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BlackbirdPie Cornwall’s what’s-on for families
Calendar autumn 2024
What’s on Harvest celebrations
Pumpkin Fest
Halloween
Spooky Newquay Theatre shows & pantomimes
Toddler Time with HfC Girlguiding Cornish books review Festivals
Vouchers & offers:
National Maritime Museum Cornwall, page 3
Pendennis Castle, page 4
Jungle Jacks, page 7
Raze the Roof, page 8
Paradise Park, page 9
Seal Sanctuary, page 9
Miracle Theatre, page 15
Lowender Festival, page 19
Enjoy the wonder and magic of Lappa Valley at Christmas!
Board a nostalgic train journey through the winter countryside to East Wheal Rose - a winter wonderland with Christmas music playing, a chance to write your letter to Father Christmas, and unlimited rides on a very festive-themed Lakeside Railway.
Meet Father Christmas and his elves in his marvellous grotto. Every child will receive a present, a cookie and a hot chocolate/ squash. Adults will be treated to a mince pie and hot chocolate/coffee/tea.
For the first time, all three of Lappa Valley’s railways will be operating during the Christmas events, including the Newlyn Downs branch line and the Lakeside Railway, with unlimited rides included in the admission. Lappa runs special SEND trains too - tailored to groups with individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The outdoor play areas, adventure golf, and indoor soft play will be open. All activities are included in the admission price. The Engine Shed Café will be offering delicious home-cooked meals and festive specials.
Father Christmas at Lappa Valley takes place on various dates between the 30 November and the 24 December. Bookings can be made online at Lappavalley.co.uk (Christmas dates sell out fast).
4 to 9
10 & 11 Autumn calendar 2024
What’s on this autumn - Hallowe’en events, Tamar Valley Festival, Seal rescues. More on pages 17 & 18
12 to 15 Theatre shows and pantomimes.
Toddler Time with Hall for Cornwall
16 Kernow Health: flu vaccinations.
Free online parenting courses
17 & 18 What’s on article continued.
Spooky Newquay – Zombie Crawl!!
18 Girlguiding
19 Made in Cornwall book review.
Dear Readers,
Lowender Celtic Festival with loads for families
Sourcing a feast of fabulous events and activities in Cornwall isn’t hard but stuffing them into the Pie takes some editing! Sorry if you need glasses for the central calendar but we like to include lots of free & small events too.
Harvest celebrations abound – at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pumpkin Fest at Strawberry Fields, Chyan’s Apple Festival, and Allantide festivities. Halloween should be spooktacular, there are so many fun events including Spooky Newquay’s Zombie Crawl. Cornwall has a lot of talented theatre folk, and we are lucky to have some great child-friendly shows this autumn and glorious pantomimes coming soon (book ahead and get the best seats). Do check out our four-page spread on pages 12 to 15.
We have spotted more for toddlers, with sessions from Plymouth to Penzance, including Hall for Cornwall, Penlee House, PK Porthcurno, Falmouth Art Gallery, Jungle Jacks, The Box, Toddle Tate, and more in the calendar.
They will love the VERY Hungry Caterpillar at the Hall for Cornwall. Don’t let it near Jack’s beanstalk….
Have a h’apply Allantide and 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.
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What’s on this
autumn
Theatre shows are on pages 12 to 15; Lowender Celtic Festival, Redruth, see page 19. Please mention BlackbirdPie when you are out and about.
Parenting is not easy, even for the seemingly lucky ones! Cornwall has a variety of easy-to-access, help and support for first-time, and experienced, parents and carers. Celebrate parenting, learn new skills and develop confidence. The free Empowered Parenting Podcasts are great and free online courses like ‘Arguing Better’ are invaluable. For details see page 16.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth.
26 Oct to 3 Nov: Silhouettes & Shadows. The nights are drawing in and the shadows are taking over… so take to the spooky high seas for ghostly shadow puppet stories! Starbox Shadows & Wilderness Music are back – last year’s Shivery Timbers and Pirates shadow show was brilliant. This autumn’s show is Myths in the Mist, Falmouth Fisherwoman Maggie Maggots tells ancient tales of giants, mermaids and buccas, shadowy stories from the old Cornish coast portrayed in music, verse, shadow and song (shows at 11am, 1pm & 3pm). Then ‘Make & Take’ Cornish mythical puppets and find shadowy scenes of Cornwall’s spooky myths on the Museum trail. On Halloween do you dare visit the Museum out of hours? 4 to 6.30pm Ghoulishly good fun and tricks & treats await… make a bat, spider or ghost, take the Halloween trail, and gather round for mythical Cornish tales & spooky singing with a ghostly Fisherwoman! Activities are FREE with admission (pay once and get in free for a year).
Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park, St Columb Major. Meet owls from around the world, storks, wallabies, raccoons, lemurs, meerkats, emus, and a fox. There are flying displays and feed & talk sessions. Open daily until 3 Nov, then weekends only to end Dec. £2 off pp via https://screechowlsanctuary.co.uk/ visitor-information-prices/
28 Sep: British Wildlife and Conservation Day with local wildlife organisations, face-painting, pond-dipping, etc, 50% off tickets purchased in advance. Halloween half-term trail and 31 Oct: spooky fun activities with fancy dress and pumpkin-carving competitions, face-painting, story-telling and themed talks; £10pp, under 3s free.
The Food Barn, just above Flushing, runs seriously good Saturday markets packed with top quality, sustainable, local produce and very yummy, prepared food. There are tables to sit and chat and feast. www.facebook.com/foodbarn.tregew/
PK Porthcurno, the fascinating, family-friendly Museum of Global Communications.
Forest Friends - new Forest-School-inspired, sensory workshops for under 5s and parents/carers - will run once a month from 30 Sept from 10 to 11.30am. Led by local forest school leader Elise Wilson and inspired by children’s stories and seasonal themes, these all-weather outdoor workshops explore nature through imaginative storytelling, games, and hands-on activities. Free parking, book via www.pkporthcurno.com/bbpm/
Planet PK Champions FREE environmental club returns this Autumn! Each session focuses on a different theme using art and science to engage with nature. 26 Oct 10.30am to12noon: Looking for E.T explores interstellar communications and the possibilities of life on other planets. Regular members receive a free members’ pack. Open to all. Meet in the Clore Learning Space, free parking.
Half-term activities, free with museum admission. 28 & 30 Oct 11am to 12noon & 1 to 2pm: bring stories to life using light and dark in the Spooky Shadows puppet workshop for all ages. 29 & 31 Oct 11am to 1pm: Pop-Up PK family-friendly tours with Learning Facilitator, Paul, including close-up access to working exhibits.
Bedruthan Hotel, Mawgan Porth. Step into a world of enchantment at Bedruthan’s not-too-spooky, immersive Halloween experience. Wander through an eerie forest filled with glowing pumpkins, twinkling candles, and bubbling cauldrons, with Halloween helpers guiding the way to a captivating Spooktacular story and Halloween-themed arts and crafts. The magical Halloween adventure includes a spooktastic high tea, filled with sweet and savoury treats—no tricks here, just fun; £25pp. Costumes are highly encouraged! 01637 861200 https://www.bedruthan.com/events/spooktacular-at-bedruthan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, under 5s go free, (Heligan Local’s Pass - pay once get in free for a year.) 20 Oct & 27 Oct: celebrate harvest in dance at Ceilidhs led by Whippletree. 26 Oct - 3 Nov: half-term Harvest and Halloween celebrations include traditional Corn Dolly workshops; harvest tastings and apple pressing sessions; create colourful drawings of Heligan’s fabulous harvest produce display; a spooky trail with tales of witches from folklore; potion-making workshops & wand-making crafts; meet magnificent owls from the Screech Owl Sanctuary & hear tales of folklore’s messengers of the witches; toast marshmallows on the fire pit. What an autumnal feast for the senses! www.heligan.com
What's on - continued from page 5
Royal Cornwall Museum Dive headlong into the worlds of adventurous aviators, mischievous witches, and high drama at sea with a captivating combination of interactive family workshops, exhibitions, and performances throughout half term (most of it is completely free!). From 28 Oct drop-in 10am to 4pm for free activities with TECgirls Reach for the Sky Paper Plane Challenge; make different paper planes inspired by pioneering women in British aviation history, then test your designs in the flight zone. The RNLI: 200 Years of Saving Lives at Sea exhibition comes alive with RNLI-themed dressing up, board games, creative play and photos with ‘Stormy Sam’. 1 Nov 10.30am & 2.30pm: Coppice Theatre’s award-winning production How to Catch a Book Witch, £5pp from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ how-to-catch-a-book-witch-tickets-998405607047
Strawberry Fields Lifton, 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 26 to 31 Oct: Pumpkin Fest is bigger than ever! There will be more magic shows, entertainment, photo opportunities, delicious food and of course, pumpkins! New for 2024 - toasting marshmallow pits, brand-new pumpkin bar, and even bigger displays. Solve The Great Mystery Maize Maze (additional tickets needed for the maze). Pumpkin Fest sells out, so book now at www.strawberryfieldslifton.co.uk
Brand new for 2024 - 12, 19 & 26 Oct from 5pm: Pumpkin Nights featuring a new twilight pumpkin patch, live music, exclusive nighttime entertainment and extended hours at the Pumpkin Bar. Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Halloween Half-Term 26 Oct to 3 Nov: Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out. Follow the quest to solve creepy clues and listen to spooky stories. 10am to 4pm. Book online and save 15% english-heritage.org.uk/Pendennis
Mark’s Ark Wildlife Encounters - safe, controlled, close encounters with exotic animals which are brilliant for birthday parties, playgroups, and schools. Fully insured, risk assessed, competitively priced and suitable for all ages. Mark’s Ark also provides sessions to enrich the school curriculum on Climate Change, species loss and the impact of humans on our planet. To organise a wildlife encounter for your school or birthday contact Mark on 07761810900.
The National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow 26 Oct to 3 Nov: as cold sets in, step into the warmth and wonder of Lob Tropicana! Inside, the glow never stops— explore glowing marine exhibits, immerse yourself in vibrant neon lights, and let lobsters light up your day. Glow on! nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk 01841 533877
The Tamar Valley River Festival
Saturday 26 October
10am to 9.30pm
This brand-new family-friendly festival in Calstock is a FREE event celebrating the River Tamar through art, crafts, music, food and drink.
There will be a host of interactive activities and workshops including folk music, gig boat racing, multi-media exhibitions, local produce cooking, singing workshops, nature walks, art activities, a River of Hope exhibition, and a children’s parade. Family activities finish at 4pm, followed by an evening of live music. www.tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/tamar-valley-river-festival
Some events and activities need to be booked in advance via Eventbrite www.tamar-valley-national-landscape-tamara.eventbrite.com
Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme event, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund; the scheme aims to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities.
The Box, Plymouth’s amazing museum & art gallery (free admission) have free family trails and Explore More tables in the galleries. Free half-term activities run 29 to 31 Oct, 10.30 to 12.30pm & 1.30 to 3.30pm, inspired by amazing art in the major new ‘Land Sea Sky’ exhibition. 31 Oct: Spooktacular! Family party -tricks & treats, get arty, make magic, dance to spooky tracks, dress up! 5.30 to 8pm, adult £8/ 5 to17s £8/ under 6s £7. ‘I Wonder’ sensory fun for 1 to 4 years on Tuesdays term-time at 10 & 11.15am, and ‘Tell Me a Story’- Fridays at 10.30am, (below) see www.theboxplymouth.com for details and bookings.
What's on - continues on page 8 >>>> . .
Calstock
Paradise Park, Hayle, 26 Oct to 3rd Nov: half-term offer - save £2pp using code ‘BLACKBIRD’ and enjoy Halloween adventures - special guest appearances by Mark’s Ark with entertaining, interactive, hands-on creepy crawly wildlife encounters (27, 29 Oct & 1 Nov 10am to 12.30pm, 28 & 31 Oct 1 to 3.30pm); learn frightfully fascinating facts on the Halloween Trail; discover the extraordinary Dracula Parrot; and ‘Meet & Greets’ with wonderful characters
like Frank the orange-eyed Eagle Owl. There are daily penguin talks, otter feeding, the amazing lorikeet feeding experience, and stunning free-flying Scarlet Macaws. Round it off with JungleBarn indoor play. 01736 751020 paradisepark.org.uk
Halloweden at the Eden Project. 26 Oct to 3 Nov: get up close and personal to weird and wonderful creepy crawlies with magnificent minibeast shows ethical educators ZooLab, a mega-beast safari, and a marvellous bug fair including slimy snail racing, sticky spider slingshots and teeny tiny crafts. www.edenproject.com
Kids Eat Free at Raze the Roof, Penryn!
Wow, what an amazing deal for little ones. Explore thrilling indoor adventure – soft play, high-energy rush of Laser Tag, mind-blowing Virtual Reality experience or the tactical fun of Gel blaster indoor paintball games. Book ahead for soft play and one to three activities and get a delicious, completely on-the-house kid’s meal for free!
Tuck into a choice of Tomato & Basil pasta with a cheesy slice of garlic bread, or comforting Veggie & Vegan sausage & chips, or sausage & chips served with baked beans or fresh peas, all with squash. PLUS a complimentary game of Deep Sea Dash – an interactive underwater explorers treasure hunt navigating the glowing depths of the soft play frame with trusty power wristbands.
For details and Terms & Conditions see https://razetheroof.co.uk/ kids-eat-free-offer-coming-this-september/
31 Oct: Spooktacular Halloween Haunted Disco with resident DJ, spine-chilling tunes, fancy dress competitions, ghastly games, Spoon & Eyeball races, £10.50 Spooks (inc a haunted hot dog & spooky juice), £1.50 adults, 5.30 to 8pm. Booking essential, call 01326 377481
Adventures with Frightful Bugs and Mini Beasts at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary!
Looking for spooky fun this half-term? Dive into the creepy-crawly world of bugs and mini beasts on a spooky, nature-filled Halloween trail and enjoy creepy crafts. Why not come dressed up as a witch or wizard for a really spellbinding day!
On 31 Oct Bizarre Bones – join Connie as she unveils her spine-chilling bone collection, and sheds light on the eerie anatomy of Cornish marine species with her interactive natural history exhibition.
Each year, the Sanctuary rehabilitates over 70 grey seal pups from local coastal waters and brings them to the specialist Seal Hospital, looking after up to 6 poorly seal pups at a time. You can see new rescue pups like Maggot and follow the journey of injured seal pups through their rescue, rehabilitation and eventually release back into the wild.
Join the Sanctuary’s dedicated team for seal pup rescue demonstrations, regular feeds, and talks about the resident puffin and seal rescue stories. Get up close to these fantastic creatures with three incredible underwater viewing areas in the Harbour View Pool and Seal Rescue Centre; enjoy watching the long-term residents as they sun themselves and play in the water; and gaze in delight at the charming new Icelandic rescue puffins frolicking in their new home on Puffin Island.
Hal‘owl’een Thurs 31 October - a day of spooky fun and activities
Halloween trail through half-term see website for opening hours and further information.
Education & Conservation in Action
Tel: 01726 860182
screechsanctuary@gmail.com
screechowlsanctuary.co.uk
Goss Moor, Near Indian Queens, TR9 6HP
Save 20% on tickets by booking online at least two days ahead. Book tickets –sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org. All tickets give you re-entry to the Sanctuary for 12 months…to visit your favourite residents again and again!
Indoor Play
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, www.theboxplymouth.com, free, exhibit-inspired, creative play for 1 to 4 years
Mons & Weds Badger Cubs, parent & toddler outdoor learning sessions, Mon: Cardinham Woods, Wed: Higher Wheal Martyn, must book 07514 325663 choose-nature.co.uk
Weds Toddler sessions, Pendennis Community Centre (was Ships & Castles) 9.30 to 10.30am: under 2s. 10.30am to 12noon for under 5s. £2.20 per child includes snack & drink; free parking/ hourly OTS bus
Frids Storytelling, The Box, Plymouth, every Friday 10.30am, free admission
Sats Arty Afternoons, Penlee House, Penzance, 2.30 to 3.30pm, free entry & activities inspired by Kurt Jackson Food Barn markets, Mylor /Flushing, 9am to 1pm, yummy local food.
28 & 29 Sep Rakker Storytelling Festival, Chyan Dome, Halvasso, Penryn. Swamp Circus, SquashBox Theatre, & vibrant stories and rhythms from the heart of Africa; £10 adult, under 14s £6
30 Sep Forest Friends, PK Porthcurno, for under 5s, all-weather outdoor workshop with Elise Wilson, see page 5
30 Sep ++ Free fortnightly baby sessions, Penlee House, Penzance, 10 to 11.30 am, sensory play & experience amazing artworks. Also on: 14, 28 Oct, 11 Nov
4/10-3/11 Immersive Halloween Experience with Spooktastic High Tea! Bedruthan Hotel, Mawgan Porth, see page 9
5 Oct Free Fun Palace, Morrab Library, Penzance, drop in 10am-3pm, writing, journaling, scratch art, watercolour. Multivax storytelling, story-making activities and a mini trail Enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk
The Goat Show, Ruan Minor, 2.30pm, rollicking show, puppets, music, & chase sequences www.carntocove.co.uk Poetry Postcards Fun Palace, Alma Place, Redruth, create poems using word pots! drop in 10am to 12.30, free Artist-led family art workshop, Falmouth Art Gallery, inspired by gallery exhibitions, free entry & workshop, drop-in 10am to 1pm; & 2 Nov
5 & 12 Troublesome Tikes, Soapbox Theatre, Plymouth, family show, 11am & 1.30pm stiltskin.org.uk 07449 724261
5 to 31 Oct Pumpkin Fest, Strawberry Fields Lifton, weekends & half-term, magic shows, entertainment, toasting marshmallow pits, new Pumpkin Bar, Great Mystery Maize Maze, see page 8
6 Oct Sing-along-a Grease, Wesleyan Chapel, Redruth, 3-5pm, free, www.tickettailor.com/events/creativekernow/1385495
8 Oct HfC Toddler Time, Truro Waterstones, 10 to 11am, fun workshop, based on HfC upcoming shows, see page 14
9 Oct Spike Bones' Punch and Judy Family Shows, The Folly, Bodmin, free but book intobodmin.co.uk 12 & 2pm
12, 19 & 26 Oct Pumpkin Nights, Strawberry Fields Lifton, from 5pm, new twilight pumpkin patch, live music, and more! www.strawberryfieldslifton.co.uk
13 Oct Chyan Apple Fair, Halvasso, Penryn, 12noon to 6pm, apple juicing, children's area, bands, dance, Mr B’s clown show, circus, cakes, cafe, archery & crafts, apple exhibition. Cash only, adults £6, child £3. www.ticketsource.co.uk/swamp-circus 07775 857677
14 Oct + Little Penlee Explorers, Penlee House, Penzance, free, drop-ins for under 5s, 10am to 12noon. Also 10 Nov 20 & 27 Harvest Ceilidhs, Lost Gardens of Heligan, with dancing led by Whippletree 21 & 22 Oct The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Hall for Cornwall, Truro, mesmerising show based on Eric Carle’s colourful children’s books, with 75 ENORMOUS puppets. 21 Oct 2 & 4.30pm, 22 Oct 10.30am & 1.30pm. See video https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on/the-very-hungry-caterpillar/ 21/10-3/11 U-V Torch Trail, Tintagel Old Post Office, 10am, £1.50+ entry, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tintagel-old-post-office
22 Oct Toddle Tate, Tate St Ives, create playful portraits, multi-sensory session for under 5s, drop in 10.30am to 12.30pm, £1/ free Tate Members & Locals Pass holders, under 19s free entry
23 to 29 Oct Frightful Bugs & Mini Beasts, Cornish Seal Sanctuary, spooky, nature-filled Halloween trail, creepy crafts. 31 Oct: Bizarre Bones Connie unveils her spine-chilling, interactive natural history exhibition. See page 9 25 Oct to 2 Nov The Creakers, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Tom Fletcher (McFly) brings his bestselling book to the stage in a new musical. 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com
25 to 27 Lowender Celtic Festival, Redruth, family ceildh, stories, dance displays, Cornish wrestling, songs. See page 19 26 Oct Spooky Newquay, amazing FREE event across Newquay, outfit & wound-making workshops, spooky dancing groups, witches telling stories, pumpkin-carving, a ghost train (fees apply) and The Zombie Crawl, see page 17
The Tamar Valley River Festival, Calstock, brand-new family-friendly FREE festival, see page 7
Looking for E.T. Planet PK Champions, PK Porthcurno, FREE environmental club, 10.30am to12noon, interstellar communications & life on other planets, free parking, book via www.pkporthcurno.com/bbpm/ Monthly Make Club, Endelienta Arts, St Endellion Hall, vegetable print & make mobiles with artists, 10am to 12pm, parents can join in, £5 per family, must book tickets@endelienta.org.uk www.endelienta.org.uk
Half-term free drop-in family art activities, Penlee House, Penzance, 26 Oct 2.30 to 3.30pm: Create a rubbing plate, make pictures from rubbings. 31 Oct 1.30 to 3.30pm: make mixed-media landscapes.
26 Oct to 3 Nov Silhouettes & Shadows, NMMC, Falmouth, Myths in the Mist ghostly shadow puppet show, ancient tales, shadow and song (11am, 1pm & 3pm), make mythical puppets, spooky myths museum trail. FREE with entry Harvest & Halloween celebrations, Heligan, Corn Dolly workshops, harvest tastings, apple pressing, create harvest drawings, spooky trail, potion & wand-making, meet magnificent owls. 27 Oct: Ceilidh Halloween, Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, creepy quest & spooky stories, 10am to 4pm. Book online and save 15%english-heritage.org.uk/Pendennis
Halloween adventure & half-term offer, Paradise Park, Hayle, save £2pp using code BLACKBIRD, Halloween Trail, Mark’s Ark hands-on creepy crawly wildlife encounters (27, 29 Oct & 1 Nov 10am to 12.30pm, 28 & 31 Oct 1 to 3.30pm) paradisepark.org.uk
Halloweden, Eden Project, magnificent minibeast shows, mega-beast safari, bug fair & teeny tiny crafts
26 Oct, 1 & 23 Nov How to Catch a Book Witch, Kira’s beloved library might close, words go missing, book monsters appear … is it a Book Witch? St Endellion Hall - 26 Oct, 11am & 2pm. Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro - 1 Nov, 10.30am & 2.30pm. Bodmin Old Library - 2 Nov, 2pm. See page 13 to book.
26 Oct to 3 Nov Lob Tropicana! National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, explore glowing marine exhibits, immerse yourself in vibrant neon lights, and let lobsters light up your day. Glow on! nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk 01841 533877
27 Oct Halloween Spooktacular! Regal Theatre, Redruth, 2pm, jam-packed with Halloween hits, amazing ultra-violet puppetry, laughter and bags of audience participation, all ages. 01209 216278 www.regaltheatre-redruth.co.uk
Look who’s over there?
27 Oct
28 & 30 Oct
28 to 30 Oct
28 & 31 Oct
28 to 31 Oct
HAVE A REALLY WILD TIME
Brilliant for kids’ parties, play groups, schools, fun days!
Tel: 07761 810900 www.marks-ark.co.uk
Shivers and Shadows, The Acorn Penzance, Squashbox show, hilarious horrors, ingenious puppetry & songs, slapstick & scary stories; for brave children aged 6+, 4 & 7pm, 01736 363545 theacornpenzance.com Tykes on Trikes, Camborne’s annual free children's bike race for under 11s, different age categories, to enter email smile@cambornetown.com
The Tempest in a Teacup, Minack Theatre, 10.30am, John Brolly’s storytelling show for families with fairies, monsters, shipwrecks & a magical island www.minack.com 01736 810181
Macbeth, for Halloween! novelEnglish, the Lizard, Shakespeare multi-day course, ages 9 to 13, delve into the supernatural role of the Three Witches! email enquiries@novelenglish.co.uk www.novelenglish.co.uk
Krafty Kids, Museum of Cornish Life, Helston, Free entry, 28th 1 to 3pm, 31st 10am to 12noon, free, Allantide-themed, craft activities for families, www.museumofcornishlife.co.uk
Half-term activities, PK Porthcurno, free with admission. 28 & 30 Oct Spooky Shadows puppet workshop for all ages 11am to 12noon & 1 to 2pm. 29 & 31 Oct 11am to 1pm: Pop-Up PK family-friendly tours
28 Oct to 1 Nov Allantide, Wheal Martyn, St Austell, apple-themed activities, drop in 11am to 3pm £1 to £8, +admission fee info@wheal-martyn.com 01726 850362
28 Oct to
2 Nov Interactive family workshops & performances, Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro, make & test paper planes with TECgirls Paper Plane Challenge, RNLI-themed dressing up, board games, creative play. 1 Nov: Coppice theatre show How to catch a Book Witch, 10.30am & 2.30pm
29 Oct Badger Forest School SEND Accessible Open Day, Wheal Martyn, 10am to 2pm, £2 pp, 07514 325663
29 & 31 Oct
Half-term workshops, The Writers' Block, The Ladder, Redruth, 10am to 3pm. 29 Oct: Story Adventurers, interactive session with Jo Lumber, ages 6 to 8. 31 Oct: Crankie Storytelling, ages 9 to 11, reimagine classic fairytales with a spooky twist. £20 www.thewritersblock.org.uk/events
29 to 31 Oct Free half-term activities, The Box, Plymouth (free admission), inspired by the exhibitions, 10.30 to 12.30pm & 1.30 to 3.30pm. 31 Oct: Spooktacular! Family party -tricks & treats, get arty, make magic, dance to spooky tracks, dress up! 5.30 to 8pm, adult £8/ 5 to17s £8/ under 6s £7
Spooky family art workshops, Falmouth Art Gallery, free entry & workshop, drop-in 10am to 1pm Free family activities, Kresen Kernow, Redruth, drop in, crafts, trails, colouring, https://kresenkernow.org/events/
29 Oct to 3 Nov Kids go FREE, Bodmin Railway, dress as a wizard or witch, spooky activity sheets, heritage train rides, crawling spiders, coaches covered in cobwebs, wizards, witches & pumpkins!
30 Oct Knightly Weapons of the Round Table, The Poly, Falmouth, tall tales & demos - the king’s enemies (fruit & veg) get skewered by spear & sliced by sword! 11am & 2.30pm. For age 6+. thepoly.org 01326 319461 Halloween Disco Party, Jungle Jack's, Newquay, 4 to 6pm, marvellous DJ Skippy, music, party games, fancy dress, soft-play, tickets include burger or hotdog & chips, buy from reception or 01637 852890
30 & 31 Halloween-themed trains, Helston Railway, Prospidnick, daytime & evening, not too scary and lots of fun!
30 Oct to
2 Nov Finding Nemo Jr, Sterts Theatre, Upton Cross, Pixar’s film brought alive on stage, by the marvellous Sterts Youth Theatre Company, 7pm, 01579 362382 www.sterts.co.uk
The Wizard of Oz, Lane Theatre, Newquay Stage Company, 7.30pm, 01637 876945 lanetheatre.co.uk/
31 Oct Halloween NMMC Out of Hours!!, 4pm to 6.30, ghostly Fisherwoman, mythical tales, spooky singing, creepy crafts, Halloween trail, oooooh! see page 4 Halloween Haunted Disco, Raze the Roof, Penryn, DJ, spine-chilling tunes, fancy dress comp, ghastly games, Eyeball & Spoon races, £10.50 Spooks (inc food & drink), £1.50 adults, 5.30 to 8pm. Must book 01326 377481 Hal’owl’een, Screech Owl Sanctuary, nr Indian Queens, spooky fun activities, fancy dress & pumpkin-carving comps, face-painting, storytelling, themed talks; £10pp, under 3s free; Halloween trail all half-term Autumnal Clay Workshop, Create CIC, Chapel St, Camborne, make leaf-print lanterns, 01209 716927
31 Oct &
1 Nov Fireworks Spectaculars, Lappa Valley, Kernow Fireworks Company’s dazzling display of rockets, fountains, candles at 7.30pm. Pre-show: Lakeside Railway rides & The Engine Shed indoor soft play
1 & 2 Nov The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, Redruth School, RAOST Youth Section (RAOSTys) 1 Nov 2 & 5pm, 2 Nov 12noon, 3 & 6pm, all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! See page 14 Footloose: The Musical – Youth Edition, Minack Youth Theatre production, all-singing, all-dancing musical based on the Kevin Bacon cult classic film, 1 & 4.30pm www.minack.com 01736 810181 Autumn Family Fun, Badger Forest School, 1 Nov Cardinham Woods. 2 Nov Higher Wheal Martyn, spooky crafts, campfire treats, 10.30am to 12.30pm, fancy dress & wellies! Book 07514 325663 choose-nature.co.uk
2 Nov Artist-led family art workshop, Falmouth Art Gallery, free entry & workshop, drop-in 10am to 1pm How A Jellyfish Saved the World, AMATA, Falmouth University, Penryn Campus, 2:30pm, Jam Jar Theatre Company’s tentacle-tapping puppetry musical for age 4+. 01326 259349 https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/arts-centre
3 Nov Ocean - Steve Backshall is back, Hall for Cornwall, Truro, stunts, experiments, props, film. For all ages! 2 & 6pm
5 Nov Truro City Council’s Bonfire Night & Fireworks, Tremorvah Playing Field, gates open 5pm, bonfire lit 6.30pm, fireworks display 7pm. £3 adult, £1 under 16s, cash only; visittruro.org.uk
7 Nov to
12 Dec 6-Week After-School Storytelling Club, The Writers' Block, The Ladder, Redruth, Thursdays 4.15 to 5.30pm, create stories - writing, drama, music & making; 6 to 11s, £10/£15 for a term, www.thewritersblock.org.uk/events
12 Nov HfC Toddler Time, Truro Waterstones, 10 to 11am, fun workshop, based on HfC upcoming shows, see page 14 Toddle Tate Squish & Sculpt clay, Tate St Ives, multi-sensory session with Leach Pottery for under 5s, drop in 10.30am to 12.30pm, £1/ free Tate Members & Locals Pass holders, under 19s free entry
13 to 23 The Wind in the Willows, Sterts, Upton Cross, a glorious, riotous musical, 01579 362382 www.sterts.co.uk
16 Nov Hello Birds, St Martin’s Hall, Looe, sensory show for 0-3 years, 11am & 12.30pm, www.carntocove.co.uk
Monthly Make Club, Endelienta Arts, St Endellion Hall, with artists, use recycled maps to create imaginary lands filled with adventure stories, 10am to 12pm, £5 per family, must book tickets@endelienta.org.uk
22 Nov Festive Friday, Truro’s Christmas Lights Switch-on, live entertainment from 5pm. Lights on at 7pm, live music. Truro Christmas Market, Lemon Quay
23 Nov The Goat Show, Grampound Village Hall, 4pm, see 5 Oct
27 Nov Father Christmas Parade, Truro, 6.30pm, Santa’s sleigh, elves, dancers, musicians, circus performers. Wednesday Late-Night Shopping. www.visittruro.org.uk
Hall For Cornwall, Truro
21 Oct 2 & 4.30pm, 22 Oct 10.30am & 1.30pm: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, wiggles onto the stage in a mesmerising, charming show based on Eric Carle’s colourful children’s books, with 75 ENORMOUS puppets. Do check out the video https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/ whats-on/the-very-hungry-caterpillar/
3 Nov 2 & 6pm: Ocean - Steve Backshall is back after a sold-out run in 2023. Steve brings the icons of the Big Blue to life with stunts, experiments, props, cutting-edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV. Fantastic for fans of all ages!
This year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk, a Cornwall Playhouse Production in association with Falmouth University, promises to be a giant pantomime spectacular, with Edward Rowe taking on the role of the Dame for the very first time. He makes a welcome return following his Captain Hook in the smash-hit Peter Pan last year - swapping a hook for high heels.
As an actor, writer, and Cornish comedy national treasure, Edward (the Kernow King) has devoted himself to Cornish culture, language and heritage. He wrote, produced and starred in Trevithick, Hireth, The Cornwall Coliseum, and The Cornish Caretakers, and short Cornish language film, Mab Hudel (Magical Son). Nationally, he’s known for his roles in the BAFTA-winning film Bait, Fisherman’s Friends the Musical, and TV roles in Alex Rider, The Witcher, House of the Dragon, Strike and Beyond Paradise
HfC CEO and Jack and the Beanstalk Executive Producer, Julien Boast said ‘We’re delighted Edward Rowe will step into the heeled shoes of pantomime Dame - we know he’ll be a perfect fit in our brand-new take on an historic Cornish fairytale. Expect a dash of Cornish mythology, a large helping of pantomime joy and all the magic and mayhem that you know and love. I can’t wait to see the Cornwall Playhouse sprout to life with giants, fairytales and another uplifting family adventure.’
Book now for Jack and the Beanstalk, 6 to 31 Dec at the Cornwall Playhouse: https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk/
Theatre Shows and Pantomimes
Harbour - Redruth’s new International Festival of Theatre www.hallforcornwall.co.uk
28 Sep 12noon & 2pm: Panta Rei Danseteater at Kresen Kernow, Petals and Tales - performance featuring dance, music, poetry and fairy tales.
28 & 29 Sep 1 & 5pm: NoFit State Circus - Bamboo, at Fairmeadow Carpark, animated circus installation. Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park, Plymouth. stiltskin.org.uk 07449 724261
28 Sep, 5 & 12 Oct 11am & 1.30pm: Troublesome Tikes (And How to Tame Them) The Troublesome Tikes are not good at listening or doing what they’re told. What happens when their troublesome ways go out of control? A fun family show from Stiltskin Theatre Company for under 12s
14 to 24 Dec: The Elf Who Lost Christmas – for under 8s.
14 to 24 Dec: Guardian of the Golden Gryphon, a fantastic festive adventure for families.
Sterts Theatre, Upton Cross 01579 362382 www.sterts.co.uk
Sterts Theatre has so much for families this autumn.
31 Oct to 2 Nov: This half term, the vibrant underwater world of Pixar’s film Finding Nemo Jr. is brought alive on stage by the marvellous talents of Sterts Youth Theatre Company. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his adventurous kid, Nemo. When Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces up to his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo overcome challenges to find each other. Finding Nemo Jr. is full of family, friendship, adventure, and memorable songs like Just Keep Swimming, Fish Are Friends Not Food and Go with the Flow. Top entertainment for ALL ages!
From 13 to 16 Nov, & 20 to 23 Nov Sterts Theatre Company brings you Stiles and Drewe’s musical version of Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale The Wind in the Willows. This riotous comedy follows Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr. Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home threatened by the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must mastermind a daring escape, overcome misadventures, and win a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall. Full of humour, wit, a gorgeous, soaring score, and heartwarming friendship. Sterts’ festive family programme looks great too with Squashbox Theatre’s Christmassy Christmas Show and Sterts’ Candlelit Christmas Concert.
Coppice Theatre at: St Endellion Hall; Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro; Bodmin Old Library. How to Catch a Book Witch - a huge hit at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Kira’s beloved library is threatened with closure, then words go missing and book monsters appear! Is a Book Witch causing all the trouble? St Endellion - 26 Oct 11am & 2pm. RCM -1 Nov 10.30 & 2.30pm. BOL - 2 Nov 2pm
The Poly, Falmouth thepoly.org 01326 319461
30 Oct 11am & 2.30pm: Knightly Weapons of the Round Table. Step back in time with Swashbuckling Cornwall. Journey to Camelot’s armoury- home to the weapons of the Knights of the Round Table, where the castle’s Master-at-Arms invites young squires to enter (if they dare)! Be prepared for tall tales & demonstrations where enemies of the king (fruit & veg) meet their end skewered by spear or sliced by sword. For age 6+.
The Acorn Penzance 01736 363545 theacornpenzance.com
27 Oct 4 & 7pm: Squashbox Theatre presents Shivers and Shadows, an overflowing cauldron of a show, brimming with hilarious horrors, bubbling with ingenious puppetry & songs, and seasoned with slapstick & scary stories; for brave children aged 6+
Toddler Time from Hall for Cornwall
Join us at our new Toddler Time venue - we'll be based at Truro Waterstones! We will be there on the second Tuesday of the month from 10-11am for stories, crafts, colouring, dancing, games and more. You can find us in the Children’s Area at the back of the shop.
Toddler Time is a fun workshop run by our creative practitioners, who pick a theme for each week based on upcoming shows at Hall for Cornwall or holiday specials. These sessions are perfect for children aged 2-6 years, but younger siblings are also welcome.
Upcoming dates are:
TUE 8 OCT TUE 12 NOV
For our December session keep an eye out for our popular Crafternoons making a comeback, themed around this year’s panto – Jack and the Beanstalk
Check out the Hall for Cornwall social channels to find out more or just come along on the day.
>>>> Theatre Shows - continued from page 13
Lane Theatre, 01637 876945 http://lanetheatre.co.uk/
30 Oct to 2 Nov 7 30 pm: Newquay Stage Company presents The Wizard of Oz, a classic tale full of memorable characters and songs.
Music and magic at the Minack, 01736 810181
Storytelling for families on Mon 28 & Wed 30 Oct 10.30am: The Tempest in a Teacup - Fairies, monsters, shipwrecks and romance on a magical island. What more could anyone want? A one-man storytelling performance of Shakespeare’s final masterpiece recreated for adults and children by the enigmatic John Brolly. 1 & 2 Nov at 1pm & 4.30pm: Footloose: The Musical – Youth Edition presented by the British Theatre Academy and the Minack Youth Theatre. A dynamic, high-energy story celebrating the exhilaration of youth and the power of forgiveness. The all-singing, all-dancing musical based on the Kevin Bacon cult classic film will make you kick off your Sunday shoes and tap your toes to Let’s Hear It for the Boy, Holding out for a Hero and of course Footloose
Carn to Cove events, www.carntocove.co.uk 01209 312500
5 Oct 2.30pm: Ruan Minor Village Hall. 18 Oct 6pm: Old Town Inn, Isles of Scilly. 23 Nov 4pm: Grampound Village Hall. Running Dog Theatre’s The Goat Show, a rollicking adventure about goats, division and overcoming conflict - with puppetry, storytelling, live music, chase sequences and competitive poo collection!
16 Nov, 11am & 12.30pm: St Martin’s Community Hall, Looe Jasmine Cole Productions’ Hello Birds, a new sensory show for 0-3 years with sound, colour, texture and small puppets. The storyteller introduces garden birds, the children feed them, build soft nests and sing songs.
Regal Theatre, Redruth. 01209 216278
www.regaltheatre-redruth.co.uk
27 Oct, 2pm: treats all round this Halloween, with Made to Measure Productions Halloween Spooktacular! Join the intrepid explorers on the Halloween Adventure of a lifetime - jam-packed with Halloween hits, amazing ultra-violet puppetry, rib-tickling laughter and bags of audience participation; for all ages.
Book ahead for 5 to 8 Dec: Elf the Musical presented by R.A.O.S.T 15 & 16 Dec: The Santa Show 2024: Santa’s Christmas Cracker 15 to 19 Jan: Robin Hood presented by R.A.M.P.S
Redruth School
https://cornwall365.com/events/spongebob-the-musical-youth/ 1 Nov 2 & 5pm, 2 Nov 12noon, 3 & 6pm: The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, Redruth Amateur Operatic Society Trust Youth Section (RAOSTys)
Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world!
Theatre Royal Plymouth, 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com
25 Oct to 2 Nov: The Creakers. Ever wondered what you would do if you woke up and all the grown-ups had disappeared? Welcome to the world of . . . The Creakers! International singer-songwriter and author, Tom Fletcher (McFly) brings his bestselling book to the stage in a new musical.
AMATA Arts Centre, Falmouth University, Penryn Campus 01326 259 349 https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/arts-centre
2 Nov 2:30 pm: How A Jellyfish Saved the World, Jam Jar Theatre Company’s tentacle-tapping puppetry musical for age 4+. Clyde the jellyfish mistakes a plastic bag named Bubbles for a total jellybabe but life in plastic is not so fantastic…
The Folly, Bodmin, intobodmin.co.uk
9 Nov 12noon & 2pm: Spike Bones’ Punch and Judy Family Shows, free but book. A witty new perspective on traditional Punch & Judy. Solomon Browne Hall, Mousehole cousinjacks.org The Mousehole Cat will be returning to Mousehole for the 9th Christmas. We were enthralled by the actors, live folk music and singing, and an utterly convincing life-size cat puppet. Early booking is advised, it’s always a sell-out.
Miracle Theatre returns to Princess Pavilion, Falmouth 14 Dec to 4 Jan, various days 2.30 & 7.30pm: an enchanting new production Duffy and the Stiltskin The nights are long; the winter wind rattles the windows; outside the moon glints on the frozen puddles. Time to stoke up the fire, huddle round the comforting flames, sing some songs and enjoy a gripping story of foolishness and greed, magic and morality – Miracle’s exciting new take on an ancient Cornish folk tale. Told with the company’s trademark blend of comedy, live music, physical theatre and sharp writing, the show follows the young Duffy on a fantastical adventure, through which she learns the surprising fact that life can sometimes be too easy and some offers are too good to be true! A spellbinding story for all ages. Book before 25 Oct -15% off tickets!!! Just sign up to Miracle’s newsletter on miracletheatre.co.uk.
Flu Season is back…….
Flu season is here again, and we in the school-age immunisation team at Kernow Health, have started our busy nasal flu vaccination programme. This year we will be offering vaccinations to children from reception, through to year 11. Some of you will already have received a letter from us, kindly sent out on our behalf by your child’s school, with a link to an online consent form.
Flu has never gone away. It isn’t a simple cold. It can be a dangerous disease with serious complications, but we are ready for our annual fight-back!
If you haven’t had a letter yet, one will be heading your way over the coming weeks. This is an opt-in process so your child will only receive the vaccine if you consent.
Don’t worry if your child is absent on the day of our visit, we run community clinics as well, so you’ll have every opportunity to get your child immunised. If your child is home-educated, you will also receive a letter inviting you to one of our clinics.
Vaccination in schools ensures we can reach as many eligible children as possible; we can’t do this vital work without the support of our amazing Cornish schools.
If you have any questions about this vaccination and would prefer to speak with us directly, or if you have internet problems and can’t access the online consent form, please call us on 01872 221105, and we can help you complete it over the phone.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us. We are always very happy to help.
Spooky Newquay
Ghostly happenings are afoot this half-term starting with the frightening FREE family event The Zombie Crawl on Saturday 26 October!
Join an amazing free, family-friendly Halloween celebration across Newquay Town centre. During the day there will be free face painting, outfit and wound-making workshops, spooky dancing groups, witches telling stories, scary pumpkin-carving workshops, a ghost train (fees apply) and more!! Gathering at Sainsburys at 3pm, all the scary witches, zombies, goblins and ghosts will form a phantasmal, preternatural procession through Newquay in the terrifying Zombie Crawl!
Afterwards, there will be spooky kids’ discos and events in venues across town. During half term, Spooky Newquay will raise your Halloween spirits with special half-term offers all across Newquay. For all the latest Spooky Newquay updates including the Zombie Crawl event timings and half-term offers check out lovenewquay.co.uk
Thanks to support from Experience Newquay and funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Helston Railway, Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick. Buy your tickets from the charming old ticket office in a train carriage, then catch a vintage train along the restored railway line. www.helstonrailway.co.uk. Trains running on Thursdays and Sundays in Oct. 30 & 31 Oct Halloween-themed daytime and evening trains. The railway is closed from 4 Nov and reopens for Christmas.
Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance, 01736 363625. Free entry for children and Penzance residents, see penleehouse.org.uk/penzance-pass. 30 Sep, 14, 28 Oct, 11 Nov: fortnightly free, baby sessions, 10 to 11.30 am, explore sensory play in the gallery & experience amazing artworks. 14 Oct, 11 Nov: Monthly Little Penlee Explorers free, drop-in sessions are for under 5s to explore, play and create activities throughout the galleries, 10am to 12noon.
Every Saturday 2.30 to 3.30pm: free drop-in family art activities, inspired by the exhibitions; 5 Oct: make a copper object inspired by the Newlyn Copper collection. 12 Oct: make 3D leaves mobiles. 19 Oct: collage a layered tissue paper landscape. Half term 26 Oct: Create a flora rubbing plate & make a picture from your prints. Thursday 31 Oct 1.30 to 3.30pm: make mixed media masterpieces inspired by Kurt Jackson’s textured landscapes.
Truro City Council’s Bonfire Night display, 5 Nov at Tremorvah Playing Field. Gates open at 5pm, bonfire lit at 6.30pm, fireworks display at 7pm. £3 per adult, £1 under 16s, cash only; in aid of Cornwall Air Ambulance, Young Farmers & CHBN Radio. ‘Best Guy Fawkes’ competition, and the best Guy will top the bonfire! Refreshments available to purchase.
Limited parking. visittruro.org.uk Facebook/Instagram – visittruro
Truro City Centre Festive Friday, 22 Nov: Truro’s Christmas Lights Switch-on with live entertainment from 5pm hosted Johnny Cowling and Lucy Start. Lights switched-on at 7pm, followed by live music. Plus, the first 2024 Truro Christmas Market on Lemon Quay. 27 Nov: Father Christmas Parade, 6.30pm, see Santa in his sleigh, elves, dancers, musicians, and circus performers parading around the city. Plus, Truro’s first Wednesday Late Night Shopping. Both Truro BID events, sponsored by Coodes Solicitors. www.visittruro.org.uk
Falmouth Art Gallery, free entry, and activities. 29, 30, 31 Oct: Spooky family art workshops, drop-in 10am to 1pm. 5 Oct & 2 Nov: artist-led family art workshops inspired by gallery exhibitions, drop-in 10am to 1pm. All other Saturdays: doodle table available all day, self-led creative activity. Baby Paint, Baby Jam and Little Fingers early years’ sessions available. www.falmouthartgallery.com 01326 313863
Chyan Dome and Cultural Centre, Halvasso, Penryn. 28 & 29
Sep: Rakker Storytelling Festival with Swamp Circus, SquashBox’s The Sea, and African Skies - vibrant stories and rhythms from the heart of Africa; £10 adult, under 14s £6. 13 Oct: Chyan Apple Fair, 12noon to 6pm, apple juicing, children’s area, bands, dance, Mr B’s clown show, circus, cakes, cafe, archery & crafts, apple exhibition, healers & spa. Cash only event/ no digital currency, adult £6, child £3. info@chyan.org www.ticketsource.co.uk/swamp-circus office@swampcircus.co.uk 07775 857677
Girlguiding is the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, with around 385,000 members.
Girls can do anything. We help them know that, whether they’re 4 or 18 or in between.
All girls have a home at Girlguiding - whoever they are, and wherever they are. We show them a world of possibilities, big and small. We help them think big and be bold in a space where they can be themselves, get creative, explore, and have fun. Guiding is a place for girls to have a voice, building on their skills and confidence, inspiring them to discover the best in themselves and empowering them to make a positive difference in their community.
We’re a powerful collective voice – with girls, led by girls – changing the world for the better. We come together to laugh, learn, explore and have adventures, in communities across the UK and virtually. We’re almost 80,000 volunteers who make guiding happen by giving time, talent and enthusiasm. Registered Charity No 306016 girlguiding.org.uk
Hidden Valley Puzzle Park, Tredidon, Launceston - thrilling activities, head-scratching puzzles, and woodland play. Discover shrinking tunnels, secret passageways, upside-down rooms, and strange noises! Explore, think creatively and come up with new solutions to problems. www.hiddenvalley.co.uk
Jungle Jack’s, Newquay, Toddler Time is back - weekday mornings, crafty creations & adventure play (you can have a coffee while they run off steam!) Jungle Jack’s has 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 £2. Six-month limitless entry passes just £75 per child, email info@junglejacks.co.uk. You’ll find ample seating, a well-stocked café and free Wi-Fi. 01637 852890.
Bodmin Railway, Halloween half-term 29 Oct to 3 Nov: Kids go FREE if dressed as a wizard or witch, spooky activity sheets, heritage train rides, and expect to see crawling spiders, coaches covered in cobwebs, wizards, witches and pumpkins all over the 1950s station and trains!
Endelienta Arts, St Endellion, Port Isaac. 26 Oct 11am & 2pm: Coppice Theatre’s How to Catch a Book Witch. See Theatre Shows. Pay What You Decide event. Monthly Make Clubs - explore, create and get messy with inspirational artists, from 10am to 12pm, parents can join in, £5 per family. 26 Oct: print with vegetables and make veg-print mobiles! 16 Nov: use recycled maps to create imaginary lands filled with adventure stories.
Must book tickets@endelienta.org.uk www.endelienta.org.uk
novelEnglish is a wonderfully different, educational enterprise in the heart of the Lizard, running multi-day residential courses for children (non-residential options too). Half-term - 28 to 30 Oct: The Shakespeare Course for ages 9 to 13, Macbeth perfect for Halloween! Delve into the supernatural role of the Three Witches in this introductory course on ‘The Scottish Play’. Christmas Holidays: A Victorian Time! The Young Jane Eyre for ages 10-13, discover the autobiographical links between Jane Eyre and Charlotte Bronte’s childhood. To find out more, email enquiries@novelenglish.co.uk www.novelenglish.co.uk
Autumn Events at Cornwall libraries:
6-Week After-School Storytelling Club - 7 Nov to 12 Dec, Thursdays 4.15 to 5.30pm. The club is an immersive and inspiring space for children to find their words, discover their talents, and have a great time creating their own stories with a mixture of writing, drama, music and making; designed for 6 to 11s, £10/£15 per term. >>>> What's on - continued from page 17
5 Oct: Fun Palaces Lego Day, Bodmin Library, free activity for families, 10.30am to 12.30pm; prizes for best build. 12 Oct: Green Libraries Week, Falmouth Library, free craft event 10 to 11.30am. 28 & 29 Oct: Sam Bradbury Spooky Craft Workshops, Redruth Library 10am to 12noon. 29 Oct: Poems & Pumpkins, Looe Library, with JT Scott, 10 to 11am, book on 01503 262390. 30 Oct: spooky silent disco, Redruth Library, 6 to 7pm - to book see below. 30 Oct: Pumpkins on Parade, Camelford Library, 3 to 6pm, prizes to be won! 31 Oct: Creepy Crafts, Looe Library, 10 to 11am, free but book on 01503 262390. 31 Oct: Pumpkin carving sessions, Redruth Library, 10 to11.30am, 12.30 to 2pm & 2.30 to 4pm, book on https://discoverredruth.co.uk/spooky-redruth/. 1 Nov: bug hotel making, Redruth Library, 10am to 12noon, free, for all ages. 2 Nov: Decorate log slices, Camelford Library, 10am to12.30pm.
The Writers’ Block, The Ladder, Redruth. Half-term workshops29 Oct: Story Adventurers, 10am to 3pm, interactive session with Jo Lumber for ages 6 to 8 - Story Adventurers take a well-known story and let it run loose in different directions with making, craft, reading and writing; £20. 31 Oct: Crankie Storytelling workshop for ages 9 to 11, 10am to 3pm, reimagine classic fairytales with a spooky twist, perfect for Halloween; bring the stories & drawings to life with a storytelling crankie. £20 (bursary places available)
Blackbird Reads
Books with a Cornish flavour
by Deborah Wright
The Last Giant of Marazion by
Suzanne Hubbard
published by Mabecron
Books
A sad, lonely giant threatens the safety of Marazion - rampaging hungrily through the town, munching pilchards & pasties washed down with barrels of ginger beer before eating the buildings too! Luckily brave little Clara has the solution and all ends happily ever after. Plenty to spot in the evocative illustrations, especially St Michael’s Mount. Age 3+
Badger Bill/ Kerra the Kingfisher/ Choughs and Chums by Martin Yelland, illustrated by Zoë-Elissa George published by ChoughRock
Badger Bill, with his black and white stripey head, looming out of the dark, is the latest book by Cornish husband and wife duo from St Erth who specialise in books about local wildlife. In Choughs and Chums, brightly coloured seabirds make their way across the pages accompanied by a simple wavy rhyme. Excellent photographs and useful tips help you identify wildlife. For 3+
The Elephant and the Sea written and illustrated by Ed Vere published by Puffin
Gabriel the Elephant dreams of joining a lifeboat crew, but he’s just too big to fit in the boat. So he builds his own, and when the storm blows with a ‘heave away, haul away, heave HO!’ he braves the rough seas. The Lizard Peninsula with its windswept beaches is beautifully depicted in swirls of ink and watercolour in this story of courage and determination. For 4+
Wilhelmina Barns-Graham by Kate Temple, illustrated by Annabel Wright published by the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust
The celebrated artist spent most of her life in St Ives and in this fascinating book readers are encouraged to create their own pictures, inspired by her techniques, using sticks and even knitting needles and ink, or collages of paper squares, or playing music to see how it can influence art. The sea was a great inspiration to Willie, as she was known, and I especially love her studies of waves, just using parallel lines. For 7+
Kerensa and the Spriggan by John Brolly published by Umbrella Arts
John Brolly is a well-known storyteller and associate director of the Minack Theatre. This exciting tale weaves Cornish myths with the story of Kerensa and Kit. They are fostered with an elderly Cornish couple whose baby son mysteriously disappeared many years ago and was replaced with what is clearly a changeling. Kerensa fights this wicked Spriggan, with only cold iron to defend the children from the menacing forces encircling them. For 8+
The Skylark’s War by Hilary McKay published by Macmillan Winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award. Every summer two motherless children, Clarry and Peter, are packed off to their grandparents in Cornwall for a wonderful time of freedom – but as this is 1914, war looms and their beloved older cousin Rupert enlists as a soldier and is reported missing. An emotional rollercoaster of a story where the horrors of war are sensitively explored. For 9+
