Michael of Trewithen – the woodland garden at Trewithen is internationally renowned for its magnificent collection of rare and highly prized plants. Central to the garden is Trewithen House, a “flawless time capsule” of 300 years of family history.
Over the years he has taken on a range of high profile roles including being Prime Warden of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths from 2010-2011, being a member of the Prince’s Council from 1985 – 2002, High Sheriff of Cornwall 1994,Chairman of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 1991-1993, Rural Development Commissioner for England 1985-1995, the former Vice Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and former President of Cornwall Garden Society.
James Bowen is a former Big Issue seller and author of A Street Cat Named Bob, which tells his life story. A former drug addict who slept rough on the streets of London, James began selling The Big Issue in Islington in 2008 with feline sidekick Bob. Since its publication in 2012, A Street Cat Named Bob has sold more than one million copies and has also been transformed into a film of the same name.
Bowen now dedicates his time to helping numerous charities that involve homelessness, literacy, and animal welfare.