I'm writing this from Padstow, Cornwall - it's early evening and the excitement is mounting for the release of the Cornish Exclusives tomorrow morning - no sightings yet, and that just adds to the anticipation!

 

I flew down to Cornwall this morning from the North of England, and have already met with other collectors who have travelled here today - many more are expected overnight, and through tomorrow. I'd like to give my grateful thanks to Jenni from Abbey Bears, for taking the time out to pick me up from the airport on a very busy day for her.

 

Padstow is a very small fishing village on the North Coast of Cornwall, the most westerly county of England, and lies sheltered from the winds from the sea in a river estuary. The working fishing boats draw many visitors to the harbour to see the catches landing, and the town is well known for its Seafood Restaurant, established and owned by Rick Stein, the famous chef.  There are many other restaurants in the town, and Padstow is also home to the National Lobster Hatchery, which is developing a conservation project.  Padstow remains unspoilt and full of charm, even though it attracts huge numbers of visitors, particularly during the summer months.

 

I enclose photographs of the harbour and the view over Padstow from my hotel. Kernow, who brings back many happy memories from last year's visit, is here too for a final outing before handing over to his successor....or successors (!) tomorrow.

 

 

 

The launch of the new exclusives will take place at Abbey Bears at 9.30am, and this afternoon I have been to meet Marcus Myring, the owner of the shop.  Marcus started in business at St Ives in Cornwall 34 years ago, and at one time had 8 confectionery shops in various parts of the county. About 9 years ago he introduced Steiff bears into one of his shops, and last year Kernow was launched from "Cornish Delights" here in Padstow. This year a new shop has been opened, just for all the bears, and "Cornish Delights" is concentrating on its original products.....and believe me, "delightful" they are - I sampled some chocolate this afternoon, and will have to take some back home with me tomorrow! Incidentally, Abbey Bears is so named after the house when Marcus lives - Abbey House, which has a well dating from 1612, and which was used by monks!

 

I talked to Marcus about his association with Ty and he told me it has been in place for about 6 years now.  The launch of Kernow was a huge success for the shop last year - indeed he described it as "magical" - and when you visit the shop it is clear to see that here is a business dedicated in its support of the Ty product range. 

 

I enclose a selection of photographs from inside the new shop to show what I mean - I've concentrated on the Ty products, but there are equally impressive displays of Steiff and other gift items.  Marcus praised his staff for their commitment, especially Jenni, who is tireless in her efforts! He also indicated that his relationship with the local Territory Executive for Ty UK, Morley Lester, was strong and positive. I met Morley briefly today, and will be talking to him again later this evening - it will be interesting to hear his views too.

 

 

One thing is clear though, even before the launch tomorrow - in Padstow Abbey Bears and Ty UK have got it right - friendly, knowledgeable staff, beautiful displays, and a supportive and very dedicated representative. I can hardly wait for tomorrow, and even Kernow wants to know what's going on in there!

 

The second part of my report, about the day itself, will come tomorrow on my return home....BUT with a bit of luck I may be able to get some early pictures to you before I leave - fingers crossed!

 

John
the phoenix

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