Late Night Shopping with the family in Truro!

Off we headed after school into Truro. I was aiming to be in the city for 4pm to take advantage of the car park fee of £1.50 in most of the car parks, however, I opted for the sheltered NCP and their large child friendly red parking bays.  This meant, we were able to assemble the push chair, change and have a quick drink and a snack.  I think I was more excited than the girls about late night shopping in Truro!  I couldn’t wait to show them the sparkly lights in Truro and how festive it feels.

First stop was the Truro library to change our library books and then onto High Cross.  The children raced to the ‘snow’ covered tree and we grabbed the opportunity for a photograph.

Then we went into the Cathedral and admired the nativity scene and incredible Christmas tree which had been adorned with a plethora of decorations.  We looked in the gift shop for an angel on top of our Christmas tree at home, however opted for a star. The girls were allowed to choose a decoration each. This was not as easy as I had imagined it to be.  My two year old wished to pick up all breakable objects and it was it challenging to stay focused, whilst my eldest one was just as curious!  Thankfully my toddler chose a safe pink sparkle bauble that was for sale under the table – perfect for her height and non breakable.  My eldest chose a large twinkly snow flake, which looks quite striking on  our Christmas tree.

We decided to go to ‘Sam’s in the City‘ in New Bridge Street for food and opted to sit down to eat, which meant my toddler could sit in a high chair.   (Its not so easy to eat street food with a toddler).  The children had fish and chips and small strawberry milkshakes….  Whilst I enjoyed a crisp white wine spritzer with calamari and chips.  The service was excellent, toilets immaculate and the staff friendly.  The children enjoyed colouring in their Sam’s in City pictures whilst waiting for supper to arrive.  My five year old did ask, ‘why is the mannequin wearing pants!’ (You know the one…..) I explained they were very short shorts!

We then headed off to see Father Christmas at Truro Library in his extraordinary grotto. The girls were extremely keen to see him and his elf helpers!  They were able to ‘write’ to him before going to see him and enjoyed the festive music and the present from his sack.

Walking to Boscawen Street, under the strings of stars in Cathedral Lane and beautifully lit trees at High Cross, with the hustle and bustle of the people in Truro – made it feel like a magical night.  On Boscawen Street , we admired the stalls and found the Raymonds swing chair carousal ride.  The girls adored this and wanted to go again, however bed time was beckoning. Finally we headed home after a special evening in ‘Our great little city’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Night Run in Truro

This year I decided to take part in the Cornwall Hospice Care, Santa Night Run in Truro during the first late night of shopping in Truro on the 25th of November – for fun!  Cornwall Hospice is a Cornish charity who offers hospice care to patients and their families.  These patients are very sick and often terminally ill.

The weather was perfect, no howling wind or lashing rain – only a moon and a few clouds.  I had only decided to sign up for the event the day before it started.  Registration was simple and easy and was open from 5.30pm in Boscawen Street, at the back of the Hall for Cornwall.  I received my Santa outfit, with rather large red trousers.  I arrived early and put my outfit on over my shorts.  Shorts seemed to make sense, as the website did indicate that the outfit did make you get very hot!  I decided to enjoy Truro and went to the Scentstore in Cathedral Lane to find a gift.  I kept on wondering, why people were looking at me and children pointing saying ‘There is Santa’. (I forgot I was wearing the Santa outfit!)

All one hundred and twenty of us started warming up outside the Market Inn Bar on Lemon Quay, next to the inflatable and extremely large Santa, as well as Ruan the Reindeer.

By 8pm we were off at quite a speed and the crowds stepped back, as bells rung out through the streets of Truro.  It was not easy running with my handbag – note to self (must leave behind next time). A short one mile circuit round Green Street, Princes Street, Boscawen Street, St Nicholas Street, River Street, Little Castle Street, Kenwyn Street and passed the gentle grazing reindeer (Sponsored by Malletts Home Hardware) on Victoria Square before returning on Lower Lemon Street.

On approaching the finishing line, I tripped in my Santa trousers and had to think…… was that due to the mulled wine drunk before the event or my large trousers!

After the run Cornwall Hospice generously gave us a medal, banana, water and a mince pie!  The evening rose £2’700 for Cornwall Hospice.  It is a great family event and I witnessed several families all jogging together for an amazing organisation that cares.