BlackbirdPie 2021 Christmas

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Christmas 2021 and New Year 2022 30,000 copies across Cornwall

BlackbirdPie Blackbird Pie Cornwall’s what’s-on for families Calendar for winter 2021/ 2022 What’s on this winter Christmas events Museums & Attractions Discovering42: explore science Theatre shows Newquay Orchard Kernow Health advice Blackbird reads: 2021 Best Books Salt dough decorations

Vouchers & offers: National Maritime Museum Cornwall,

TREBAH GARDEN OF LIGHT A n a f te r - d a r k ce l e b rat i o n o f Co r n i s h l a n te r n - m a k i n g

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Embrace Zumba® Kids, page 4

Tate St Ives, page 6 Penlee House, page 15

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Santa is coming to Newquay Zoo and we can’t wait!

From 18 to 24 December Santa will be taking time out from his busy Christmas schedule to visit the animals at Newquay Zoo, and he will be staying for more days than ever!

Come and meet Santa between 10.30am and 4pm (2pm on Christmas Eve) and receive a gift (£9.50 per child, plus normal Zoo admission prices).

You can make his reindeers a thank you treat too. Make reindeer food at the elf workshop to sprinkle on your lawn or nearby grass just before bedtime on Christmas Eve. The moon will help your reindeer food sparkle bright to guide Santa to your home! Free with entry, just drop-in from 10.30am to 4pm.

To book please visit www.newquayzoo.org.uk. Santa and admission tickets to Newquay Zoo must be booked in advance.

Content: What’s on – festive trains, Santa, fantastic festivals of light – inside and out, and disco parties.

Calendar for winter 2021/2022 Theatre shows Adoption in Cornwall Newquay Orchard – In Our Nature Cough, cough? Kernow Health advice.

BlackbirdReads: Best Books from 2021 Lights & Lanterns at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth.

Make salt dough Christmas decorations with Aria and Isla

Dear Readers, Cornwall will be twinkling with a myriad of glorious lights this Christmas and Santa will be all over the county! Family theatre shows abound, from the enchanting Mousehole Cat to a splendid Cinderella at the Hall for Cornwall, RAMPS family panto Dick Whittington at the Regal Theatre in Redruth, and piratical shenanigans in St Ives with Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates! Short of a present or two? On page 15 make decorations and best 2021 children’s books to buy, and cracking Christmas books here: Dasher by Matt Tavares, published

by Walker, the story of a little reindeer who helped Santa. The Mouse Before Christmas by Tracey Turner, illustrated by Jenny Løvlie, published

by Sunbird Books, a very appealing mouse version of the famous poem. The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis, published by Walker, a poem celebrating the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. Oxford have republished The Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith - a beautiful retelling of the birth of Christ.

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Vanessa, Simon and the Blackbird

We believe that all details are correct at the time of going to print but cannot accept any responsibility for mistakes or omissions. We try to ensure all events featured will be enjoyed by younger children but in some instances we cannot test this and have to rely on the opinions of the organisers. When you have finished with this magazine please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

Please mention us to advertisers 2

Contact us at: “Blackbird Pie”, Flying Pig Publishing, 3 Basset Place, Falmouth, Cornwall. TR11 2SS  post@blackbirdpie.co.uk  01326 314242 www.blackbirdpie.co.uk

CHRISTMAS HOLDAYS

A festive celebration of light

Discovery Quay, Falmouth

PAY ONCE, GET IN FREE FOR A YEAR!

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NMMC.CO.UK

Book your tickets via our website:

www.junglejacks.co.uk

What’s on this winter Heartlands, Pool, 4 & 5 Dec: Christmas Market, free entry, 10am to 4pm, entertainment, gifts, and seasonal tasty treats.

4 & 5, 18 & 19 Dec: Santa’s Grotto. Come meet Santa and his helpers - Mrs Claus and elves - in his magical, winter wonderland grotto. £7 per child includes gift, pre-book on www.heartlandscornwall.com/events/ Cornwall Hospice Care have some very different challenges for you and your Santa suit!

You can still get on your bike for the Wadebridge to Padstow Santa Cycle, but how about the Santa Paddle on your paddle board or kayak, or an amazing Santa Skydive?! Taking part will help keep beds open and nurses caring at the Mount Edgcumbe and St Julia’s Hospices, so get involved, raise some funds, and have fun in a Santa suit! Sponsored by Ann’s Cottage. Sign up at www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk/santas2021 The Box, Plymouth’s major new museum, gallery and archive, have lots of fun for all the family this Christmas. Saturdays & Sundays from 27 Nov: creative workshops making books, candle holders, cards, gift tags, wrapping paper, marbled paper & decorations. 19 Dec: get in the festive spirit with a special out of hours (from 6pm) ‘Christmas Late’ in the galleries with craft activities, all for just £5. The highly popular ‘Breakfast with Santa’ is back from 27 Nov to 19 Dec at The Box Kitchen & Bar. Book on www.theboxplymouth.com.

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This Winter enter the Heligan Night Garden for an enchanting lantern experience in the atmospheric Lost Gardens; various dates between 20 Nov and 2 Jan with additional dates for 2021/22. The gardens will be beautifully lit by traditional paraffin lanterns and a breath-taking display of flora and fauna lanterns, set within Heligan’s much-loved and iconic locations. Follow the 12 Days of Christmas trail, toast marshmallows & chestnuts, and meet the Christmas donkeys (from 18 Dec onwards). Pre-book all tickets Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance.

FREE family activities - Arty Afternoons Saturdays 2.30 to 3.30pm; baby & parent sessions, Mondays fortnightly 10 to 11.30am; pre-schooler sessions, Tuesdays, fortnightly, 1 to 2.30pm. penleehouse.org.uk 01736 363625 3 to 30 Dec: Christmas at the Eden Project. The enchanting Rainforest will be awash with colourful lights and the waterfall will be beautifully illuminated, The Med Biome will sparkle festively and enjoy live music. Skate on the ice rink, and from 3 to 24 Dec, meet Father Christmas and his elves. (Additional cost for Santa and skating), pre-book https://www.edenproject.com/visit/book-tickets Trebah Garden of Light (see cover). This Christmas season join a magical evening lantern procession winding along Trebah’s sub-tropical pathways to firelit festivities on the beach; navigate by the warm glow of your lantern and watch mesmerising flames and reflections on the shoreline. As you return explore the garden through tunnels of twinkling lights and lantern installations by Tony Crosby (Truro City of Lights), Laura Francis Martin (Illuminate Festival) and by schools across Cornwall. 4.30 to 9pm. Pre-book on www.trebahgarden.co.uk £8.50 adults / £6.50 child (members 10% discount). Make a lantern to guide your family to the beach (£4, pre-booking essential) Christmas at Dairyland Farm Park - 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 to 24 Dec: stroll in the park, take in the spectacular light display and singing Reindeer, toast marshmallows and enjoy outdoor & indoor play. Visit the animals in the Hay Barn and Bug Zone then join Santa’s elves for a craft workshop and Storytime with the wise old Elf. All free with park entry. Visit Santa & his elves in his winter Grotto (pre-book, £15 per child includes a gift & park entry). Or from 8.30 to 10am, Breakfast & gifts with Santa in the Farmhouse Kitchen!

Raze the Roof soft play, virtual reality & laser tag arena, Penryn. This huge, well-designed indoor play area is perfect for birthday parties. 20 Dec: Christmas Fancy Dress Disco Party, 6 to 9pm, meet Santa in his grotto, disco, prizes for best dressed & disco games, £12 includes Yule dogs, berry juice & a gift from Santa, adults free. RazeVR has virtual reality games for all ages, and for parties.

01326 377481 Email: hello@razevr.fun https://www.razevr.fun/book/ Embrace Dance Fitness, Penryn, have a lovely selection of children’s classes including Zumbini for carers & little ones (3 months to 4yrs) on Mondays & Fridays, and on Thursdays: Zumba® Kids Jr rockin’, high-energy dance for 4 to 6yrs at 3.45pm and Zumba® Kids based on Zumba® choreography but for 7 to 11yrs at 4.45pm. www.embracedancefitness.co.uk 01326 378730 hello@embracedancefitness.co.uk 19 Nov & 17 Dec: Kids’ Discos, £7 per child, at 5.15pm for 5 to 7yrs & 6.30pm for 8 to 11yrs. Then in Jan - drama club for 7 to 11yrs; cheerleading exercises & routines for 5 to 7yrs and 8 to 11yrs; Princess play time - games, singing, stories & dance with princess themes, for ages 4 to 6yrs; and Yin-Yang Yoga for 4 to 8yrs.

Jungle Jack’s, Newquay. Get unlimited access with the Annual Pass. 1,700 square feet of fun including a baby and toddler area, café, free Wi-Fi, free play & entry for under 1s.

Jungle Jack’s Parties are very popular. There is a new, easier booking system on www.junglejacks.co.uk. 01637 852890 or email info@junglejacks.co.uk.

Christmas in Truro On Festive Friday, 19 Nov, the glorious Christmas lights will be switched-on and there will be a parade with Father Christmas, markets & entertainment – the fun starts from 3pm. Pirate FM’s Jonny Cowling & Lucy Start will be broadcasting in Boscawen St. Truro will be extra sparkly with new Christmas lights in the city and for the first time, fun lights in Victoria Gardens.

You can also spot illuminated Christmas reindeer lights decorating many of Truro’s shop windows.

From 24 November enjoy Late Night Shopping every Wednesday along with street food & markets.

New for 2021 on Wednesdays in Dec, Find Father Christmas at Truro Cathedral! A unique walk-about storytelling show with the wonderful Coppice Theatre and a Father Christmas grotto. Coppice Theatre will also be performing their new family walkabout show Jack Frost 5. For details: www.coppicetheatre.co.uk/whats-on Family New Year’s Fireworks display on 31 Dec at 7.30pm.

For more details: www.visittruro.org.uk

Santa Special Trains Return!

Christmas trains are returning to the Bodmin & Wenford heritage steam railway, Cornwall’s only full-sized railway still operated by steam locomotives.

The popular Santa Special trains will be steaming along the track from Bodmin General on 4, 5, 11, 12 and 17 to 24 December in the run up to Christmas.

Photo credit: Jason Ellway

You will be greeted by Santa’s elves at the station, before boarding the steam train to Bodmin Parkway. Whilst aboard the train you can write your letter and wish list to Santa before returning to Bodmin General.

Once back at the main station, you can enjoy doing some Christmas-themed activities before visiting Santa in his unique Victorian coach. Each child will receive an age-appropriate gift.

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Tickets must be booked in advance via bodminrailway.co.uk What's on - continued on page 6 >>>>

Visit Tate St Ives This Winter

Meet Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves £7, pre-booking is highly advisable: heartlandscornwall.com 01209 707308

Heartlands Christmas Market 4 & 5 December 10am to 4pm Stalls selling local crafts Festive treats & beverages Entertainment throughout the day.

No need to pre book.

Entry is FREE! Heartlands, Robinson’s Shaft, Dudnance Lane, Pool, TR15 3QY

Tate St Ives in Colour, light installation by Peter Hudson 2019 © Tate Photo by Kirstin Prisk Winter Festival 2021 Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 November (Extended opening on 27 November, until 7pm) Celebrate the start of the festive season at Tate St Ives Be the first to see the Tate St Ives 2021 Winter Light Commission, AVIARY by artist Sammy Lee, which projects flocks of computer-generated birds onto the domed ceiling of the gallery’s entrance. Discover KEMENETH, a new work by artist Adam James in collaboration with St Ives communities presented at the gallery and around St Ives.

Enjoy the exhibitions alongside pop-up talks, performance, film and online events.

This special programme is for all ages, including activities for families and young people.

Only £1 admission (free for 18 and under) https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-st-ives/festival/winterfestival-2021

FREE ENTRY Ignite your curiosity in science with interactive artworks crafted from reused materials!

Book a timed slot for Reimagining Reality www.discovering42.co.uk

Discovering42 - Reimagining Reality On until 23 December at Narisa Hall, Priory Park, Bodmin Reimagining Reality is an innovative exhibition for Cornwall that will turn your world upside down! Explore the weird and wonderful quirks of science.

Experience an immersive journey along surreal passageways leading to interactive exhibits. This exhibition is designed to be equally engaging for children and adults.

Warning: magnets, loud noises and flashing lights.

To be completely inclusive entrance is free, but donations would be great! www.discovering42.co.uk FB: @discovering42 Insta: @discovering_42

© Sammy Lee Winter Light Commission: AVIARY 26 November 2021 to 9 January 2022 Through the aviary portal between the physical and digital realms, artist Sammy Lee invites us to birdwatch in multi-dimensions The entrance to Tate St Ives will be brought to life with AVIARY, a light project by artist Sammy Lee. Projected across the roof, the movements and activities of computer-generated birds are determined by real-time public datasets. AVIARY is a multi-media installation that will have a 360-degree livestream on the internet. #TateStIvesAVIARY https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-st-ives/exhibition/sammylee-aviary Get your £5 Locals Pass!!

Cornwall resident? Don’t forget our £5 annual Locals Pass gets you unlimited year-round entry to both Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

18s and under get free entry! https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives/tate-st-ives-locals-pass

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A magical ‘All Wrapped-Up’ Christmas event at Camel Creek Adventure Park

From 27 November to 23 December join Camel Creek Adventure Park, near Wadebridge, for a truly magical Christmas wonderland and a whole host of festive activities.

Gasp in awe at one of Europe’s longest Christmas tunnel of lights!

100 metres of glittering magic!

Walk through an enchanted Christmas Tree Forest and enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Say 'hello' to Father Christmas in Santa’s Grotto and be given a special gift.

Swampy and Dina Land will be transformed into Christmas Land.

Join Santa’s Elves for festive arts and crafts in their workshop.

Try ice cones at Dina’s Christmas Shack and visit the Chocolate Factory and Crêpe Hut for delicious winter treats.

All this is on top of the Park’s usual fun and excitement, including the indoor play area at Creeky’s Playhouse, the Carousel and Wave Rider swings. Animal lovers will love The Stables, Reptile House, Meerkat Enclosure and Pony Express.

More special surprises may also be revealed in the countdown to Christmas...

Bookings for Santa are time-slotted, please call 01841 540 276. £15.95 per person and £8 for annual pass holder members.

Opening times: Christmas fun every Saturday and Sunday from 27 November to 23 December, 10am-5pm.

Book visits online today: www.camelcreek.co.uk Camel Creek Adventure Park, near Wadebridge, PL27 7RA

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Indoor Play - Parties - Virtual Reality - Laser Tag Christmas Party razetheroof.co.uk

Mondays

Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays Tuesdays Wednesdays Saturdays to 23 Dec To Feb 2022 19 Nov

From 19 Nov 20 Nov 20 Nov to 2 Jan From 24 Nov

Performing Arts Classes available 26 to 28 in St. Austell, Lostwithiel & Lanivet 26 Nov to 9 Jan Free trials available now!

27 Nov www.tolifeacademy.co.uk

27 & 28 Nov Sats & Sun

fb To Life Academy - Performing Arts from 27 instagram tolifeacademy 27/11..19/12 27 Nov to 23 Dec 27 Nov to 2 Jan 1 to 23 Dec 1 Dec to 2 Jan 1 Dec to 9 Jan 1 Dec to 22 Jan 2 to 11 Dec 3 to 30 Dec

photo - Khalilie Siddiqui

Specialist baby swimming lessons throughout Cornwall

see web-site for details

3 & 5 Dec 3 to 5 Dec 2 to 4 Dec From 4 Dec

Penryn

20 December

Minnows Tales, NMMC, Falmouth, term time, drop-in 11 to 11.30am, stories, songs and rhymes for under 5s, free, adults free with annual pass Free Baby & Parent sessions, Penlee House, Penzance, fortnightly (18 Oct, 1, 15 & 29 Nov) 10 to 11.30am, penleehouse.org.uk 01736 363625 Zumbini & Zumba® Kids, Embrace Dance Fitness, Penryn, Zumbini for toddlers; Zumba® Kids Jr rockin’, high-energy dance for 4 to 6yrs; Zumba® Kids for 7 to 11yrs, based on Zumba® choreography, dates & times see www.embracedancefitness.co.uk 01326 378730 hello@embracedancefitness.co.uk Free Pre-schooler sessions, Penlee House, Penzance, fortnightly (12 & 26 Oct, 9 & 23 Nov) 1 to 2.30pm Nature Bugs, Potager Gardens, Constantine, messy play, nature-activities for toddlers, 01326 341258 Free Arty Afternoons, Penlee House, Penzance, 2.30 to 3.30pm Free Family Art Workshops, Falmouth Art Gallery, drop-in 10 am to 1pm Discovering42: Reimagining Reality, Narisa Hall, Bodmin, explore weird & wonderful quirks of science along surreal passageways & interactive exhibits, free/ donations welcome! www.discovering42.co.uk Eden’s glittering ice rink is back! Sunday mornings & holidays: family fun skates include free use of skating aids, see www.edenproject.com Festive Friday & Christmas lights switch-on, Truro, Father Christmas parade, markets & entertainment – the fun starts from 3pm. See www.visittruro.org.uk Friday night Kids’ Disco, Embrace Dance Fitness, Penryn, £7 per child. 5.15 to 6.15pm for 5 to 7yrs.

6.30 to 7.30pm for 8 to 11yrs. 01326 378730 hello@embracedancefitness.co.uk Christmas in Truro, festive lights in Victoria Gardens 8 to 10am, 2 to 5pm everyday, & until 8pm on Weds, from 24 Nov Illuminated Reindeer Trail in Truro’s shop windows. Saturdays from 27 Nov: street food in Boscawen & main shopping streets, traffic-free 9am to 5pm www.visittruro.org.uk STEAM Explorers, PK Porthcurno, for 7- to 12-ys, free activities, drop-in 10.30 to 12, pkporthcurno.com The Cornish Winter Fair, Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge, www.royalcornwallshow.org Christmas craft fair, Wheal Martyn, St Austell, free entry Heligan Night Garden, enchanting lantern experience in the atmospheric Lost Gardens , 12 Days of Christmas trail, Christmas donkeys (from 18 Dec). pre-book all tickets BIG Christmas Markets & Wednesdays Late Night Shopping, Truro, with street food in Boscawen St from 4pm & main shopping streets traffic-free 3 to 9pm. Every Wed to Sun until 24 Dec: Truro Farmer’s BIG Christmas Market Fowey Christmas Market, shopping, yuletide tipples, entertainment, family fun AVIARY, Tate St Ives, light project by Sammy Lee flocks of computer-generated birds, see page 6, under 19s free & £5 Locals Annual Pass!!

Festive fun & fireworks, Camelford, from 6pm, music, festive entertainment, Father Christmas, Christmas Fayre and late-night shopping; Christmas lights switch on 7pm, fireworks 7.30pm, free parking. 01840 212880 visitcamelford.co.uk Christmas Celebrations, Redruth, 12 to 8pm, Festive Street Theatre, Skate Park Grand Opening, Christmas light switch on 5.30pm, festive evening market, carols & Wassail. www.visitredruth.co.uk The Opening of Winter Festival 2021, Tate St Ives, flocks of computer-generated birds, pop-up talks, performance, film and online events for families, only £1 admission (free for under 19s) see page 6 Creative workshops, The Box, Plymouth, make books, candle holders, cards, gift tags, wrapping paper, marbling paper & decorations just £5, pre-book Breakfast with Santa, The Box, Kitchen & Bar, Plymouth, book www.theboxplymouth.com ‘All Wrapped-Up’ Christmas Wonderland, Camel Creek Adventure Park, near Wadebridge, see page 7, 100m tunnel of lights, Santa’s Grotto, Elves, festive arts & crafts, time-slot bookings call 01841 540 276 Christmas Adventure Quest, Pendennis Castle, follow the trail to find clues dotted around the castle, discover fun facts & festive folklore along the way. Search ‘Events at Pendennis Castle’ and pre-book Christmas at Wheal Martyn, St Austell, woodland crafted reindeer and trails in the grounds, inside decorated Christmas trees, free with entry. 4 & 5 Dec: Bring your dogs as reindeer and children as elves Cinderella, Hall for Cornwall, a spectacular festive treat at the newly transformed Hall for Cornwall, 01872 262466 Tunnel of Lights - Christmas Arctic Adventure, Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown, the underground tunnels transformed with thousands of lights & atmospheric Arctic sounds www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk 01726 69897 The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin, Theatre Royal Plymouth, an extraordinary explorer learns Penguin but when he arrives at the Antarctic will the penguins’ reception be frosty?! With playful energy, puppetry, music, and song, for all the family, age 3+. 01752 267222 Trebah Garden of Light, Mawnan Smith, tunnels of twinkling lights, lantern installations, magical lantern procession to firelit festivities on the beach, £8.50 adult / £6.50 child (Members 10% discount).

Pre-book to make a lantern +£4 Christmas at the Eden Project, twinkling Med Biome, live music, enchantingly lit Rainforest, skating on the ice rink. 3 to 24 Dec: meet Father Christmas and his festive elves.

Pre-book https://www.edenproject.com (additional costs for Santa & skating) Jack Frost 5: Lost in Time, Coppice Theatre, 3 Dec 5.30pm: The Acorn, Penzance. 5 Dec 2pm & 4pm: The Poly, Falmouth. Silly Jack Frost is lost again! Help Celia the Elf search for him across time and hear wonderfully wintery tales along the way! For ages 5+. £5/£6. www.coppicetheatre.co.uk/whats-on Cornwall Hospice Care Santa Skydive challenge, sign up: www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk/santas2021 Baba Yaga’s Christmas Party, Sterts Theatre, Liskeard, a Christmas play with songs, dance & presents from Santa, 2 & 3 Dec: 6pm, 4 Dec: 2pm, adult £8, £6 child (includes gift) 01579 362382 Percy the Park Keeper’s National Trust winter wander trails, 4 to 5, 11 to 23 Dec: Trerice, Newquay, free with entry, 01637 875404. Also, 4 Dec to 3 Jan: Trelissick, near Truro and from 4 Dec: Lanhydrock; both are £2 + entry. Please mention BBP

Plymouth 4 & 5 Dec

4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 to 24 Dec 6 Dec 8 to 24 Dec 9 to 11 Dec 9 to 12 & 16 to 19 Dec 11 Dec 11 & 12 Dec

12 Dec 11 to 24 Dec

12 Dec 13 to 24 Dec 15 & 22 Dec 17 Dec 17 Dec to 15 Jan 18 & 19 Dec 18 Dec to 2 Jan 19 Dec 19 to 24 Dec 20 Dec 20 to 22 20 to 23, 27 to 30 21 Dec 27 Dec 29 to 31 Dec 31 Dec 1 Jan

Christmas Market & Santa’s Grotto, Heartlands, Pool, 10am to 4pm, entertainment, unique gifts, and seasonal tasty treats. Free market entry, Santa’s Grotto, meet Santa, Mrs Claus & elves, £7 per child inc gift, also on 18 & 19 Dec pre-book on www.heartlandscornwall.com/events/ Santa Special Trains! Bodmin & Wenford heritage steam railway, & on 11, 12 and 17 to 24 Dec, see page 5, pre-book bodminrailway.co.uk A Christmas Carol, David Mynne’s mesmerising one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless story (with added silliness), age 9+. 4 Dec, 7.30pm: Praa Sands Community Centre. 5 Dec, CaVE, Callington Town Hall, also 20 to 22 Dec, Minack Theatre Christmas at Dairyland Farm Park, spectacular light display, singing Reindeer, Santa’s elves, craft workshop, storytime, all free with entry, pre-book tickets; visit Santa (£15 inc park entry & gift) www.dairylandfarmpark.com Santa’s Best Ever Christmas, Regal Theatre, Redruth, join Father Christmas and friends in this brand new, festive, musical, interactive adventure for 2- to 7-year-olds. Santa will give every child a present after the show. 01209 216278 The Christmas Mouse, Stiltskin’s Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport, under 5s’ show. stiltskin.org.uk Beauty & the Beast, Lane Theatre, Newquay, £7, Odd Socks Entertainment’s traditional pantomime, 7.30 pm & some matinees 01637 876 945 Enchanted Christmas market, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, stalls, food, Santa, synthetic ice rink, enchantmenteventsuk.com Multistory Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast, Landrake Village Hall, 7pm, an immersive performance full of fun, drama, and pathos. Create simple props beforehand to use in the show. Age 5 to 95+ www.ticketsource.co.uk/carn-to-cove Santa Special Trains! Bodmin & Wenford steam railway, & on 17 to 24 Dec, see page 5, pre-book bodminrailway.co.uk Cornwall Hospice Care Santa challenges, 11 Dec: Wadebridge to Padstow Santa Cycle, 12 Dec: Santa Paddle on your SUP or kayak and raise money, sign up at www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk/santas2021 Christmas Fayre, Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park, Torpoint, from 10am to 4pm, Back for the 17th year, and still fabulous! Santa’s Grotto, craft activities, model railway, living statues, £3 adult, £1 child, parking £1, 01752 822236, please mention BBP The Christmassy Christmas Show! Tolmen Centre, Constantine, 3pm, Squashbox’s quest for The Twelve Sprouts of Christmas with plenty of Christmassy characters. 01326 340630 The Mousehole Cat, Solomon Browne Memorial Hall, Mousehole, magical puppet and live action production of this heart-warming story, see page 11 The Magic Lantern & The Story Thief, Stiltskin’s Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport, a fantastical family show. stiltskin.org.uk Festive Family Fun Day, Wheal Martyn, Christmas arts & crafts, Christmas trees, storytelling sessions, choir, family forest school and reindeer trail in the woods. £10.50 adults, £6 children, £3 for annual pass holders, 10am to 4pm, book on www.wheal-martyn.com Grimm & Grimmer, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Gonzo Moose’s comedy adventure full of hilarious slapstick, verbal wit, live music and a sensational death-defying finale. Age 8+. 01752 267222 Jack Frost 5: Lost in Time, Coppice Theatre, 5pm & 6.30pm: Victoria Gardens, Truro, see 3 & 5 Dec Friday night Kids’ Disco, Embrace Dance Fitness, Penryn. £7 per child. 5.15 to 6.15pm for 5 to 7yrs.

6.30 to 7.30pm for 8 to 11yrs. 01326 378730 hello@embracedancefitness.co.uk Aladdin, Theatre Royal Plymouth, with Joe Pasquale. Expect flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp-full of laughs. 01752 267222 Santa Special Trains! Bodmin & Wenford steam railway, & on 17 to 24 Dec, see page 5, pre-book bodminrailway.co.uk Santa’s Grotto, Heartlands, Pool, meet Santa, Mrs Claus & elves in his winter wonderland grotto. £7 per child inc gift, pre-book on www.heartlandscornwall.com/events/ Lanterns and Lights, NMMC, Falmouth, beautifully lit vessels, merry Make and Takes & starry trails with a magical nautical twist, all free with entry (pay once & get in free for a year), see page 14 ‘Family Christmas Late’, The Box, Plymouth, enjoy the galleries at night with music & craft activities, from 6pm, pre-book Santa is coming! Newquay Zoo, see page 2, pre-book on www.newquayzoo.org.uk Christmas Fancy Dress Disco Party, Raze the Roof, Penryn, 6 to 9pm, meet Santa, disco, best dressed prizes & games, £12 inc Yule dogs, berry juice & a gift from Santa, adults free, www.razevr.fun/book/ David Mynne - A Christmas Carol, Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, (see 4 & 5 Dec) 01736 810181 Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates, KidzRUs, St Ives Theatre, 2 & 6.30pm, kidzrus.net 01736 797007

Jack Frost 5: Lost in Time, Coppice Theatre, 11am & 1pm: Kresen Kernow, Redruth, see 3 & 5 Dec Christmas. Time. The Alverton, Truro, yuletide comedy by Near-ta Theatre. 3pm, 01872 276633 The Piskie in the Garden, Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, 11am, John Brolly’s new one-man show about a hapless gardener who is outwitted by the piskies, with fairy magic, puppets and music. 01736 810181 New Year’s Fireworks Truro: for families at 7.30pm then at Midnight. See www.visittruro.org.uk In Aid of Children’s Hospice Southwest, The Lost Gardens of Heligan will donate all entrance fees for the day to the charity.

12 to 16 Jan Dick Whittington, Regal Theatre, Redruth, RAMPS’ traditional pantomime with magic, music, dancing, and slapstick comedy. 01209 216278 4 to 6 Feb Oi Frog & Friends! Hall for Cornwall, Truro, join Frog, Cat & Dog Live on Stage in the action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books, songs, puppets & rhymes 01872 262466 13 Feb Pop Princesses, Hall for Cornwall, Truro, a musical spectacular starring four fairy-tale princesses who just love to sing! With top hits, songs from films and musicals. 01872 262466

Truro

Great Gift Idea for Christmas

Try out axe throwing!

(other missiles also available) Ideal for letting off some built-up energy Fantastic for adults and children aged 8 & over

Theatre Shows

www.regaltheatre-redruth.co.uk

Follow us to keep up to date! @RegalRedruth

Monday 6th December, matinees Live Stage production.

Musical, festive fun for 2-7 years.

All children receive a gift!

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12th to 16th January 2022

The Regal Theatre, Redruth, 01209 216278 http://redruth.merlincinemas.co.uk/ regal-theatre 6 Dec, Santa’s Best Ever Christmas Join Father Christmas and friends in this brand new, festive, musical, interactive adventure for 2- to 7-year-olds. Santa will give every child a present after the show.

12 to 16 Jan: Dick Whittington, RAMPS’ traditional pantomime with magic, music, dancing, and slapstick comedy, wonderful family show.

Coppice Theatre Company on tour Tickets: www.coppicetheatre.co.uk/whats-on Jack Frost 5: Lost in Time.

Silly Jack Frost is lost again and needs your help. This year Jack has found a time machine and he could be anywhere and anywhen! Disaster! Help Celia the Elf search for him across time and hear wonderfully wintery tales along the way!

For ages 5+. £5/£6. 3 Dec, 5.30pm: The Acorn, Penzance.

5 Dec, 2pm & 4pm: The Poly, Falmouth. 15 & 22 Dec 3.30, 5pm & 6.30pm: Victoria Gardens, Truro. 21 Dec 11am & 1pm: Kresen Kernow, Redruth.

Hall for Cornwall, Truro 01872 262466 hallforcornwall.co.uk 1 Dec to 2 Jan: Cinderella. Join this happy-ever-after Cornish adventure as Cinders is whisked from a pantry to a party via a pumpkin! Packed with all the traditional ingredients of laugh out loud comedy, spectacular dancing, live music and singing with a large sprinkling of Cornish heart and fairy-tale magic. All at the newly transformed Hall for Cornwall.

Book ahead for 4 to 6 Feb: Oi Frog & Friends! Live On Stage, action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books, with songs, puppets, laughs & rhymes.

13 Feb: Pop Princesses, a musical spectacular starring four fairy-tale princesses who just love to sing! With top hits, songs from films and musicals.

Theatre Royal Plymouth theatreroyal.com 01752 267222 1 Dec to 22 Jan: Stuff & Nonsense’s The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin. An extraordinary explorer learns Penguin but when he arrives at the Antarctic will the penguins’ reception be frosty?! With playful energy, puppetry, music and song, for all the family, age 3+ 13 to 24 Dec: Grimm & Grimmer, Gonzo Moose’s comedy adventure full of hilarious slapstick, verbal wit, live music and a sensational death-defying finale. Age 8+ 17 Dec to 15 Jan: Aladdin with Joe Pasquale. Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Expect flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp-full of laughs.

Sterts Theatre, Liskeard. 01579 362382 www.sterts.co.uk 2 to 4 Dec: Baba Yaga’s Christmas Party. Join Sterts Youth Theatre Company, Sterts Singers & Nicky Brice Ballet for a Christmas play with songs, dance and presents from Father Christmas. Adult £8, £6 child (includes gift) David Mynne on tour https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/carn-to-cove A Christmas Carol. A mesmerising one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story with added silliness.

Bah! Humbug! Age 9+. 4 Dec, Praa Sands Community Centre; 5 Dec, CaVE, Callington Town Hall

Stiltskin’s Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport. stiltskin.org.uk Selected dates 8 to 24 Dec: The Christmas Mouse - under 5s’ show.

Selected dates 11 to 24 Dec: The Magic Lantern and The Story Thief - a fantastical family show.

Lane Theatre, Newquay 01637 876945 lanetheatre.co.uk 9 to 11 Dec 7.30 pm & some matinees: Beauty and the Beast, £7, Odd Socks Entertainment’s traditional pantomime.

Landrake Village Hall https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/carn-to-cove 11 Dec 7pm: Multistory Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast, an immersive performance full of fun, drama and pathos. Create simple props beforehand to use in the show. Age 5 to 95+ Tolmen Centre, Constantine 01326 340630 12 Dec 3pm: The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! Join Squashbox on a quest for The Twelve Sprouts of Christmas and meet a host of Christmassy characters.

Kidz R Us, St Ives Theatre, kidzrus.net 01736 797007 20 to 23, 27 to 30 Dec, 2 & 6.30pm: Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates, buckle your swash and set sail with Robinson, Captain Seasalt and Nutty Nick into a world of adventure and hilarity. You’ll meet a host of colourful characters along the way, together with a band of marauding pirates.

Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, 01736 810181 www.minack.com 20 to 22 Dec: David Mynne - A Christmas Carol (see opposite) 29 to 31 Dec, 11am: storytelling performances - The Piskie in the Garden. John Brolly’s new one-man show about a hapless gardener who is outwitted by the piskies, with fairy magic, puppets and music.

The Alverton, Truro, 01872 276 633 thealverton.co.uk 27 Dec 3pm: Christmas. Time. Special yuletide comedy performance

by Near-ta Theatre.

Solomon Browne Memorial Hall, Mousehole It wouldn’t be Christmas without Mowzer...

Cousin Jack’s stage adaptation of ‘The Mousehole Cat’ returns to the heart of Mousehole this Christmas, at the Solomon Browne Memorial Hall.

The Blackbird loves this production, ‘It’ll warm the cockles of everyone’s hearts... almost as much as an ‘efty portion of stargazy pie!’

The charming hour-long show is based on Antonia Barber’s heart-warming version of a Cornish legend, of desperate famine averted by the brave actions of fisherman, Tom Bawcock, and his faithful cat, Mowzer. This transfixing performance with actors and an utterly convincing life-size cat puppet is accompanied by folk music and songs.

Make a night of it and enjoy Mousehole’s famous Christmas lights before or after the show.

Cousin Jack’s Covid precautions mean that only half the number of tickets will be available. They sell out every year anyway, so book right away!

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ST IVES THEATRE

PANTO

Pirates and the

20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 & 30 December 2021 at 2pm & 6.30pm Registered Charity No. 1071443

The

Mousehole

www.kidzrus.net

CO 01 TIC US 872 KE IN 24 TS JA 8 CK 53 S.O 1 RG

Cat

by Antonia Barber Adapted by Alan M Kent

11-24 DECEMBER

ON STAGE IN MOUSEHOLE

Are you ready?

Every 20 minutes a young person comes into care and needs to be placed with a foster family in the UK. In Cornwall that means nearly 500 children and young people are in care at any given time. Cornwall Council’s Together for Families works tirelessly to help every single child in its care to thrive and reach their full potential.

Change a child’s life forever

There are many reasons why children need foster care - illness in the family might mean a child can’t be looked after at home for a short while, or a longer-term issue means they need care in a stable and nurturing environment for an extended period of time.

Thinking about fostering?

Cornwall Council’s Together for Families fostering service manager, Julie Goodwin explained: ‘We have truly amazing carers in Cornwall but the national trend suggests there are fewer new carers coming forward, so if you’ve got the time and you are ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.’

Are you ready to make a difference to a child’s life by fostering?

Then go for it! Cornwall Council urgently needs foster carers from all walks of life to reflect the diversity of the children in their care, especially if you could take on a sibling group.

We’ll be with you every step of the way www.fosterincornwall.co.uk or call: 01872 323 638

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For more information visit www.fosterincornwall.co.uk or call 01872 323 638 and speak to our friendly fostering team.

Newquay Orchard,

In Our Nature

It’s in our nature to worry, feel lonely or lose confidence in ourselves sometimes, but together we can learn to overcome these feelings.

By making new friends and spending time outdoors at Newquay Orchard we can reconnect with nature and each other.

Grown-ups can also find time to connect with nature, get some fresh air and treat themselves to a coffee and cake at Canteen at the Orchard.

With clean air to breathe, a place to move our bodies and ground to grow food to nourish us, our environment can heal us.

Newquay Orchard is an urban greenspace in the heart of Newquay, built by the community, for the community, helping people reconnect with nature through education programmes, community events and human connection. Over 6 years and working with over 800 volunteers, we plant trees, care for our environment, and inspire change. We grow organic vegetables, and we help to grow futures.

We have a community café and 7 acres of green space to explore.

Caring for the environment and Newquay’s community is in our nature. Come and be a part of it.

At Newquay Orchard, youngsters can rewild, make some music on the pots and pans drumkit, forage for wild herbs or stalk through the long grass on a wildlife spotting adventure.

www.newquayorchard.co.uk/inournature

Coming up at Newquay Orchard: Winter Wassail in January 2022. Bless the orchard and ward off bad spirits with the Newquay Orchard team in the annual celebration. keep an eye on social media for details. #InOurNature

Newquay Orchard is working in partnership with organisations across Cornwall as a part of the Cornwall Council and Volunteer Cornwall Injection of Nature campaign - a campaign focussed on helping people across Cornwall to re-engage with nature this winter.

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Tis The Season To Be Jolly!

Lanterns and Lights 2021 at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall

TRA LA LA LA LA…. cough cough sneeze As the Norwegians say, there’s no such thing as bad weather….

Only bad clothing.

Simon Williams - Advanced Paramedic

This coming winter will be one of people talking about climate change.

One thing that stays the same are seasonal minor illnesses like colds that catch us out from time to time. Most often they are plain inconvenient and just a little bit uncomfortable.

The best medicine is often good rest, allowing yourself time to heal and copious fluids (non-alcoholic!).

Common cold Symptoms can include:

From beautifully lit vessels to merry Make and Takes and starry trails, Christmas at the NMMC has a Lanterns and Lights theme with a magical nautical twist.

Decked in festive lights and sparkly stars, traditional wooden boats carry Christmas cheer. Using the Flying Flotilla, hung high from the Museum’s ceiling, the boats are lit with subtle ocean-coloured hues and set amongst glistening star bursts.

•

A congested or runny nose

•

Painful sinuses

• • • • • • • •

Sweating and fever A hoarse voice A mild cough which may develop sputum A headache Feeling sick (nausea) Tiredness and fatigue Swollen glands in your neck Pain when you swallow

Magical Make & Take and Museum Trail Common cold treatment (rest & patience is the best medicine!)

Saturday 18 December to Sunday 2 January Get creative in the Make and Take craft sessions (12 noon to 3.30pm), using light as your inspiration. Join the light trail, dotted throughout the Museum.

Pay once and get in free for a whole year.

•

Do nothing! - Not treating is an option as many common colds are mild and soon get better without treatment.

•

Drink plenty! It is tempting to avoid drinking if it is painful to swallow. You may become mildly dehydrated if you don’t drink much, particularly if you also have a fever. Mild dehydration can make headaches and tiredness much worse.

•

Paracetamol or ibuprofen ease pain, headache and fever.

To keep symptoms to a minimum, take a dose at regular intervals, (don’t take more than the dose advised on the packet. Note: some people are not able to take ibuprofen, so always read the packet label).

•

Lozenges, gargles, sprays and decongestants from pharmacies or supermarkets can be soothing for a sore throat and help ease a bunged-up nose. Sucking boiled sweets, ice and ice lollies can also help. Inhaling the decongestants or using a sinus wash is a very effective way of easing sinus pain.

Minnows Tales Weekly storytelling and sing-along for under 5s at 11.00am every Monday during term time. Drop in for a lively half-hour of stories, songs and rhymes. Minnows Tales is FREE as part of the Museum’s annual admission fee.

•

Fascinating interactive online trails & crafting projects Do take a look at the museum’s excellent online trails and craft activities to do at home.

Our favourite is: nmmc.co.uk/2021/ 02/science-of-the-seaonline-trail/ nmmc.co.uk/2020/11/ make-and-take-at-home/

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Use a tissue and wash your hands well to help prevent spread of your infection.

Antibiotics are not always useful and should not routinely be sought.

Save them for when you REALLY need them.

If in doubt call 111. You can also get help or advice on www.111cornwall.nhs.uk

NHS Cornwall 111 much more than a helpline

Make Christmas decorations

Blackbird Reads Best Books of 2021

by Deborah Wright

Percy Pengelly and Tumbili the Monkey

by Jenny Steele Scolding, illustrated by Andy McPherson, published by Serpentine This is the second Percy book, and he’s left the circus because he wobbled too much and now he works as a chimney sweep in a little Cornish seaside town. When a cheeky monkey sails into the harbour aboard a fine two-masted sailing ship he steals Mrs. Trewin’s mobile phone, and a chase begins. It’s all very Cornish, with Percy using a pasty to lure Tumbili into his waiting arms. Lively illustrations and a rollicking story make this a perfect book to share with a 2+ child.

Mole in a Black and White Hole

by Tereza Sediva, published by Thames and Hudson There’s a cut out mole hole on the front cover, and beautiful lino cut illustrations in this unusual book about venturing outside our comfort zones. Mole is happy in his dark underground world until a radish pokes its way into his tunnel, and he is gradually tempted to search for colour and light and the blush of the sun. A palette of orange and green and yellow contrasts with mole’s black and white subterranean world. For 3+ Once There Was a Bear: Tales of Before it all Began…

by Jane Riordan, illustrated by Mark Burgess, published by Farshore (an inprint of Harper Collins) It’s very brave to write a prequel to Winnie-the-Pooh, but this collection of stories, published to mark the 95th anniversary of the children’s classic, is enchanting and is also beautifully illustrated in the style of E.H.Shepard by Mark Burgess. There was once a bear who sat on the shelves of a very grand department store called Harrods. His rounded tummy began to rumble – and you can imagine what might happen next. An absolute joy for all Pooh fans, young and old. For 4+ Frankenstiltskin

by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Freya Hartas, published by Walker A brilliantly scary book in the Fairy Tales Gone Bad series for 7+ readers.

A mixture of Frankenstein and Rumpelstiltskin, starring Briony who is the world’s best taxidermist, or so her proud father boasts. Freya Hartas’ fantastical black and white drawings are on every page, and it will entertain and scare even the most reluctant reader A Natural History of Magick

by Poppy David, illustrated by Jessica Roux, published by Frances Lincoln Th original copy of this book was apparently found in the Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in Cornwall and is an absolutely cornucopia of everything magical. Spells, talismans, sacred trees, familiars, ley lines, alchemy, potions they are all described and beautifully illustrated. Is it all a spoof? Who cares, it’s a handsomely produced book which will absorb children of 8+

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1. Mix 250g flour, 125ml water & 125g salt in a large bowl, to form a soft dough ball (add more flour / water if necessary).

2. Transfer to a floured work surface and mould it or roll it out & cut out shapes.

You can use biscuit cutters, go freeform, or make templates. Flatten areas where you want to glue on beads etc later.

3. Bake on a baking tray for 3 hours or until solid in a low oven.

4. Leave to cool, then paint with gold, silver, festive-coloured paints, allow to dry.

5. Arrange sea-glass, bits of old jewellery, beads etc (charity shop rejects!) and glue them on.

Thank you Aria and Isla

R O F Y D GET REA

S A M T S I R H C 2021

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27 TH & 28 TH NOVEMBER

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