Welcome to our first newsletter. The China Clay Country Park or Wheal Martyn as it is known by the locals has experienced a huge and traumatic change during the last few months but I am pleased to say that we are now in a much stronger position as a result. The team is well aware of the challenges we face and has responded magnificently by boldly implementing long held ideas where there was a nervousness to change in the past.

A number of small changes in appearance have had the effect of transforming the atmosphere of the whole place. Subtle changes in décor and a careful redesign of the menu has improved the café considerably and the evening functions of the last few months have been a great success. As a result bookings have increased for the coming months.

The conference room has also undergone a dramatic change and is now decorated and furnished to a high standard making it a very desirable venue for meetings and workshops.

The shop has seen the first stages of reshape but Dot has a lot more in the pipeline yet.

Chris Carroll was re-appointed in February to drive the marketing effort with renewed vigour and he has plenty to get his teeth into.

All these initiatives have provided an opportunity for improved financial performance which is essential for the future of the Museum.

I was very pleased to hear from regular visitors that they have detected an air of increased enthusiasm and confidence amongst the staff.

The performance of the first two months is up on last year so let us hope that with all our hard work the trend will continue

Under new management our Catering Manager Angela Hyland welcomes you to our revamped café. Why not just drop in for coffee and cake or try our new menu, all products locally sourced or fairtraded.

Angela would like to welcome her new team, Assistant Cook Julie Parsons, Front of House Emma Smith and our two week-end staff Sarah Masters and Ellie Palena.

We also invite you to our Special Events: Italian Evening 5 courses for £18 on Friday 23rd May, a Cornish BBQ with Jazz, date to be decided and our Hog Roast BBQ and singer Shane Solomon on Friday 11th July all starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets £5. We also have a licenced bar to quench your thirst on a hot summer’s evening.

If you need a function for a Party, Wedding Reception, Christening then choose from our three priced Buffets ranging from £5.85 to £12.95 or even book a hot meal.

To book any of our special events or functions please call Angela 01726 850362.

As we are aware Easter is upon us, the sun is shining, birds are singing & bunnies are frolicking in the fields…….No? Well OK it’s cold & raining but at the China Clay Country Park Gift Shop you are assured of a warm & sunny welcome & gifts to bring a smile to your face, that won’t break the bank either.

As some of you already know Carn Pottery made by John Beusman down at Nancledra is being hailed as the new Troika and is becoming very collectable, so why not pop along & pick up a piece at a very affordable price! We also have some stunning glass-ware to catch your eye as well as the light. This would make a super present, as would our stone light-houses beautifully boxed, which are proving to be very popular.

The sweet tooths aren’t forgotten either, clotted cream fudge, rock & locally made biscuits are here in quantity.

As the children are now on their Easter holidays we are hoping they will visit and participate in the activities. So I’ve made sure we have a wide range of interesting & fun toys to keep them amused. Also for the young mineral collector there are some super specimens that start from only £1.50.

Books especially those of local interest are always popular, so why not drop by and have a browse.There is no need to wait until you come to the museum to visit the shop, it’s a nice place to drop into to get a present that’s a little bit different and much cheaper than going to Truro.

In the main Foyer for the whole of April Roy Steadman has an exhibition of his wonderful paintings all of which will be for sale. In May Karl Williams will be showing his sculptures, many from Pentewan Stone and Avis Rouson will be exhibiting her driftwood art on the Café Arts Wall. For the rest of the year there will be many different and very interesting exhibitions, so please give us a call on 01726 850362, ask for Dot and I will explain what’s showing and when.

As you are probably aware the China Clay Country Park is set in a beautiful parkland of 26 acres which need constant Maintenance and as the new season approaches much of the gardens etc need a spring clean.

Steve Pappin and Kevin Jones would like to welcome their new recruit Nathan Toms to the team.

At present the ongoing tasks are restoring the Peerless Lorry. The Peerless was built in USA 1916 and came over during the First World War, it was then discarded and became buried under a sand tip. In 1958 it was rescued and put into store until 1978 when restoration work began and was completed in 1982. Now in 2008 we have to start again, painting the wheels and body work but would love a volunteer engineer to help with the mechanics. A monitor recently given to the Museum from Blackpool Pit has been repainted and awaits a location on the grounds.

The offices are also being refurbished and painted to a much higher standard. Our skilled team (minus Charlie) have volunteered to construct the new benches and chairs for the outside seating area in the café. Thanks Lads!!!!