Blast 2008

They weren't joking when they said this summer would go quickly! It really doesn't seem like July when I found out about my placement.

Last week was difficult - with the weather being typically bad, many events in Cornwall were cancelled and usual tourist destinations were nearly deserted. A consistent theme over the "summer" was indeed the miserable weather, but thankfully there was still plenty going on.

May Newman's Cottage

Last week, my original idea was to speak to someone from a place called Antony House, which had been chosen as a setting for the upcoming Disney film Alice in Wonderland. Unfortunately nobody from there was allowed to speak to me about what was happening!

However, once I found out about the art display at Mary Newman's Cottage in Saltash, I thought that would be ideal for my final report. Over the summer, I'd covered a variety of subjects, but visual art wasn't one of them.

I went over once again with my camera and recording equipment. The exhibiting artists, Melanie and Celia, were very willing to talk about their work and what they enjoy about working in the Tamar Valley.

In fact, something I've found throughout my time as a reporter was that the vast majority of people I asked to interview were more than happy to speak to me and share their opinions.

I believe I've built on the skills I learned from the training weekend all those weeks ago, and emerged with some completely new ones which should help me with whatever I end up doing in the future.

With a star-studded movie due to be filmed here and (my personal favourite) rock band Oasis performing live in the county for the first time, there're still many things for Cornwall to look forward to before the year is out!

Look out for Blast on Tour

I think this summer has shown that the people of Cornwall will always be determined to have a good time, no matter what the weather throws at them.

It's been a busy, but thoroughly enjoyable time here at BBC Cornwall. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to get a glimpse of the life of a reporter. It's been a truly invaluable experience!