Blackbird Pie 2023 May/June

FREE

May Half-term and June 2023 30,000 copies across Cornwall and on-line

BlackbirdPie Cornwall’s what’s-on for families What’s on

in Early Summer Community Days Museums & Galleries Outdoor adventure Blackbird visits Tiny Tots Ballet Literary Festivals Early summer calendar 2022 Indoor and Outdoor Theatre shows Piratical Weapons!

Art-themed books Breastfeeding groups

Vouchers & offers: Tiny Toes Ballet, page 2 Paradise Park, page 5 Pendennis Castle, page 6 Jungle Jacks, page 7 Kernow Adventure Park, page 7 Magikats, page 8, Camel Creek, page 17

Blackbird visits Tiny Toes Ballet One toddler said, ‘It’s good ballet here!’

I agree!

You can really tell Tiny Toes was developed by a trained ballet dancer and experienced primary school teacher. It is carefully designed to captivate, delight, inspire, motivate, and challenge, whilst developing important language, social, and gross motor skills. (It is the only UK dance programme that is fully integrated with the EYFS’s ‘learning through dance’).

Classes range from Tip Toes class for babies from 6 months, all the way up to Spinners for 5 to 7-year-olds.

The classes are a delightful mix of comforting, familiar movements and songs, balanced with new and exciting - each week there is a different story theme and learning action. Our session’s Teddy Bears Picnic involved dancing with teddies, trotting like ponies with lifted knees and scarves as reins, banging rhythmically on the ‘picnic box’ and ‘cakes’ (shaker drums), ending with a pretend picnic.

Cleverly threaded through are ballet fundamentals disguised as play, for example, they adore Miss Kira applying sparkle to beautifully pointed toes.

A sense of rhythm and moving to a beat was reinforced by counting songs and tapping with alternate hands pat’a’cake (focusing on ‘magic number 8’ as dancers count in sets of 8 beats).

The follow-on Spinners class for 5 to 7 years was equally captivating but with more defined ballet and a more developed sense of achievement.

There are classes across Cornwall, including Devoran, Lanner, Fraddon, St Austell, Trethurgy, Wadebridge, Bodmin, Padstow, East Taphouse, Lanivet, Liskeard, Callington, and into Devon. Just visit www.tinytoesballet.co.uk enter your postcode & find your closest venue or email tracy@tinytoesballet.co.uk 2 about free taster classes.

In this issue: Page(s): 2

Breastfeeding support groups.

Blackbird visits Tiny Tots Ballet in Lanner

4 to 9

What’s on around the county including children’s literary festivals, community days,

8

Action adventure at Via Ferrata

10 & 11

Calendar of events for May and June 2023

12 to 14

Theatre Shows

15

Piratical Weapons of the Seven Seas – swashbuckling workshop!

16

Art & Artists-themed book review and magical educational courses with novelEnglish

17

Bikes and bears at Camel Creek; and all sorts of fairy folk at the 17th 3 Wishes Fairy Festival, Mount Edgecumbe

18

Hello from the Schools Immunisation Team

18 & 19

Blackbird finds out more about the People Hub and the free support they offer

Dear Readers, BlackbirdPie is 20 years old – thanks everyone!

A big thank you to all the lovely school secretaries and their young assistants who have put the magazine in bookbags for all these years; to Hannah who meticulously proof-reads and corrects the magazine and our book reviewer Deborah who has produced over 125 carefully researched themed reviews whilst running a book shop – bliss. Meur ras to Josh and before him, Guy, for their invaluable help in keeping our social media posts regular and up-to-date, even when uber-busy teacher-training (Josh) and producing top-notch theatre (Guy).

Thanks to the team at Deltor who print this glossy, sleek magazine of which we are very proud. Our many cub reporters, especially Zac, Jasper and Heloise, have posed for numerous photos over the years, without complaining and come up with some cracking comments.

The multi-talented Simon has designed every issue and lugged nearly 4 million copies around the county through wind, rain, sun and snow (with help from the team at Dash north of Bodmin, thank you).

And finally, a huge thanks to our lovely advertisers who have come up with so many fantastic events and activities, so every issue is different and bursting with fresh, exciting things to do.

Happy half-term!

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.

Please mention us to advertisers

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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What’s on early summer Please mention Blackbird Pie. See pages 14 to 16 for theatre shows.

Children’s Day, Truro City Centre - Saturday 1 July, 10am to 4pm. Family fun with lots of FREE entertainment and activities including spectacular mountain bike stunt shows, skateboarding demos and performance parkour demos. Children can have-a-go at skateboarding, performance parkour, circus skills, dance, and a balance and pedal bike obstacle course. Stalls, street entertainment, plus in-store activities and offers. A Truro BID event, sponsored by Coodes Solicitors.

Falmouth University’s Community Day on 27 May 12.30 to 4pm at Woodlane Campus. The day is free and open to everyone, with free children’s entertainment, lawn games, creative workshops, student art sales, music graduate exhibitions, hot food, coffee & cake, plant sales, arts & crafts.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth. This half term discover curious Cornish coastal creatures in The Rock Pool Project’s mobile rock pool, 29 May to 2 June, learn the best ways to explore rock pools and to identify creatures. Drop-in 11am to 3pm. 27 May to 4 June, Make & Take 12.30 to 3.30pm, design rock pools, crab hats & paper plate fish; then find rock pool creatures around the museum and claim a prize. Discover the brand-new Skull Island Play Zone and immerse yourself in the latest major exhibition Pirates with a huge digital Sea of Thieves game, experience exuberant pirates of Hollywood fame, get lost in a huge Treasure Island book and dance a hornpipe with Horatio Pugwash, before discovering the dark world of the real pirates of the Caribbean.

Pencarrow House & Gardens, Bodmin. 28 May: Bring your teddy for a Teddy Bears Picnic with teddy bears of all ages, shapes and sizes, storytelling, a Teddy Bear Help Desk with experts, and a Bear Hunt in the woods. Normal garden entry for adults, under 16s free. www.pencarrow.co.uk Newquay Zoo. Discover new and unusual species and learn more about the Zoo’s creatures via keeper talks and fun, free interactive activities. Best prices book online www.newquayzoo.org.uk ‘Wake up with Newquay Zoo!’ 17 & 24 May, 9 to 10.30 am, experience the sights and sounds of the zoo before it opens to visitors. Enjoy breakfast by the lake, learn about lemurs and watch them enjoy breakfast, followed by a special guided tour, £35/person.

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Go on a seaside adventure at Pendennis Castle, let imaginations run wild at Falmouth’s fortress. Situated on a headland with impressive views, it’s one of Henry VIII’s finest seaside castles. With acres of space to roam, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic. There’s a café for hungry explorers, and kids will love running around the castle grounds and conquering the castle soft play. Don’t miss one of history’s most spectacular sporting contests, the epic Knights’ Tournament; on 30 May to 1 June, rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill. Book online and save 10% english-heritage.org.uk/Pendennis

Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith. This year there will be a bumper load of family events in the 300-seat amphitheatre, a host of creative workshops (many free) and lots of foodie events for families. Trebah announce events in ‘waves’ so keep up to date with their events list at www.trebahgarden.co.uk/events-newsletter 20 & 21 May: Cornwall Bonsai Society returns to Trebah with a fascinating display of Bonsai trees. Demonstrations on selecting, styling and caring for trees 11am & 2pm, Bonsai are beguiling - not finished products but evolving works of art, often with an implied story, for example, a tree growing on a mountainside or damaged by wind or lightning.

Cornwall Sailing Trust - Watersports for big and little kids!

Birthday parties, activity days, family fun on the lake or learn to sail on the river. Helford River beginner, improver, advanced and ‘start racing’ courses, check availability www.childrenssailingtrust.org.uk 01326 702326 and multi-activity sessions for River Pirates age 11 to 15. Trevassack Lake, Helston: Ducklings, Pirates and Wet n Wilders multi-activity sessions for age 8 to 16.

Paradise Park, Hayle, celebrates its 50th year in 2023! Save £2pp off entry with code BLACKBIRD this half-term with lots of family fun activities. See the super cute new otters Pippin & Katarni, twice daily penguin colony feeding and the amazing flying displays including the ‘Eagles of Paradise’ and the ‘Free Flying Bird Show’.

Plus, at 1.30pm each day don’t miss the fantastic Lorikeet feeding experience! Please note all events are weather permitting. Visit www.paradisepark.org.uk to book and for more information.

The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum & art gallery (free admission) Until 30 June half an hour story time sessions for under 5s every Friday morning, under the Mammoth!

27, and 30 May to 3 Jun: Family Fun Face to Face Activities, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, be inspired by portraits on display and have fun capturing the character of a friend or someone in your family using mixed media materials for a portrait as unique as they are! www.theboxplymouth.com Dairyland Farm Park, near Newquay. Farmtastic Farmer Fun this half term - 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.

Half-term at Eden Project, fantastic pop-up performance and theatre from 27 May to 3 June, including music, storytelling, dance and creative workshops. www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on Locals’ Passes available until 30 June 2023.

Kernow Adventure Park (above) is an outdoor activity centre within the 21-acre site of a flooded quarry, a haven for nature and wildlife, hidden just 10 minutes outside Falmouth. There are four activities to choose from, you can get your adrenalin going - bouncing and laughing around the aquapark (age 6 years+); enjoying a leisurely paddle board across the crystal-clear waters of the lake; open water swim lanes and navigate through the buoys and obstacles out on the water in an E-boat adventure (age 2 years+). The Aquapark is £20 per person which includes shorty wetsuit hire and buoyancy aid, get 10% discount with the QR code on page 8. 07817 662 962 www.kernowadventurepark.com/ What's on - continues on page 6 >>>>

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What's on - continued from page 5 novelEnglish is a wonderfully different, educational enterprise in the heart of the Lizard running multi-day residential courses for children (non-residential options too). This summer, choose from a host of magical courses: 29-31 May venture into the distant past in Unstoppable Us; 1-2 June meet a different kind of cave-boy in Stig of the Dump; 27-28 July escape into adventure with Five on a Treasure Island; 31 Jul-4 Aug return to Wonderland with Alice in Through the Looking Glass; 7-9 Aug brave the “most perfect school” in The Demon Headmaster; 10-11 Aug join Matilda and Darrell Rivers in Malory Towers; 14-17 Aug investigate with Sherlock Holmes on The Hound of the Baskervilles; 21-24 Aug elope to the moors in Wuthering Heights; or 28-31 Aug be magicked away to lands unknown on the Fantasy Worldbuilding course! To book or find out more, email enquiries@novelenglish.co.uk www.novelenglish.co.uk The Lost Gardens of Heligan, www.heligan.com under 5s go free. (Heligan Local’s Pass - pay once get in free for a year) 27 May to 4 Jun Wild Week returns this May half term and you’re invited to rediscover the wild, its importance, its beauty, and our place within it. Pick your tribe from a species that lives in one of Heligan’s varied habitats, paint your faces, create wild headdresses, and get stuck into wild activities. Restore your wild side, hone your survival skills, and enjoy a week of creative outdoor play. This Wild Week is inspired by Wild Isles, the recent BBC natural history series.

£1

OFF: book on-line & use code

BBP01OFF

Bodmin Keep, All activities free with entry, annual pass: £9 adult, £5 child, free for under 5s. Family rates available. 25 June: Armed Forces Day, free event, history trail, follow clues and learn about Bodmin’s fascinating military heritage. www.bodminkeep.org.uk The Writers’ Block, The Ladder, 2-4 Clinton Road, Redruth.

After-school clubs donations up to £3, booking essential, see thewritersblock.org.uk/events/ 16 May, 13 June, 11 July: after-school story and art club for 7-11 yrs, led by the wonderful Jo Lumber, 4 to 5pm; 6 June & 4 July: Manga drawing club for 10 to 16yrs with illustrator Keith Sparrow, 4 to 5.30pm. 26 May: Katie’s Black Hole Adventures, see theatre shows article.

Helston Railway, Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick is like a trip back in time. Buy your tickets from the charming old ticket office in a train carriage, then catch a vintage train to Truthall Halt, along the restored railway line. Special events - 28 & 29 May: Back to the 40s; 18 June: Fathers’ Day.

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Endelienta Arts, St Endellion, Port Isaac. Monthly Make Club, a fun space to explore, create and get messy, led by inspirational artists, from 10am to 12pm, parents can join in too, £5 per family, must book tickets@endelienta.org.uk. 20 May, St Endellion Hall, Pop Art Collage, BANG! POW! POP! Make a powerful word collage in the style of Roy Lichenstein. 24 Jun: Delabole Methodist Hall, make beautiful, blended soft pastel drawings. 8 Jul: Delabole Methodist Hall, create watery paintings. www.endelienta.org.uk

Cornwall Heritage Trust’s Open Gardens: enjoy a horticultural heritage day out for all the family, including cream teas, garden tours, and a fun-filled trail for little ones. The historic gardens kindly opening their gates are Trevince near Gwennap on 21 May, Boconnoc (above) near Lostwithiel on 28 May, Trenarth near Constantine 25 June, and Trereife near Penzance on 2 July, details on www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/opengardens. You don’t need to be members, just come along, and enjoy a wonderful day; under 12s go free, online tickets £6 / £7.50 on the door. Starting from £20 a year, family membership has lots of benefits which include free entry to the sites in Cornwall owned by English Heritage and Geevor Tin Mine Museum, discounted entry to heritage partner organisations, a fun children’s activity book and more. Quote ‘BlackBirdPie’ and receive free Cornish fudge with your membership pack! www.cornwallheritagetrust.org Newquay Orchard, Yeoman Way, Newquay www.newquayorchard.co.uk 20 May: Annual Fayre with free workshops, kids’ activities from Imagine Outdoors; Prickles & Paws and the Wildlife Trust; arty fun with ALMA Artspace; foraging; bicycle repair workshops; and wellbeing drop-in sessions and herbal healing, 11am to 4pm. 11 Jun: family dance workshop with Newquay Dance Collective family ticket £5, 10.30 am to 12pm.

The Poly, Falmouth, 27 May 11am to 12pm: build your own electric car workshop for ages 7-12, assemble the chassis, axel, and wheels of your car, design a card body, charge a supercapacitor to power your ride for an epic endurance race; adults can join in! 2 to 3pm: Wind Turbine Design Challenge workshop, for ages 7-12, craft mini wind turbine blades for your model and use a voltmeter to measure the speed; experiment, amend & perfect your product.

Both workshops funded by the Tanner Phoenix Trust so just £1 Poly Fund. 28 May 2pm: Coppice Theatre’s Science Adventures: Deep Sea, see page 14. 31 May: Paper Picnics collage workshop with artist Emily Luke, make collaged friends, paper food, & games; all ages, £11 per child, 11.30am or 1.30pm. 1 June: Piratical Weapons, see page 15. 01326 319461 thepoly.org Bude Lit Fest, 18 to 21 May, have an amazing lineup for adults and children, including an interactive character treasure hunt, Escape Kids’ story trail, storytelling for toddlers, extraordinary tales of the movie industry with a director and film set artiste (Star Wars and Harry Potter), design sailing vessels & sing shanties with celebrated poet and musician John Hegley, and an incredible list of authors including Philip Reeve!! www.budelitfest.co.uk/whats-on/ Mark’s Ark of wonderful creatures is brought to your venue – perfect for parties and for schools. See the plumage of an owl, feel the texture of a snake’s scales – a unique opportunity to get close-up with animals. A wide variety of topics can be covered so bring the curriculum to life with a visit, fully insured/risk assessed.

07761 810900 email: markwiles3@aol.com What's on - continues on page 8 >>>>

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What's on - continued from page 7

Action and adventure at Via Ferrata Cornwall!

Adventure Childcare The Adventure Holiday Club will be running during the school holidays. Treat your 6 to 13-year-olds to Cornwall’s most exciting childcare! https://viaferratacornwall. co.uk/holiday-club/

Via Ferrata activity Take on an epic high-wire adventure involving scaling cliff faces, braving the high-wire bridge, and zip-lining through stunning quarries!

Adventure Zone: For age 8+. Master your skills on Via Ferrata’s Training Circuit and traverse across quarry cliff faces before facing the challenge of the ultimate High Wire Bridge, crossing the Quarry on a 70m long single strand of wire! Takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours; £25.

Full Classic: the ultimate climbing, high wire, and zip-line adventure for kids aged 10+ & adrenaline junkies. Complete the Adventure Zone and progress to the larger quarry. Reach heights of 20 meters above water as you scale the cliffs and zipline. 2 Quarry Zones, High Wire Bridge and Zip Rides takes about 2 to 3 hours; £45.

Locals: 10% discount code LD10 (bring ID and proof of your Cornish postcode) https://viaferratacornwall.co.uk/via-ferrata/

NEW: Zip Wire Safari

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Ever wanted to soar past stunning scenery on a series of exhilarating zip wires?

Via Ferrata’s dual zip offers double the fun as you leap from the quarry cliff edge and fly around together, building confidence with every ride.

Savour the amazing views as you explore the fascinating quarrying heritage. The fully qualified Instructors will get you kitted up, teach you the skills to safely use a zip wire, and guide you around the route - then you can zip along one of the most exciting zip wire experiences in the Southwest! Perfect for children aged 10+ and adults www.viaferratacornwall.co.uk/zipwires/

Cafe, wild play area for under 10s, and nature trails Treat yourself and take a wander around stunning trails. https://viaferratacornwall.co.uk/cafe-with-wild-play/ Halvasso, nr Penryn, TR10 9BX

Cornwall Wildlife Trust, have lots to interest families including Cornwall Beaver Project guided walks, Wildlife Watch events, Open Gardens events and rockpool ramble sessions, details on www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/events Hayle Heritage Centre is open Wednesdays and Fridays, 11am to 4pm, & Saturdays in the summer holidays. There are free children’s trails including The Copperhouse Family Activity Trail, and a guide and trail so you can discover the mighty industrial past of Hayle’s now tranquil Millpond Gardens, and its beautiful flora and fauna.

01736 757683 @hayleheritagecentre facebook 26 to 30 May: Surya Yoga Camp, Chyan Cultural Centre, near Penryn. Four-day family festival of yoga, meditation, children’s workshops, and eco-camping. www.surya.org.uk Enys, between Penryn and Mylor, dogs on leads are welcome. 8 & 9 July, 10am to 6pm: Enys’ Food Jam - graze a trail of world foods in the lovely gardens and enjoy inspirational talks, activities, demos, live music, foraging walks. www.enysgardens.org.uk 01326 377621 Jungle Jack’s, Newquay let your little monkeys run wild on 1,700 square feet of challenging climbs, rope bridge, astra-glide slide, crafty crawl tubes and a baby and toddler area. Book online & use discount code BBP01OFF for £1 off, www.junglejacks.co.uk. Free play & entry for under 1s, adult entry just £1.50. Six month limitless entry pass just £60 per child (& covers the summer holidays). 01637 852890 or email info@junglejacks.co.uk. You’ll find ample seating, a well-stocked café and free WiFi Discovering 42 Reimagining Reality at Narisa Hall, Bodmin, Amazing hands-on science workshops and interactive exhibition.

Entrance +18yrs £5, 5 to 17yrs £2.50, under 5s free. Check out the workshops on FB: @discovering42 Wheal Play, Heartlands, Pool. Bright and colourful mining-themed soft play centre with a cheery team. Open Monday to Sunday, call 01209 707308 for times. Child £4.95 adults £1, local’s discount available for TR postcodes. Their range of fun parties include soft play, bouncy castles, disco & archery.

E: whealplay@heartlandscornwall.com Raze the Roof soft play, virtual reality & laser tag arena, Penryn.

Free & Half price budget busters for toddlers! Zumbini sessions & The Phonics Fox fun interactive literacy classes give the participants free play plus half price admissions on Mondays to Fridays term time between 12.15pm to 3pm. Book at Raze or https://razetheroof.bookmyparty.co.uk/book Fundraising? How Raze the Roof can help you make it fun!

Schools, Groups & Charities – why not try the Pedometer Challenge!

The best bit is that the cost of the venue hire is FREE (this offer is only for fundraising).

1) book a Tuesday evening slot. Raze the Roof will be yours from 6 to 8pm. You tell everyone about your fundraising event, and sell tickets to your friends / family / school etc. (RtR will advise regarding capacity, what to charge etc. They can provide a buffet or you can organise coffee & cakes) 2) Decision time! Which Challenge? Is it a timed exercise to see who has burnt off the most calories or a timed obstacle course through the mega-play frame? It’s great for adults & children, friends & families to get together, compete, and for youngsters to realise that fundraising can be fun.

3) Raze the Roof can help with other ideas - quiz-mastering, prizes, judging, holding a raffle, money-raising games…. to help you raise more money.

4) Like to book? Just email info@razetheroof.co.uk to check availability.

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

Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance

FREE drop-in family art & craft activities

Half-term activity – Thursday 1 June 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Saturday family activities, every week from 2.30pm - 3.30pm www.penleehouse.org.uk

Penryn

Mondays 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 Fridays Storytelling, The Box, Plymouth, every Friday 10.30am, free admission Sats Free Arty Afternoons, Penlee House, Penzance, 2.30 to 3.30pm, until 11 Bird Box trail, Caerhays Castle, Gorran, Spring Gardens open daily 10am to 5pm, explore 140 acres of magical June woodland gardens; weekdays 13 Mar to 9 June: castle guided tours, under 5 years free. 01872 501310 13 May Sing-A-Long-A Encanto, Hall for Cornwall, Truro, the smash hit Family Madrigal musical film with lyrics on screen; fancy dress and audience participation, 01872 262466 13 & 14 Dino-Saw, Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park, Plymouth, 11am, join baby Dino on an adventure, captivating show for under 8s, also on 27 & 28 May, 8 to 10 June, stiltskin.org.uk 07449 724261 May 14 to 18 The Battling Butlers, Bash Street Theatre at the Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, fabulous physical theatre, circus skills, original songs & live music, 7.30pm, age 7+. minack.com 01736 810181 May 15 to 17 Zog, Theatre Royal Plymouth, smash-hit adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book with lively May songs, for all ages 01752 267222 15 to 30 Under the Messy Sea, messy fun with sunken treasure, seaweed, & lots of sand & water, Mess Around May Cornwall, 6 months to 5yrs, £9.50, 15th Bodmin, 23rd, Shortlanesend, 25th Par, 28th Newlyn East, 30th Wadebridge 07590 549097 16 May, After-school story & art club, Writers’ Block, Redruth, 7-11 yrs, led by Jo Lumber, 4 to 5pm, donations up to £3, book thewritersblock.org.uk/events, also on 11 July 13 Jun 17 May & Meet Anna Maria Fox, Glendurgan, Mawnan Smith, step back to the 1820s, performances 11am and 2pm, a 14 Jun fascinating insight into the famous Quaker Fox Family of Falmouth, free with entry 18 to 21 Bude Lit Fest, impressive line-up for adults & children, including interactive character treasure hunt, Escape May Kids’ story trail, storytelling for toddlers, celebrated poets & authors inc Philip Reeve!! See page 8 19 to 21 Tree, Heligan, Cscape’s joyful dance theatre adventure for little ones, with interactive activities, 10.30am, 12.30 & 2.30pm www.heligan.com, 01726 845100 May 20 May Plant It, PK Champions, Clore Learning Space, PK Porthcurno, 10.30am to 12noon, growing, germination & pollinators, 7- 12 years, free event, & free parking, book, mention BlackbirdPie, 01736 810 966 Newquay Orchard Annual Fayre, free workshops, kids’ outdoors activities, arty fun, foraging, 11am to 4pm www.newquayorchard.co.uk Endelienta Arts Pop Art, St Endellion Hall, make power word collages with artists, 10am to 12pm, £5 per family, book tickets@endelienta.org.uk 20 & 21 Cornwall Bonsai Society, Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith, Bonsai trees displays, demonstrations, 11am & 2pm Spellbound Fairy & Goblin Festival, Devonport Park, Plymouth, 11am to 4pm, storytelling performances, May theatre, arts & crafts. stiltskin.org.uk 07449 724261 21 May CHT Open Gardens: Trevince, Gwennap, walled garden, wilderness walk, tours & trail, u12s free, online £6 / £7.50 on door; cream teas, see page 4 26 May Katie’s Black Hole Adventures, Writers’ Block, Redruth, 4.30pm, Little Trebiggan Theatre, fun, adventure, & science! age 4+, book thewritersblock.org.uk/events/ 26 to 30 Surya Yoga Camp, Chyan Cultural Centre, near Penryn. Four-day family festival of yoga, children’s workshops, & eco-camping www.surya.org.uk May 27 May Falmouth University’s Community Day, Woodlane Campus, 12.30 to 4pm, open to everyone, free children’s entertainment, lawn games, creative workshops, art & music exhibitions, food, arts & crafts, see page 5 27 & 28 Green Man Weekend, Mount Edgcumbe, Torpoint, fantastic family festival, 10am to 4pm, live music, www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk May 27 May Half-term: science, art & swashbuckling! The Poly, Falmouth, 27 May: build your own electric car & wind to 1 Jun turbine design challenge, details pages 4/5; 31 May: paper picnic collages with artist Emily Luke; 1 June: Piratical Weapons, see page 15. 01326 319461 thepoly.org 27 & 30 Family Fun Face to Face Activities, The Box, Plymouth, free event & entry, 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30 to 3.30pm, be inspired by portraits & capture the character of friends or family www.theboxplymouth.com to 3/6 27 May Half term & Locals’ Passes, Eden Project, pop-up performance & theatre, music, storytelling, dance & creative to 3 Jun workshops. Locals’ Passes available until 30 June 2023. ww.edenproject.com 27 May Rock Pool Explorers, NMMC, Falmouth, make rock pools, crab hats & paper plate fish 12.30 to 3.30pm, to 4 Jun rockpool museum trail, fab new Skull Island Play Zone & Pirates exhibition! 29 May to 2 Jun: The Rock Pool Project’s mobile rock pools, 11am to 3pm.

Wild Week, Heligan, restore your wild side with a week of creative outdoor play, under 5s free. (Heligan Local’s Pass - pay once get in free for a year) Family fun activities, Paradise Park, Hayle, Save £2pp with code BLACKBIRD, paradisepark.org.uk Farmer Fun, Dairyland Farm Park, nr Newquay, farm animals, Pat-a-Pet, tractor & pony rides, Bull Pen soft play Camelford Fun Week, free activities, slip’n’slide, family fun run, dog show, tug of war, treasure hunt, bingo, bird walk, music, teddy bear’s picnic, stories & comps. 3 Jun: live music, Enfield Park, free, family-friendly, 4 to 10 pm. 01840 212 880 visitcamelford.co.uk Art Explorers, Tate St Ives, explore the galleries with Explorer Backpacks & Art Challenge cards, mention BlackbirdPie, (entry free with Locals’ Pass, under 18s free) National Trust events: Nature trail at Trelissick, 01872 862090. At Glendurgan go on bug hunt, create wild art, plant seeds 01326 252020. Discover Godolphin’s history, get creative, take the Barefoot & mud-pie trails 01736 763194 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall 27 & 28 Science Adventures: Deep Sea, Coppice Theatre, see page 13, science & storytelling, age 5+. 27 May: Burrell Theatre, Truro, 01872 246038 www.burrelltheatre.com. 28 May: Poly, Falmouth, 01326 319461 thepoly.org May Bad Dad, Penlee Park, Penzance, Heartbreak Theatre from David Walliams’ book, 6.30pm, 07816 285367 28 May Woman Like Me: The Little Mix Show, Regal Theatre, Redruth, 4pm, high-energy, live-on-stage pop for all ages, hits from Little Mix, dance competitions & giveaways! 01209 216278 www.regaltheatre-redruth.co.uk

HAVE A REALLY WILD TIME

Brilliant for kids’ Look who’s over there? parties, play groups, schools, fun days!

Tel: 07761 810900 www.marks-ark.co.uk

Bodmin www.pencarrow.co.uk Café, play area, under 16s free entry 28 May: Bring your bear for the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Bear Hunt in the woods, storytelling, teddy bear help deskk

Parklive, Kimberley Park, Falmouth, free, family-friendly, music & performance event showcasing local creative talent, Source FM, also on 2 July, see parklive.rocks Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Pencarrow, Bodmin, bears, storytelling & teddy bear help desk, free with garden entry, www.pencarrow.co.uk/events CHT Open Gardens: Boconnoc, Lostwithiel, fab gardens, deer park, ancient woods, tours & trail, u12s free, online £6 / £7.50 on door, see page 4 Fun on the farm since 1975 28 & 29 Back to the 40s, Helston Railway, Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick 29 to 31 Unstoppable Us, novelEnglish, the Lizard, venture into the distant past on this magical course, see page 16 PONY INDOOR 29/5 & Pop-Up Planet PK, Clore Learning Space, PK Porthcurno, 1 to 3pm, create mini critters & 2D finger paint bugs, RIDES PLAY 1 Jun free 29, 31 & The Piskie in the Garden, Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, John Brolly’s new one-man storytelling show, 4pm PAT HAY minack.com 01736 810181 2 Jun A PET BARN 29 May Rock Pool Explorers, NMMC, Falmouth, discover curious Cornish coastal creatures with The Rock Pool Project, TRACTOR to 2 Jun 11am to 3pm, and more! See 27 May RIDES Via Ferrata Adventure Holiday Club, Halvasso, nr Penryn, Cornwall’s most exhilarating childcare, see page 8 May Kipps the New Half a Sixpence Musical, Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, minack.com 01736 810181 ’t D o n s Half Term Farmer 29 May Clay Play & Nature, Wheal Martyn, £1, hands-on creative activities, scavenger hunt, email Fun Mis to 4 Jun engagementofficer@wheal-martyn.com 01726 850362, please mention BlackbirdPie 30 May Knights’ Tournament, Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, spectacular sporting contests as rival knights compete.

01872 510 246 k Par s dairylandfarmpark.com to 1 June Book online and save 10%english-heritage.org.uk/Pendennis n Ope moo@dairylandfarmpark.com dairylandfarmpark.com 30 May Annie Jr, Kidz R Us, St Ives, Tony Award-winning Best Musical based on the popular comic strip, kidzrus.net 5 moo 10 to 31/8 01736 797007 Tresillian Barton, Summercourt 31 May Young potters’ wheel workshops, Leach Pottery, St Ives, 11.30am to 12.30 or 1.30 to 2.30pm, for ages 7 to Newquay, TR8 5AA 11, £8, book on www.leachpottery.com 1 Jun River beach exploration, Lower Marsh Farm, Landulph, CWT Wildlife Watch, 10.30am to 12.30pm, with a Forrest School teacher, bring picnic, 4 to 10 yrs, free but book 01872 302284 1 & 2 Jun Stig of the Dump, novelEnglish, the Lizard, a magical, educational course, see page 16 The Dinosaur Time Machine, Keay Theatre, St Austell, 1.30pm & 4pm, exciting, interactive, Jurassic adventure 2 Jun Blackbird_pie_ad_2023.indd 1 02/05/2023 with music, fun & games. 01726 226774 www.cornwall.ac.uk/thekeay 3, 9, 10 & Macbeth, Soapbox Theatre, Devonport Park, Plymouth, Stiltskin’s fun adaptation with endearing fools, a cast of potatoes & socks, and some Shakespeare! for age 8+ and adults too. stiltskin.org.uk 07449 724261 17 Jun 4 Jun Caribbean Family Fun Day, Mount Edgcumbe Park, 10.30am to 4pm, reggae and rhythmic ska, dance workshops, online £6 (+booking fee) u12s free, www.missivyevents.co.uk 5 to 29 Galactic Messy Fun, with Mess Around Cornwall, 6 months to 5yrs, £9.50, 5th St Columb, 12th Bodmin, 20th Jun Shortlanesend, 23rd Probus, 25th Newlyn East, 27th Wadebridge, 29th Par 07590 549097 6 Jun & Manga drawing club, Writers’ Block, Redruth, 10 to 16yrs, with illustrator Keith Sparrow, 4 to 5.30pm, 4 Jul donations up to £3, book thewritersblock.org.uk/events 10 Jun Secret Gardens of St Ives, ‘above the beach a secret garden lies…’ 12 private gardens to explore, 1 to 5pm, £7.50, u16s free, valid both days, tickets from 2 Gabriel Street, www.onestives.co.uk 11 Jun Family dance workshop, Newquay Orchard, with Newquay Dance Collective, family ticket £5, 10.30 am to 12pm. www.newquayorchard.co.uk 13 Jun & Toddle Tate, Tate St Ives, 10.30am, to 12.30pm, multi-sensory sessions for under 5s, £1 adult admission (free 11 Jul with Locals’ Pass). mention BlackbirdPie Tree, Penlee Park, Penzance, 11.30am & 1pm, Cscape’s joyful dance theatre adventure for little ones, with 14 Jun interactive activities, penleeparktheatre.com 07816 285367 16 to 18 3 Wishes Fairy Festival, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Torpoint, family-friendly, camping, live music, vegan Jun food, & lots of fairy folk! See page 17 St Austell Children’s Literature Festival, White River Place & St Austell Library, amazing line-up including AF 17 Jun Steadman, Anna Wilson, Ellie Jackson, Justyn Edwards www.staustelltown.co.uk £1 Kinetic Sculptures: Planet PK Champions, Clore Learning Space, PK Porthcurno, make recycled material sculptures, 7- 12 years, free event, & free parking, book, mention BlackbirdPie, 01736 810 966 17, 18 & Science Adventures: Deep Sea, Coppice Theatre’s fantastical show, age 5+. 17 June: Penlee Park, Penzance 07816 285367 boxoffice@penleeparktheatre.com. 18 June: St Day Open-air Church www.stdayoldchurch.org 24 24 Jun June: Mus of Cornish Life Helston 01326 564027 17 to 25 Polperro Festival, street theatre, parades, carnival, Mock Mayor ceremony, morris dancers, comedy, drama & Free entry for under 18s Jun poetry, children’s entertainment, treasure hunt, Bake-off, dog show, live music, and Solstice Bonfire 18 Jun Fathers’ Day, Helston Railway, Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick Free half term craft 22 & 23 Tree, Cscape’s joyful dance theatre adventure for little ones, 22 Jun: Newquay Orchard, 01637 877182 activities newquayorchard.co.uk/events. 23 Jun: Trebah, www.minack.com 01736 810181 Jun 24 Jun & Endelienta Arts workshops, Delabole Methodist Hall, 10am to 12pm, £5 per family, 24 Jun: beautiful, blended Half term opening Monday 8 Jul drawings using soft pastels; 8 Jul: create watery paintings; book tickets@endelienta.org.uk 25 Jun Armed Forces Day, Bodmin Keep, free event, history trail, follow clues & learn about Bodmin’s fascinating to Saturday 10 - 4pm military heritage, www.bodminkeep.org.uk www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk CHT Open Gardens: Trenarth, Constantine, tours & trail, u12s free, online £6 / £7.50 on door, see page 4 1 Jul Children’s Day, Truro City Centre, fabulous high octane free activities, stalls, street entertainment, see page 4 The Grimm Sisters? Cardinham Woods, 4pm, tales, music & comedy. 6+, intobodmin.co.uk/ 01208 811185 1 & 2 Jul Splash Test Dummies, Trebah Amphitheatre, Mawnan Smith, side-splitting, slapstick comedy & catch-your-breath stunts, www.minack.com 01736 810181 2 Jul CHT Open Gardens: Trereife, near Penzance, tours & trail, u12s free, online £6 / £7.50 on door, see page 4 5 to 8 Jul Demon Dentist, Theatre Royal Plymouth, hilarious and thrilling! 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal 5, 6, 11 & Tree, Cscape’s joyful dance theatre adventure, 5 Jul: St Ives library 01736 796297 stives.ticketsolve.com, 6 Jul: Cardinham Woods, intobodmin.co.uk 01208 811185, 11 Jul: HfC, 15 Jul: Princess Pavilion Falmouth 15 Jul 28 May

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Early summer theatre shows and pantomimes Hall for Cornwall, Truro. hallforcornwall.co.uk 01872 262466 13 May: Sing-A-Long-A Encanto, the smash hit musical film about the Family Madrigal; full audience participation essential.

13 to 16 Jul: Hey Duggee, The Live Theatre Show! Be part of the hit CBeebies show and join Duggee and the Squirrels in this vibrant interactive production bursting with music, puppets, and barrels of laughs.

29 to 31 Aug: Dragons & Mythical Beasts. Enter a magical world of myths, legends and huge spectacular puppets in this fantastical family show. Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, mysterious Indrik, the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin, just don’t wake the Dragon…An award-winning show direct from the West End, from the creators of the international hit Dinosaur World Live.

(Age 3+).

Kidz R Us, St Ives Theatre, kidzrus.net 01736 797007 30 May to 31 Aug: Annie Jr is based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical; it features everyone’s favourite little redhead in her very first adventure.

Theatre Royal Plymouth, 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal 15 to 17 May: Zog, Freckle Productions’ smash-hit stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved book. For all ages and with lively songs.

5 to 8 Jul: Demon Dentist, a terrific tale from the West End producers of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, both Olivier Award nominees. Alfie and Gabz are determined to get to the bottom of the strange events happening in their hometown - the tooth fairy is leaving odd things under pillows! What will they discover when they come face to face with the demon dentist in this hilarious and thrilling story?

14 to 15 Jul: Dragons & Mythical Beasts – see Hall for Cornwall.

The Writers’ Block, 2-4 Clinton Road, Redruth https://thewritersblock.org.uk/events/ 26 May 4.30pm: Katie’s Black Hole Adventures - Little Trebiggan Theatre Company take you on a roller coaster ride of fun, adventure, and some science! for age 4+, booking essential.

Regal Theatre, Redruth. 01209 216278 All tickets at www.regaltheatre-redruth.co.uk 28 May at 4pm: Woman Like Me: The Little Mix Show is an exciting high-energy, live-on-stage pop concert suitable for all ages, based on hits from award-winning girl band Little Mix. Kids, tweens, teens, and adults alike, will be singing and dancing to chart-topping hits including Black Magic, Power, Shoutout to My Ex and Woman Like Me. A pop concert experience full of commercial pop-video choreography and lots of added extras including Dance Competitions and Free Giveaways!

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Keay Theatre, St Austell, 01726 226774 www.cornwall.ac.uk/thekeay 2 June, 1.30pm & 4pm: The Dinosaur Time Machine, an exciting, unmissable, fully interactive, Jurassic adventure with music, fun and games.

Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park, Plymouth. stiltskin.org.uk 07449 724261 Offer: book now for the summer show Tamara and get HALF PRICE on either Macbeth or Dino-Saw.

13 & 14, 27 & 28 May, 8 to 10 June, 11am: Dino-Saw, join baby Dino on an adventure and meet dinosaurs BIG and small. An immersive theatre show for under 8s.

20 & 21 May 11am to 4pm: Spellbound Fairy & Goblin Festival with storytelling performances, theatre, arts and crafts (most under cover).

Come dressed in fairy and goblin outfits, adults and children alike!

26 May, 23 June 6pm: Family Twilight Tales with toast, hot chocolate and tales performed by resident storyteller extraordinaire Jacqueline.

3, 9, 10 & 17 Jun: Stiltskin Theatre Company’s adaptation of Macbeth. Endearing Elizabethan fools, Chop and Block, are gaolers in the Tower of London. Join them as they re-enact the new Shakespeare play Macbeth, with some of Shakespeare’s text and an amazing cast of potatoes, socks, and frying pans! Discover the themes and characters in a relaxed and funny fashion; an ideal introduction to Shakespeare, for age 8+ and adults too.

22 July to 5 Aug: Tamara, a spellbinding tale of giants and earth nymphs.

The Falmouth Cringe Comedy Festival 6 to 9 July www.falmouthcringe.com 8 Jul 1pm: The Kids’ Show Shelf, at The Cornish Bank, comedy show full of sketches, songs, and pranks, £5, under 3s free, family discount, £15 for 4 tickets.

On Tour - indoor and outdoor Coppice Theatre presents Science Adventures: Deep Sea Head to the bottom of the sea with Coppice Theatre for an exciting aquatic adventure with puppetry, animation and storytelling. The show explores the importance of protecting our coast and oceans, whilst fostering a love of science and literature. A brand-new show with exciting characters and three stories aimed at age 5+, from the team that brought you Science Adventures (2018) and Science Adventures: The Power Pickle (2021).

27 May: The Burrell Theatre, Truro. 28 May: The Poly, Falmouth.

10 June: St Ives Library. 17 June: Penlee Park, Penzance.

18 June: St Day Open-air Church. 24 June: Helston Museum.

Cscape’s Imaginarium (www.cscapetree.com) will be touring Cornwall with Tree, a joyful dance theatre adventure for little ones, based on a children’s book illustrated

by Britta Teckentrup and written by Patricia Hegarty.

Tree combines dance performance, storytelling, design, music, and interactive activities into a multi-sensory, live theatre experience.

19 to 21 May 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm: Lost Gardens of Heligan.

14 Jun 11.30am & 1pm: Penlee Park Penzance.

22 Jun 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm: Newquay Orchard.

23 Jun 10.15am, 11.30am & 1.30pm: Trebah Gardens.

5 Jul 10am, 11.30am & 1.30pm: Richmond Park, Carbis Bay, hosted

by St Ives Library 01736 796297 stives.ticketsolve.com/ 6 Jul 10am, 11.30am & 1.30pm: Cardinham Woods.

11 Jul 10am, 11.30am & 1.30pm: Hall for Cornwall, hosted at Truro Library.

14 Jul 11.30am, 1.30pm: Princess Pavilion, Falmouth.

Theatre Shows - continues on page 14 >>>>

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Theatre Shows and Panto

- continued from page 12 >>>>

Bash Street Theatre with The Battling Butlers https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ A fabulous blend of physical theatre, circus skills, original songs and live music. Juggling babies, toddlers on stilts and teaching your kid to ride a unicycle… everyday life for showman, Joe Butler! This family love story about the real father-and-son double act. For age 7+ 14 to 18 May: Minack Theatre. 5 Jul: Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Penzance. 12 Jul: Plen an Gwarry, St Just, free event.

14 Jul 7.30pm: Carn Marth Amphitheatre, Lanner. 15 Jul Cardinham Woods, Bodmin

Outdoor Theatre Trebah Amphitheatre, Mawnan Smith. Box office 01736 810181 or www.minack.com More lovely events to come in July and Aug. 23 June: Cscape’s Tree, see page 13. 1 & 2 Jul: Splash Test Dummies a brilliant array of circus-filled hilarity catch-your-breath stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, dexterous juggling, and side-splitting, slapstick comedy.

Minack Theatre (open-air), Porthcurno, minack.com 01736 810181 14 to 18 May: Bash Street Theatre’s The Battling Butlers, see above.

29, 31 May 2 Jun 4pm: The Piskie in the Garden, A mixture of puppets, music, and wonderful storytelling; John Brolly’s new one-man show is full of mischief and fairy magic.

29 May to 2 Jun: Kipps the New Half a Sixpence Musical, an infectious, joyous journey, filled with musical favourites; perfect for all the family. 7 & 8, 11 to 15 & 18 to 22 Jun: Calvino Nights inspired

by Italo Calvino’s folktales; fire, feast and fun-filled fiasco! age 8+ Cardinham Woods Events, IntoBodmin https://intobodmin.co.uk/ 01208 811185 1 Jul 4pm: The Grimm Sisters? Those famous storytellers the Brothers Grimm were story stealers, their sisters were the true brains! Join them for their twisted tales, live music, singing & comedy. 6+ 6 Jul Cscape’s Tree, 10, 11am & 1pm, details above.

15 Jul 4pm: Bash Street Theatre’s The Battling Butlers, details above.

Theatre on the Terraces at Newquay Orchard newquayorchard.co.uk/events 01637 877182 22 Jun 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm: Cscape Tree, see above.

24 Jun 11.30am: Squashbox’s Sea Show 20 Jul 5pm: award-winning Quantum Theatre’s Peter Rabbit Penlee Open Air Theatre Penzance has a full summer schedule for families, including Coppice, Cscape and Bash Street see ‘on tour’ above. 07816 285367 boxoffice@penleeparktheatre.com 27 & 28 May 6.30pm: Heartbreak Theatre David Walliams’ Bad Dad, a warm-hearted tale follows the highs and lows of a father-and-son relationship as they navigate a world of crime, car chases and convicts!

14 Jun: Cscape’s Tree, see above.

9 Jul 2pm: Squashbox Theatre Stones and Bones 16 Jul 2pm: The Grimm Sisters – see Cardinham Woods above.

FAMILY SHOWS & EVENTS The Newquay Orchard Fayre Sat, 20 May Tree Show by CSCAPE Thurs, 22 June The Sea Show by Squashbox Theatre Sat, 24 June

Pentillie Castle grounds, St. Mellion, Saltash https://www.pentillie.co.uk 01579 350 044 25 Jul: Robin Hood, with award-winning outdoor theatre company, Illyria.

Peter Rabbit by Quantum Theatre Thurs, 20 July The Last Baguette presents Pandora’s Box Sat, 5 August Dr. Dolittle by Tethered Wits Fri, 11 August Heartbreak Theatre presents Bad Dad Fri, 1 September Tales from the Trees

by Squashbox Theatre Sat, 9 September

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North Coast Arts in Bude https://www.northcoastarts.co.uk/ 25 Jul 6.30pm: Splastick Picnic’s Peter Pan at Norton Barton Artisan Food Village.

27 Jul 6.30pm: Illyria’s Robin Hood, Ebbingford Manor.

31 Jul 5pm: Bad Dad by David Walliams (see Penlee above), Bude Castle Lawn.

Piratical Weapons of the 7 Seas!

Piratical Weapons of the 7 Seas once again sails into port!

Thursday 1 June 11am at the Poly, Falmouth, and watch out for more shows and workshops this summer & beyond on www.swashbucklingcornwall.com Being a pirate can be a dangerous job, sea monsters, the navy… other pirates! All pose a threat to an honest pirate on their voyages, and they need to defend themselves!

Join us as Captain Killigrew shows off and demonstrates some of the most piratical weapons and shares tales of how he has used them on the high seas across the globe. - now with extra slashing!

Following the show there will be a chance to take a closer look at some of the weapons used and pose for pictures and ask questions if you wish.

Suitable 5+ All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: £5, a £1 Poly Fund payment is added to each ticket sold.

01326 319461 thepoly.org email: info@thepoly.org The Poly, 24 Church Street, Falmouth, TR11 3EG

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Blackbird Reads Art and Artists by Deborah Wright

Katie’s Picture Show

by James Mayhew published by Orchard Katie visits an art gallery with her Grandma and suddenly climbs right into Rousseau’s famous Tiger painting and then has afternoon tea with a very grand lady painted by Ingres. When we took three-year-old Ludo to the National Gallery, he was thrilled to find all the real paintings in the book and spent ages looking at them.

There are eleven Katie books, and they are a perfect way to introduce young children to visiting a gallery. 3+ An Artist’s Eyes

by Frances Tosdevin, illustrated by Clemence Monnet, published by Frances Lincoln Isn’t it wonderful how people look at the same things but see them completely differently? Jo desperately wants to see the world like his artist friend Mo. So Mo takes him on a journey discovering the colours of nature and explaining how she sees the world. As he looks and looks, they realise that Jo sees things in his own way, which is just as unique and exciting as Mo’s. For 4+ The Chalk Garden

by Sally Anne Garland, published by Sunbird Books You can be an artist anywhere, and even if you only have some chalks and a pavement you can transform it into something magical.

Emma draws beautiful pictures all over her dreary back yard to attract the birds she hopes will visit her, but the rain comes and washes her lovely garden away. Then small plants start appearing in the cracks in the paving slabs and everything changes. For 4+ The Big Book of Nature Art

by Yuval Zommer, published by Thames and Hudson Picasso said, ‘Every child is an artist’ and in this large, beautifully illustrated picture book, Yuval Zommer shows how nature can inspire so much creativity. Collages of insects made with leaves (and adhesive googly eyes are a must), turtles from coconut shells, fish decorated with pencil shavings and lions with yellow petal manes. There are pages and pages of wonderful ideas.

Start saving loo rolls, cardboard and paper plates, and then go out for a walk to gather leaves and twigs and stones. For 4+ Mona Lisa and the Others

by Alice Harman, illustrated by Quentin Blake, published by Thames and Hudson This is a fascinating, but also funny look at the treasures of the Louvre in Paris. Quentin Blake’s iconic drawings are mixed with close ups of the Mona Lisa and many others, explaining what makes them masterpieces. Lots of background information about the context and the artists themselves, and the importance of really looking, are presented in a lighthearted way. For 8+ 5 Where’s Wally?

Double Trouble at the Museum

by Martin Handford, published by Walker If you really want to encourage a child’s observational skills, the Wally books are a fun way to start. In the museum, with hundreds of paintings on the walls, it’s hard to spot Wally. But this is also a spot-the-difference book, and there are 500 to find! The paperback version was published last year and is perfect for a long journey.

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Jump into Spring with a host of fun family attractions and activities at Camel Creek Camel Creek Family Theme Park welcomes a brand-new event to Cornwall! On 13 & 14 May the Fusion Extreme Bike Stunt Show team will be wowing the crowds with spectacular BMX stunts as riders hop across huge distances with precision and style. There will be exciting interactive workshops for your little daredevils with the Fusion team (bikes and safety helmets provided).

May half term is bear-themed with a bear hunt around the park and teddy bears picnic activities all week. On Tuesday 30 & Wednesday 31 May everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear, Paddington will be visiting for Camel Creek’s popular character meet & greets and Storytime with Paddington at the show arena throughout the day.

Save £2 per person by using code BBPIE23 when you book online at www.camelcreek.co.uk Camel Creek - every path leads to something different.

The award-winning 3 Wishes Fairy Festival returns from 16 to 18 June!

Hailed as the UK’s most magical and unique fairy festival - it’s just like stepping into Fairyland. You will encounter enchanting creatures wandering the stunning grounds at Mount Edgcumbe, including gnomes, elves, unicorns, pirates, pixies, fairies, dragons, and a Mermaid Lagoon! Cicely Mary Barker’s famous Flower Fairies books were published 100 years ago, so lots of colourful flower fairies will be celebrating in this magical, ancient place of mystical woodland, landscaped park, and pleasure gardens.

The festival is the first live music, camping, vegan, fairy festival in the UK; with live music across four music areas, and more than 100+ free fairy workshops, activities, and demonstrations (all included in the ticket price). Under 7s go free, ages 7 to 17 years £12, & adults from £45, details on www.fairyfestival.co.uk 3 Wishes Fairy Festival, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cremyll, Torpoint.

With adventure around every corner, Camel Creek offers an exciting day out for families - from thrill rides and adrenalin rushes to fun for toddlers and animal handling sessions. There are new experiences at every twist and turn - with 18 mechanical rides, outdoor slides, nature walks, and large soft play - plenty to keep your little ones busy and happy. A world of adventures to explore and exciting rides and attractions, both indoors and out. Camel Creek also has a large variety of animals to admire, with over 90 species from riveting reptiles to creepy crawlies, majestic horses to mischievous meerkats, and animal handling sessions and junior zookeeper experiences.

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Hello. I’m Michele, Lead Nurse for the school-age immunisation service at Kernow Health.

We spoke to the friendly, Cornwall-based team to find out how People Hub can help.

Can you help if people are worried about skills needed for a new job?

We have some great opportunities to make it easier to find your path to employment, from a re-skilling session that will identify your key skills and how they can be applied to new work opportunities, to a free Changing Mindset workshop which will inspire a positive life-change. The support can last for up to 12 months and is aimed at removing barriers that are preventing you from achieving your goals.

I’ve been a nurse since 1992 and have worked in the community, Royal Cornwall Hospital and General Practice.

Now is the time for us to start preparing for the nasal flu programme and possibly for some, your child’s very first day at school in September. Not as far off as it seems.

Here’s some information about the school-age immunisation service…

Our Nurses…..

We have 28 nurses with vast experience as Health Visitors; Community Nurses; General Practice Nurses and Hospital Nurses.

Between them they cover all eligible children at……

Schools…..

250 primary and 49 secondary schools.

Approximately 75 community catch-up clinics per year, where we also see home-educated children.

Approximately 65,000 eligible children

Do you have helpful advice if money is tight?

Help with finances comes under the spotlight too, with free access to an Easy Cooking on Universal Credit Workshop where you’ll learn handy tips and recipe ideas, join a cookalong session and take home a FREE slow-cooker!

What if you are nervous about using technology?

The short sessions on the Get Connected course help you build confidence and get new digital skills, particularly useful when searching for jobs. You’ll even get a FREE tablet and enrolment onto a funded digital qualification!

Our Admin Team…..

When you phone you’ll speak to me, Lesley, Maria or Laura. It’s very busy so we all muck in. We’re available from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Monday to Friday (contact details below). Leave us a message if you can’t get through and we will call you back. If you have a question, please call us. It’s what we’re here for.

E-Consent……

You’ll be sent a link to an online consent form, but if you’d rather give verbal consent we can complete the form with you over the phone.

You need to opt-in to have your child vaccinated.

Feedback……

If you or your child have had contact with us, or attended one of our clinics, we’d like to know how we did. You can either email us, telephone or use this QR code.

It helps us to continually improve our service.

Who is it for?

The People Hub is funded by the European Social Fund and is there for anyone in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who is looking for help getting back into work, job training or fully funded qualifications. We offer FREE advice and support, so don’t delay getting in touch, call our Cornwall-based team on 0333 015 0699 or email hello@peoplehub.info

If you have any questions please call us on 01872 221105 or email Kernowhealthcic.schoolimmunisation@nhs.net We are always happy to help.

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