Blackbird Pie 2022 Easter

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Easter holidays 2022 30,000 copies across Cornwall and on-line

BlackbirdPie Blackbird Pie Cornwall’s what’s-on for families What’s on this Easter

Spring calendar 2022

Egg Hunts Glorious gardens Museums, Galleries & arty stuff Theatre shows Yoga & Circus camps Blackbird visits Celtic Tossers NHS 111 advice Outdoor Adventures – cycling, water sports Music-themed books Rainy day ideas Vouchers & offers:

• Be Active • Have Fun • Develop Skills • Make Friends

Coast Activity Programme -

see page 16

National Maritime Museum Cornwall, page 3 Jungle Jacks £1 off, page 7 Paradise Park, page 7 Tate St Ives, page 8 Penzance Taekwon-Do, page 12 English Heritage, page 17 Embrace Dance Fitness, page 18

In this issue: Page(s): 4 to 7 8 9 10 11

What’s on Tate Create Egg hunting at Camel Creek and Enys A World at Sea with NMMC, what can we do to help?

Wonderful water sports with Children’s Sailing Trust. novelEnglish - magical literature courses 12 & 13 Calendar for end of March, April and half of May 14 & 15 Amazing Theatre Shows and some opera and musicals too!

16 COAST activity programme and the dreamy Surya yoga family-friendly festival 17 Blackbird visits Celtic Tossers for axe throwing!!!

18 NHS 111 – more than a helpline.

Cheerleading and the lure of the Pom Pom! 19 On your bike! With Cornwall Bike Project 20 Music Makers themed book review 21 Positive People Programme – help getting back into work 22 & 23 Rainy Day ideas

Dear Readers, Happy Easter!

If, like me, you think Cornish-based chef Emily Scott’s lemon drizzle Bundt cake made with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream looks irresistible then here is a link to the recipe mmmmm! https://www.roddas.co.uk/recipes/emily-scotts-roddas-cornishclotted-cream-lemon-drizzle-bundt-cake/ We have decided that living in Cornwall is like the best family festival ever! This issue has features on so many fabulously different things, from cheerleading, axe-throwing, water sports, yoga festivals, and magical literature courses, to cross country cycling safaris, opera for children, mermaids & King Detritus of the Deep, and do not miss out on guerrilla gardening, interactive science, making sculptures and finding Dragon eggs! What a great place we live in.

Have a wonderful time, 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

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Swamp

What’s on this Spring Theatre shows pages 14 & 15, Indoor play on pages 22 & 23, and plenty more throughout the magazine!

Trebah Ready steady grow! Cornish organic edible experts Rocket Gardens will be taking over at Trebah this Easter. Expect family activities, a themed trail, expert allotment advice and a tractor on the beach with a whole allotment on its trailer! www.trebahgarden.co.uk/events for further details, booking essential.

Hayle Heritage Centre re-opens!

Free - New Millpond map with lots of fun facts 11 April: re-opening and family tours with historian Trevor Smitheram Three new free children’s trails 13 April: family printing workshops with Vikkie Aimers @hayleheritagecentre facebook John Harvey House, 24 Foundry Square, Hayle 01736 757683 www.hayleheritagecentre.org.uk

Swamp Circus run regular classes and festive Sundays every week for children and families at Chyan Cultural Centre, near Penryn, details on www.circokernow.co.uk. 10 April, The popular Chyan Wellbeing Fayre with the amazing Children’s Field and Swamp Circus, 12noon to 6pm, adults £6/ kids £2, www.chyan.org. A day of family fun and wellbeing... healthy food, yoga, music, tai-chi, arts workshops, circus big top, mediation, healing areas, stalls, and children’s area: storytelling, crafts and a vegan Easter egg hunt.

15 to 18 April Easter Circus Camp, 07775857677 office@swampcircus.co.uk Cornwall Heritage Trust connects people with Cornwall’s unique cultural heritage: its landscape, stories, and people.

From discovering our roots and making sense of the world around us to the well-being benefits of nature, they want to inspire everyone who connects with Cornwall to protect and cherish what makes it special.

Become a Member of Cornwall Heritage Trust, help preserve and strengthen Cornwall’s unique heritage and with your CHT card get free entry* to the English Heritage sites in Cornwall, including Tintagel, Restormel, St Mawes, Pendennis & Launceston castles, and Chysauster Ancient Village; 50% off admission to King Edward Mine and 50% off entry to Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum.

Your support means the CHT can preserve Cornwall’s heritage, offer universal access to special places; bring heritage to life with schools’ workshops, community events, improving site signage and developing new ways people can explore heritage digitally. Every penny helps ensure everyone can enjoy what makes Cornwall unique – one and all! www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/ Enys estate, between Penryn and Mylor. 11 to 25 Apr: Dragon Egg Trail, become a dragonologist and help the Cornish Dragon Preservation Society find and catalogue dragon eggs which are hidden in the beautiful gardens and grounds of Enys. All free with garden entry: adults £8, 6- to 17-year-olds £2, under 6s free, family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £18. 30 Apr to 8 May: Bluebell Festival and Art Exhibition – affordable art from 10 talented artists fills the rustic walls of Enys House.

14 to 15 May: Craft Fair. For more information on events and ticket booking visit https://enysgardens.org.uk/whats-on/.

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Bodmin Keep! See page 23.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Nature’s Superheroes! This Easter (9 to 24 Apr), become re-acquainted with some of the world’s most invincible and globally important characters, Nature’s Superheroes!

Discover the heroes of the natural world and the detailed and daily climate-affecting missions they embark on to save the planet.

Heligan Local’s Pass - pay once get in free for a year!

Hayle Heritage Centre is re-opening in April with a range of activities for families through 2022, starting on 11 April with two family tours at 11am & 2pm, around the millpond and Ropeworks with historian Trevor Smitheram, £2.

Pick up a free new Millpond map and leaflet with lots of fun facts to learn whilst exploring the millpond and ropewalk, available at the Centre or as a free download from hayleheritagecentre.org.uk. On 13 April get creative with illustrator Vikkie Aimers’ family printing workshop inspired by Hayle’s beautiful scenery and fascinating history, for age 7+, £5 child, 10 to 11.30am, 12.30 to 2pm or 2.30 to 4pm; book for the guided walks or workshops via email daisy@harveysfoundrytrust.org.uk or call 01736 757683. Can you find Harvey Horse? Three new free children’s trails (for various ages) are available at the front desk; look for him around the centre and fill out a map to get your sticker. @hayleheritagecentre facebook Hayle Heritage Centre.

Kernow Adventure Park is Cornwall’s hidden outdoor activity centre. Located in flooded Kessel Quarry, and flanked by steep walls of granite, this breath-taking 21-acre site near Falmouth feels like more of a nature reserve than an activity centre. Experience the exhilaration of wakeboarding, the hilarity of bouncing around the floating aquapark playground, or skim across the surface like a skipping stone as you ride the ringo. For a slower pace, soak up your surroundings on a stand-up paddleboard.

The Box, Plymouth’s major new museum, gallery, and archive. The Box is all set for some springtime fun over the next few weeks. 12 to 16 April - create some ‘Amazing Animal Puppets’ from a range of craft materials. 18 to 23 April: Fancy being a sculptor? Be inspired by the brand new ‘Breaking the Mould’ exhibition and make a mini sculpture to take home. All these FREE family friendly workshops are from 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30 to 3.30pm, no need to book (you may need to wait for a short while if it’s busy!) www.theboxplymouth.com Falmouth Art Gallery, free entry, and activities. Easter holidays Tues & Weds 12 & 13, 19 & 20 Apr: Free family creative workshops, drop-in 10am to 1pm.

Saturdays: artist-led family drop-in workshops on the first Saturday of the month 10am to 1pm. All other Saturdays: doodle table available all day, self-led creative activity.

See www.falmouthartgallery.com for the Eventbrite link to Baby Paint, Baby Jam and Little Fingers early years’ sessions.

01326 313863.

What's on - continues on page 6 >>>>

Ready steady grow!

Cornish organic edible experts Rocket Gardens will be taking over at Trebah this Easter. Expect family activities, expert allotment advice and tractor-loads of vegetable plants!

Visit our website for further details, booking essential!

www.trebahgarden.co.uk/events

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>>>> What's on - continued from page 5 Easter at Eden, 9 to 24 April. Collect your Easter activity pack for a day seeking, finding, fun and games for the whole family to mark the beautiful signs of spring. Most activities included with entry; pre-booking essential.

Mark’s Ark is a must for children’s parties, suitable for all ages, not forgetting the adults. A fantastic, unique experience, interactive, fact filled, hands-on encounter brining the animals to you.

Teachers, Mark’s Ark provides an array of topics to compliment your classwork. A great opportunity for the children to have a safe encounter, reasonably priced and fully insured. For prices and availability contact Mark. 07761 810900, Email: markwiles3@aol.com marks-ark.co.uk Spring into Nature this Easter holidays at Newquay Zoo and enjoy animal talks and fun, interactive activities every day. With hundreds of animals and 13 acres of lush sub-tropical gardens. Discover red pandas, penguins, lemurs & lynx, and rare and exciting new animals along the way. Travel from the open plains of the African savannah to the tranquil gardens of Japan and South America’s tropical forests. Newquay Zoo is part of Wild Planet Trust, a conservation charity that aims to help halt species decline, so your visit supports education, scientific research, and practical conservation. Visit newquayzoo.org.uk to find out more and pre-book your tickets.

Stuart House Liskeard, Ancient Egyptians Coming to Stuart House!

4 to 23 Apr, 9.30am to 3.30pm, an exhibition that explains simply everything you need to know about mummies and pyramids, gods and pharaohs and much more. Free entry, (closed Wednesdays, Sundays, 15 & 18 Apr) 14 & 21 Apr: Egyptian craft sessions, 10.30am to 12.30pm, for 7- to 11-year-olds, £2.50 includes a drink and biscuit. Parents can look around Stuart House and Garden and visit the café for excellent homemade cakes. Limited places so book on 01579 347347

Paradise Park, Hayle. Have a cracking time on the Easter Golden Egg Challenge around Paradise Park, complete the quiz for a chocolate reward!

Home to over 1,200 birds plus rare red pandas, red squirrels, and playful Asian otters. You’ll meet stunningly colourful birds – including parrots, penguins, Caribbean Flamingos, Red-billed Cornish Choughs, Golden and Bald Eagles, and many more – at this award-winning wildlife sanctuary. Take a ride on Zebedee the Jungle Express Train round the house grounds £1 per person.

The huge indoor ‘JungleBarn’ play centre is fabulous fun with giant slides, challenging soft play and toddlers’ zone.

For details on the discount Return Ticket system see www.paradisepark.org.uk

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Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance. FREE family Easter holiday activities on 14 & 21 Apr, 1.30 to 3.30pm; 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. Afterwards, do visit Penlee Park and the children’s play area. penleehouse.org.uk 01736 363625 Discovering 42 - Reimagining Reality at Narisa Hall, Priory Park, Bodmin Reimagining Reality is an innovative exhibition that will turn your world upside down! Journey along surreal passageways and explore the weird and wonderful quirks of science with interactive artworks crafted from waste materials. This exhibition is designed to be equally engaging for children and adults. Warning: magnets, loud noises and flashing lights. Entrance +18yrs £5, 5 to 17yrs £2.50, under 5s Free www.discovering42.co.uk FB: @discovering42 Insta: @discovering_42 The Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown re-opens on 9 April with an amazing focus on Shackleton; makes me cold just looking at the website! NEW: The Shackleton Experience - the tunnels beneath the Shipwreck Treasure Museum have been transformed into an icy world so you can really imagine what life was like for pioneering polar explorers like Shackleton and his crew.

£1

OFF: book on-line & use code

BBP01OFF

Frozen in Time: the new exhibition explores how cutting-edge technology has changed shipwreck hunting for archaeologists in polar regions; contrasting the historic, early imagery from Shackleton’s famous Endurance adventure, with images from exciting archaeological shipwreck discoveries beneath the Arctic and Antarctic seas including this year’s Endurance22 expedition’s discovery of the wreck of Endurance. https://www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk/ Museum of Global Communications, PK Porthcurno is a fascinating child-friendly museum to explore. Easter PK Pop Up - Tuesdays 12 & 19 Apr: Planet PK Beach Clean 1 to 2pm at Porthcurno Beach, and 1 to 3pm: celebrate Porthcurno’s new Plastic Free Status award by writing inspiring climate action messages in the sand (wear suitable clothing). Thursdays 14 & 21 Apr: make colourful Easter Rainbow branches from brightly coloured fabrics and feathers and buzzing bees from pinecones, 1 to 3pm, at the Clore Learning Space, PK (pictured).

Dairyland Farm Park, near Newquay. Have an egg-ceptional time with daily Easter-themed activities including storytime, Easter craft workshops, an Easter Bunny quiz around the park, meet new-born lambs and bottle feed baby animals. The Farmhouse café are serving Easter picnics too.

There is all the usual Farmtastic Fun - meet the animals in the park, the Haybarn and in the Bug zone; Pat-a-Pet, tractor rides and pony rides will be running daily, and Bull Pen soft play will be open. (Additional charges apply to some activities)

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Tate St Ives

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden t

View of the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden © Bowness. Image © Kirstin Prisk

Tate Create Mon 4 – Sun 24 April 10am – 4pm

£1 admission or free with Locals’ Pass

Free with gallery admission, Tate Membership and Locals’ Pass. 18 and under get free entry Get creative, have fun and join in activities inspired by the amazing artwork in our exhibitions.

Thao Nyguen Phan Until 2 May

Toddle Tate 10 May 2022 10.30am – 12.30pm

© Kirstin Prisk

Play, explore, create and investigate art in these fun sessions for under 5s and their grown-ups. Each month discover a new theme in the galleries, find the paint splats and enjoy our Foyle studio, which will become a space for multi-sensory play and exploring exciting materials.

© Steve Tanner

Get your £5 Locals’ Pass!

Thao Nguyen Phan is internationally renowned for her poetic, multi-layered artworks which explore the historical and ecological issues facing her homeland Vietnam, and consider universal ideas of tradition, ideology, ritual and environmental change. https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-st-ives/exhibition/thaonguyen-phan

Cornwall residents get unlimited year-round entry to Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden for just £5

The Last Weekend – Thao Nguyen Phan

Our rooftop café has spectacular views over the old town of St Ives, Porthmeor Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a must visit for coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Highchairs are available on request.

Sat 30 April, Sun 1 May, Mon 2 May Free with gallery admission, Tate Membership and Locals’ Pass. 18 and under get free entry

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A gallery wide event celebrating regional connections to the exhibition and the collection displays. See dance performances, listen to choirs, and write poetry during this special weekend.

https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives/tate-st-ives-locals-pass

Café and Shop

Our shop offers a unique range of gifts inspired by local landscapes and artists. We stock a wide range of children’s products designed to spark a lifetime of art enjoyment.

Baby change facilities and accessible toilets. Changing Places facility.

Camel Creek Adventure Park

Cornwall’s all-weather family attraction is reopening seven days a week from 9 April.

In a jam-packed fortnight (9 to 24 April) there will be Easter trails, egg-cellent games and every child will win a FREE chocolate Easter egg.

Delighted fans can meet Peter Rabbit on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 April and Sonic the Hedgehog on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 April.

Camel Creek’s exhilarating rides are reopening for Easter. Vertigo and fan favourite, the Morgawr Roller Coaster – inspired by the Cornish sea serpent – whip up adrenalin, while things get wet and wild on Camel Creek’s water rides, Thunder Falls and Raging Rivers.

Swampy and Dina Land is the home of adventurous rides for younger children, including the colourful Clown Coaster, Mega Slide and spinning Dancing Flowers, and over in Creeky’s Playhouse a huge indoor play area provides hours of colourful fun. The Carousel and Wave Rider swings offer a touch of retro charm in contrast to the state-of-the-art 5D Cinematic simulator and its full sensory blast.

Discover everything from reptiles and meerkats to farmyard friends at Creature Creek, from Crocodile Corner to the Shire Horse enclosure.

Cracking fun for all the family this Easter! www.camelcreek.co.uk

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This Easter holidays National Maritime Museum Cornwall are taking care of our natural world with the help of Detritus of the Deep and the Washed-Up Mermaid Monday to Friday, 11am, 1pm & 3pm: Hotch Potch Performance’s special show for National Maritime Museum stars Detritus of the Deep, a larger-than-life showman, king and master of the sea. Hear this gentle giant’s story of coastal adventures and watch him conjure wonders from Cornwall’s waters. His co-star and friend, the Washed-up Mermaid, sings of our seas and asks us a very important question – can we help save our oceans?

This Cornwall-based outdoor arts company create spectacular yet intimate works, with a passion for environmental awareness.

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 April: a verdigris mermaid has washed ashore! Is she more than a simple statue?!

Find Flotsam and catch some bubble blowing, tail flipping fun!

Saturday 9 to Sunday 24 April: Make and Take craft workshops, 12.30 to 3.30pm, create a mask from recycled items.

Saturday 9 to Sunday 24 April: Museum Trail, learn what you can do for our natural world, find clues and win a prize.

What else is at National Maritime Museum Cornwall?

Explore 15 galleries over five floors, visit the Monsters of the Deep exhibition, jump aboard boats, climb the 100-foot Lookout Tower, meet boat builders in the Boatbuilding Workshop, go underwater in the Tidal Zone, uncover ocean adventures and survival stories and sail miniature boats on the Waterfront Boat Pool.

It’s free!

The Easter holiday activities are FREE with the Museum’s annual admission fee. Pay once and get in free for a year.

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Magical Literature Courses for Children

Situated in the heart of Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsular, novelEnglish is a unique educational enterprise, offering a fusion of holistic learning alongside homestay experiences. Courses for children have been running since 2015, and in the intervening years participants have embarked upon literary journeys up the Amazon River (Journey to the River Sea), back in time to Tudor England (Shakespeare’s plays), crisscrossed the shelves of Classic English Literature (Dickens, The Brontës, Austen), and ventured into otherworldly realms (E. Nesbit, Alan Garner, C. S. Lewis, JK Rowling).

You can think of nE courses as merging a ‘summer camp’ holiday with literary adventure! Through reading, drama, discussion and creative writing, the focus is on fostering imagination and learning.

The superb location is core to every nE experience. Full advantage is made of the small homestead base and the area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which it nestles. Multi-day residential courses involve exciting excursions all over Cornwall, and the multi-acre garden is used extensively. You’ll find a broad mixture of courses to suit every need, ranging from single-day to week-long, for ages 6–18.

Watersports Experiences with Children’s Sailing Trust Experience exhilarating watersports with Children’s Sailing Trust (CST) in 2022 – celebrating 25 years of supporting the children of Cornwall by offering an exciting range of watersports courses, sessions and days out for all ages and abilities.

From brushing up on sailing or powerboat skills on the Helford River to taking part in a family fun session at Trevassack Lake, there’s so much going on to get involved in.

Trevassack Lake is an exciting new venture for the CST charity, just ten minutes from Helston. Complementing activities on the Helford River by providing much-needed facilities that allow more people to access the water, this is a space particularly suited to young people with special educational needs and physical disabilities but is open to all.

Whether you’re looking for a children’s holiday course, want to brush up on your sailing skills, launch a kayak or just sit with a coffee at the lakeside cafe, come and join in the fun this Easter: Holiday Sailing Courses – 4 sessions from Monday to Thursday on the Helford River Multi-activity sessions – single sessions with a range of fun activities being held on Trevassack Lake Trevassack Lake Equipment Hire – watersports equipment at an hourly rate, subject to availability Bespoke sessions for groups and parties – have a day to remember with friends and family

Homemade meals, old fashioned fun (think bonfires, boardgames and midnight feasts!) and a rustic approach to living round out the experience. Courses are for small groups only, allowing for friendships to form and activities to be specifically tailored for your child.

Don’t be too surprised when one visit isn’t enough – many participants return time and again!

To see what’s coming up, or for more information, please drop Deborah a line at enquiries@novelenglish.co.uk or visit the website www.novelenglish.co.uk novelEnglish is also an accredited provider of the Arts Award

With every session booked, you’ll be helping create opportunities for local children to get out on the water who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance.

01326 702326 www.childrenssailingtrust.org.uk

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

Mons

FREE Family Art Workshops

Tues Sats 26 Mar ...31 Mar 26 Mar to 2 Apr 27 Mar 1&2 2 Apr 2&3 Apr

www.falmouthartgallery.com for our Easter activities

2 to 24 Apr

4 to 23 Apr 4 to 24 Apr 5 Apr 9 to 24 Apr

10 Apr

TAEKWON-DO PENZANCE

First Month Free

Tuesday 6-7 pm (5-11 years) Tuesday 7-8 pm (11 years +) 07794 538018 barney_tkd@hotmail.co.uk www. tkd.co.uk Mounts Bay Academy Heamoor TR18 3FD

11 Apr 11 to 16 11, 13, 18 & 20 11 to 21 Apr 11 to 23 Apr

Penryn

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 10 to 11.30am, penleehouse.org.uk 01736 363625 Shooting Stars Cheerleading, Embrace Dance Fitness, Penryn, for 5 to 7-year-olds at 3.45pm; All Stars for 8 to 11-year-olds at 4.30pm 01326 378730, see page 18 Monday Night Bike Club, Woody’s Bike Park in Fowey, for 5 to 16-year-olds, see page 19 Free Pre-schooler sessions, Penlee House, Penzance, fortnightly, 1 to 2.30pm Free Arty Afternoons, Penlee House, Penzance, 2.30 to 3.30pm Bike sessions, St Austell, various term-time classes for different abilities, see page 19 Poetry Postie Sally Crabtree, Museum of Cornish Life, Helston, free event in Helston, 12.30 to 1.30pm & 3 to 4pm; free family workshop, 2 to 3pm, interactive song-writing, stories & creative activities.

Book at the Museum or 01326 564027 Dinosaur Quiz Trail, Paradise Park, Hayle, book on paradisepark.org.uk Pirates of the Imagination, Stiltskin’s Theatre, Devonport, swashbuckling imaginative adventure with puppets, colourful comic characters, and shanty singing, for pre-school children+, stiltskin.org.uk Mothers’ Day, British Summer Time begins CinderRilla, Rilla Mill Village Hall, 7.30pm, Rilla Mill Panto Group, tickets - www.stertstickets.co.uk / box office Free artist-led family workshop, Falmouth Art Gallery, drop-in 10am to 1pm, 01326 313863 Cornwall Garden Society’s Spring Flower Show, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, 10am to 5pm, storytelling & children’s competitions, under 16 years free entry, £15 on the gate, 07743 164434 http://www.cornwallgardensociety.org.uk Egg-ceptional Easter activities, Dairyland Farm Park, near Newquay, storytime, Easter crafts, Easter Bunny quiz, meet new-born lambs, bottle-feed baby animals, tractor & pony rides, Bull Pen soft play, see page 23 Easter Adventure Quest, Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, traditional Easter games (egg rolling and egg & spoon races), explore the castle for clues & challenges, track down Easter eggs for a chocolate treat and an adventurer’s certificate! See page 15 Easter egg hunt & nature trail, NT Godolphin, 10-5pm, entry price + trail £3 per child inc trail map, pencil, and chocolate egg, booking not needed; please mention BlackbirdPie Ancient Egyptians! Stuart House, Liskeard, 9.30am to 3.30pm, all you need to know about mummies and pyramids, gods and pharaohs and more! Free entry, (closed Wed, Sun & 15 & 18 Ap) 14 & 21 Ap: Egyptian craft sessions, 10.30am to 12.30pm, 7- to 11-yrs, £2.50 inc drink & biscuit, book on 01579 347347 Tate Create, 10am to 4pm, creative activities inspired by the amazing exhibitions, free with admission, Tate Membership or Locals’ Pass. 18s and under free entry. Get your unlimited year-round entry £5 Locals’ Pass! https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives/tate-st-ives-locals-pass The Kiss That Missed, Five Islands Academy, Isles of Scilly, 10am & 4pm, David Melling’s Knightly Tales adapted for the stage by John Brolly, www.carntocove.co.uk A World at Sea - taking care of our world, NMMC, Falmouth, on various days meet Detritus of the Deep & the Washed-up Mermaid, shows, stories, create recycled masks, ‘help the natural world’ trail, see page 10 All FREE with admission - pay once and get in free for a year Ready steady grow! Trebah Gardens, family activities with Cornish organic, edible experts Rocket Gardens, themed trail, expert allotment advice & tractor-loads of vegetable plants!

Details on www.trebahgarden.co.uk/events, booking essential Easter fun, Camel Creek Adventure Park, Easter trails, egg-cellent games and a FREE chocolate Easter egg per child. 12 & 13 Apr: meet Peter Rabbit. 19 & 20 Apr: meet Sonic the Hedgehog Easter Golden Egg Challenge, Paradise Park, Hayle, quiz & chocolate rewards! Ride Zebedee the Jungle Express Train round the house grounds £1pp, discounted return tickets see www.paradisepark.org.uk Easter at Eden, Easter activity packs with fun and games, pre-booking essential National Trust Easter egg hunts & nature trails, at Cotehele, Trelissick, Trerice, Glendurgan, Pentire near Polzeath. Also, 9-18 Apr at Lanhydrock & 10-24 Apr at Trengwainton & 12-21 Apr at Antony; entry price + trail £3 per child includes trail map, pencil and chocolate egg, booking not needed; please mention BlackbirdPie. Times vary, details on https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/easter-egg-hunts-in-the-south-west Play Opera Live, TRP, Plymouth, 3pm, lively and accessible concerts with fun facts and singalongs, meet WNO singers and orchestra. Free pre-concert family activities from 1pm, theatreroyal.com 01752 267222 Chyan Wellbeing Fayre, Chyan Cultural Centre, near Penryn, with the amazing Children’s Field and Swamp Circus, 12noon to 6pm, adults £6/ kids £2, www.chyan.org. A day of family fun and wellbeing... healthy food, yoga, music, tai-chi, arts workshops, circus big top, meditation, healing areas, stalls and children’s area: storytelling, crafts and a vegan Easter egg hunt Hetty Feather, Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Roll Up! for a circus of dreams, booking see page 15, minack.com Re-opening & family tours, Hayle Heritage Centre, 11am & 2pm, around the millpond and Ropeworks with historian Trevor Smitheram, £2, book via email daisy@harveysfoundrytrust.org.uk or 01736 757683.

New free Millpond map & trails, hayleheritagecentre.org.uk Shrek the Musical, The Keay Theatre, St Austell, crbo.co.uk 01726 63513 The Kiss that Missed, Minack Theatre, 4pm, David Melling’s delightful Knightly Tales with songs, adapted by John Brolly Easter Fun, Wheal Martyn, make Easter ceramics, fantasy eggs, try basket weaving, bonnet making, & paint bug houses, drop-in 10.30am to 3.30pm, (not 15 & 16 Ap) £1 to £3.50, all ages welcome, 01726 850362 engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com Please mention BlackbirdPie Easter Family Fun, Bodmin Keep, make paper beads & pots inspired by Make Do & Mend, discover how wartime soldiers kept clean & healthy, Curator’s Curiosities sessions, learn about WW1 nurses and medics with a medical historian 16 Apr: Second World War Re-enactment. See page 23 for daily programme

Look who’s over there?

HAVE A REALLY WILD TIME

Brilliant for kids’ parties, play groups, schools, fun days!

Tel: 07761 810900

www.marks-ark.co.uk 11 to 24 Easter Egg Hunt, Heartlands, see https://www.heartlandscornwall.com 11 to 25 Dragon Egg Trail, Enys, near Penryn, become a dragonologist, find dragon eggs in the beautiful gardens, free Apr with entry, see page 9 Watersports Experiences, Children’s Sailing Trust, Trevassack Lake near Helston, holiday sailing courses, multi-activity sessions, watersports equipment hire, bespoke group sessions, lakeside cafe, 01326 702326 www.childrenssailingtrust.org.uk 12 to 14 Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates, Kidz R Us, St Ives, 2 & 6.30pm, & 19 to 21 Apr, buckle your swash and set Apr sail to a world of adventure and hilarity 01736 797007 12 to 16 Amazing Animal Puppets workshops, The Box, Plymouth, FREE family friendly workshops, drop-in 10.30am Apr to 12.30pm & 1.30 to 3.30pm, www.theboxplymouth.com The Addams Family, HfC, Truro, smash hit Broadway musical comedy, for age 8+, 01872 262466 hallforcornwall.co.uk 12, 13, Free creative workshops, Falmouth Art Gallery, free entry and activities, drop-in 10am to 1pm 19 & 20 01326 313863 12, 14, Easter PK Pop Ups, Museum of Global Communications, Porthcurno, 12 & 19 Apr: Planet PK Beach Clean 19 & 21 1 to 2pm, Porthcurno Beach; 1 to 3pm: climate action messages in the sand. 14 & 21 Apr: make Easter Apr Rainbow branches and buzzing bees from brightly coloured fabrics, feathers & pinecones, 1 to 3pm, Clore Learning Space, PK 13 Apr Family printing workshops, Hayle Heritage Centre, with illustrator Vikkie Aimers, inspired by Hayle’s history, age 7+, £5 child, 10 to 11.30am, 12.30 to 2pm, or 2.30 to 4pm; book via email daisy@harveysfoundrytrust.org.uk or 01736 757683. Free new Millpond map & trails 13 to 17 David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy! Theatre Royal Plymouth, & audio described performance on 16 Apr 2pm, Apr 01752 267222 14 & 21 Free family fun, Penlee House, free family Easter holiday activities, drop-in 1.30 to 3.30pm; Apr penleehouse.org.uk 01736 363625 15 to 18 Easter Circus Camp, Chyan Cultural Centre, near Penryn, 07775857677 office@swampcircus.co.uk 16 Apr Second World War Re-enactment, Bodmin Keep, find out about life during wartime with objects, uniform, & friendly re-enactors, 10am to 4pm, see page 23 16 & 17 Kids’ Easter Parties, 16 Apr, 2 to 5pm: Threemilestone Community Centre; 17 Apr, 1 to 4pm: Dracaena Apr Centre, Falmouth; Easter Bunny, chocolate eggs, puppet show, bonnet competition, music, party games, prizes, kids toy corner, £5 child /babies free, all ages welcome, 07921 761056 fb.me/e/4AGdKRRjf 18 to 23 Fancy being a sculptor? The Box, Plymouth, make a mini sculpture to take home inspired by the brand new Apr ‘Breaking the Mould’ exhibition, FREE family friendly workshops, drop-in 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30 to 3.30pm, www.theboxplymouth.com 19 to 21 Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates, Kidz R Us, St Ives, 2 & 6.30pm, 01736 797007 20 Apr Spring Family Day, Siblyback Lake, Spring-themed activities with the Environment Rangers - woodwork, environmental art, and self-lead trail, 10am-1pm or 1.30-4.30pm. £3 child, £2 adult; wear sturdy shoes/boots. https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk Children’s Bike Safari, St Austell/Porthpean/Pentewan, see page 19 21 Apr So, You Think You Know About Dinosaurs, Launceston Town Hall, 3pm, interactive show with dinosaur aficionado Professor Ben Garrod & BBC’s ‘Planet Dinosaur’. Age 5+, 01566 773693 www.launceston-tc.gov.uk Free family fun, Penlee House, free Easter activities, 1.30 to 3.30pm; penleehouse.org.uk 01736 363625 21 & 23 Cross country & downhill cycling, Cotton Wood, Nanstallon, 21 Apr: coaching with national downhill racer Apr Jay Williamson and TCBP coaches. 23 Apr: Entry level downhill cycling event, see page 19 22 Apr Celebrate Earth Day & Bike Safari, Goss Moor, St Dennis, nature trail & new bike trails, see page 19 22 to 24 Porthleven Food Festival, chef’s theatre, food market, street food, music day & night, free family Apr entertainment, no tickets - donations if you can afford to, https://www.porthlevenfoodfestival.com 23 Apr Roseland Festival https://www.roselandfestival.co.uk to 7 May 26 to 30 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Theatre Royal Plymouth, smash-hit London Palladium Apr production, 01752 267222 29 Apr Scratchworks Theatre Company’s The Grimm Sisters, Lambeage Hall, Coverack, 7.30pm, twisted tales with a marvellous mix of comedy, singing & live music www.carntocove.co.uk 30 Apr Bluebell Festival and Art Exhibition, Enys, near Penryn, fabulous bluebells & affordable art displayed in Enys to 8 May House 3 to 7 School of Rock – The Musical, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning West End May show 01752 267222 6 to 14 Fowey Festival of Art & Literature 01726 832580 7 May Flora Day, Helston Katie’s Black Hole Adventures, St Day Old Church, 2pm, fun, frolics, musical fusion and a little bit of science with Little Trebiggan Theatre, https://www.stdayoldchurch.org/events Artist-led family workshop, Falmouth Art Gallery, drop-in 10am to 1pm 01326 313863 10 May The Ballroom Boys: Act II, Regal Theatre, Redruth, perfect for Strictly fans… 7.45pm 13 to 15 St Ives Food & Drink Festival, artisan tents, food and drinks vendors, live music, chef demos, bouncy slide, May sports games, face painting, circus activities; free daytime entry & under 12s free entry. Evening music sessions: under 12s free, stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk 14 May Callington Mayfest, singing, music, children’s theatre, craft stalls etc callingtonmayfest.weebly.com 14 to 15 Craft Fair, Enys, near Penryn, enysgardens.org.uk May Fireman Sam Live! Theatre Royal Plymouth, an all singing, dancing, action-packed show, 10.30am & 1.30pm 01752 267222 20 May Jienkyo Kuuki, Launceston Town Hall, free show 1pm, & workshop 3.45pm, especially for young children.

Dancers and musicians invite the air to be touched, felt and heard, pre-book www.carntocove.co.uk

Free family fun at Penlee House

•family activities every Saturday and in school holidays •Little Penlee: Baby and Parent sessions fortnightly on Mondays •Little Penlee Explorers 2½ to 4 years old fortnightly on Tuesdays Penlee House Gallery & Museum Morrab Road, Penzance, TR18 4HE 01736 363625 info@penleehouse.org.uk www.penleehouse.org.uk @PenleeHouse

Theatre Shows Pic - Kidz R Us

Stiltskin’s Soapbox Children’s Theatre Devonport. stiltskin.org.uk 26 Mar to 2 Apr: Pirates of the Imagination. Join Stiltskin for a swashbuckling imaginative adventure with puppets, colourful comic characters, and shanty singing for pre-school children and up.

Museum of Cornish Life, Helston. Book at the Museum or 01326 564027 26 Mar: Poetry Postie Cornwall’s Sally Crabtree will be out in Helston Town with a free event 12.30 to 1.30pm & 3 to 4pm.

Free Family Workshop: 2 to 3pm, interactive song writing, stories and creative activities.

Rilla Mill Village Hall tickets via www.stertstickets.co.uk/ box office 1 & 2 Apr 7.30pm: CinderRilla, Rilla Mill Panto Group; expect lots of giggles and fun for the whole family.

Five Islands Academy, Isles of Scilly www.carntocove.co.uk 5 Apr 10am & 4pm The Kiss That Missed. David Melling’s delightful series of Knightly Tales adapted for the stage by actor and storyteller John Brolly and The Minack Theatre.

Theatre Royal Plymouth theatreroyal.com 01752 267222 10 Apr 3pm: Welsh National Opera present Play Opera Live. Free family activities in the foyer from 1pm before a fun-filled show of singalongs and classical music From Marvel to Mozart, this interactive family concert, presented by the incredible Tom Redmond, is a great way to introduce children to classical music. wno.org.uk/playoperalive

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13 to 17 Apr (Audio described performance 16 Apr 2pm): David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy! Uber-rich Joe Spud leaves his posh school for the local comp where life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can’t buy! Age 5+, 26 to 30 Apr: The smash-hit London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Alexandra Burke and Jac Yarrow.

3 to 7 May: School of Rock – The Musical. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning West End show about a wannabe rock star teacher at a prestigious school… mind-blowing rock ensues!

14 to 15 May, 10.30am & 1.30pm: Fireman Sam Live! An all singing, dancing, action-packed show. With a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?

30 & 31 May, 11am, 1 & 3pm: Underwater – a beautiful multisensory dance theatre piece, especially for babies aged 0 to 2. A ballerina wakes and finds herself in an ocean of blue lights and bubbles with a friendly dancing octopus. Family rates available.

The Keay Theatre, St Austell CRBO on 01726 63513 http://www.crbo.co.uk/ 11 to 16 Apr: St Austell AOS present Shrek the Musical; based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, this fairy tale adventure features all new songs and a side-splitting book. St Austell AOS recently won the National Operatic and Dramatic Association award for Best Comedy Hall for Cornwall, Truro 01872 262466 hallforcornwall.co.uk 12 to 16 Apr: The Addams Family smash hit Broadway musical comedy, for age 8+.

Launceston Town Hall 01566 773693 www.launceston-tc.gov.uk 21 Apr at 3pm: So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs, the hit stage show starring dinosaur aficionado Professor Ben Garrod. An interactive, educational, and highly entertaining show using film footage from the BBC’s ‘Planet Dinosaur’. Age 5+, adult £15, child £12.50 Kidz R Us, St Ives Theatre, kidzrus.net 01736 797007 12 to 14 & 19 to 21 Apr, 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 the band of marauding pirates you can see in the title picture.

Lambeage Hall, Coverack. www.carntocove.co.uk 29 Apr 7.30pm: Scratchworks Theatre Company’s The Grimm Sisters.

Grimm’s twisted tales with a marvellous mix of comedy, singing & live music. You know the Brothers Grimm? Their sisters were the true brains behind the books, but thanks to a treacherous father and a nasty curse, you won’t have heard of them till now...

Sterts Theatre, Upton Cross, 01579 362382 www.sterts.co.uk Look out for Sterts Youth Theatre Company Juniors production Matilda the Musical scheduled for May…

Bedruthan Hotel Open-air Theatre 7 & 8 May, 2 & 6pm: Heartbreak Theatre and David Walliams’ Awful Auntie. Book via enquiries@createcornwall.co.uk or bedruthan.com Regal Theatre, Redruth 10 May 7.45pm: The Ballroom Boys: Act II. Perfect for all those families who are Strictly fans… The Ballroom Boys, double-act Ian Waite and Vincent Simone, return with their brand-new show after the roaring success of their 5-star-rated 2019 tour. The fabulous 'Strictly Come Dancing' stars promise a wonderful evening of oldfashioned variety – dance, comedy and song; with beautiful costumes and world class routines including the Viennese Waltz, the Foxtrot, the Rhumba and an incredible Argentine Tango!

Launceston Town Hall www.carntocove.co.uk 20 May: Jienkyo Kuuki This show 1pm, and workshop 3.45pm, are especially for young children and their families. Dancers and musicians take us on a journey, and invite the air to be touched, felt and heard in a delicate, welcoming, safe space.

(Kuuki is the Japanese word for air). Free but pre-book.

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The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno Roll Up! for a circus of dreams with Hetty Feather this Easter, 10 to 21 April. Hetty Feather hates her cruel life at the Foundling Hospital and longs to find her true mother. Only her courage and imagination give the determined little redhead the strength to keep her hopes alive but when she encounters the glamourous, flame-haired circus performer, Madame Adeline, her dreams become dangerously entangled with the perils that lurk in the real world.

Adapted by Emma Reeves from the popular children’s books by Jacqueline Wilson, this imaginative stage version will have surprises and delights for both fans and newcomers to the story.

Find out more at minack.com Advance booking essential 11, 13, 18 & 20 Apr at 4pm: The Kiss that Missed. David Melling’s delightful series of Knightly Tales is brought to life with songs and, of course, plenty of kisses bouncing around. Adapted by actor and storyteller John Brolly and The Minack Theatre, with original music by Ben Sutcliffe.

21 Jun to 1 Jul: The Firework-Maker's Daughter, Minack Production.

An opera for families based on Philip Pullman’s magical novel. This enchanting tale of goddesses and demons, pirates and lovesick elephants is captured perfectly in David Bruce’s vibrant music and Glyn Maxwell’s witty libretto. Commissioned by the Royal Opera House and nominated in the 2014 Olivier Awards for Best New Opera Production. Co-production by The Minack & Tête á Tête.

Image credit: © Mike Newman

St Day Old Church 7 May 2pm: Little Trebiggan Theatre’s Katie’s Black Hole Adventures.

Katie’s 10th birthday Science kit is lethal! She manages to open a black hole into which her noisy Dad gets sucked! Expect fun, frolics, musical fusion and a little bit of science.

Coast Activity Programme promises massive amounts of fun!

Come along and discover all sorts of exciting activities and sports.

This is a fantastic opportunity for children to be active, make friends, develop new skills, and have fun - as well as supporting their health, wellbeing and so much more.

Coast Activity programme’s vision is to get all children active in Cornwall; to improve our children’s health and wellbeing through active learning, in a friendly, safe and inclusive environment. The sessions are led by experienced coaches who have a passion for engaging and supporting children.

Coast Activity Programme is for all children from 5 to 16 years old (including Reception), and also offers a volunteer Award programme for 14 to 16-year-olds.

All children will be provided with a FREE healthy hot lunch. All each child needs to bring is a bottle of water to keep hydrated and bags of energy.

To book head over to Coast Activity Programme and follow the link via Playwaze to make your booking. Please get in touch if you need any support on info@coastactivityporgramme.com or 07939863010 Free 4-hour spaces are available if you are eligible for Free School Meals. Just use your child’s unique code when booking an activity! To get your code please go to www.activecornwall.org/T2MHolidayProgramme Your can book a half day - 9am to 1pm or 12.30 to 4.30pm, but why not book to stay all day?! www.coastactivityprogramme.com Prices: Half days: £15 or Free with a Free School Meal code Full days: £25 or £5 if using Free School Meal code Book all 4 days, Full or Half and get 10% discount.

St Ives School 11 to 14 April Helston Community College 19 to 22 April Penpol School Hayle (primary school children only) 19 to 22 April

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Blackbird Visits…

The Celtic Tossers

in Plymouth, Truro, and now, Exeter

by Joshua Talbot On a drizzly afternoon in Truro, we took a long-awaited trip to The Celtic Tossers- an axe-throwing target range for ages eight and above.

We didn’t know what to expect at the start of our hour-long session, but were quickly given our first projectile and told to get stuck in.

The instructor, Alfie, explained to us that they start everyone off on handled star blades and eventually progress onto axes. Usually, with young throwers, it can take half an hour before the slightly heavier axes are introduced. Adults can apparently move on earlier, but it did take us a while to get into the swing of things!

Easter Adventure Quest at Pendennis Castle, Falmouth Sat 2 to Sun 24 Apr

Join us for a cracking adventure quest at Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, this Easter. Explore the castle to hunt for clues and challenges and discover traditional Easter games like egg-rolling and the egg-and-spoon race. Track down the Easter eggs and you’ll be rewarded with a chocolate treat and an adventurer’s certificate!

In Alfie’s experience, there is no telling who is going to be good when people walk through the door and it can get very competitive.

The scores remained low on both sides for our contest, as we both struggled to repetitively hit the target. Friend of the Blackbird, Jade, surprised herself, however. After thinking she wouldn’t’t be very good at all, she hit the target numerous times using the more difficult underarm technique.

As the hour drew to an end, with aching arms, we hung up our axes and returned to drizzly Truro, having really enjoyed our hour spent as Celtic tribesmen.

Just a short walk from the Piazza, it’s easily accessible from all of the central car parks and bus routes and, with a brand-new larger range in the centre of Plymouth too, we will definitely be visiting again for more Celtic tossing!

Find out more and book on theceltictossers.co.uk 8 Tabernacle Street, Truro, (pic) 01872 857330 107-109 Mayflower St, Plymouth 01752 938062

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With eggs, chocolate and old-fashioned fun, it’s the perfect way to get out and about in history this Easter.

Search 'Pendennis Castle' to book online and save!

NHS Cornwall 111 - much more than a helpline How does NHS 111 work?

If you’re worried about an urgent medical concern, you can call 111 to speak to a fully trained adviser 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

They will ask questions to assess your symptoms and, depending on the situation, will then:

Embrace Dance Fitness Kids' Classes Ever felt the lure of the Pompom? Do your kids long for a high-energy, uber-fun team sport where they tumble, dance, cheer out loud, and perform in a team? Cheerleading could be perfect!

Jump, stunt and flip with this incredible exercise which increases flexibility, balance, endurance, and is really fun. The class involves a mixture of strength exercises, dance, beginners’ gymnastics, and working as a team to learn routines. There will, of course, be pompoms!

The classes on Monday afternoons - Embrace Shooting Stars for 5- to 7-year-olds at 3.45pm for 45 mins; and Embrace All Stars for 8- to 11-year-olds at 4.30pm for 45 mins. Booking details below.

Other children's classes at Embrace New - Boogie Bambinos for 0 to 4yrs, Wednesdays at 11am for 45 mins. Singing, games and exploring stories through dance. Learning through play, movement and music together with a different story book theme every week.

Princess Playtime (Princes also welcome) for 4- to 6-year-olds Hip Hop for 5- to 11-year-olds Kids Yoga coming soon Children's membership is £25 per month for unlimited children's classes. Alternatively classes are £5 per session; sibling discounts available.

Children's classes follow the school half term and run for 6 weeks Book through www.embracedancefitness.co.uk 01326 378730 email hello@embracedancefitness.co.uk Children's party experiences are also available to book, just contact for details.

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give you self-care advice

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connect you to an experienced clinician

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book you a face-to-face appointment

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send an ambulance directly, if necessary

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direct you to the local service that can help you best

All face-to-face clinicians are experienced with providing healthcare in Cornwall with the previous Out-of-Hours GP service, and many also work in practices across the county during the day.

Whilst they will not always be able to see your own GP records, a copy of the consultation will always be sent for your GP to review and add to your main records.

You should call 111 if:

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You need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency.

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You don’t know who to call for medical help or you don’t have a GP to call.

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You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service; or you require health information or reassurance about what to do next

For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or a local pharmacist.

Is the 111 service available online?

You can also get help or advice on www.111cornwall.nhs.uk using your smartphone, tablet or computer, although the online service is not available for children under 5. You can: •

answer questions about your symptoms

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find out where to go for help if you can’t see your GP or dentist, or get a call back from a nurse

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get advice on self-care

Have you ever used our services?

Was it a good experience or not? We really do want to hear from you as we strive to improve and give the best service to people in Cornwall. Please email us at kernowhealthcic.khcicgovernance@nhs.net It would be good to hear from you.

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The Cornwall Bicycle Project CIC The project's mission is to provide every child in Cornwall with the opportunity to discover their individual potential on a bike. Whether you have a child that has yet to learn to cycle, is keen to improve their skills or just wants to hang out with friends on bikes there is something for your child to get involved with.

Now March is here, things are back in full swing with a fantastic range of children’s cycling events. The clubs are focused on having fun on a bike, learning new skills and making new friends. Race events - affiliated with British Cycling - are Go Ride entry level events which provide a friendly and relaxed introduction to racing across different disciplines.

The regular Saturday club has groups for all abilities and ages from learning to ride, to learning to jump and ride with technical features.

The popular Monday night club at Woody’s Bike Park, near Fowey is back with fully qualified coaches taking groups of different abilities.

More events are added all the time please check out the website www.thecornwallbicycleproject.co.uk and the Facebook page for up-to-date information about all activities.

Wednesday 20 April – Children’s Bike Safari, fun safari bike ride discovering beaches around St Austell/Porthpean/Pentewan. Riders should be used to riding a geared bike and be happy to be out on their bike, at a relaxed pace, for a few hours.

Thursday 21 April – Cross Country and Downhill Coaching at Cotton Wood, Nanstallon with national Downhill Racer Jay Williamson and TCBP coaches Friday 22 April - Celebrate Earth Day with a Bike Safari, Nature Trail, on the new trails at Goss Moor Nature Reserve, St Dennis; in conjunction with Natural England Saturday 23 April – Entry Level Down Hill Event at Cotton Wood, Nanstallon Tell the project which activity you are interested in and join the community on Spond. https://group.spond.com/RRXHJ

Lots of fun Easter activities - Come and join in!

9 to 10am Saturdays in term time: Balance bike riding for 2.5 to 6yrs, Charlestown, St Austell 9 to 10am Saturdays in term time: Learn to ride and confidence-building sessions for older children age 7+, Charlestown, St Austell 10.30 to 12 noon, Saturdays in term time: British Cycling Go Ride Club for young riders - a fun mountain bike club with groups for all abilities, Charlestown, St Austell and local ride outs

Easter Holiday events 15 April – Good Friday Easter egg hunt family bike safari, location - to be confirmed Saturday 16 April – Bike Festival at Newquay Orchard, fun activities for all ages and abilities

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Blackbird Reads

Discovering the Great Wall of Cornwall…

The Music Makers... by Deborah Wright This music-making theme was inspired by Welsh National Orchestra’s Play Opera Live for children at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 10 April, and the Minack’s operatic production of Philip Pullman’s magical book The Fireworkmaker’s Daughter – see pages 14 & 15.

Did you know that joined together, Cornwall’s stone hedges are longer than the Great Wall of China?

That was the discovery of Prep 5 Georgie who investigated the topic as part of her latest Curiosity Project.

At Truro High Prep, the half termly projects have replaced traditional homework and involve girls from Year 3 to Year 6 producing and presenting projects on the subject of their choice from investigating raising agents in cakes to the Suffragette movement and a scientific analysis of why cats are cleaner than dogs.

Head of Truro High Prep, Katie Hinks, said: 'They get to choose the topic that fascinates them and to follow their intellectual curiosity in whichever direction it takes them. They learn to research, to analyse and to draw conclusions and then present their findings at our Curiosity Project Exhibition.

'It’s such a valuable experience and develops skills that will stay with them for life.'

A Song in the Mist

by Corinne Averiss, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock published by Oxford University Press One day a shy little panda bear called Chi hears music floating in the breeze. A small boy is playing a bamboo pipe and Chi is enchanted.

When the boy loses his pipe in the mist Chi finds it and starts to play for him. With soft-focus illustrations by Woodcock, Averiss conjures up a far-away world where music drifts through the bamboo groves and a friendship evolves inspired by gentle music. For 3+ Piano Fingers

by Caroline Magerl published by Walker Bea watches her big sister Isla play the violin and she can’t wait to make her own music. She tries plinking and crashtinkling but then a fantastical world opens up, and with the help of Maestro Gus, a cat in a long red coat, music begins to bloom.

Magerl brilliantly conveys the amazing moment when a child begins to understand the mystery of creating music for themselves – ‘a sound more delicious than mulberries between your toes.’ For 4+ The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s Concert

by David Litchfield published by Frances Lincoln The final story in the Bear and the Piano series.

Bear is back in the forest quietly bringing up Little Bear and playing games with her. But he misses his old friends the musicians, so Little Bear organises a surprise concert when the forest fills with the sound of music one more time, a sound that will stay with them all forever. For 4+ Once Upon a Tune

by James Mayhew published by Otter-Barry Here is a collection of six stories which have inspired the most wonderful music. From The Sorcerer’s Apprentice to Scheherazade and the Hall of the Mountain Kings, each chapter sets the scene as an imaginary orchestra tunes up and the curtain rises. Mayhew uses a collage of fabrics, printed papers and music manuscripts to create swirling, multi-layered illustrations. There’s a suggested Spotify playlist and information about the composers and writers at the end. This is a gorgeous book - any grandparent out there, it would make a perfect Easter gift! For 6+ How to Build an Orchestra

by Mary Auld, illustrated

by Elisa Paganelli in collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra published by Wayland The story follows Simon Rattle as the conductor (with his trademark wild hair and scarf) who is auditioning each instrument for his orchestra. On every page there are tracks to listen to on the accompanying CDs / download links. An entertaining cast of musicians come to life in Paganelli’s humorous illustrations as they audition, rehearse and perform. Bursting with facts, this is a brilliant introduction to the orchestra. For 7+

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Taking your next step: Positive People in Cornwall The Positive People programme in Cornwall seeks to help anyone who is 18 years or older and is not currently in work. There is a range of support available.

Positive People does not just help people back into employment. Positive People exists to help people who may have been away from the job market for some time. The transition back into employment can be a big step. We are here to help you take smaller steps, towards the job market.

Everyone is different. Many people will have goals and aspirations, often with barriers that are preventing them from moving forward. For some it could be being supported with a suitable training course and taking part in some CV writing and interview workshops. Others may have had to manage a mental health condition and need to rebuild their confidence. Being with other people, in a group environment is a huge challenge for them.

We can help with all these things.

Whether you are a mum or dad who has been raising kids, or you have been caring for a family member and are starting to think about your future. We can help you.

The first step is to get in touch to see what your options are. You can also visit https://pluss.org.uk/news/ to see lots of stories about people have been helped on the Positive People programme.

21 For a friendly, informal chat, contact Mandy on 07765240785/ amanda.hobbs@pluss.org.uk.

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Rainy Day Ideas Well, put on a pair of wellies and a raincoat and splash in puddles of course! Done that? Then how about these…

Penzance Taekwon-Do, (picture above) is an established martial arts club that has been running for over 20 years. New members are welcome and the first month is free! Excitingly there are new early evening classes for children on Tuesdays for 5 to 11 years & for 11+, at Mounts Bay Academy. Contact Simon Barnes on Barney_tkd@ hotmail.co.uk or 077945 38018 Axe-throwing with Celtic Tossers in Truro, Plymouth and Exeter, seriously fun and not that easy, see our review page 15 Cheerleading at Embrace Dance Fitness, Penryn, oh the lure of the pompom! See page 18 Discovering 42 - Reimagining Reality at Narisa Hall, Bodmin.

Journey along surreal passageways and explore weird and wonderful quirks of science with interactive artworks crafted from waste materials. Details on page 7.

Swallows gymnastic club in Helston has a broad range of weekly classes, incorporating all ages, 01326 574224 email: info@swallowsgym.co.uk Granite Planet Climbing Centre, Penryn, have excellent, well-run sessions in bouldering and climbing for all ages from 5 upwards.

Easter Holiday Club sessions will be 1.5 hours and cover a variety of activities. All sessions must be pre-booked; 01326 376633 info@gpclimbing.com Base Camp at Gwel an Mor, Portreath, Clip ‘n Climb for age 4 to adults - choose from 10 themed walls, ‘clip’ onto belay ropes and climb! Pre-book for each hour session. They also have an excellent soft play area with three floors of ball pools and slides for children over 3, and a self-contained play area for toddlers. enquiries@gwelanmor.com 01209 842354

Soft Play Wheal Play, Heartlands’ mining-themed indoor soft play centre, Pool.

0pen Thursday to Sunday, 9 to 11am, 11.30am to 1.30pm and 2 to 4pm. Local’s discount available for TR postcodes & unlimited hot drinks only £3. Free entry to the diverse gardens and outdoor adventure playground too. Birthday parties include bouncy castles, NERF battles, archery, music, games, and crafts. heartlandscornwall. com/wheal-play-booking/ 11 to 24 Apr: Easter Egg Hunt.

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Paradise Park, Hayle. Walk the rope bridge, climb the nets, fly down the giant slides in the brilliant JungleBarn indoor play centre. Perfect for birthday parties. 01736 751020 https://paradisepark.org.uk/junglebarn/

Raze the Roof soft play, VR & laser tag arena, Penryn.

Huge, newly made-over & well-designed indoor play area including a vertical drop slide, four lane astro slide, bash bags, rollers and rope walks, plus loads for toddlers. Perfect for birthday parties or just for fun days out. RazeVR has virtual reality games for all ages, and for parties. 01326 377481 Email: hello@razevr.fun https://www.razevr.fun/book/ Jungle Jack’s, Newquay have 1,700 square feet of challenging climbs, rope bridge, astra-glide slide, crafty crawl tubes and a baby and toddler area. Book in advance & use discount code BBP01OFF www.junglejacks.co.uk. A perfect place to meet friends - well-stocked café, free Wi-Fi, free play & entry for under 1s, adult entry just £1.

Get unlimited access with the Annual Pass. Jungle Jack’s Parties are very popular. 01637 852890 or email info@junglejacks.co.uk Dairyland Farm Park, near Newquay, is great inside and out!

The Bull Pen soft play centre indoor soft play area has superfast slides, a brilliant ball pit and colourful jump zones and there are soft ball cannons to test your target skills. Enjoy amazing critters in the Bugzone, Pat-a-Pet and, in the Hay Barn, you can bottle feed baby animals and meet new-born lambs. Easter activities include storytime, Easter craft workshop, and an Easter Bunny quiz.

Playzone Penzance, tucked away in St Johns Church, Trewartha Terrace, is a little marine-themed gem with slides and a bouncy castle. 07341 830277https://www.facebook.com/SoftPlayAreaPZ One2Eleven indoor soft play centre, Helston, has just re-opened.

Activities include cannon shooters, slides, tunnels, rope walkways and swings, new mini climbing wall, Toddler Zone with soft play horse carousel and rocking horses. Open Wednesday to Sunday and daily in the holidays www.one2eleven.co.uk KidzWorld near St Austell have a wide range of well-designed indoor activities from soft play, slides & a cannon arena to an interactive games zone, roller skating & trampolining. 01726 815553 book in advance https://kidzworldcornwall.co.uk/

For something completely different… a day at a fascinating museum.

The tunnels beneath the Shipwreck Treasure Museum have been transformed into an icy polar world, so you feel immersed in how hard life was for pioneering polar explorers like Shackleton and his crew. See page 7 for details.

Bodmin Keep Army Museum has lots of different fun activities for families, Tuesday to Thursday, from 11 to 23 April.

The crafty Make Do and Mend themed activities are inspired by wartime shortages, including making jewellery (12 to 14 Apr) and biodegradable seedling pots from recycled paper (19 to 21 Apr).

‘Fit to Fight’ - Military Health and Hygiene: discover ways soldiers have kept clean and healthy during conflict on 12, 14, 19, 21 Apr, 10am to 4pm. On 13 & 20 Apr, 10am to 4pm: learn about the work of nurses and medics during the First World War with a military medicine historian, and have a wound recreated with special effects make up!

If you’re fascinated by military history, get up close to curious objects from the museum with Fran, the museum’s Trainee Curator, on 12 & 19 Apr, 10am to 4pm. Best of all, on 16 Apr: Second World War Re-enactment with the D-Day Dodgers' living history display; expect fascinating objects, uniform, and friendly re-enactors, 10am to 4pm. Activities are included in the annual admission charge of £7 adult and £3 child (lasts for 12 months).

Check www.bodminkeep.org for what’s on each day.

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PETER RABBIT & SONIC ON SELECTED DATES IN ADDITION TO...

9TH - 24TH APRIL

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WHOLE PARK OPEN | EASTER TRAIL FREE CREME EGG FOR ALL CHILDREN* --------------------------------------

DAILY 10AM - 5PM

PL27 7RA -----------------------------------FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK ONLINE OVER AT CAMELCREEK.CO.UK