You know the summer is coming to an end when west Cornwall gets even busier – and this year we’re talking mega busy.

The late August Bank Holiday is always the most popular time for visitors, a chance to get in that last break before the schools go back and the start of autumn. Yikes, our mixed weather summer seems to have flown by and judging by the crowds of holiday makers, Cornwall will have another record breaking year for tourism.

All good news for the local economy and in this neck of the wild west, the newly refurbished Jubilee Pool in Penzance has had over 30,000 visitors since it re-opened in the spring. A great success story and a tribute to those who campaigned to get it repaired after the terrible storm damage suffered in 2014.

Of course summer is the best time to meet up with friends and I must admit that mine are a talented bunch. Recently I saw a couple of friends who I haven’t seen for nearly three years which is way too long.

Tim lives in the Midlands and was an adviser for my debut novel ‘My Bermuda Namesakes’.  He works with people who have traumatic brain injuries and the main character in the book has memory problems caused by a head injury. It was great to see him and his wife and to enjoy their enthusiastic reaction to west Cornwall – they usually don’t venture this far down but somehow I think they’ll be back.

A few days before they arrived, I met up with another talented friend, Sue Kittow, who has just finished a great book ‘Walks In The Footsteps of Winston Graham’s Poldark.’  (Cover picture below and details on www.sigmapress.co.uk). Although we’re in regular touch through social media, it was  lovely meet up face-to-face for a proper catch up. Hubby, me and dog Bonnie are going to try some of the featured walks  – rest assured that Sue’s well written book and clear walking maps will be coming along with us! I’ll certainly be recommending the book to friends and family heading down this way.

Meantime, having completed a magazine feature on film and TV extras, I’m looking forward to visiting Charlestown Harbour which has become a national and international filming hub.  Cornwall is certainly magnet for film makers and the new Poldark series will show it off again in all its glory. Some of us really are lucky to live here.

Now over to Bonnie dog for her latest take on things…

‘Hiya folks,

Been a while since you’ve heard from me but hey – I’ve been doing some summer chilling and getting out and about.

I love it when we can go in the open top car, with the wind in my hair and the smell of sea air. Well sometimes there’s the odd pasty and other mutts thrown into the mix, but this gal doesn’t mind one bit.

It’s been great to try out some new pubs and to sit outdoors. My rents have been listing the number of  – er – ‘drinking places’ I’ve visited, and trust me it’s quite a long one. I have my favourites but pretty much like them all. There’s always people to say hello to and if I’m lucky, I’ll bump into my little handsome Havanese pal Tui.

He’s well on the mend now after his back injury but we still haven’t got together for that doggy ice cream treat we’ve been promised.

Come on you rents, summer’s nearly gone.

Oh and one more thing. We’re having a new room built onto the house – something called a Conservatory – and I plan to make the most of it. In fact I think I’ll claim it as my own, a sort of Bonnie doggy base.  When it’s finally finished, maybe I can celebrate in there with Tui over a tub of that mutt friendly ice cream?

Hint, hint – just saying.

Woof and out.’