Blackbird Pie Easter 2021

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BlackbirdPie Easter '21 for Families in Cornwall (image from Enys Garden - see What's On)

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Editors' letter BlackbirdPie contents and information

Contents: (click 'Contents' (top left) Special Offers: Rockpool Project - 10% discount code: blackbirdeaster Editors’ letter Covid-related restrictions do apply BUT there are a surprising number of wonderful things to do. Glorious gardens and parks are opening up and there are even some Easter egg hunts…

Why not get creative and make your own edible brightly coloured or marbled eggs or a gloriously colourful puffer fish (not edible!) Do book ahead for Theatre Shows in May and June, and in the meantime, there are some lovely shows for children online.

We have a splendid ‘books for schools’ competition from Walker Books (don’t forget to enter your school for the competition) and our book review is stuffed with bears.

Have a great Easter holiday We have a WIN Walker Books for Your School Competition Vanessa, Simon and the Blackbird 01326 314242 post@blackbirdpie.co.uk

Who is our readers' favourite bear?

Please take part in our poll >>>>

Disclaimer, Privacy etc.

To view previous issues of BlackbirdPie please click on this link: www.blackbirdpie.co.uk

Quick guide to finding your way around the magazine

Who is your favourite bear?

Baby Bear ("Goldilocks and the Three Bears") Baloo ("Jungle Book") Big Bear ("Can't You Sleep Little Bear?")

Little Bear Paddington Pudsey Rupert Winnie the Pooh other (please email names for inclusion) See results

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Short Break Care

Are you ready for Family Based Short Break care?

Do you like spending time with children and young people? If you enjoy laughter, sharing learning and new experiences, then Cornwall Council wants to hear from you.

Family Based Short Break care gives disabled children and young people opportunities to have fun, learn and develop in a homely environment, whilst at the same time giving their families a break from their caring role.

As a Family Based Short Break carer, it’s up to you how much time you can devote to caring; it could be a few hours a day or even a weekend to fit around your lifestyle.

We can share with you what a difference Family Based Short Breaks has meant for individual children and families. We can explain the training we offer and what assessments are required. And, of course, you will receive an allowance for any time that you can offer as well as support from our team of dedicated social workers.

Michelle has been a Short Break carer for nearly 20 years, a decision made as a family, including her then two young sons. During that time, she has cared for numerous children with differing additional needs.

‘Over the years we have built up so many lovely friendships not only with the children, but also their families. It’s hard to put into words knowing the difference you make to these families and what the help and support you offer means to them. But saying that, it is not only the families, but also us that get something back. It sounds corny, but it is really a fulfilling thing to do.’

Whether you have experience of working with disabled children or want to learn more, Family Based Short Break care will open up new horizons for you, as Michelle confirms: ‘The children we have cared for have ranged from 4 years old, right up to 18 years old and then they transfer into adult care. Each one has brought something different to the house. We have always treated them as one of the family whilst they stay with us, with parents’ permission we have taken them to family parties, outings, events etc. They honestly bring so much fun and joy.’

To find out more about Family Based Short Break care, please call Helen Sinclair on 07583 260217, visit www.fosterincornwall.co.uk or call our recruitment team on 01872 323638.

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Trebah Garden

Cornwall’s favourite family garden re-opens to locals and members on the 29 March.

Spring is a particularly magical time at Trebah. Seeing the whole valley in bloom will be a big treat for families. Editors: we can’t wait to get out and enjoy an early Cornish Spring and Easter at Trebah and the food at Trebah Kitchen is really good.

Pre-booking is essential : trebahgarden.co.uk All of the incredibly successful Covid safe measures put in place by the garden last year still apply: visitor numbers are regulated by arrival slots; the garden has a clear one-way system and visitors are expected to social distance at all times.

Trebah’s re-opening schedule reflects the government road map and the site will re-open in several steps.

From 29 March: the garden, plant sales and takeaway beach cafe will re-open to local residents.

From 12 April: Trebah Kitchen will be open for alfresco dining with table service and the retail element of the visitor centre will open.

From 17 May: the cafe will offer indoor dining (provided the country stays on target)

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What's On Easter holidays 2021

Enys Easter Egg Hunt

Ticket sales can be found on the website calendar Adult (18-64) £8, senior (65+) £6, child (6-17) £2, family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £18, family season ticket £50.

Enys can’t wait to welcome you back!

Take the Easter Egg Trail around the gardens, follow the clues and find all the eggs!

Free chocolate egg for completed trail, and free entry for under-6-year-olds.

This ancient Cornish estate is just outside Falmouth and the lovely gardens are open for the season from 1 April, starting with the popular Wooden Easter Egg Hunt.

Tickets are spread out over 5 days from 11am to 5pm from Thursday 1 April until Easter Monday. Please book online, capacity is limited to ensure social distancing is possible. (Covid restrictions apply visitors are asked to just read the clues and not touch the wooden eggs to help everyone stay safe).

On Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, in addition to the café, there will be a stall selling savoury and sweet crêpes and an espresso coffee van.

As well as the regular garden openings, there are many other activities going on through the season at Enys. For more information on upcoming events and ticket booking

click

1 - 5 April 2021: Easter Egg Trail; 11am - 5pm every day.

1 - 9 May 2021: Bluebell Festival; extended opening hours; 11am - 5pm every day. www.enysgardens.org.uk

The Rock Pool Project is back up and running!

Sessions are available throughout the Easter holidays but book soon as there is limited availability.

10% discount code: blackbirdeaster Intrigued to know about all the life that lurks within rock pools, and learn to identify species?

With the government restrictions changing, the Project’s marine wildlife experts are available for private rock pool safaris from the 29 March, so why not start your rock pooling adventure with your family and friends?

The safaris are fun, educational, and active days out for all ages and are based at Castle Beach, Falmouth: one of the world's best rock pooling spots.

Book your rock pooling adventure now on therockpoolproject.co.uk From just £9.75 per person, based on a maximum group size of eight (with up to two households).

10% discount code: blackbirdeaster

Cornwall Wildlife Trust have lots of lovely ideas for looking after yourself and nature as we come out of lockdown. Including: Making hedgehog houses, bird feeders, garden wigwams, butterfly feeders, bird hides, hidey holes and how to go pond dipping. Nick shows you how to make a hedge whistle - a swazzle!

This leaf makes a wonderful sound like Mr Punch’s voice or a swanny whistle.

#make cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk Cornwall Wildlife Trust also have some fantastic videos of the outdoors to see CWT

LITTLE Story Seekers on YouTube Free story, song and movement YouTube sessions for young children and their parents/carers. New videos released monthly and a whole library of stories to share. 2-5 years. Videos

Chyan Cultural Centre, near Falmouth, have a range of safe, social distanced, outdoor activities for families to enjoy this Easter.

Booking essential: circokernow.co.uk 4 & 8 to 11 April: Circo Fit – A fun fitness circuit for all outside with 10 challenges -from hula hoop to trapeze – all separated by space and ten-minute intervals!

Have a go – no experience necessary… There are 10 x bubble spaces at £10 each; max 5 participants in each bubble. Great for a family or friend bubble. 11am to 1pm 8, 9 & 16 April: Outdoor Rolla Disco exercise, skating in the dome, bring your own roller skates/blades, 2pm 3.30pm £5 a person.

17 & 18 April: Easter Circus and Well Being School, 11am - 3pm. Sessions include yoga, circus for all, aerial movement (trapeze, hoop, silks) and forest school. All outdoors in nature with safe distancing, includes vegan lunch round the fire; £10 waged, £6 unwaged /student

/OAP, £20 family of 3.

There is lots more on!

The calendar has lots of events and re-openings listed in date order. There is a section on forthcoming theatre shows and special features on: Trebah Garden, National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Via Ferrata Cornwall.

Easter at Home Activities inspired by the annual sports day held in Porthcurno in the 1960s and 1970s.

Easter Play at Home | PK Porthcurno

https://pkporthcurno.com/play-at-home/easterplay-at-home/

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Walker Books WIN WIN WIN books for your school!

Walker Books competition for schools Rally friends, parents and children, it's COMPETITION TIME at BlackbirdPie! We have a total of £200 worth of beautiful books for two lucky Cornish schools.

To win wonderful books for your school, just go to our Facebook or Instagram page, follow and like the competition post and include your school’s name. Entries by 12 April 2021.

The school with the most comments will win £120 worth of gorgeous children’s books from leading publisher, Walker Books, and, as some schools are small, we have another prize of £80 worth of books which will be awarded taking the number of children at the school into account (calculated by dividing the number of votes by the number of children registered at the school and turning this number into a percentage).

The Giants' Tea Party

by Vivian French, illustrated by Marta Kissi

About Walker Books Home to books for all ages, Walker Books publishes many award-winning authors, illustrators, and literary franchises including Anthony Horowitz, Angie Thomas, Cassandra Clare, Lucy Cousins, Anthony Browne, Patrick Ness, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, and Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford. Walker Books is part of the vibrant international Walker Books Group that includes Walker Books Australia; Candlewick Press in America and its new division, Walker Books US; and Walker Productions.

Books to win: I Talk Like a River

by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith Jordan Scott plans his books when he is walking, swimming, or mountain biking, when he is alone and it's usually very quiet. Find out more on: author

Can Bears Ski?

By Raymond Antrobus, illustrated by Polly Dunbar Polly Dunbar illustrator of ‘Can Bears Ski?’ uses Japanese brush pens for a nice thick black line and if you hold it in a certain way it can almost look furry – perfect for bears. Find out more on: illustrator

The Lipstick

by Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Maria Karipidou Get doodling and follow the doodle trail on: doodle

picturebookparty Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could See

by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Linda Ólafsdóttir

Frog vs Toad

by Ben Mantle picturebookparty Follow Me, Flo!

by Jarvis Help Flo find the way past the fox… activity Hear Jarvis read the book:

The House at the Edge of Magic

by Amy Sparkes Brand New Boy

by David Almond, illustrated by Marta Altés Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls

by Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu

Norse Tales: Stories from Across the Rainbow Bridge Author Kevin Crossley-Holland stresses the importance of ‘redrafting. . . revising. . . and revising. . . Each word counts; and so does each silence’. Hear more on: author Jeffrey Alan Love’s amazing atmospheric illustrations start with getting design and composition right in black and white: illustrator

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Via Ferrata Cornwall

Via Ferrata Cornwall Epic adventures for the whole family or Cornwall’s most exciting childcare!

Based near Penryn, the remote 60-acre site is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy some adrenaline! They will be open from 3 April and you can pre-book your adventures on the web-site.

High Wire Bridge and soaring through the air on the zip wire! You will be clipped in at all times so you can push your limits, have fun in a completely safe environment, and make amazing memories. The adventure can be as challenging as you like and suits adventuresome kids aged 8+ through to full-on adrenaline junkies! Via Ferrata

Birthday parties and other adventures Other exciting adventure sessions include coasteering (in the quarry!), rock climbing, archery, watersports, bespoke private adventure sessions and birthday parties.

Adventure Holiday Club Looking for childcare during half term? The adventure holiday club is perfect for children aged 6-13 who love the outdoors. Simply drop them off for a day or half day of watersports, climbing, zip-lining or archery. They also offer wraparound care options for working parents. Holiday Club

Via Ferrata: an epic adventure challenge!

Journey through the historic granite quarries by scaling cliff faces, wobbling across the 70m long

Here are links with full details: coasteering; rock-climbing; archery; watersports; private sessions; birthday parties.

Café and wild play The Café is set to be open daily from Easter (coronavirus permitting) and offers amazing goodies. There will also be new wild play areas for children aged 3+ and adventure trails for all ages to enjoy. Café

AA Covid Confident certified The team at Via Ferrata Cornwall are well versed in operating safely and are AA Covid Confident certified. Covid

See: FaceBook or Instagram

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Outset Cornwall Thought about being your own boss?

2020 was certainly a year like no other, but something it gave many of us was an opportunity to re-evaluate our careers and work/life balance, whether through furlough, redundancy or working around childcare, home-schooling or other responsibilities.

One of the biggest movements we’ve witnessed has been the growing number of brave individuals willing to take that leap of faith, strike out on their own and start their own business, no matter how incredibly daunting that may seem right now.

Because sometimes, the greatest challenges can also offer the greatest opportunities, and having the right support behind you makes all the difference.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, HM Government and the Outset Foundation, Outset Cornwall has been helping people start their own businesses since 2009, offering a flexible, award-winning business start-up programme that supports you through every step of your business journey.

Whether you want to repurpose your skills or turn your hobby into a sustainable business, Outset offers a fantastic opportunity to do all the groundwork first, helping you build solid foundations to launch your new business from, when you’re ready.

Visit www.outset.org/cornwall or text OUTSET to 82228 and find out how you can get started with a little help from the Outset.

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Get Creative Make a Puffer fish and more!

Coppice Theatre Art & Writing Competition Enter for a chance to win a family ticket for an upcoming show & £50 worth of art supplies!

Coppice Theatre are working on some new shows and need your help to decorate the rehearsal space with inspiring art. They love inventiveness, drawings, paintings, collages, poems, stories, and interesting writing.

On 7 May they will choose the overall winner. Enter as many times as you like, every week if you want!

Week 1 (5 to 12 April)

Books & Libraries are the Best!

Week 2 (12 to 17 April)

To enter, email a photo of your artwork to coppicetheatre@gmail.com, headed 'Art & Writing Competition', include your name, age and which theme. www.coppicetheatre.co.uk/competition

The Brain is Amazing!

Week 3 (19 to 24 April)

Last date for all entries is 7 May 2021. The main prize for this competition may change and if so, will be announced

Mystery & Adventure!

via social media. By entering the competition, you are agreeing to allow Coppice Theatre and Blackbird Pie magazine to display the work in their space, window display and online via website, social media or other channels in perpetuity. The judges’ decision is final and no discussion

Each week’s mini competition has a different theme, and the Coppice team will pick a winning visual piece and a piece of writing from four age groups (under 5s / 5 to 8yrs / 8 to 12yrs / over 12s) which will be displayed at their rehearsal space in Truro and on their website.

will be entered into.

Week 4 (26 April to 1 May)

Superheroes Save the Day!

Arty stuff How to make a Puffer fish by 4-year-old Aria Blackbird Pie’s young reader Aria has been learning about under-the-sea creatures and her new favourite animal is a Puffer fish! She has been non-stop drawing and making them since she and her mum April read the book ‘The Fish with Five Fingers’, and they have been watching lots of videos about how pufferfish live and interact in the wild. Aria now wants one as a pet…

Aria entered our Animal Pictures competition in January, and we were so impressed we asked her to send us instructions on how to make one.

You will need: 2 paper plates Wax crayons dark and mid orange, yellow, white and black card Tissue paper Stapler Glue stick Scissors

1) Make a lovely, exuberant scribble pattern with orange and yellow wax crayons.

2) Cut circles for the eyes- 2x 2p-size white card, 2 x 1p-size black card, 2 x pea-sized white card and assemble in layers and glue together. Cross-eyed, raised-to-heaven, whatever you like!

If you have an arty make would like to us feature, please email post@blackbirdpie.co.uk

3) Rip tissue paper, place some under the ‘eyes’ onto your plate; make scrumpled balls of darker tissue to make spots on the fish. Once arranged to your liking, stick them on. (You could staple the eyes to make sure they don’t fall off) 4) Cut triangles from the dark orange, orange, and yellow card, arrange and stick or staple round the outside of the plate.

5) Make another one!

Thanks Aria! A copy of Simon Bartram’s wonderful book ‘Dougal's Deep-sea Diary’ is winging its way over to you.

Guide to decorating Pace Eggs with colourful edible dyes.

Podcast: The History of The Easter Hunt Join presenter Charles Rowe and Senior Properties Historian Andrew Hann to discover how the seasonal tradition of the Easter egg hunt started, how the tradition has evolved, and when natural eggs were replaced by the chocolate variety we're more familiar with today.

English Heritage have lots of fun crafts and activities to enjoy this Easter with a bit of entertaining History thrown in.

How to Make Marbled Eggs for Easter - The Victorian Way with Victorian cook re-enactor ‘Mrs Crocombe’.

History at Home >>>>

Galleries: Penlee House Gallery & Museum is open online!

Get creative with Arty Afternoon videos - craft activities that are perfect for families, or take part in the Penlee Inspired Challenge! A new challenge is set each Monday. Get creative and submit your responses via social media. They'll showcase their favourites the following Monday!

Tate Kids – a great selection of Arty games and makes on link. The robot one reminded us of Cornwall’s Man Engine who might be back to greet the G7 this summer… make-robot

Indoor ‘Out’ Raining outside? Forestry England can bring the trees to you! forestryengland.uk There are seven free activities you can do indoors. Download Tree Trumps game to get to know the different trees; play nature bingo; draw or paint your own view - stick it up and add trees and

animals every day; have an indoor picnic; forest themed colouring sheets; Become an outdoor sound collector; draw a tree from memory – this video has some good tips If you don’t live near a wood, forest or park then

Forestry England have a rather delightful and ingenious guide to virtual forest bathing…. ‘How to bring the wellbeing benefits of forests into your home’ wellbeing

History at Home English Heritage There is a treasure trove of historical goodies on English Heritage’s website.

Explore history with videos and podcasts, oldfashioned recipes and historical ‘how-to’s and discover the best stories from England’s past. There are teaching resources, quizzes and creative things to make and do like colouring in a Roman street scene, or designing your own coat of arms; and templates to build a model roundhouse or Dover

Meet the porter at St Mawes Castle - CASTLE

Castle, download.pdf

Bodmin Keep

and the

Museum of Cornish Life Serve up a slice of history with delicious recipes from the past. Whip up a batch of Queen drop biscuits, make a grand medieval pie, and find out from a Tudor cook what marchpane is.

Travel back in time with English Heritage videos for an interview with Henry VIII and put your Roman knowledge to the test with Rattus Rattus. Join TV's Ben Shires live-streamed history lessons, covering topics like Castles, Tudors, Romans.

, Helston

Visit their websites where you will find lots of historical video content and much more.

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Calendar Easter, April/May 2021

What’s On this Easter Stop Press: Coppice Theatre Announcement 5 April to 1 May Art and Writing Competition see Coppice

As we come out of lockdown restrictions on activities will hopefully be lifted and Cornwall’s attractions are raring to go!

However, we will have to wait till 17 May to visit museums, galleries and inside historic buildings; the Eden Project is also due to reopen on 17 May. All details are subject to changes and you should confirm with the organiser before leaving home.

Open now: Heartlands Adventure Playground, Pool is open now and free. From 2 April the Red River Cafe will be reopening for takeaway daily, between 9am-4pm. heartlandscornwall.com

From 29 March: Some English Heritage sites will be open for local visits including Pendennis, Tintagel and St Mawes Castles. Indoor areas will remain closed, and safety measures will be in place. You’ll need to book your visit in advance online. english-heritage.org.uk Click here for their lovely Easter craft activities 29 March to 18 April: Easter Adventure Quest outdoors at Pendennis Castle 10am to 5pm.

Crack the clues and search for the dragon eggs on pictured on quest boards as you explore the outdoor trail around the castle. Intrepid

explorers will be rewarded with a chocolate treat and a certificate. £1.50 per child. englishheritage.org.uk

From 29 March: National Trust Easter Egg Hunts. Easter trails will be taking place for people to enjoy in their local area. Trail packs cost £3 (while stocks last). You don’t need to book your Easter trails, but you will need to book your Easter visit by visiting the property website from 26 March. Booking will provide access to the property, not the Easter adventures in nature trail, which can be purchased on the day. nationaltrust.org.uk

Open 29 March: Adrenalin Quarry Race Track and Gravity Park and the Water Park opens on 12 April. adrenalinquarry.co.uk

From 29 March: Adventure Fit South West, a family run business based in Looe. Dates for outdoor activities for March and the beginning of April are available to book online. Activities include basic navigation, family explore the moor, kayaking and paddleboarding river trips and coming soon....... reopening of the climbing wall, gorge walking and outdoor climbing. adventurefitsouthwest 30 Mar to 30 May: Random Acts of Art see St Austell Bay differently this Spring.

In celebration of 40 years of Kneehigh, enjoy 40 wonder encounters: from parading lanterns and drive-by puppetry to projection installations and epic sand drawings. Keep your eyes peeled and share what #RandomActs you spot. Let's spread some unexpected joy! kneehigh.co.uk

From 1 to 5 April: Enys Gardens Easter egg hunts, near Penryn See page

From 2 April: Callestick Farm near Truro will be opening their ice cream parlour with a delicious takeaway menu of waffles, cream teas, sundaes and milkshakes…mmmm /CallestickFarm/ Reopens 3 April: Via Ferrata Cornwall, Longdowns, between Penryn and Helston See page From 4 April: Chyan Cultural Centre, near Falmouth, have a range of safe, social distanced, outdoor activities for families to enjoy this Easter including: fun fitness circuit. See page

and boats, explore nature and let off steam outdoors. Advance booking essential on BOOK

From 12 April: Newquay Zoo: Tickets and time slots are now available to book online for: 12 and 13 April: Annual Pass holder visits only; then to all guests from 14 April. As indoor exhibits will sadly remain closed until 17 May, the Zoo will be offering a REDUCED ADMISSION PRICE. Prebooking essential BOOK

5 April to 1 May: Coppice Theatre Art and Writing Competition to enter see Coppice

From 12 April: Paradise Park, Hayle, are planning to open, subject to government guidance. /ParadiseParkCornwall/

Re-opening on 12 April: Full steam ahead! Lappa Valley Steam Railway, near Newquay. Take an exciting steam train ride into a secret world of traditional family adventures - trains

From 12 April: Flambards will re-open to visitors with outdoor rides, attractions, and entertainment (with additional cleaning and hygiene

measures). flambards.co.uk 17 & 18 April: Easter Circus and Well Being School, Chyan Cultural Centre, near Falmouth. See page 24 April: Gwealan Tops Adventure Playground, Redruth have some activities over Easter, but numbers are restricted. However, do check out their after-school clubs and monthly Dads & Kids breakfast club, starting on 24 April. /gwealantops/

1 May: Bodmin Railway is aiming to reopen.

1 to 9 May: Bluebell Festival, Enys Gardens, near Penryn. See page

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Kernow Health Knock Knock... it's chicken pox!

Knock Knock... it's chicken pox!

• a high temperature • aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell • loss of appetite

The Do’s and Don’ts of a Common Childhood Illness.

Chickenpox is common and mostly affects children, although you can get it at any age. It usually gets better by itself after 1 to 2 weeks without needing to see a GP.

Chickenpox can be passed onto others from about two days before the rash appears until the last blister has burst and crusted over.

If you catch chickenpox, you must stay away from school, nursery or work until all of the spot have crusted over (usually 5 days after the spots first appeared).

Kieran Bignell - Consultant Paramedic

You might get symptoms before or after the spots appear, including:

Chickenpox is very itchy and can make children feel miserable, even if they do not have many spots.

Unfortunately, it is possible to get chickenpox more than once, although it's unusual!

Do: • Drink plenty of fluid (you could try ice lollies!) to avoid dehydration • Take paracetamol to help with pain and discomfort • Put socks on your hands at night to stop scratching and cut nails • Speak to a pharmacist about using antihistamine medicine or cooling creams to help itching • Bathe in cool water, pat the skin dry (do not rub) • Dress in loose clothes

Don’t: • Do not use ibuprofen unless advised to do so by a doctor, as it may cause serious skin infection • Do not give aspirin to children under 16 • Do not be around pregnant women, newborn babies and people with a weakened immune system, as chickenpox can be dangerous for them

Seek Medical Advice If: • You're not sure it's chickenpox • The skin around the blisters is red, hot or painful (signs of infection) • Your child is dehydrated • You're concerned about your child or they get worse

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Theatre News The Gingerbread Man and loads more!

Wonderful stories for all ages at the Minack Theatre The Cameraman Bash Street Theatre 6 to 10 June A silent movie – live on stage. Topical intrigue, mistaken identities and silent comedy abound in the adventures of an inept cameraman who inadvertently witnesses an international robbery worth millions of dollars – the theft of the Covid vaccine formula. A playful homage to film-noir, with voice-over narration and live musical accompaniment, The Cameraman is a comic commentary on the current crisis.

The Further Adventures of Doctor Dolittle

By Hugh Lofting, adapted for the stage by Oliver Gray 13 to 17 June

Following the phenomenal success of The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, Illyria delves into Hugh Lofting's amazing stories to bring you a brand-new, musical adaptation of the Doctor's FURTHER adventures with Jip the Dog, Dab Dab the Duck, Gub Gub the Pig and Polynesia the Parrot. Where in the world will they go? Which new animals will they help along the way? Is Gub Gub still dreaming about cake?

These performances will be socially distanced.

Advance booking essential.

For more information or to book tickets visit minack.com

01736 810181 Image from the 2018 production of The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle © Lynn Batten

Theatre Shows - Outdoor Theatre Trebah Amphitheatre link to Trebah

Online streaming The Chronicles of Atom and Luna, written and told by the brilliant Murray Lachlan-Young, are available for free until 31 March. Audio tales and Augmented Reality storybook game experience.

Penzance’s Penlee Park Open Air Theatre Season 2021 tickets will be available in April. penleeparktheatre Sterts Open Air Theatre, Upton Cross, Liskeard 01579 362382, have some lovely family shows planned, restrictions allowing. Limited booking on sterts.co.uk

LINK Chronicle One – Tales from the Forest is a series of six linked audio tales written by BBC 6 Music’s Murray Lachlan Young, on YouTube with captions and BSL. Chronicle Two – Quest for Old Mother Redbeard is a playable AR (Augmented Reality) mixing fairy tales with captivating poetry and tech wizardry with fantasy. For age 5+.

Available for free on android phones and iPhones and iPads

Miracle Theatre’s highly acclaimed adaptation of ‘The Tempest’ by William Shakespeare, is streaming to a world-wide audience (donations welcomed) on the Perspective YouTube channel until Sunday 4 April. Experience Miracle’s offbeat and humorous style with this classic Shakespeare play. Find yourself washed up on an enchanted island, twangling with sweet airs and music, humming with sucking bees and the smell of old macs! Video

The Gingerbread Man this Easter, Tickets for the DIGITAL STREAM are available now. Your digital ticket allows you to watch the stream whenever and however many times you like between 2 to 5 April. LINK

Live at the Theatre Royal Plymouth this May! The Gingerbread Man LIVE! Our fuzzy friend is back in action, live and socially distanced, from 29 to 31 May in The Drum. Tickets for the live show are on sale Fri 26 March, from 10am. /the-gingerbread-man The Three Musketeers 20 to 21 May: Le Navet Bete and Exeter Northcott Theatre present a comedy adventure that will have you rolling with laughter! Armed with only a baguette and his questionable steed join hotheaded d’Artagnan as he travels to Paris to become a musketeer. Featuring hilarious heroics, raucous romances and some bonkers fun with BMX bikes, Le Navet Bete condense Dumas’ 700-page classic into two hours of non-stop comedy gold. video trailer

Multibuy Deal!

Save 15% when booking The Three Musketeers and Treasure Island together online. theatreroyal.com/whats-on Treasure Island 22 to 23 May: Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale like you’ve NEVER seen it before. A swashbuckling family comedy with pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid you will never forget. Set sail on the Jolly Todger with Jim Lad and Long John Silver to the Caribbean to seek out a bounty of illusive treasure.

But will they get there in one piece? And does X really mark the spot? Age 7+ 400: A Historical Comedy 9 June to 4 July - Le Navet Bete in partnership with Plymouth Culture and comedy writer Tony Hawks with a brand new, action-packed comedy show. Celebrating Ocean City’s Mayflower International Festival, expect 400 years of history in 100 minutes, from the West Country to Wild West, from the Barbican to Boston, songs, dance, games, and non-stop laughs. /400-ahistorical-comedy/ Three Musketeers- photo' Matt Austin

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NMMC Easter holiday fun

National Maritime Museum Cornwall is coming to you this Easter holidays!

Through the magic of the sea and the power of words, the Curator brings Oshi, a friendly sea sprite out of her restful slumber. Discover what happens when Oshi wakes up and finds herself in the Curator’s world, full of intriguing, strange and unusual objects…

Trail coming soon!

Friday 2 April – Friday 16 April Have you heard of Oshi the Cornish sea sprite? Full of wonder and mischievous fun she’s about to take the Easter holidays by storm – and we mean this quite literally when you hear her story!

Only those fortunate enough to know the magic rhyme can see this curious Cornish sea sprite – the rest of the time she’s invisible. So keep an eye out for the letters she casts adrift as these hold the key to little Oshi.

This Easter join the NMMC for an online trail, crafting fun and live story time with Oshi herself.

Oshi Online Trail: available online from Friday 2 April Step inside the Museum from your home and meet the Curator, Dr Morwenna Morvoren. In her cluttered cupboard, hidden at the back of a shelf, she’s unearthed a beautiful gleaming seashell and a strange little poem. What are they doing here?

Story Time with Oshi – free live online show: Friday 9 April, 11am Hear how on one dark and stormy night Oshi’s world was turned upside down. With lots of joining in, big noises and plenty of fun, it’s your chance to meet this Cornish sea sprite and hear her story.

Oshi is an original story created by Deborah Rogers.

For the free, live online show register here: Zoom

Make and Take at Home: Live on Facebook 6 to 8 April theNMMC and then available on the website.

Tune in for live Make and Take crafting sessions with Sophie, the museum’s Learning Officer. Make musical instruments using bits and bobs from around the house. Bring them along to Story time with Oshi where we’ll create plenty of noise!

Here’s what Sophie will be creating: Jingling Jellyfish on Tuesday 6 April, 11am.

You will need: A paper plate Colouring pens or pencils Jingle bells Ribbon (scrap fabric, string and pipe cleaners could also be used).

Optional decorations include tissue paper and beads.

Hole punch, Glue, Scissors

Crab Shaker: Live on Wednesday 7 April, 11am.

You will need: A paper plate Beads or dried beans Paint, or colouring pens or pencils.

Coloured card Pipe cleaners (you could use card instead).

Wobbly eyes (or you could draw your own).

Optional decorations include tissue paper and pompoms.

Stapler, Scissors, Glue

Sea Drum: Live on Thursday 8 April, 11am.

You will need: Paper cup (or similar) Decorations of your choice (tissue paper, tin foil or colouring pens or pencils).

Brown parcel paper & 3 elastic bands 2 small wooden sticks (or paper straws) 2 pom poms Tissue paper, Glue, Scissors Children should be supervised when completing these activities and things can get messy!

It’s free! Easter holiday activities are FREE.

Our Easter holiday activities are FREE.

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BlackbirdReads Books about Bears by Deborah Wright

BlackbirdReads: Books about bears

by Deborah Wright Bears have probably been the inspiration for more children’s books than any other animal, and it is not hard to see why. Winnie-the-Pooh, Rupert Bear, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Old Bear, Threadbear, Can’t You Sleep Little Bear, Peace at Last, the list is almost endless and we’ll all have our favourites. Here is a selection of new bears to love – and one old friend who is still having new adventures.

The Grizzly Bear who Lost his Grrrr

by Rob Biddulph, published by Harper Collins

Fred is a grizzly bear who is the champion of the forest and covered in medals. But above all he is famous for his Grrrr.

But one year when he enters the contest he discovers that his Grrrr has disappeared. Then we discover that it’s been stolen by bad bear Boris.

Written in rhymed couplets, this is a hilarious story of dashed hopes, and unexpected friendships.

For 3+

The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s Concert

by David Litchfield, published by Frances Lincoln The final book in the trilogy has just been published, and if you don’t know the books you must start at the beginning with The Bear and the Piano.

Bear finds a piano in the woods and he practises and practises and teaches himself to play wonderfully. His talent is spotted and he’s whisked away to fame and fortune in New York. But he misses his old life in the forest and especially his friends.

In the third book we find him an older, sadder bear.

His fame has faded away and he’s given up playing.

His daughter Little Bear tries to persuade him to play again. A bittersweet series with wonderful illustrations – the image of the bear hunched over his piano is particularly poignant.

For 4+

You can hear David read his book and learn how to draw bears:

Paddington at St Paul’s

by Michael Bond, illustrated by R.W.Alley, published

by Harper Collins

age range; the original longer stories, like Paddington Here and Now, are aimed at older children and are hilarious.

Bear Shaped

by Dawn Coulter-Cruttenden, published by Oxford

Michael Bond died in 2017 (his gravestone in Paddington cemetery appropriately says ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you’) and Paddington at St Paul’s is the last story.

Paddington is the same old optimistic character, getting into scrapes. Mr Gruber takes him to visit St Paul’s and he gets mistaken for a choirboy. Before you know it, Paddington is in a surplice and processing down the aisle.

For 4+

A Bear Called Paddington was published in 1958, so our famous friend is now 63 years old, and thanks to the recent films he’s reached an even larger audience. But the books are as funny and entertaining as ever. Paddington appeals to a wide

Based on a true story of seven-year-old Jack who lost his beloved Bear. Bear had been his best friend and his comfort and defence against the world. He puts up posters appealing for the return of his bear, and kind strangers hear his story and send him

replacement teddies. Of course, they’re not the same, but Jack gradually understands how to cope with his loss and to recognise people’s kindness. And then he realises how fortunate he has been to have Bear in his life and he gives away all the bears to children who need something to cuddle and to make them feel loved and brave. A moving and comforting book for 5+.

Can Bears Ski?

by Raymond Antrobus, illustrated by Polly Dunbar, published by Walker

This sensitive little book is not about skiing; it describes what it’s like if you can’t hear properly.

Little Bear makes sense of the world through vibrations and partly understand words, and it isn’t till he’s taken to the audiologist by his father that he realises that people are asking ‘Can you hear me?’, not ‘Can Bears Ski?’. Both Antrobus and Dunbar have hearing loss and wear hearing aids, so they know what it’s like to misunderstand what people are saying, the importance of others speaking towards them and clearly so they can lipread, and the impact of wearing aids. Little Bear tells his own story which makes it very personal. This book would be useful not only to a child with hearing loss, but any child who might encounter a friend at school who is frustrated and isolated because they can’t hear. For 5+

The Last Bear

by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold, published by Harper Collins

Of course real bears aren’t cuddly at all and they can

be lethal killers (Horatio Chapple was tragically killed by a polar bear on a school field trip, www.horatiosgarden.org.uk) So, this story about 11-year-old April, who befriends a wounded polar bear on remote Bear Island, where her father is a research scientist, is part fantasy. But importantly it highlights our responsibility to bears and climate change. The close relationship that develops between April and the bear, who have both suffered loss is almost symbiotic.

Levi Pinfold’s atmospheric illustrations enhance an inspiring and thought-provoking book for readers of 8+.

There’s a great YouTube clip of Hannah Gold reading from the Last Bear

Ludo's Book Club >>>>

Why Do Dogs Sniff Bottoms

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Frugi Competition

We love Frugi! Based in Helston.

Gorgeous designs. Organic. Fab!!

Their richly colourful new collection, influenced by India and full of wonderful elephants, crocodiles and exotic birds, has inspired our latest creative competition.

So, please send us your child's painting, drawing, photograph, collage or creation around the theme of India.

There are three age groups - under 5s, ages 5 to 7 & 8 to 10.

Each with a prize of £50 worth of Frugi clothes

Frugi and BlackbirdPie creative competition

The winners’ creations will also feature in the May/ June issue of BlackbirdPie AND your school or nursery will receive an additional £20 Frugi voucher.

To enter just email your creations to post@blackbirdpie.co.uk with your name and age.

If you need inspiration check out the Frugi’ India range at welovefrugi The competition will close at midnight on Sunday 9 May 2020.

Frugi is a Cornish-based ethical and organic children’s clothing and accessories company for 0 to 10-year-olds.

Their bright, vibrant colours and playful characters are instantly recognisable, and full of clever details like reversible designs, adjustable waistbands, and interactive appliques. Frugi’s super-soft baby and toddler ranges are designed to fit over cloth nappies. Frugi also make gorgeous and sustainable maternity wear.

Frugi uses only 100% GOTS certified organic

cotton for 85% of its products so they meet rigorous production standards throughout the entire supply chain.

Organic cotton is better for the environment, is more durable and feels much softer because the fibres aren’t broken down by harsh chemicals. No harmful chemicals or dangerous dyes are used, so these snuggly clothes are less likely to trigger allergies and are kinder to delicate skin.

15% of Frugi products are made from recycled polyethylene plastic bottles spun into yarn to make durable, water-proof fabric for Frugi’s outerwear, accessories and for the new range of unisex Safe Sun swimsuits.

Frugi are proud to do things right by parents, babies, children, and our planet www.welovefrugi.com

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