‘Star’ Inn Vogue lives up to its name

Every summer for the last 21 years, the pub’s landlords, husband and wife team Mark and Rachel Graham, have hosted a 24-hour Charity Ale and Music Festival celebrating real ale and live music. All proceed from the event go to nominated local charities and good causes.

Over the years, the couple have raised tens of thousands of pounds to make a difference in communities across Cornwall.

“The event started with six kegs of beer, kindly donated by Steve Skinner, founder of Skinner’s brewery in Truro, and about 50 people in attendance. It grew from there,” said Mark Graham, the festival’s organiser and pub landlord.

Two decades on, it is now Cornwall’s biggest one-day ale and music event. The stars certainly aligned to make this year’s festival the biggest and best yet, bringing together beautiful weather, a huge selection of ales, multiple bands, and a wealth of family activities.

“None of this would be possible without the generosity of everyone who supports us and helps make the event happen. All the beer is donated, while the bands and staff give their time for free, meaning 100 per cent of the money raised goes to nominated local charities,” said Mark.

One of this year’s beneficiaries was Aloha Kākou Shaka, a surf club based at Watergate Bay and believed to be the first in the world run by and for those with a learning disability and other neurodivergences.

Part time Star Inn Vogue staff member and festival volunteer, Caz Hodges (main photo), met the club’s founder, Aiden Coxhead, through her other employment, working at the NHS.

“As well as running his surf club, Aiden is an Oliver McGowan trainer. Frontline healthcare staff receive this mandatory training to improve understanding and patient outcomes for those autistic people and those with a learning disability.

 “Part of the training is delivered by people with lived experience of autism and learning disability, and I was fortunate enough that Aiden walked into the room to present one of my sessions.

“I found Aiden, his story, and his work so inspiring that I recommended to the festival’s organising committee that we make his enterprise, Aloha Kākou Shaka surf club, one of this year’s beneficiaries.

“I was delighted to welcome him to enjoy the event and receive a cheque for £2,500.”

Speaking at the event, Aiden who lives in St Austell said, “I set up Aloha Kākou Shaka because I love surfing but if, like me, you have a learning disability, there’s no category in adaptive or para surfing to compete in.

“I want there to be a pathway into competitive surfing, so I’m working to change that. As well as the lack of competitions, what’s also missing are surf clubs. Means that’s another reason I set up Aloha Kākou Shaka is to create a community where those with a learning disability or any other neurodivergences can get together.”

A beautiful moment followed Aiden’s opening remarks during the cheque presentation. Unable to read or write, he looked into the crowd for someone who supports not only his surfing venture, but his every step in life – his mum. 

"I'll just check with my mum if there’s anything else,” he said before adding, “Oh yeah, to run a session costs £350, so this donation will go a long way to help more people get onto a surfboard with us, means thank you very much.”