The past week has been madness, as we all rushed around preparing our studios and the house for the big launch do on 7th Feb. It's preoccupied us all for the last month and the changes here have been incredible. Superhuman efforts from all involved meant that everything was presented to utter perfection when at last, we were able to open our doors to all you eager folks keen to have a look-see and explore Princes House Cornwall.
Preparations were taking place right up until the last minute including the delivery of a fabulously luxurious sofa, curtain and dressing screen for our lobby area, styled and kindly provided by Debbie of Interior Dynamics. It adds real panache to the hallway and is dead comfy as many guests discovered at the party later...
Preparations were taking place right up until the last minute including the delivery of a fabulously luxurious sofa, curtain and dressing screen for our lobby area, styled and kindly provided by Debbie of Interior Dynamics. It adds real panache to the hallway and is dead comfy as many guests discovered at the party later...
Photo: Holly Young
The day began for us with the Town Crier (Mr John Sweetman) travelling valiantly in the cold around Truro and calling all who heard him to come to the party that evening. Holly followed and tweeted and videoed the whole affair.
Back in the day when a wedding was to be held, and they were much bigger community affairs than they are now, guests were invited in exactly this same way - with everyone within earshot being taken as invited to the ceremony.
We felt it was only fitting therefore to spread the word in this way and it certainly went down well when our Town Crier generously returned to hold the door for our many guests.
Back in the day when a wedding was to be held, and they were much bigger community affairs than they are now, guests were invited in exactly this same way - with everyone within earshot being taken as invited to the ceremony.
We felt it was only fitting therefore to spread the word in this way and it certainly went down well when our Town Crier generously returned to hold the door for our many guests.
Speaking of which we had some 500 guests, yes that's right FIVE HUNDRED people came to see us. Wow. We are all totally blown away by the support you all showed us and the positive things that were said by many in reference to the Collective, the building, and the talented business who reside here.
Those who came were treated to a glass of bubbles supplied by the Truro based winery - Old Chapel Cellars or for the more robust among them, a pint of Cornwall's finest courtesy of Skinners Brewery just round the corner in Newham. Massive thanks to them both for supporting us on our opening day.
Those who came were treated to a glass of bubbles supplied by the Truro based winery - Old Chapel Cellars or for the more robust among them, a pint of Cornwall's finest courtesy of Skinners Brewery just round the corner in Newham. Massive thanks to them both for supporting us on our opening day.
Keith Kneebone, a professional Master of Ceremonies welcomed guests and made introductions before the lovely Daphne Skinnard, Deputy Editor of BBC Radio Cornwall (and newly made Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall to-boot) kindly joined us to say a few words and introduce all the businesses to the guests on the night. You can see how crowded it was with people unable to move on the stairs or landings and backed up into all studios off the ground and first floors...
Then the Mayor of Truro, Councillor Ms Lindsay Southcombe, officially cut the ribbon and everyone was free to explore the building and the hidden gems inside each inspiring studio.
Then the Mayor of Truro, Councillor Ms Lindsay Southcombe, officially cut the ribbon and everyone was free to explore the building and the hidden gems inside each inspiring studio.
Local boy Tom Cary an acclaimed singer / sonwriter played throughout the night adding some real atmosphere to proceedings which was appreciated by all, we are thankful and lucky to have had him to join us!
All in all it was a truly fabulous evening, one we will never forget and the best possible start to this exciting enterprise of which we are all so proud to be a part.
On behalf of the Collective we'd like to publicly thank everyone who contributed to our evening including our guests for turning out, being interested and helping to really make the party happen! We look forward to welcoming you into Princes House again soon.
On Thursday this week we'll announce the winner of our prize draw - entries close at midnight on Wednesday 13th so if you weren't able to make the launch do pop by and pick up a form - they're in the lobby and the building is now open every day from 9:30 - 5:30 for you to wander around and meet the suppliers!
Did you make the launch evening? What did you think?
All in all it was a truly fabulous evening, one we will never forget and the best possible start to this exciting enterprise of which we are all so proud to be a part.
On behalf of the Collective we'd like to publicly thank everyone who contributed to our evening including our guests for turning out, being interested and helping to really make the party happen! We look forward to welcoming you into Princes House again soon.
On Thursday this week we'll announce the winner of our prize draw - entries close at midnight on Wednesday 13th so if you weren't able to make the launch do pop by and pick up a form - they're in the lobby and the building is now open every day from 9:30 - 5:30 for you to wander around and meet the suppliers!
Did you make the launch evening? What did you think?
All photos courtesy of Toby Weller (unless otherwise credited) who kindly stepped in to photograph so Simon Burt could have the night off!
