> ISLES of SCILLY NEWS, EVENTS & CRUISE CALLS 2003

The annual Southern Finance Tresco Marathon takes place in on 13th April, the same day as the famous Flora London Marathon. Instigated in 2000 by the Head Chef of the Island Hotel to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to help find a cure for the disease which his daughter was born with, runners and supporters have raised over £56,000 in the first two races. Participants have to complete 7½ laps of the island but they have the delight of running past exotic palms and pelargonia, agaves and furcreas, with wonderful sea air and vociferous support from islanders and visitors.

More than a Marathon

On Sunday 13 April 2003, 125 runners will set off to complete one of the most unique marathons in the world, the Southern Finance Tresco Marathon. This remarkable event held on the island of Tresco, one of the Isles of Scilly, provides a very special alternative to the famous London marathon, which takes place on the same day. All participants run in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports the 7,500 babies, adults and young children living with what is, the UK’s most common, life threatening inherited disease.

The marathon began in 2000 when Pete Hingston, head chef at the Island Hotel, was unable to take the time off to compete in the London Marathon. He had intended to run to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as his daughter Jade, aged five suffers from this terrible disease. With approximately 150 inhabitants, the entire population of this tiny island become involved in the preparations and organisations to aid Pete in his quest to help fund the gene therapy needed to find a cure for this killer disease, and the Southern Finance Tresco marathon was born. Since that day the marathon has raised over £120,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Pete said, “Jade was my inspiration in thinking up this marathon and she is still my inspiration to drag myself around the course. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only organisation that supports the CF community throughout the UK and is driving fundraisers to reach for the cure, which is insight. I am eternally grateful to the people who take part and the volunteers who make this such a special event.”

The first year saw 28 runners take to the road but now as they head into the marathons’ fourth year, participation has increased to its maximum capacity of 125. The runners will set off from outside the paradise of the Tresco Abbey Garden to run the 26.2 mile course which consists of seven and a half laps run in a figure of eight around a three and a half mile circuit The harsh inclines en route are said to be a gruelling test of stamina but the spectacular vista of blue skies, breath-taking landscapes and silver sanded beaches sloping into crystal clear water, make it an idyllic setting for such a demanding pursuit, providing an entirely unique experience.

Rosie Barnes, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust said “ We have a target of £15 million for our current campaign which will fund the research into gene therapy, potentially providing a cure. With the current life expectancy of 31, every penny counts and we couldn’t do it without events like these and the efforts of all our supporters. The scenic nature of the course and the high-level of community involvement in the Tresco marathon make it one of a kind and the perfect opportunity to get involved with fundraising initiatives. The Tresco marathon is more than a marathon, it is a weekend experience that will help change ill children’s’ lives forever.”

SUB-TROPICAL ISLAND’S FIRST FLORAL CELEBRATION ANNOUNCED

The sub-tropical island of Tresco, in the Isles of Scilly, is to hold its first Floral Celebration this summer. It will take place between 1st and 4th June 2003 in the world-famous Abbey Garden and give visitors a chance to see flowers normally associated only with Mediterranean climates. More than 500 different types of plants will be in glorious flower and the vibrant colours of South African Lampranthus and Protea will vie with Geranium Maderense; the magnificent Chilean Puyas, Mexican Agave and Furcrea will be in full bloom. The Gulf Stream that warms the island makes it possible to grow plants there that would otherwise perish on the mainland and is habitually referred to as “Kew without the glass”.

A series of stimulating and informative lectures is planned by celebrated gardeners such as Tim Smit, the Founder and Chief Executive of the Eden Project, Mike Nelhams, Curator of the Tresco Abbey Garden, and Chris Bailes, Curator of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Rosemoor Garden, Devon.

Visitors to the garden will be treated to a feast for all their senses with not only the sights of the magical Abbey Garden on display but also a chance to taste the flavours of the Mediterranean with a food theatre situated within the walls of the Valhalla Ships Figurehead collection.

The Scillonian will put on a special sailing from Penzance to Scilly for Sunday 1st June. Special break offers are available from the Island Hotel on Tresco (01720 422883) or the Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher (01720 422942).
Visit the website for more information www.tresco.co.uk

If you would like any further information about the garden or pictures showing the sub- tropical plants in full bloom please give Rosie Inge or Ruth Sutton a call on 01749 670070 or alternatively email info@churton-inge.co.uk

Gig Racing and The World Gig Championships

In the olden days, when a sailing ship appeared on the horizon, each island launched their gig - a deep rowing boat with seven oarsmen - and set off with their pilot. The gig which reached the ship first got the job of guiding her around the dangerous rocks - and therefore received the payment. The rivalry has lasted to this day and Gig Races are held twice a week during the summer season, with needle matches between teams provoking much enjoyment for the spectators. The World Gig Championships take place each year in May and teams travel from the United States of America to compete as well as Holland and France and from the southwest coast of England.