Share Your Story with Cornwall and the World
Do you have a location in Cornwall with a story waiting to be told? The Cornwall 500 is seeking unique and compelling places across the county to become part of our growing network of plaque locations. Whether you represent a historic landmark, a thriving business with a fascinating past, a hidden natural gem, or simply a spot with an unforgettable tale, we invite you to explore becoming a Cornwall 500 plaque location.
Two Paths to Becoming a Plaque Location:
The Cornwall 500 features two types of plaque locations, both equally valued and contributing to the rich tapestry of Cornish stories we aim to share:
- Non-Commercial Plaques: These plaques are placed at locations of significant cultural, historical, or community interest where the primary purpose is to celebrate and share Cornish heritage. Examples include historical sites, natural landmarks, community spaces, or locations with purely historical or anecdotal significance. There is no fee to host a non-commercial plaque.
- Commercial Plaques: To ensure the sustainability of the Cornwall 500 initiative and support our donations to the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT), a limited number of plaques (up to 30% of the total) are designated for commercial locations. These are businesses and attractions with compelling stories that enhance the Cornwall 500 experience. While there is a modest annual fee for commercial plaques after the first year, selection is still primarily story-driven, not based on payment alone.
Why Become a Cornwall 500 Plaque Location?
Whether you are a non-commercial location or a business, becoming a Cornwall 500 plaque location offers significant benefits:
- Share Your Unique Story: Amplify your location’s story to a wider audience of locals and visitors genuinely interested in discovering the heart of Cornwall.
- Increase Visibility and Footfall: Become a destination within the Cornwall 500 network, attracting explorers actively seeking out unique Cornish experiences. For commercial locations, this can translate into increased visitors and customers.
- Be Part of Something Special: Join a prestigious and innovative initiative that is celebrating Cornish heritage and community in a fresh and engaging way.
- Contribute to Cornish Tourism and Economy: Help drive sustainable tourism across Cornwall, benefiting not just your location but also surrounding businesses and communities.
- Support Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust: Indirectly contribute to the vital, life-saving work of CAAT, as a portion of Cornwall 500 revenue (from commercial plaques) is donated to this essential charity.
- For Commercial Locations: Benefit from targeted promotion within the Cornwall 500 network and website, and potential special offers linked to your plaque.
What Makes a Great Cornwall 500 Plaque Location?
The most important criteria for any plaque location, commercial or non-commercial, is a compelling story. We are looking for locations that:
- Have a Story Worth Telling: Is there a unique history, a fascinating anecdote, a cultural significance, or a remarkable event associated with your location?
- Offer an Engaging Experience: Is your location worth visiting? Does it offer something of interest, beauty, or intrigue that will enhance a Cornwall 500 explorer’s journey?
- Contribute to the Cornish Narrative: Does your location’s story contribute to the broader, rich narrative of Cornwall’s heritage, community, and landscape?
- Are Viable and Sustainable: For commercial locations, we consider the business’s longevity and commitment to providing a positive experience for visitors.
- Inclusive and Accessible: Is the location accessible and inclusive as possible? We recognise that not all places because of limitations of geography and age of buildings can be fully accessible but we have the aspiration to be as accessible as possible.
Inspiration: Examples of Cornwall 500 Plaque Locations
To give you a better idea, here are a couple of examples of the diverse locations that are becoming part of the Cornwall 500:
- Porthcurno Beach: The First Lifeline from the Sky (Non-Commercial Example): Imagine standing on the stunning sands of Porthcurno beach, and learning that this idyllic location was the site of the very first emergency call-out for the Cornwall Air Ambulance. A powerful story of innovation and community spirit linked to a breathtaking natural location.
- The Alverton Hotel, Truro: A Historic Hotel with a Modern Story (Commercial Example): The Alverton Hotel, a beautiful historic building in Truro, was chosen as the location for the very first Cornwall 500 plaque. Its long history, combined with its current role as a vibrant hotel and event venue, makes it a perfect example of a commercial location with a compelling story to share.
Ready to Share Your Location’s Story? How to Apply:
The process to become a Cornwall 500 plaque location is simple:
- Tell Us Your Story: Use the contact form. Select “Idea for a Plaque” as the subject.
- Provide Location Details: In your message, tell us about your location, its address, and most importantly, the story you believe makes it special and worthy of a Cornwall 500 plaque.
- We’ll Be in Touch: Our team will review your submission and contact you to discuss your location further and explain the next steps in the selection process.
Join the Cornwall 500 and help us tell the captivating story of Cornwall, location by location!