Blackbird Pie 2024 Easter

FREE

Easter holidays and spring 2024

30,000 copies across Cornwall and also on-line

BlackbirdPie

Cornwall’s what’s-on for families

What’s on this Easter

Spring 2024 calendar

Easter Egg Hunts

Trains & animals

Get arty

Outdoor & indoor adventures

Free audiobooks

Theatre shows

Poetry books review

NHS Measles advice

The Cornish Caretakers at NMMC

Vouchers & offers:

NMMC, page 3

Pendennis Castle, page 4

Wheal Martyn, page 4

Paradise Park, page 5

Jungle Jacks, page 5

PK Porthcurno, page 6

Kernow Adventure Park, page 8

Mini Mess Makers, page 10

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2

Contents on page(s):

4 to 9

What’s on - Egg hunts, train rides, trails, animals & birds to admire, delve into books, arty fun

6 PK Porthcurno – half-price for families QR code

8 & 9 Blackbird visits Lappa Valley. Egg hunts at Bodmin Keep

10 & 11 Calendar of events for late March, April, and early May

12 NHS cut-out, pin-up advice on Measles

13 Poetry book review. Cornwall Libraries’ free audiobooks

14 to 17 Theatre Shows

17 Get Creative at Hall for Cornwall Farmers’ Markets at The Food Barn

18 NHS Cornwall 111 – more than just a helpline

19 National Maritime Museum Cornwall and The Cornish Caretakers & the Chest of Cornishness! Dear Readers,

Happy Easter!

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.

What’s on in this Easter

Please mention Blackbird Pie – that is how we keep going! See pages 12 to 15 for theatre shows.

Pendennis Castle (English Heritage) 23 Mar to 14 Apr: this Easter have a cracking adventure quest. Hunt for clues in the castle grounds, track down Easter eggs and get rewarded with chocolate! £2 plus entry. The castle is great to explore and let your imagination run wild – with winding stone staircases, turrets and tunnels to discover. Hungry adventurers can grab lunch from the café or bring a picnic. www.english-heritage. org.uk/visit/whats-on/pendennis-castle Paradise Park, Hayle. Easter SPECIAL OFFER: Book online and use code ‘BIRD’ at the checkout to save £3 per person. 29 Mar to 14 Apr. Enjoy a cracking time on the Easter Golden Egg Challenge - complete the quiz and claim a chocolate reward. There is so much wonderful wildlife at this family-run award-winning wildlife sanctuary, with daily feeding of the cute otters and penguin colony, amazing daily flying shows, and a Fun Farm. Do buy nectar to feed the little parrots, then take a ride on Zebedee the Jungle Express Train (small charge) and burn off energy in the huge JungleBarn Play Centre. Great value Return Tickets are available.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, www.heligan.com under 5s go free. (Heligan Local’s Pass - pay once get in free for a year)

29 Mar to 14 Apr: The Adventures of the Lost Lamb – explore Heligan in Spring, reconnect with nature and enjoy the colours and diverse sensory richness of the gardens as you follow the adventures of Lowenna the Lost Lamb. Collect your trail booklet and follow Lowenna’s adventure as it unfolds through the pages and on the storyboards along the way. Afterwards crafts, activities and chocolate await you at Heligan Play Meadow Tent. All free with entry.

Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park, St Columb Major. Neighbouring the Goss Moor Nature Reserve, this award-winning Sanctuary cares for 70 owls from all around the world and 18 other species including storks, wallabies, raccoons, lemurs, meerkats, emus, and a fox. Get up close with majestic birds of prey at the twice daily flying displays and in regular educational feed and talk sessions. Car parking is free, there is a children’s play area, tearoom and picnic area.

Redruth Book Feast, 19 to 21 Apr: Redruth Drapery and Redruth Library. Get illustrating with Rebecca Cobb and writing with Justyn Edwards. More over the weekend. @redruthbookfeast novelEnglish is a wonderfully different, educational enterprise in the heart of the Lizard. This Easter, choose from two magical courses – 2 to 5 Apr: Famous Writers: Eva Ibbotson’s Journey to the River Sea, back by popular demand! A course for 8- to 12-year-olds who love exploring wildlife and fantastical adventures.

9 & 10 Apr: The Shakespeare Course for ages 11 to 14 – Julius Caesar, combines a full reading of the play and select performances of the most exciting assassination ever committed! To book or find out more, email enquiries@novelenglish.co.uk www.novelenglish.co.uk

Hayle Heritage Centre celebrates their new exhibition Hayle Herstory; untold women’s stories at the heart of a Cornish town, with free children’s drop-in art sessions, on the 9 & 10 Apr. The exhibition runs from 9 Apr to Aug, with free activities for children (including a new under 5s exploration area). In WW2 women made munitions at J&F Pool, they made 1 million bombs, and as a treat got to see demonstrations of weapons on the beach (pics above)! hayleheritagecentre.org.uk 01736 757683.

The Steren School of Ballet in Pool, St Day, Penzance and NEW in Camborne! Ballet classes from as little as birth. Miss Jessica’s enchanting classes bring movement, music, creativity, education and development together. Classes include Early Years ballet, Royal Academy of Dance, pre-pointe & pointe, creative contemporary, and adults, details on www.sterenballet.co.uk 07515 129358

Enys Gardens, near Penryn. 29 Mar to 11 Apr: Dragon Egg Trail, become a dragonologist and help the Cornish Dragon Conservation Society find dragon eggs hidden in the garden. Discover fascinating new exhibits at the world-famous Museum of Dragon Artifacts… https://enysgardens.org.uk/

Mark’s Ark Wildlife parties provide a brilliant, entertaining, interactive, hands-on animal show for children of all ages. With 25 years of experience, Mark provides a fantastic opportunity to hold tarantulas, snakes, lizards and owls, in a safe, controlled manner. Fully insured, risk assessed, and brilliant value! 07761810900, email mark@marks-ark.co.uk for parties, school visits, weddings and events.

Stithians Lake Activity Centre, Redruth, (South West Lakes Trust) is great for family adventure, jam- packed with new experiences. This Easter (30 Mar to 14 Apr) have-a-go sailing and windsurfing sessions or try a variety of land and water-based activities on a Multi-Activity Day - sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and raft building. 30 Mar: Easter Eggstravaganza on-land and on-water challenges, work together in teams to collect clues and win chocolate! You can also hire watersports equipment and launch your own craft. 01209 860301 www.swlakestrust.org.uk/Event/stithians-easter-activities-2024

Cornwall Heritage Trust. www.cornwallheritagetrust.org

Friday 5 Apr, 11am to 3pm: Bunnies on the Beacon Nature Activity Trail at Sancreed Beacon, near Penzance. Follow the Beacon’s furry friends and explore this beautiful moorland, which has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Completed trails earn a prize; £1 donation. You don’t need to be members, just come along. Cornwall Heritage Trust is a small, completely independent charity and its work to protect what makes Cornwall special couldn’t happen without your support. Families can join from £20 a year, benefits include free entry to English Heritage sites in Cornwall, discounted entry to Heritage Partner sites, a children’s activity book and more. Quote ‘BlackBirdPie’ and receive free Cornish sweets with your membership pack.

Enjoy a fascinating and fun day out at PK Porthcurno, the award-winning, family-friendly museum.

Immerse yourself in hands-on interactives and fun games as you journey through the museum galleries and World War II tunnels. Hunt for Pigeon Pals hiding around the museum and see if you can decode their secret message. This Easter meet Poppy, the Mobile Telegraph Office Bus

Visit the Going Mobile exhibition, see if you can find your favourite mobile phone, and discover the fascinating history of mobile communications. Feeling fit? Go on, don a hard hat, climb up and up the wartime escape stairs, and see Porthcurno from above!

If you need a quiet moment, the Spring Room is the perfect place to take a break, or relax in the beautiful, subtropical gardens. For visitors with sensory needs, there are ear defenders to borrow and a printable Social Story and Sensory Map to download on the website.

This Easter, play with clay at PK with resident artist Mae Voogd, inspired by the PK Porthcurno collections. The whole family can join in making pinch pots and exploring mark-making and decorating with natural tools and stamps. Clay Play & Pinch Pottery on Wednesdays 3 & 10 Apr & Fridays 5 & 12 Apr, 1 to 3pm.

What's on - continued from page 5

Swamp Circus & Chyan Cultural Centre, near Penryn. www.chyan.org

2 to 7 Apr: Circus Camp with a big top, camping, nature & forest skills, great food, and time for focused training. Circus workshops with top tutors, include trapeze and silks, acrobatics, juggling, clown & mime, unicycle, tight wire, and stilts. Chyan is a calm place with woodlands, meadows by the river, an organic fruit farm and 200-seat theatre in a big dome. Week / day tickets & reductions available. Book on: www.ticketsource.co.uk/swamp-circus Chyan Wellbeing Fair 7 Apr from noon: with local food & drink, children’s field, shows, well-being spa and healers, £5, £2.50 children & unwaged.

Bodmin Railway 31 Mar to 14 Apr: Hop on board for an Easter Trail, looking for letters along the trackside and around the station.

The Big Spring Trail, Strawberry Fields, Lifton. 29 Mar to 14 Apr: embark on an interactive walking adventure with a map to guide you, scan the QR codes, solve clues, play games and unravel riddles along the circular route. £4.50pp, under 2s free, includes entry to the farm barn, bouncy castle, sandpit and other fun activities.

Kernow Adventure Park (picture below) reopens 1 May.

This outdoor activity centre near Falmouth, is set in a 21-acre site of a flooded quarry, a haven for nature and wildlife. Choose from four activities - get your adrenalin going bouncing around the aquapark age 6+; enjoy a leisurely paddle board across the crystal-clear lake; swim in open water swim-lanes; navigate through buoys and obstacles in an E-boat adventure, age 2+. £25 per person includes shorty wetsuit hire and buoyancy aid, get 10% discount with the QR code on page 8. Perfect for fuss-free parties and discounted group bookings www.kernowadventurepark.com/

Raze the Roof family entertainment centre, Penryn, you will be spoilt for choice with soft play, gel blasting, virtual reality, laser tag & parties! The food just got 5 stars too. 01326 377481

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. Winter / Spring 6-month pass £75 child (just £12.50 a month), + discounts for siblings. 01637 852890 or reception or email info@junglejacks.co.uk You’ll find ample seating, a well-stocked café and free WiFi.

Discovering 42, Narissa Hall, Bodmin: Cornwall’s Science Museum - interactive, up-cycled artworks that delve into the peculiarities of science. Bi-weekly Physics clubs £8 - from 22 Mar: little Rebels for 4 to 10 years, unravel the mysteries of how things work from automata to rockets & light bulbs. From 21 Mar: Rebels for age 8 to 18, projects include electrifying electronics to mesmerizing smoke rings. 5 Apr & 3 May: Eco Art Club for all ages. www.discovering42.co.uk

Blackbird visits: Lappa Valley

Lappa Valley near St Newlyn East is magical; the only place in the world where you wait at a proper little station to take a ride on a little train through beautiful Cornish countryside and emerge in a secret world of fun and adventure!

There’s a wealth of family-friendly activities across the beautifully maintained 35-acre site. Alongside treasured old favourites are excellent new additions - from the pedalo swans on the boating lake to the new adventure golf course; a musical trail and idyllic woodland walks; from outdoor adventures to the exciting multi-level soft play in the Engine Shed (its large indoor and outdoor café serves good coffee and home-cooked food).

We love riding on the three miniature railways as they wind their way through tunnels and around the old mine. Lappa Valley celebrates 50 years this year with a host of fantastic additions, including the unveiling of their first brand-new mainline train in 50 years, the City of Truro. The new train offers more comfort and enhanced accessibility so everyone can enjoy Lappa.

This Easter (29 Mar to 1 Apr), join the Lappa team for a fantastic Duck Racing Weekend, with free races across the boating lake, an Easter Egg Quiz, and Easter-themed prizes; and for the first time ever, a chance to sit inside a Steam Engine and hear what all the levers and controls do!

All activities are included in your admission price, including unlimited train rides - pay once and play all day. Annual passes are exceptional value too - 12 months of unlimited entry for one low price. LappaValley.co.uk

Get Arty!

Wheal Martyn Clay Works, St Austell. Creative Springtime Activities, weekdays 29 Mar to 12 Apr: drop-in 11am to 3pm for clay modelling, pottery painting, & drawing inspired by your favourite animals; then make headbands or decorate an Easter basket and design your Easter Bunny! Material costs range from £1 to £8, plus entry fee (which is valid for 12 months). 16 Mar to 28 Apr: Hettie Hedgehog’s Great Adventure Trail - follow Hettie as she wakes from hibernation and reunite her with her friends as you explore the nature trail and woodlands; 10am to 4pm, free with entry. 28 Apr: Paws in the Park - a pawsome family-friendly day with dog shows, dog agility course, various stalls and trails. Money-off voucher - see page 4. Book www.wheal-martyn.com, or on the day, info@wheal-martyn.com / 01726 850362

Benedict’s back at Bodmin Keep!

The Box, Plymouth’s fabulous award-winning museum & art gallery has free admission. You can wonder at amazing artwork and fascinating objects, explore the galleries with free family trails and create something at Explore More tables. Fridays 10.30am: ‘Tell Me a Story’ for under 5s. Tuesday mornings in term-time: ‘I Wonder’ art sessions for 1–4-year-olds. 2 to 4 & 9 to 11 Apr: Holiday Workshops drop-in creative sessions inspired by our amazing oceans. www.theboxplymouth.com

Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance. Free workshopsSaturday Arty Afternoons 2.30 to 3.30pm – really clever ways to help children enjoy looking at pictures. 16 Mar: Think about vehicles in old photographs & use pre-cut shapes to build a vehicle. 23 Mar: Cork Boats in a 3D Scene. 30 Mar: How colours turn paintings from a sunny seascape to a moody stormy scene. 6 Apr: bring animals from paintings alive as 3D Air dough sculptures. 13 Apr: make mini bunting. 20 Apr: zoom in & make marks! 27 Apr: create shimmering fish mobiles. penleehouse.org.uk or phone 01736 363625.

Tate St Ives. 24 Mar to 13 Apr: Be an Art Explorer this holiday! Have fun exploring the galleries with Explorer Backpacks and Tate Shapes activities. Get creative with the Sketchbook or pick up an Art Explorer card. Free with admission, Locals’ Pass and Tate membership. Ages 18 and under free entry.

Mini Mess Makers is Cornwall’s first 100% taste-safe, messy play group that is dairy, soya and nut-free and nominated for 2 different best children’s activity awards. Sessions are at The Holman Sports Club Camborne, Threemilestone Community Centre & Redruth Rugby Club, with different themes each week and weekend events like Daddy & Me sessions, Glow-in-the Dark specials and Manic Mum days. 30 Mar & 27 Apr: STEM activities for 3–8 year-olds in Pool. Quote BLACKBIRD10 for special discount: www.minimessmakers.co.uk

Falmouth Art Gallery, free entry. Easter creative workshops & activities this see www.falmouthartgallery.com 01326 313863

Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro. 29 Mar to 6 Jul: Cabaret Mechanical Theatre’s entertaining, interactive, and whimsical show The Marvellous Mechanical Museum is a stunning blend of art, science and engineering - where you can explore automata created by Cornish artists, discover their inner workings at the push of a button or turn of a lever, and learn about the mechanics, engineering and art.

Endelienta Arts, St Endellion Hall, Port Isaac. Monthly Make Club, explore, create and get messy, with inspirational artists, 10am to 12pm, parents can join in, £5 per family. 23 Mar: Abstract painting with painter Natalie Day. 13 Apr: create simple cross stitch & embroidery patterns and designs with thread. Must book tickets@endelienta.org.uk www.endelienta.org.uk

The museum is open daily from 26 Mar to 14 Apr,10-5pm. The Easter trail costs £2 per person plus museum entry. You can book your museum tickets and trails online at bodminkeep.org.uk - What's on - continued from page 7 9

Join in an egg-citing Easter egg hunt in Bodmin’s historic Keep and discover the history of the army in Cornwall and the stories of soldiers and the battles they fought.

There is plenty to experience inside the imposing walls - kids of all ages can dress-up with uniforms and replica rifles, explore the WW1 trench and step into a real-life regimental cell (the ‘naughty step’ for soldiers). Plus, this Easter is the launch of the shooting range simulator! Stop off for a 10-minute break from exploring for a self-service coffee by the second-hand bookshop.

Bodmin Keep is a great place for sharing stories and learning about Cornwall’s rich military heritage. It is home to thousands of objects spanning 300 years of history, each with its own story to tell about ordinary men and women in extraordinary times. From medals, badges and uniforms to weapons and keepsakes from the battlefield sent by soldiers to their families at home.

Don’t forget the Easter trail, with eggseedingly good prizes to be won. Simply follow Benedict and his friends around each quirky turn of the museum to find all the hidden eggs. It’s really that easy; we’re not yolking.

Look who’s over there?

Mons 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

Tues I Wonder term-time sessions, The Box, free, exhibit-inspired, art & play, 1 to 4-ys www.theboxplymouth.com

Fri Storytelling, The Box, Plymouth, every Friday 10.30am, free admission

Sats Arty Afternoons, Penlee House, Penzance, 2.30 to 3.30pm, free entry & themed activities.

The Food Barn markets, Mylor /Flushing, 9am to 1pm. Meet friends. Eat local. Eat fresh. Wonderful local, sustainable food and very yummy, prepared food. See page 15 until 6 Apr Hell’s Bells, Miracle Theatre on tour, comic seaside mystery, zany blend of detective thriller drama & quirky humour, for adults & age 7+ miracletheatre.co.uk/

9 Mar British Science Week Family Drop-In, Wheal Martyn, St Austell, hands-on science activities for families of all ages, 1.30 to 3pm, free with entry

12 Mar, 9 Apr Toddler Time, Hall for Cornwall’s Green Room Café, 10am, themed crafts, music & games with the friendly Get Creative Team for 2 to 6 years, £4 www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

16 Mar Magic and Marvels, Keay Theatre, St Austell, 2pm, one-man extravaganza Michael Jordan, mind-boggling illusions & heart-stopping circus acts. www.ticketsource.co.uk

16/3 to 28 Apr Hettie Hedgehog’s Great Adventure Trail, Wheal Martyn Clay Works, St Austell, follow Hettie & explore the nature trail and woodlands, 10am to 4pm, free with entry

19 & 20 The Gruffalo’s Child, Hall for Cornwall, with songs, laughs, and scary fun!

19, 21, 23 Baking demonstration, Tintagel Old Post Office, Nat Trust, cloam oven in use, free + entry, 01840 770024

From 21 Mar Fun Physics! Discovering 42, Narissa Hall, Bodmin, £8, fortnightly clubs - From 21 Mar: Rebels (age 8 to 18), projects include electrifying electronics & mesmerizing smoke rings. From 22 Mar: Little Rebels, (age 5 to 10), automata, launch rockets, lighting light bulbs

23 Mar Anyday, Redruth Wesley Chapel, comic, absurd, surreal, mime, charming story, breathtaking trampoline skills & hilarious clowning, 7.30pm www.carntocove.co.uk

Apple ‘N’ Spice, Shire House, Bodmin, 2pm, interactive and multi-cultural charming fairytale performed by Sanskruti Dance. Afterwards, join the cast for an Indian party. intobodmin.co.uk/events/

Abstract painting, Endelienta Make Club, St Endellion Hall, create nature-inspired abstracts with painter Natalie Day, 10am-12pm, £5 per family, must book thelittleboxoffice.com/endelienta/

Family Storytelling Picnic, Kilminorth Woods, Looe, picnic in the woods & brilliant local stories with Moor to Sea, 12noon to 2pm, free but bring picnic, www.moortosea.org.uk

RNLI Ceilidh, NMMC, Falmouth, the RNLI is 200! Celebrate with Cornish songs & sea shanties and The Tinners band & caller will guide you through dances, adults £20, under 14s £10. Tickets: RNLI shop Falmouth (no booking fee) or via https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/events/2024/march/falmouth-lifeboat-ceilidh

23 then 30 Mar Kite workshops & Kite Fest, St Ives Library, 10am to 12noon & 1 to 3pm, expert-led kite-making, £2; fly them on 30 Mar: Kite Flight Fest on St Ives Island, 1 to 3pm, free. Info & kite-making guide on https://stivestowncouncil-cornwall.gov.uk/civic_events/st-ives-kite-fest/

23 Mar to 14 Apr

A cracking adventure quest, Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Hunt for clues in the castle grounds & track down Easter eggs, £2 plus entry, get 15% off via www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/pendennis-castle National Trust’s Easter Egg Trails, every trail is different, crafts, egg & spoon races, welly-wanging, denbuilding, seed planting ++. £3 plus entry, includes trail sheet, bunny ears & chocolate egg. 23 Mar to 14 Ap: Godolphin. 23 Mar to 7 Ap: Pentire & Trelissick. 29 Mar to 7 Ap: Trerice. 29 Mar to 11 Ap: Antony. 29 Mar to 14 Ap: Cotehele, Glendurgan, Lanhydrock & Trengwainton. Check times etc on nationaltrust.org.uk/easter

24 Mar to 13 Apr

26 to 28

26 Mar to 14 Apr

Be an Art Explorer! Tate St Ives, with Explorer backpacks & Tate Shapes activities, get creative sketchbooks, and an Art Explorer card. 10am to 4pm, Free with admission/ Locals’ Pass/ Tate membership; 18s & under free entry. Please mention BlackbirdPie

Shrek the Musical – Jr. Launceston Town Hall, Launceston Youth Music Theatre Gp. launceston-tc.gov.uk

Benedict’s back at Bodmin Keep! Egg-citing Easter egg hunt through the historic Keep, daily 10-5pm, £2pp plus entry, see page 9

The Three Little Pigs, Theatre Royal Plymouth, raucous, high-octane family with puppets. 01752 267222

29 Mar to 1 Apr Duck Racing Weekend, Lappa Valley, St Newlyn East, races across the lake, Easter Egg Quiz, Easter-themed prizes & sit in a Steam Engine and learn what the levers and controls do! All free with entry, review - page 8 Helston Railway Easter Egg Hunt

29 Mar to 11 Apr

29 Mar to 12 Apr

Dragon Egg Trail, Enys Gardens, near Penryn, become a dragonologist and help the Cornish Dragon Conservation Society find the dragon eggs hidden in the garden. Plus, fascinating new exhibits at the world-famous Museum of Dragon Artifacts…https://enysgardens.org.uk/

Carrie’s War, Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Emma Reeves’ stunning adaptation of Nina Bawden’s award-winning novel. 01736 810181

Animal-themed Art & Easter fun, Wheal Martyn, St Austell, drop-in 11am to 3pm weekdays, make animal-themed clay models, painted pottery & drawings; decorate Easter baskets, headbands & design an Easter Bunny; from £1 to £8, plus entry fee (valid for 12 months). 50p off pp voucher - page 4

29 Mar to 14 Apr Easter SPECIAL OFFER & Golden Egg Challenge, Paradise Park, Hayle, book online, use code ‘BIRD’ at checkout & save £3 per person. Easter quiz, chocolate rewards, cute otters & penguins, amazing daily flying shows, and JungleBarn Play Centre

The Big Spring Trail, Strawberry Fields, Lifton, interactive walking adventure with a map, scan the QR codes, solve clues, play games, and unravel riddles along the circular route. £4.50pp, under 2s free, includes entry to farm barn, bouncy castle, sandpit.

The Adventures of the Lost Lamb, Heligan, follow Lowenna’s adventure as it unfolds on storyboards through the glorious gardens, then crafts, activities, & chocolate. All free with entry, under 5s go free. Whose Nose Goes? Easter Trail, Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith, match the right noses to animals, £3, book on 01326 252205, please mention BlackbirdPie Springfest Eden Project, family-friendly games, crafts & activities. www.edenproject.com

29 Mar to 6 Jul

Free entry & new exhibition

from 9 April to August

with free children’s activities

New under 5s exploration area

9 & 10 April: free children’s drop-in art sessions, for all ages

Instagram @hayleheritage

Facebook Hayle Heritage Centre hayleheritagecentre.org.uk

Easter Egg Hunt

29 March - 1 April

The Marvellous Mechanical Museum, Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro, with Cabaret Mechanical Theatreentertaining, interactive, whimsical exhibition all about automata

30 Mar Easter Egg Hunt, Tre, Pol & Pen, Lezant, book trepolandpen.co.uk/pages/events Please mention BlackbirdPie

30 Mar, 25 to 27 Apr Forgetful Fox, Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park, Plymouth, fantastical, adventure, with puppetry, original storytelling, and immersive theatre. For ages 18 months to 10 years. stiltskin.org.uk 07449 724261

30 Mar to 14 Apr

The Chest of Cornishness! National Maritime Museum Cornwall, The Cornish Caretakers hilarious show brings to life six Cornish men & women who changed the world, 11am, 1 & 3pm, starring Ed Rowe the Kernow King. Plus, Cornwall-themed make & take workshops & museum trail, details page 19 Multi-Activities & Easter Eggstravaganza, Stithians Lake Activity Centre, Redruth, have-a-go sailing and windsurfing sessions, Multi-Activity Days - sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and raft building. 30 Mar: Easter Eggstravaganza on-land & on-water team challenges, collect clues and win chocolate! www.swlakestrust.org.uk/Event/stithians-easter-activities-2024

2 to 5 Apr Famous Writers: Eva Ibbotson’s Journey to the River Sea, near Ruan Minor, novelEnglish’s magical literature course for 8- to 12-year-olds who love exploring wildlife and fantastical adventures. To book email enquiries@novelenglish.co.uk

2 to 7 Apr Circus Camp! Chyan Cultural Centre, near Penryn, big top, camping, workshops, top tutors, focused training, and great food. Classes include trapeze, silks, acrobatics, juggling, clown & mime & unicycle, tight wire, stilts.

7 Apr: Wellbeing Fair see below. Book at www.ticketsource.co.uk/swamp-circus

2 to 4 & 9 to 11 Holiday Workshops, The Box, Plymouth, free admission & free drop-in creative sessions inspired by our amazing oceans

3 & 10, & 5 & 12 Clay Play & Pinch Pots, PK Porthcurno, with resident artist Mae Voogd, explore mark-making & decorating with natural tools, 1 to 3pm, 50% off for families - see page 6

4, 6, 7 & 11 Apr Easter Fun on the Farm, Alpaca Trekking, Liskeard, meet alpacas, learn about sheep, cuddle furry friends, 10am and 3pm, £5, under 2s free 07803 003960 www.alpacatrekkingcornwall.com/

5 Apr Bunnies on the Beacon, Nature Activity Trail, Sancreed Beacon, near Penzance, Cornwall Heritage Trust event, 11am to 3pm, through beautiful moorland, prize; £1 donation. See page 6

5 & 6 Apr How to Catch a Book Witch, Coppice Theatre’s open-hearted show for age 3+, with live music and puppets, keyword signing & integrated captions. 5 Apr: The Writers’ Block, Redruth. 6 Apr: Helston Museum www.coppicetheatre.co.uk

5 & 10 Apr Storytelling for families, Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, 5 Apr 4pm: John Brolly narrates Shakespeare’s Macbeth in his quirky, comical style. 10 Apr 4pm: Squashbox’s The Sea Show with tall tales, puppets, slapstick, fantastic facts, & live music; 01736 810181

5 Apr & 3 May Eco Art Club, Discovering 42, Narissa Hall, Bodmin, for all ages. www.discovering42.co.uk

7 Apr Chyan Wellbeing Fair, from midday, local food & drink, children’s field, shows, well-being spa and healers, adults £5, £2.50 for children & unwaged. www.chyan.org

8 Apr Quest for the Dragon’s Egg, The Poly, Falmouth, 11am, a show full of misadventure, traps, treasure, smashed eggs, & fairy sidekicks, then look at arms, armour, maybe the Dragon! £6pp. 01326 319461

9 Apr & 7 May Toddler Time, Hall for Cornwall, 10am, crafts, music & games see 12 Mar

9 & 10 Apr The Shakespeare Course: Julius Caesar, near Ruan Minor, novelEnglish’s magical course for ages 11 to 14 combines reciting the play with performing the most exciting assassination ever committed! To book email www.novelenglish.co.uk

Free children’s drop-in art sessions, Hayle Heritage Centre, celebrating their new exhibition Hayle Herstory; untold women’s stories, and the new under 5s exploration area, free entry, hayleheritagecentre.org.uk

10 Apr Nick Cope’s Family Show, Regal Theatre, Redruth, direct from his CBeebies show Nick Cope’s Popcast, Nick plays his guitar and sings charming songs with a positive message, against a backdrop of his beautifully animated projections, 2pm. For age 3+

11 to 14

Apr

Bluey’s Big Play, Hall for Cornwall, Truro, interactive show adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning TV series, see page 12

13 Apr Monthly Make Club, Endelienta Arts, St Endellion Hall, Port Isaac, create simple cross stitch, embroidery patterns & designs with thread, 10am to 12pm, parents can join in, £5 per family, must book tickets@endelienta.org.uk

19 to 21 Apr

22 Apr

We run between Easter and the beginning of November see website for details www.helstonrailway.co.uk 07875 481380

Pool, St. Day, Penzance & now Camborne

Redruth Book Feast’s Children’s Festival, get illustrating with Rebecca Cobb, writing with Justyn Edwards and more! https://redruthbookfeast.co.uk/

Starchitects, Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Motionhouse Dance’s joyful production with thrilling surprises & circus-style acrobatics, see page 12

27 Apr The Sea Show, Gerrans Memorial Hall, St Mawes, 2pm, Squashbox Theatre’s hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret. 5+, www.gerranshall.com

28 Apr Paws in the Park, Wheal Martyn Clay Works, St Austell, pawsome family-friendly day -dog show, agility course, stalls & trails. Book online or on the day, www.wheal-martyn.com

From 1 May

Book ahead for Aqua fun! Kernow Adventure Park, near Falmouth, reopens 1 May - inflatable aquapark, paddle board, swim lanes, & E-boat adventure, 10% discount with the QR code on page 8

4 & 5 May Saltash May Fair www.facebook.com/SaltashMayFair/

7 May Toddler Time, Hall for Cornwall, 10am, crafts, music & games see 12 Mar

11 May

15 to 19

18 & 19

May

25 to 27

May

Callington MayFest, workshops, grand street festival with bands, choirs, horse displays, theatre, Morris teams, Flamenco, Urban Playground & belly dancers, poets, Forest school, circus workshop, Procession of Giants, town criers, Vikings, & more! https://callingtonmayfest.weebly.com/

The Wind in the Willows, R.A.M.P.S. riotous family musical packed with comedy, heart, and thrills

Spellbound Fairy and Goblin Arts Festival, Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Plymouth, storytelling, performances, arts & crafts. Early Bird tickets from stiltskin.org.uk

Launceston Steam Rally & Vintage Rally, tractor-trailer & steam engine trailer rides, clown entertainment, radio-controlled car racing, fairground rides, live music, fun dog show, children’s tug of war, tractor racing, welly wangin’ competition, children’s treasure hunt, vintage vehicles.

Blackbird Reads

Poetry Books

by Deborah Wright

A Nursery Rhyme for Every Night of the Year

edited by Allie Esiri, illustrated by Emily Faccini published by Macmillan

I love singing to my grandchildren and I’m amazed at how many nursery rhymes I know – but 365?! There are lots of new ones to discover. I like the short introduction to each one because these rhymes are often ancient, repeated and loved down the centuries. Please buy this wonderful collection and keep our oral traditions alive for another generation.

The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems chosen and illustrated by Jackie Morris published by Barefoot

The illustrations are gorgeous in this collection of 70 poems, tracing the journey of life from babyhood to death, visiting exotic lands on the way. If you want a poetry book which will last for years, this is it – plenty of well-known poems like Jabberwocky, The Owl and the Pussycat and The Highwayman and some surprises. For 5+ and a treat for adults too.

The Jackie Morris Book of Classic Nursery Rhymes published by Otter-Barry is also a visual joy.

Poetry Prompts

by Joseph Coelho

published

by Wide Eyed Coelho is the Children’s Laureate and a celebrated author and poet. With the help of various artists, he shows us how to get started – because ‘everyone has a poem inside them!’ Diminuendo poems, whispering poems, triolets, poems read aloud in different voices, writing an abecedarius or discovering homophones. There are so many exciting ways to start writing and performing poems. For 6+

A Child’s Garden of Verses

by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Michael Foreman, published by Otter-Barry One of the best-loved collections of poetry ever written for children, this timeless book is illustrated by Cornish-based Michael Foreman with his gentle atmospheric water-colours. In From a Railway Carriage, Stevenson brilliantly captures the sound of a train rattling along: ‘Faster than fairies, faster than witches, Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches’, as ‘painted stations whistle by’. Wonderful! For 7+

On the Move: Poems about Migration

by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Quentin Blake published by Walker

Another wonderful collaboration between Rosen and Blake (their Sad Book, published by Walker, is a deeply moving account of grief), On the Move continues this theme with a thought-provoking depiction of people affected by war and the loss of their homeland, beginning with his own family’s tragic story of Jews caught up in the horror of the Second World War. Blake’s evocative pen and ink drawings, often little more than scribbles, powerfully enhance Rosen’s poems. For 9+

Free audiobooks with Cornwall Libraries!

Cornwall Libraries have teamed up with Borrowbox to offer FREE audiobooks straight to your phone or tablet.

Help your child drift off to sleep with bedtime stories read by a host of brilliant actors and authors. It could be Olivia Colman reading the classic Mary Poppins, or the smooth voice from Hey Duggee, Alexander Armstrong, reading Julia Donaldson’s What the Ladybird Heard, or perhaps, Lord of the Rings read by Gollum himself, Andy Serkis. You can even set it to switch off automatically at the end of a chapter, so they can drift straight off to sleep without missing anything and pick it up again the next night. There are loads of wonderful audio book titles for adults too, so why not take a look today?

Here’s how to get started…

1) Head to your local library to sign up for your FREE library card or join online at www.cornwall.gov.uk/library

2) Download the Borrowbox app from your usual app store

3) Select Cornwall Libraries

4) Enter your library card number when prompted

5) Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your card

6) Start borrowing free e-audiobooks and e-books straight to your phone and tablet!

Borrowbox is just one of the fantastic online services that the library offers. Did you know that you can also read free magazines with PressReader, find a wide range of comics at Comics Plus, or learn a new language with Transparent Languages?

Visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/library to see everything you can access with your library card.

Hall for Cornwall, Truro

Get ready for laughter, magic and thrills as your favourite characters come to life!

This Easter hop around with the Heelers from 11 to 14 Apr, join Bluey and Bingo for Bluey’s Big Play, as they pull out all the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag! This interactive show has won ★★★★★ ratings across the board for its heartfelt adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning TV series.

Looking for a dance adventure? On 22 Apr, Motionhouse Dance Company present Starchitects: a joyful production for the whole family! With fun and thrilling surprises (including a colourful slinky monster!) and circus-style acrobatics.

From the makers of Gansta Granny comes another David Walliams’ classic, Awful Auntie.

27 to 30 June: Stella finds herself in the fight for her life in this action-packed tale featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!

Planning ahead for summer?

27 to 29 Aug: Don’t miss the stunning stage adaptation of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, delightful family show packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and a tea-guzzling tiger of course! This autumn there will be a perfect family treat as The Very Hungry Caterpillar wiggles onto our stage with his friends; a colourful production with 75 lovable puppets.

Discover something new this year at Hall for Cornwall, and let your imagination run free!

Spring Theatre Shows and Pantomimes

Miracle on tour until 6 Apr. miracletheatre.co.uk/

Hell’s Bells - A Comic Seaside Mystery is a zany blend of detective thriller drama and Miracle Theatre’s trademark colourful characters (a whole cast of three in a variety of guises), bizarre plot twists & humour. For adults and adventurous children 7+, Kingsand, St Just, Perranporth, Constantine, Camelford, Wadebridge, Liskeard, Truro.

Shire House Suite, Bodmin, intobodmin.co.uk/events/

23 Mar 2pm: Apple ‘N’ Spice is the magical tale of two stepmothers: one from the East and one from the West. Their stories entwine, unfolding through interactive and multi-cultural dance performed by Sanskruti Dance. Inspired by the stories of Ramayana and Snow White, this charming fairytale is an original way for children to discover Indian storytelling. Afterwards join the cast on stage for an Indian party.

Redruth Wesley Chapel www.carntocove.co.uk

23 Mar 7.30pm Anyday. Comic, absurd, surreal and all mimed - very French. Max Calaf Sevé brilliantly combines trampoline acrobatics, object manipulation and physical theatre. In this joyful show, Max lives on a trampoline, with his little pet bird. Every day his life is the same, but Max wants a change, so they embark on an adventure. Follow their funny, bouncing daily routine, with breathtaking trampoline skills and hilarious clowning. Do take a look on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmk6eaxPLrw

The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, minack.com 01736 810181

29 Mar to 12 Apr: Carrie’s War. Emma Reeves’ stunning adaptation of Nina Bawden’s award-winning novel. When 12-year-old Carrie and her brother are evacuated to Wales life is tough and confusing. Then they meet Hepzibah, a warm-hearted witch, who tells them about an ancient skull and a terrifying curse… Years later Carrie returns with her children and faces the terrible secret she has never revealed. Perfect for age 8+ (Minack - continued on page 16)

APRIL 2 - 7 2024

Minack, continued. Storytelling for families - join wonderful storytellers for an hour of mischief, music and enchanting tales of seagulls, sea squirts and spooky witches.

5 Apr 4pm: John Brolly narrates the tale of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in his uniquely quirky and comical style. For brave children and families.

10 Apr 4pm: Squashbox’s The Sea Show is a quirky mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret. Celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs; age 5+.

Theatre Royal Plymouth 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com

26 Mar to 14 Apr: The Three Little Pigs Join Stuff and Nonsense for a raucous, high-octane family show with raucous puppets. Three problem-solving pigs need to build a strong shelter, can you help save their bacon?!

26 to 30 Mar: The Wizard of Oz - magical musical, limited tickets.

The Poly, Falmouth, thepoly.org 01326 319461 www.swashbucklingcornwall.com

8 Apr 11am: Quest for the Dragon’s Egg. Join the brave Knight as he sets out on a quest to obtain the ultimate Easter Egg - The Golden Egg of a Dragon! What will await him in the Dragon’s lair? Come and find out in this show of misadventure, traps, treasure, smashed eggs and fairy sidekicks. The 40-minute show is followed by a look at arms and armour used in the show and you may even meet the Dragon! Yes, you can take pictures! Age 6+, £6pp

Keay Theatre, St Austell www.ticketsource.co.uk

16 Mar 2pm: Magic and Marvels - multi-skilled performer & showman, Michael Jordan, will have you gasping with disbelief at his mind-boggling illusions and heart-stopping circus acts.

Launceston Town Hall launceston-tc.gov.uk

26 to 28 Mar: Shrek the Musical – Jr. based on the hit film and outrageous Broadway musical, performed by Launceston Youth Music Theatre group.

Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park, Plymouth stiltskin.org.uk 07449724261

30 Mar, 25 to 27 Apr: Forgetful Fox, a fantastical, fun adventure, with puppetry, original storytelling, and immersive theatre. For ages 18 months to 10 years.

Regal Theatre

10 Apr 2pm: Nick Cope’s Family Show (famous for CBeebies’ Nick Cope’s Popcast). Nick plays his guitar and sings charming songs with a positive message, against a backdrop of his beautifully animated projections. Timeless entertainment to be treasured. For age 3+

15 to 19 May 7.30pm, matinees Sat 2.30pm, Sun 1 & 5pm: The Wind in the Willows - presented by R.A.M.P.S. Join Ratty, Badger, Mole and the impulsive Toad in a riotous family musical packed with comedy, heart and thrills. Our animal friends head off on a series of adventures, rescuing Toad from his insatiable need for speed! The show features a toe-tappingly glorious British score, high-energetic choreography, and imaginative staging.

Coppice Theatre on tour www.coppicetheatre.co.uk

5 Apr: The Writers’ Block, Redruth

6 Apr: Helston Museum

How to Catch a Book Witch. Kira loves reading, so visiting the library is her favourite thing, but one day the words in books start to disappear and she is heartbroken to hear the library may be knocked down. With the aid of a friendly bookworm, can Kira uncover the twin mysteries of vanishing words and emerging book monsters?! Could there be a Book Witch in the library?

An open-hearted show for age 3+, with live music and puppets, keyword signing, integrated captions.

Gerrans Parish Memorial Hall, St Mawes, www.gerranshall.com

27 Apr 2pm: Squashbox Theatre’s The Sea Show is a quirky and hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret. 5+ Part of the Roseland Festival www.roselandfestival.co.uk

The Old Library, Bodmin. intobodmin.co.uk/events/

18 May 2pm: Swallow’s Wings Puppetry: Anansi & the Lost Sun. One day Darkness covers the face of the Land. Lion appeals for someone to save the World. Who will succeed? The Powerful Eagle? The Clever Monkey? Or Anansi the Spider?

A funny and inspiring West African tale with traditional live music & puppetry, for age 4+

Mount Pleasant Eco Park, St Agnes. www.carntocove.co.uk

19 May, 3.30pm: Anansi & the Lost Sun, see above.

Do you have a passion for performance?

Want to sing or dance on stage?

Then Hall for Cornwall Youth is for you!

Work with industry professionals to explore creativity, collaboration and choreography in regular workshops, while working towards exciting projects. You’ll even have the chance to perform on the Cornwall Playhouse stage during our end of term showcases!

One of our Youth Dancers said: “I’ve been part of the Hall for Youth Dance Company for 10 years and performing on the Hall for Cornwall stage at the showcase was a beautiful dream come true.”

If this sounds like something you’ve always dreamt of, then discover our workshops for ages 5 – 19. Join at hallforcornwall.co.uk or email getcreative@hallforcornwall.org.uk

The Food Barn

Weekly Saturday markets 9am to 1pm

Meet friends. Eat local. Eat fresh.

Located between Mylor and Flushing, The Food Barn is a wonderful source for local and sustainable food. Around 25 local traders, including farmers, fishermen, bakers, chefs and food producers, come together every Saturday morning to offer the local community sustainable and tasty produce, that is high in quality and ethically produced.

The barn is filled with freshly baked bread and cakes, organic, locally-grown fruit and veg, locally-reared meat, locally-sourced milk, butter and cheese, freshly caught fish as well as flowers, preserves, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, cider, gin, tea, coffee and more.

The Food Barn is the place for friends and families to meet, enjoy buying local food, and sit down together to enjoy coffee and brunch.

There is so much delicious fresh food to choose from, including Pavillion’s croissants and pastries, JB Gone Cooking’s halloumi and cauliflower fritti and bacon & egg brioche buns, Bien Manger’s croque monsieur, Ruby June’s samosas, Penny’s pies and Magic Whisk’s Japanese honey butter toast to name just a few!

Every first market of the month there are free cooking demonstrations and tasters, as well as activities for families to learn more about where their food comes from. With free parking, views over to Falmouth Bay, dog-friendly and splendid walks.

facebook: The Food Barn -Tregew instagram foodbarn.tregew www.foodbarn-tregew.co.uk

Photo creditHugh Hastings

photo - Neal Megaw

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:

• give you self-care advice

• connect you to an experienced clinician

• book you a face-to-face appointment

• send an ambulance directly, if necessary

• 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:

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

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

- 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

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

• 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.

Easter holidays at National Maritime Museum Cornwall

30 March to 14 April

Join the Cornish Caretakers for a hilarious and informative show as they bring to life six Cornish men and women from history who changed the world. The Cornish Caretakers star the slightly spikey Ms Trevaskis Trelawney Tremayne and the slightly hapless Mr Rodda Rowe Rescorla. It’s their job to look after and promote the history of Cornwall to children but, in true Cornish Caretakers’ style, it’s never quite that simple…

The show runs three times a day (11am, 1pm & 3pm) and stars Ed Rowe (Cornwall’s Kernow King!), Jenny Beare, and Dan Richards (from Near-ta Theatre’s Christmas Time).

Make & Take: Cornish Chough Companions 12.30 to 3.30pm

Make a Cornish chough to wear on your wrist and fly with you as you adventure around Cornwall! You’ll also learn more about these special birds and their connection to Cornwall.

The Trail of Cornish Heroes

Follow the trail map of Cornwall and hunt for Cornish heroes from history. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden faces around the Museum, and uncover their fascinating stories. Chons Da! Cornish for ‘Good Luck’.

What else is at National Maritime Museum Cornwall?

Explore 15 galleries over five floors, jump aboard boats, climb the 100-foot Lookout Tower, go underwater in the Tidal Zone, uncover ocean adventures and survival stories and sail miniature boats on the Waterfront Boat Pool. Have fun in the Skull Island Play Zone and learn about Cornish maritime history.

It’s free! All the Easter activities are FREE as part of the Museum’s annual admission fee. Pay once and get in free for a year.