older birds are fighting to hold on to their patch. 

Do please e-mail us if you can with a question about ‘adventures in Cornwall’  or with something new you might be trying in lockdown at:  viewsfromthesummerhouse@gmail.com 



Audio attributions:

Happy Boy Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3855-happy-boy-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy Boy End Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3854-happy-boy-end-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Singing in a choir – surely you need a really good voice and, in Cornwall,  isn’t it all male voice choirs?

In this episode, recorded in Lockdown 3,  Tiggy and Ann are delighted to be talking with Jem Hall,  a member of Polperro Fishermen’s Choir. (Susie sadly could not take part because she had to give up her pc to home schooling!).   Male voice choirs in Cornwall are a bit like pasties and cream teas:  Every fishing port and mining community has one and should be sampled by residents and visitors alike.  Research now shows that singing in a choir improves both your physical and mental health as well as bringing you lots of social benefits – so a great adventure activity for newly retired men and women in Cornwall.

In the interview Jem answers questions on how he came to join his choirs and explains enthusiasm is far more important than having a good voice or being able to read music. Jem, who has taken part in choral events at The Royal Opera House and at The Royal Albert Hall and has also recorded a number of CD’s,  describes some of the lovely adventures he has had with his choir, even in 2020.  Tiggy and Ann take a look too at local female voice choirs.

Apologies again for any noise interference…...this week the main culprits were Ann’s family members on the floor above where she was recording!

Notes and mentions:

Polperro Fishermens Choir

You Tube channel for Polperro Fishermen’s Choir and a lovely video recorded on Zoom of their Christmas concert December 2020:  (13) POLPERRO FISHERMEN'S CHOIR CHRISTMAS VIDEO 2020 - YouTube

HOME | Derryairs

Female voice choirs local to SE Cornwall:  Cellovoce,  Liskeard; Imerys Singers, St. Austell; Keltique Looe; Looe Valley Singers; St. Austell Choral Society; Saltash Ladies Choir; and Torpoint Lady Singers.

Wet suit gloves, socks and hood from:  Two Bare Feet - Wetsuits, Retro Skateboards, Baby Swim & Diving Sets | twobarefeet.co.uk

Less expensive DryRobe from Charlie McCloud: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081CXB6KN/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_api_fabc_FXNdGbT5XQXVZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Do please e mail us if you can with a question about ‘adventures in Cornwall’  or with something new you might be planning to try in 2021 at:  viewsfromthesummerhouse@gmail.com

Audio attributions:

Happy Boy Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3855-happy-boy-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy Boy End Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3854-happy-boy-end-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Walking the Cornish Coast Path – isn’t it all steep hills and very chilly at this time of year?

In this episode, recorded while Liskeard was in Tier 3 and the day before lockdown,  Susie,  Tiggy and Ann resort to recording their podcast via zoom and interview Carol Beaver, an experienced coast path walker with her little dog, Mica.

Everyone knows that Cornwall has some steep and rocky coastal sections and so the coast path at first sight might not appeal to all newly retired people.  However, it is definitely worth looking into more closely as a possible adventure hobby.    Carol explains how, for people living in South East Cornwall, it is possible to start quite gently since much of the south coast is has quite gentle undulations and there are a lot of fairly short circular walks with spectacular coastal views, great cafes and easy car parking to get you started. She also explains it is a great hobby for this time of year provided you have a good pair of walking boots and the right sort of jacket.

Apologies in advance for any noise interference.  Certainly Geoff,  Ann’s husband, was both stoking the wood burner and taking down Christmas decorations around her while they were recording.  Oh well …….

Notes and mentions:

Carol Beaver, Mobile Hairdressing in the Liskeard and surrounding area.  Call or text to hear about her range of services and for a quote:  07951 405268

Guide book with 25 of the Cornish Coast Path circular walks including details of cafes, pubs, dog friendly beaches and parking: Cornwall Outstanding Circular Walks (Pathfinder Guides) by Sue Viccars, Ordnance Survey.

Iphone app:  iWalk Cornwall

Book about a couple who became homeless, bought a tent and walked the whole of the South West Coast Path:  The Salt Path,  Raynor Winn,  Penguin Books

Also by Raynor Winn,  The Wild Silence, Penguin Books and Michael Joseph.

TV series on now:  Cornwall and Devon Walks with Julia Bradbury  ITV  Wednesdays 8.30 pm  or on ITV hub.

Do please e mail us if you can with a question about ‘adventures in Cornwall’  or with something new you might be planning to try in 2021 at:  viewsfromthesummerhouse@gmail.com

Audio attributions:

Happy Boy Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3855-happy-boy-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy Boy End Theme by Kevin MacLeod

This section is an excerpt of the original

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3854-happy-boy-end-theme

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/