After a spectacular evening at the Penventon Park Hotel, I awoke to the sounds of birds singing. Thinking it was probably time to get up, I looked at my iPhone to discover it was 4:00 a.m., not 6:00 a.m. as I had assumed. I guess the birds in Cornwall get up earlier than most! A bit about Peventon -- it is a charming romantic Georgian mansion house in acres of parkland -- and is included in the 'AA Britains Best Hotels Guide.' Penventon Park is a holiday sanctuary like no other. It is touted as one of the finest luxury hotels in Cornwall -- and I am convinced! It's relaxed yet decadent, with spacious rooms, opulent decor, and gracious hosts -- their aim is to spoil you -- and they do it so effortlessly. You can dine in style in their restaurant in Cornwall, pamper yourself in their pool and relax in their lounge with a glass of merlot. And the hotel sits on acres of lush woods adorned with a variety of beautiful flowers amid cozy bench alcoves dotted with statuary. Peventon is situated less than 20 minutes from Falmouth and St Ives so it's close to the city centre while still providing a country-like get-away feel.
Breakfast consisted of a full English course of eggs, mushrooms, rash of bacon, sausage, tomato, baked beans -- even hash browns! And of course, a variety of cereals, fresh fruits, and breads were also provided. A bit of bartering of food occurred at our table where some swapped mushrooms for hash browns, etc...hearkening back to school days at lunch. By 8:45 all scholars met in front of the hotel to depart by coach for the University College Falmouth. We arrived around 9:30 where we had welcome and introductions from Professor Anne Carlisle, the Rector and CEO of the University.
Following introductions were Powerpoint presentations from several of the faculty that included: Dr. Katie Bunnell, on 'Exploring Opportunities for Sustainable Design in a rural Context'; Professor Phil Stenton on 'Digital Economy: Research in Practice'; and Steve Trotter on the Environment and Sustainability Institute from the University of Exeter. Presentations were followed by a campus tour of the Design Centre, media Centre and Performance Centre as well as the Biology lab and Wave lab where students are working with a team from the University of Exeter's Tremough Campus, Penryn, who designed a unique facility that will help deliver reliability and risk control for wave energy devices. Harnessing wave technology to support energy needs is extremely catchy as ocean waves are a bit less reliable than wind energy from land.
Lunch was provided in the Tremough House foyer and boardroom and by 1:00 p.m. we departed by coach for the Penventon Park Hotel. There, we had representatives of Cornwall Council provide a discussion of the area mines followed by visits to the Cornish Mines and Englines and Heartlands. At 4:00 p.m., we were hosted by the Camborne Pool Redruth Regeneration council for a bit of tea and talk. Back to the hotel to freshen up before the Civic Reception at 7:00 p.m. which consisted of local Cornish foods provided by Council members and assorted area dignitaries. By 9:30 pm. we departed the Civic Reception to arrive back at the hotel by 10:00 p.m.
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