Blackbird Pie May-June 2021

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BlackbirdPie May June '21 for Families in Cornwall Wheal Play at Heartlands - see What's On inside

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Editors' letter BlackbirdPie contents and information

Section cover picture is one of the winners of our Frugi creative competition - gallery Special Offers and Competitions: Children's Sailing Trust 10% off Popp Theatre free tickets Wheal Play TR locals' discount Camel Creek 10% off on-line Theatre Royal Plymouth multi-buy

Editors’ letter

There are wonderful animals to see at Newquay Zoo, Paradise Park and Dairyland Farmworld, and even dinosaurs at Camel Creek!

Free events include Truro Children's Day and several at Heartlands; and Tate St Ives has free entry for under 18s combined with their locals '£5 for a year' pass.

Keep Covid safe and have a wonderful half term...and every other day too!

Dear Readers, There is SO much more to do now, indoors and out! Hooray! A cornucopia of choice covering indoor and outdoor theatre, indoor play centres, gorgeous galleries and a great range of fascinating museums from maritime and military to world communication (NMMC, Bodmin Keep, and PK Porthcurno).

Have a great half-term holiday

Why not learn something new like sailing, archery, coasteering or circus skills?

post@blackbirdpie.co.uk

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

Disclaimer, Privacy etc.

from Vanessa, Simon and the Blackbird 01326 314242 Quick guide to finding your way around the magazine

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What's On Picture from PK Porthcurno - see more inside

What's On Book ahead!

In this section: Via Ferrata

Elsewhere: and see

Calendar

For many places you will need to prebook online and for some there are timed entry tickets.

Rock Pool Project

Restrictions may change so please check the venue's website or social media for the latest information.

Swamp Circus

Pendennis Castle

Bodmin Keep WW2 re-enactment

Newquay Zoo

There are wonderful animals to see at Newquay Zoo, Paradise Park and Dairyland Farmworld, and even dinosaurs at Camel Creek!

Bodmin Keep

Free events include Truro Children's Day and several at Heartlands; and Tate St Ives has free entry for under 18s combined with their locals '£5 for a year' pass.

Keep Covid safe and have a wonderful half term...and every other day too!

Theatre Shows

Enys Summer Craft Market

Camel Creek

PK Porthcurno Children's Day in Truro Wheal Play

Trebah Garden

Children's Sailing Trust

, Heartlands, Pool Tate St Ives

Free Wifi Unlimited hot drinks only £3 Food & snacks Children’s Parties Exclusive hire available for private parties, schools & events Book online whealplay.co.uk Heartlands, Dudnance Lane, Pool, Reduth, TR15 3QY – 01209 707308

Wheal Play – Heartlands Mining Themed Soft Play Centre Open daily from 9am with two-hour time slots up till 4pm There is 30mins time for sanitising between sessions Child £4.95 or £4.50 with a local’s discount card, available to everyone in the TR Postcode!

Children’s Day in Truro Back for this year on Saturday 26 June!

Come along and enjoy fun, family activities across Truro City Centre.

Look out for Swamp Circus who will be performing spectacular acrobatic outdoor family shows at Lemon Quay, on the ground and in the air.

There’s also free have-a-go circus skills sessions with Swamp Circus, along with Cornwall Dance School both performing and offering dance sessions.

See Visittruro.org.uk or @visittruro on Facebook for more details or call the event organisers Truro BID on: 01872 273999.

Shops and eateries across Truro will have family friendly in-store activities and great offers.

Note that activities are subject to Covid restrictions being lifted and relevant Covid restrictions will be in place on the day.

There will also be street entertainers popping-up around our great little city! Lots of free activities for all ages to enjoy. Main activities from 10am until 4pm.

Visit PK Porthcurno this half-term and discover the UK’s only dedicated museum of global communications.

This half term (29 May to 6 June) join the hunt for beautiful hand-painted pebbles inspired by Planet PK wildlife photography. They will be hidden around PK for all to find!

Opening Times 17 May to 31 October 10am to 5pm daily

Go underground to the World War II bunker that hid the Porthcurno Telegraph Station, where Allied communications were protected by armed guards and bomb-proof doors.

View a LEGO reimagining of the first undersea telegraph cable landing at Porthcurno in June 1870, complete with a tall ship and mini figures, created by renowned LEGO designer Warren Elsmore.

Explore exhibitions and interactive displays telling the fascinating story of global telecommunications, from the first practical use of electricity to present day communications using fibre optic cables that still run beneath the world's seas and oceans.

New for this year are two temporary exhibitions: ‘The Cable King’ and ‘Lights Out for Darker Skies’.

There’s lots to see and do at PK!

Last entry at 4pm. Pre-book tickets online for timed entry admission. www.pkporthcurno.com

Bodmin Keep

Bodmin Keep brings the Second World War to life for summer half-term!

Bodmin Keep has a week of Second World War themed fun family activities to keep all ages engaged. Activities are on throughout the day (10am - 4.30pm) and are included in the admission price. The museum is great value at £7 per adult, £3 per child and under 5 years are free.

To enable social distancing, the museum operates a pre-booking system. It’s super easy to book, just go to WWW.BODMINKEEP.ORG to book your family or group of 6 slot!

What’s on?

Cornish Land Girls and Growing Your Own 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 June Find out about the Women’s Land Army in Cornwall with replica uniform and intriguing objects. Younger visitors can collect cress seeds to take home and grow their own.

Wartime Nursing 2 & 3 June Meet Sue, a Second World War nurse, and learn about the work of nurses and medics during wartime both at home and on the battlefront. Find out about how the care of those who were wounded greatly improved from the First World War during this family friendly talk with an expert.

Boot Buffing Demonstration 2 & 4 June Find out how soldiers at Bodmin Keep would have had to keep their buttons and boots ship shape or feel the wrath of the Drill Serjeant. Learn the tricks and get buffing!

Curator’s Curiosities 1, 3 & 4 June Get up close to some curious objects from the Second World War which have been specially chosen by the Trainee Curator, Isabella. Find out about their stories in short, family-friendly talks.

Continued >>>>

Second World War Re-enactment

Workshops include circus skills (aerial, acrobatics, juggling), yoga, Forest School and organic gardening.

A vegan lunch is provided. Tickets £10 or £5 for students/unemployed/over 60s.

5 June On Saturday the museum grounds will be taken over by Re-enactment South West with their Second World War living history display. There will be American and Russian jeeps and a British motorbike on display. You can also find out what it was like to be a Russian female sniper and life in the US and British Infantry.

Love music and skating? Roller Disco! 28 May & Friday 4 June, 4.30 to 6.30pm. Bring your own skates.

Booking essential, tickets £5.

Join Cornwall’s only Youth Circus! Workshops every Tuesday, 4 to 5.30pm, tickets £7. Learn new skills in acrobatics, juggling, aerial, hula hooping, Tight wire, movement, unicycling and so much more. Under 12yrs group & 12-16 yrs group

Lots of fun, family friendly events this summer at Chyan Cultural Centre, TR10 9BT (near Penryn) Chyan Sundays regular family-friendly outdoor event, 11am to 3.30pm.

Summer holidays are not far away now! Book ahead for Cornwall Circus and Performing Arts Camp 2021, 18 to 30 August.

Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now until 1 June 2021 5 Day Tickets: (18 to 22 or 26 to 30 Aug) includes camping: £150 adult, £50 child, £275 family of 3 people.

Day Tickets: £35 per adult, £15 child, £15 camping per day Bookings: www.ticketsource.co.uk/swamp-circus or email office@swampcircus.co.uk

Not just bluebells...

Enys Gardens are glorious in the summertime too!

Browse the fabulous local artisan stalls, (all but 12 outside this time), with all the fun of a country market.

Enjoy delicious middle Eastern food by Lafafa, sweet and savoury crêpes by Crêpe Therapy, homemade cakes and scones at the café and great live music.

There will be treats for kids and four-legged family members are welcome on leads.

Buy something beautiful, walk somewhere beautiful, eat something beautiful and have a memorable day at lovely Enys. www.enysgardens.org.uk

Via Ferrata Cornwall Enjoy epic adventures for the whole family, or treat your kids to Cornwall’s most exciting childcare at Via Ferrata Cornwall!

Based near Penryn, the remote 60-acre site is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy some adrenaline! They are open daily and you can book your adventures on the web-site.

Adventure Holiday Club Looking for childcare during half term or the summer holidays? 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, archery or coasteering in the quarry. They also offer wraparound care options for working parents.

Holiday Club

Via Ferrata: an epic adventure Enjoy Cornwall’s only Via Ferrata! Journey through challenge!

the historic granite quarries by scaling cliff faces, wobbling across the 70m long 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. Links with full details: coasteering; rock-climbing; archery; watersports; private sessions; birthday parties.

Café and wild play The Café is open daily 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 have received approval from the AA and ‘We’re good to Go’ to operate as a Covid-secure establishment. Covid

See: youtube, FaceBook or Instagram

The Rock Pool Project is back up and running!

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, 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).

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Trebah Garden

Sub-tropical Trebah is back open and alive with colour

There are countless secret corners waiting to be discovered, mesmerising fish in little and big ponds and the fantastic wooden Tarzan's Camp with climbing ropes, a slide, monkey bars and a fireman's pole; a smaller wooden fort for under 5s and a Paraglide.

Early summer is a particularly magical time at Trebah. This valley garden has burst into life, with giant Gunnera and bamboo towering overhead and colourful flowers in bloom at every turn.

The Trebah Kitchen is particularly good for lunches and homemade cakes. You can eat outside in a delightful garden area and, from 17 May, the cafe will offer indoor dining in line with government guidance.

At the bottom of this paradise lies a private beach which is only accessible to visitors of Trebah - the perfect setting to indulge in a locally made ice cream.

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.

Keep an eye out for the Trebah Amphitheatre 2021 performance season, which will be announced on 21 June.

Pre-booking is essential: trebahgarden.co.uk/book

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Thank you from Kernow Health’s School-age Immunisation Team

Thank you to Cornwall’s Community and Sports Centres from Kernow Health's School-age Immunisation Team Throughout 2 lockdowns, we at Kernow Health have been working hard to ensure that all eligible children were able to receive the routine childhood vaccines they are due. As we were unable to attend the vast majority of schools, we ran a number of catch-up clinics, which were very well-attended.

There is no way we could have done any of this without the incredible support of Cornwall’s amazing community-minded clubs and centres who let us use their venues, got there early to open up for us and were on hand for any internet blips if needed.

We have met some brilliant people on our travels who are running excellent facilities. To all of you, from every single one of us, THANK YOU to………

Rugby Clubs: St Just, Penzance Cornish Pirates, Penzance St Ives Hayle Camborne

Redruth Helston Truro Perranporth Falmouth St Austell Bodmin Wadebridge Launceston

Football Clubs: Helston AFC Falmouth Town AFC more - see over

Wadebridge Town FC Camelford FC Dobwalls FC Saltash United FC Torpoint AFC

Sports Clubs: St Agnes Newquay Sports Centre Tregony

Schools: Budehaven Looe Community School

Community Centres: The Knut, St Just (Penzance) All Saints, Camborne Dracaena Centre, Falmouth Perranporth Council Offices Crantock Village Hall Liskerrett Centre, Liskeard Launceston Gateway Centre

Family Hubs/Children’s Centres Hayle (Beach Hut) Helston St Austell St Blazey Bodmin (Chestnuts) Wadebridge Camelford Callington Launceston Liskeard Saltash Torpoint If you have any questions about the school-age vaccines, please email us on kernowhealthcic.schoolimmunisation@nhs.net

or telephone us on 01872 221105.

We’re always happy to help.

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Camel Creek Dino Week

Have a Roarsome Day at Camel Creek this May Half Term!

Join us from the 31st of May when we go back 150 million years for Dino Week. Release your inner dinosaur and run wild to unearth some hidden secrets.

This is all part of the week-long event this May Half Term.

You can purchase tickets online now and save 10% by using the discount code ‘ONLINE10’ at checkout or download our app for exclusive offers and discounts during your visit!

Get up close to our real-life dinosaurs in the daily shows, find clues and follow the trail around the park using our brand-new app or learn all the fun facts in our educational stands.

To book your tickets and save 10% using code ONLINE10 visit – camelcreek.co.uk

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Newquay Zoo

Make memories this half-term at Newquay Zoo! Just a short walk from the town centre, Newquay Zoo is a conservation charity dedicated to help protect species and habitats for future generations. From the amazing savannahs of Africa to the rainforests of South America, there is so much for you to discover and enjoy.

Set in 13 acres of lush tropical gardens, Newquay Zoo is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered species, including Javan green magpies, Philippine spotted deer, black and white ruffed lemurs, Visayan warty pigs and Owston’s civets to name a few.

There are also some more familiar faces in the Village Farm – a very popular exhibit with children’s favourites including guinea pigs, rabbits, goats and striped squirrels.

Try and spot the zoo babies…

2021 so far has seen a huge baby boom at Newquay Zoo! This year they have welcomed a Goeldi’s monkey infant (pictured here), a slender loris baby, a Philippine spotted deer fawn (below), three squirrel monkey infants (further below), a penguin chick and five fluffy bunnies.

Many of these young animals are now out and about and can be spotted during your visit, bringing a little extra animal magic to your day.

Kids can run wild while adults relax and recharge…

Café Lemur To fuel your zoo adventure, Café Lemur offers hot daily specials, kid’s lunches and delicious locally baked cakes. Plus, there are conveniently located kiosks across the zoo to grab a hot drink, snack or cool down with a tasty ice-cream.

Children can also let off some steam in the two outdoor play areas situated at both ends of the site.

Safety measures The staff at Newquay Zoo have worked hard to ensure that is an enjoyable and safe place to visit. To find out all of the latest information on safety and social distancing measures, please visit Newquay Zoo Updates.

Please note: some areas of the indoor exhibits are closed for guest safety.

Please check the updates page for details (link above).

All guests, including Annual Pass holders, must pre-book their ticket and time slot in advance of their visit. They look forward to welcoming you soon!

Tickets and prices: Buy Newquay Zoo tickets online | Tickets & Prices YouTube Channel - Newquay Zoo

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Pendennis Castle

Go on a seaside adventure at Pendennis Castle

storytellers and spend time as a family in the great outdoors.

Half term

There’s a café for hungry explorers and kids will love letting off steam in the castle grounds.

Don’t miss the Kids Rule! activities this half term (Sat 29 May - Sun 6 June). Join us in the grounds of the castle to watch performances, listen to

Let imaginations run wild at Falmouth’s fortress this spring. Situated on a headland with impressive views, it’s one of Henry VIII’s finest seaside castles.

Escape the hustle and bustle and take a moment to breathe the fresh sea air. With acres of space to roam, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic by the coast.

There will be new measures in place to help keep everyone safe and some areas of the site may be closed. Although things might be a little different when you visit, you'll still be able to enjoy exploring where history really happened.

Advance booking essential.

Book your visit

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Foster Care FortnightTM

Are you ready to change children’s lives this Foster Care Fortnight?

Cornwall Council is looking for carers who would consider fostering sibling groups to coincide with the national Foster Care Fortnight campaign The Council’s fostering team has launched the campaign in the hopes that, by keeping sibling groups together, they remain together and can help and support each other throughout their time in care and until they reach independence.

Cornwall Council’s Strategic Director for Together for Families, Meredith Teasdale, said: "We are always looking for foster carers for sibling groups across Cornwall.

"We want to keep brothers and sisters together as much as we can and most children who come into foster care are part of a sibling group. Being a sibling group makes it difficult for us to find foster homes for them but keeping them together is so important."

Every 20 minutes another child comes into care needing a foster family in the UK. Every day there are about 65,000 children living with 55,000 foster families.

Fostering offers children and young people a home when they are unable to live

with their birth family. In Cornwall, this equates to around 450-500 children and young adults in care at any one time.

You can find more information on the Council's fostering pages: www.fosterincornwall.co.uk

Foster Care Fortnight™ is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network.

Established in 1997, the campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers. It also supports fostering services to highlight the need for more foster carers. Thousands of new foster families are needed every year to care for children, with the greatest need being for foster carers for older children, sibling groups, disabled children and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Videos:

Joanne and Colin are foster carers in Cornwall, they said: "We started fostering when we lived up country, about five years ago, and the first placement we had was two lovely boys, both brothers. They didn’t stay for long because it was only a respite, but they were lovely boys and they settled really well.

"They fought (as siblings do), but by the time they left us a year later they’d found a new friendship with each other.

"We decided from that point, if we were going to have other children, then we would take the older sibling groups.

Cornwall Council are looking for people who have time, love, empathy and flexibility to help these young sibling groups flourish.

If you think you could change a child’s life forever, get in touch with Cornwall Council’s fostering team now on 01872 323 638

Colin and Joanne Carly

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Tate St Ives Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden

Cover: View of the Babara Hepworth Sculpture Garden © Bowness. Image © Kirstin Prisk

New! NEW displays for 2021 drawn from the Tate Collection...

The displays: • Explore 100 years of art • Celebrate how West Cornwall has welcomed & inspired artists • Reveal new connections to artists from around the world ��

Get your £5 Locals Pass!!

Cornwall resident? Don't forget our £5 annual Locals Pass gets you unlimited yearround entry to both Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

18s and under get free entry!

Locals' pass All visits need to be booked in advance

We hope you will discover many great artworks for the first time, as well as revisiting some of your favourites!

Marlow Moss Untitled (White, Black, Blue and Yellow) c.1954 © Tate

Tate.org.uk/stives

Plan and book your visit: Tate.org.uk/stives

© Kirstin Prisk

Café

Shop

Take time out for a little refreshment in our café and enjoy the spectacular views. They’re the best in St Ives!! The gallery rooftop café looks out over Porthmeor Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

Artists and the local landscape are the focus of the shop at Tate St Ives, with its wide range of books, gifts, postcards and greeting cards. We also stock a wide range of children’s books and gifts.

Highchairs are available on request.

Baby change facilities and accessible toilets.

New Changing Places facility.

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Theatre News Minack Theatre 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

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

By Joan Aiken, adapted by Russ Tunney A Minack Production 24 August – 2 September In the mythical reign of King James III, the snows lie deep over England and wolf packs roam through the winter nights. But in the great house at Willoughby Chase there are worse dangers than wolves. Young cousins, Bonnie and Sylvia are alone at the mercy of scheming governess, Miss Slighcarp and her cruel cronies. Can the children foil her evil plots? Or will the cheese-loving Mrs Brisket get them into her clutches for ever?

Russ Tunney's magical adaptation of this muchloved classic, was first performed by Forest Forge and the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton. We are delighted that Kirstie Davis, who directed the original production, will also direct this Minack revival.

Summer storytelling for families

For more information visit minack.com 01736 810181 Advance booking essential for all performances.

Robin Goodfellow’s Amazing Travelling Show is an original retelling of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream created by John Brolly, Associate Director of the Minack.

Prepare for all the magic and madness of a midsummer night, when the mischievous Robin Goodfellow brings his travelling show back to the woods and relives the chaos and confusion of the Duke of Athens’ wedding party. Four crazy mixedup lovers become entangled with the King of the fairies and his Queen. Meanwhile the most famous amateur theatre company in the world are doing their best to put on a show.

The Sea Show is a quirky mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret.

Meet Morwenna the ‘beautiful’ mermaid, Ruan the reformed seagull and salty seadog Captain Pemburthy, and a shoal of mischievous sea-squirts, anemones, limpets, crabs and pilchards. Celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs - unmissable fun for children and adults of all ages!

The Sea Show is created by Craig Johnson, actor, musician, puppeteer, and long-standing member of Cornwall’s renowned Kneehigh Theatre.

More Outdoor Theatre Trebah Amphitheatre offers a vivid mix of theatre, music, stand-up comedy, puppetry and dance, both on the stage and in the Garden. The 2021 performance season, which will be announced on 21 June trebahgarden.co.uk Penzance’s Penlee Park Open Air Theatre penleeparktheatre 1 June 2.30pm: David Walliams’ Mr Stink, Heartbreak Theatre production.

9 July 7.30pm: H.M.S. Pinafore, Illyria's production of the Gilbert & Sullivan classic comic opera, age 7+. For more see >>>>

11 July 2pm: Diggory’s Pirate Party, Little Trebiggan invite you to hear the story of Diggory Piper, crafts, games and learn some Cornish. So Grab your best pirate outfit and practice your arrghhing.

18 July 2pm: The Sea Show Squashbox Theatre 25 July 1pm: Haarts Ever After's Mad Hatter Tea Party - a fully immersive tea party featuring the White Rabbit, The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts and Alice playing games, having sweet treats and maybe even a spot of croquet!

30 July 2pm: Tales From the Trees, Squashbox Theatre

Sterts Open Air Theatre, Upton Cross, Liskeard 01579 362382 sterts.co.uk & more in August.

2 to 4 June 7pm & 5 June 2pm: The Little Mermaid, Sterts Youth Jnrs production of the classic Disney story with songs from the film and new songs from

the Broadway show.

15 to 17 & 30 July 7.30pm, and 31 July at 2 & 7.30pm: Shrek The Musical performed by Sterts Theatre Co. 27 July 5pm: Alice in Wonderland, with inventive staging, original songs, magical storytelling and a whole host of Lewis Carroll's crazy characters.

29 July 2pm: Stones and Bones, expect lots of laughs, plenty of puppets, songs, slapstick, tall tales and crazy characters – all presented in that unique Squashbox Theatre style.

Open air family theatre this August at the Lakeside Café, Coronation Park, Helston, featuring some of the best local and touring theatre companies. Under 4's free. 01326 569969. Book ahead Quantum Theatre: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny; Miracle Theatre: Star Crazy; Heartbreak Productions: Mr Stink by David Walliams; Squashbox Theatre: The Sea Show.

Miracle Theatre on tour. Tickets Star Crazy. A cosmic comedy. It's October 1957: the world lives in fear of nuclear war, Russia has launched Sputnik 1, UFOs are cropping up everywhere, MI5 is on high alert and Stanley is building something in his

garden shed. He may live in suburbia but, in his mind, Stanley is voyaging through outer space. He hopes to make contact with other life forms.

In June: 24 & 25 June, 8pm: Gyllyngdune Gardens, Falmouth; 26 June, 8pm: The Old Vicarage, Nr Hayle; 29 June 7pm: Constantine School; 30 June 7pm: Fowey River Academy And in July and August – Sennan, Calstock, Porthcurno, Bodmin, Carn Marth, Launceston, Isles of Scilly, Sterts, Bedruthan, St Austell, Helston, Newquay, St Mawes, Boconnoc, Perranporth, Truro and Enys, for details see miracletheatre.co.uk

Coppice Theatre's new show on tour Science Adventures: The Power Pickle A fantastical new show exploring science through fun adventure stories, aimed for primary school-aged children. This brand new show has completely new characters, three fantastic new stories, puppets and music. For ages 5+ 20 June, 3pm: The Tolmen Centre, Constantine 01209 312500 [www.carntocove.co.uk] 31 July. 2pm: Penlee Park Open Air Theatre 07816 285367 email and, cross fingers, elsewhere in July, Aug and Sept.

Indoor Theatre

31 May 2pm: John Brolly’s The Piskie in the Garden.

An old gardener is woken late at night by mysterious noises coming from the potting shed. If it’s not a fox or a badger it can only mean one thing, he has a piskie in the garden! A mixture of puppets, music and wonderful storytelling John Brolly's new one-man show is full of mischief and fairy magic. All the family will enjoy this charming story as the hapless gardener is outwitted by the Piskie.

Popp Theatre: a fully Covid-safe & compliant ‘theatre-in-the-round’ experience!

Brand new theatre company Popp Theatre bring a ground-breaking, theatre of the future to Truro. This innovative, physical structure contains 16 clear pods taking up to 4 people in each pod, thereby cocooning the audience around the stage, giving safety to both the audience and the performers.

From 17 May two households can mix in groups of up to 6 indoors. The pods hold up to 4 people so you can share a pod with your friends.

Popp’s story so far: Tickets

Win FREE tickets Popp Theatre, Pydar Pop-Up, St Clements Street, Truro, TR1 1DT For tickets see popptheatre.co.uk

to your choice of show.

Go to www.facebook.com/Popptheatre like the page, and write your choice of show in the competition post’s comments.

Live at the Theatre Royal Plymouth May, June, July!

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/ Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain 15 to 17 Jul - Horrible Histories live on stage! Can you beat battling Boudicca? Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria! It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

Three Musketeers - photo' Matt Austin

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Calendar for May, June

Section cover photo: Wild Week at The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Calendar Book ahead! For many places you will need to pre-book online and for some there are timed entry tickets.

Restrictions may change so please check the venue's website or social media for the latest information.

17 May onwards... Raze the Roof indoor play, laser tag & party venue in Penryn are taking bookings. Judging by the photos on facebook they have been very busy during lockdown...

Pushing the excitement levels stratospheric is the new attraction RazeVR! RazeVR are recruiting players to test the games FOR FREE before the 21 June launch, just email info@razevr.co.uk to show your

interest and maybe they will contact you to book a test!

17 May: Tate St Ives reopens. Timed tickets are required for all visitors. 18s and under get free entry. Cornwall resident? The £5 annual Locals Pass gets you unlimited year-round entry to both Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Locals Pass 17 May: National Maritime Museum Cornwall reopens. They are operating a pre-booking system

temporary exhibitions, interactive displays, underground bunkers to explore and lots more for children to enjoy.

17 May: Jungle Jack's indoor soft play centre (Treloggan Ind. Estate, Newquay) reopens . Don't forget to book your session via junglejacks Parties bookings can be placed now for dates after 21 June. Just ring 01637 852890

17 May: The Eden Project reopens.

Timed entry tickets are available to pre-book online.

20 to 21 May: The Three Musketeers, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Dumas’ 700-page classic condensed into two hours of hilarious heroics, raucous romances and some bonkers fun with BMX bikes. Multibuy Deal! Save 15% when booking The Three Musketeers and Treasure Island together online.

17 May: PK Porthcurno - the UK’s only dedicated museum of global communications - reopens with new

22 to 23 May: Treasure Island, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale like you’ve

NEVER seen it before. Age 7+

Until 30 May: Kneehigh's Random Acts of Art in St Austell Bay. Enjoy free wonder encounters; from parading lanterns and drive-by puppetry, to projection installations and epic sand drawings.

29 May: Dairyland Farm Park, Newquay, reopen. You can feed newborn lambs, Pygmy goats and calves; meet ducks and their chicks and the newest arrivals – Meerkats! Race around the peddle-cart track or book a pony ride, and explore the lakes and woodland trail. There is lots of outdoor play equipment including a new Zip Wire and (if regulations permit), an indoor play barn with big slides. Ticket details on facebook.com/ dairylandfarmpark/

May half-term: Saturday 29 May to Sunday 6 June Make memories at Newquay Zoo! lush tropical gardens, some of the world’s most rare and endangered species, the Village Farm and spot the zoo's new babies… two outdoor play areas. Pre-book Buy Newquay Zoo tickets online Kids Rule at Pendennis Castle! There will be great activities this half term in the grounds of the castle: performances, storytellers and an exciting place to spend time as a family (at time of writing all indoor areas remain closed). kids-rule-at-halfterm

Planet PK Pebble Hunt at PK Porthcurno this half term. Join the hunt for hand-painted pebbles inspired by the Planet PK wildlife photography that will be hidden

around PK for all to find! There’s lots to see and do at PK!

Amazing half term childcare (and for the summer holidays) at Via Ferrata Cornwall, near Penryn. The Adventure Holiday Club is perfect for children aged 6 to 13 who love the outdoors. Simply drop them off for a day or half day of watersports, climbing, zip-lining, archery or coasteering in the quarry. Wraparound care options are available. holiday-club

At the Eden Project there will be daily live music sessions in the Med Biome for half-term and a new family trail around the gardens showcasing the incredible resilience of plants and their incredible stories of adventure. By flying, floating and making underground networks, plants travel the globe, giving us hope for a continued wild and diverse planet.

01726 811911 may-half-term Heligan Wild Week returns to The Lost Gardens of Heligan this halfterm for you to rediscover your wild side. So gather your tribe, paint your face, and get ready for wild activities.

Help create an enormous world record breaking insect hotel, learn to throw an axe, and try the wild outdoor assault course. Then test your taste buds with wild food tasting sessions...insect custard or crunchy critters?! Hear about the wonders of foraging, wild game, and sustainable food sources with the wild chef team.

All activities are included in admission charges.

29 May to 20 June: National Maritime Museum Cornwall's Rock Pooling Town Trail - dotted throughout Falmouth are Mini Monster markers with QR codes about the fascinating world of rock pools. Join the Rock Pool Project and learn how to rock pool

safely, how to identify creatures and how to look after their environment. At the end of the trail, if the tides are right, search for Mini Monsters of the not so Deep.

30 May: Victorian-themed Community Day at Heartlands, Pool, 10am to 4pm, entertainment, lawn games, a market, fete stalls, and much more! Definitely for all the family. The event will be FREE entry, however some activities may have a small fee. Current covid safety measures will be in place. heartlandscornwall.com 31 May to 4 June: Monsters of the Not So Deep. National Maritime Museum Cornwall. For May half term tune in on Facebook to live Make and Take crafting sessions with Sophie, the NMMC Learning Officer. Over the course of the week create a sketchbook inspired by rock pooling and be inspired by the different ways to fill it. Plus, the museum staff are

taking things off-site for a trail (see 29 May) From 31 May: Have a Roarsome Time at Camel Creek this half-term! Go back 150 million years for Dino Week. Get up close to real-life dinosaurs in the daily shows, find clues and follow the trail around the park using the brand-new app and learn fun facts at the educational stands. Save 10% using the discount code ‘ONLINE10’ at checkout or download the app for exclusive offers and discounts.

1 June: David Walliams’ Mr Stink, Penlee Park Theatre, 2.30pm, Heartbreak Theatre production.

1 to 5 June: Bodmin Keep brings the Second World War to life this half term with themed family activities 10am to 4.30pm, all included in the admission price. Find out about the Women’s Land Army in Cornwall, meet a Second World War nurse, boot buffing

demonstrations etc. On 5 June Reenactment South West's WW2 living history display! Pre-book bodminkeep.org

holistic events; demonstrations and workshops are included. Free tickets

2 to 5 June: The Little Mermaid, Sterts Open Air Theatre, Upton Cross, Sterts Youth Juniors production of the classic Disney story with songs from the film and Broadway show, 2 to 4 June 7pm & 5 June 2pm, 01579 362382

20 June: Coppice Theatre's new show Science Adventures: The Power Pickle 3pm, The Tolmen Centre, Constantine.

A fantastical new show exploring science through fun adventure stories, completely new characters, three fantastic new stories, puppets and music. For ages 5+. 01209 312500 carntocove.co.uk

9 June to 4 July - 400: A Historical Comedy, Theatre Royal Plymouth, brand new, action-packed show celebrating Ocean City’s Mayflower International Festival, expect 400 years of history in 100 minutes with songs, dance, games, and non-stop laughs. 400-a-historical-comedy/

Star Crazy, Miracle Theatre's cosmic new comedy. 24 & 25 June, 8pm: Gyllyngdune Gardens, Falmouth; 26 June, 8pm: The Old Vicarage, Nr Hayle; 29 June 7pm: Constantine School; 30 June 7pm: Fowey River Academy. www.minack.com/miracletheatre

12 & 13 June and 3 & 4 July: The Big Summer Creative Event, Heartlands, Pool, family-friendly FREE event of community art, crafts, produce and

Saturday 26 June: Children’s Day - fun, free, family activities across Truro City Centre, 10am until 4pm. There will be street entertainers; Swamp Circus

spectacular acrobatic shows & free circus skills sessions; Cornwall Dance School performances & dance sessions; family-friendly in-store activities and offers. Visittruro.org.uk or @visittruro on Facebook 26 & 27 June: Summer Craft Market, Enys Gardens, Penryn, 11am to 5pm, local artisan stalls (mostly outside), delicious middle Eastern food by Lafafa, sweet and savoury crêpes, homemade cakes at the café and great live music.

9 July: H.M.S. Pinafore, Penlee Park Theatre, 7.30pm, Illyria's production of the Gilbert & Sullivan classic comic opera, age 7+.

11 July : Diggory’s Pirate Party, Penlee Park Theatre. Little Trebiggan invite you to hear the story of Diggory Piper, crafts, games and learn some Cornish.

2pm, wear a pirate outfit.

15 to 17 Jul: Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Horrible Histories live on stage! Can you beat battling Boudicca? Will you lose your heart or head to horrible Henry VIII? Dare you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?

Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria! It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

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BlackbirdReads Indian Tales by Deborah Wright

BlackbirdReads: Indian Tales

Pattan’s Pumpkin by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Frané Lessac, published by Otter-Barry

by Deborah Wright One of most striking, and popular paintings in the National Gallery is Henry Rousseau’s ‘Surprised!

(Tiger in a Tropical Storm)’, with its huge tiger prowling through the jungle. Tiger Walk is inspired by the painting and encourages children to look closely at art. Little Tom is initially terrified by the tiger – the national animal of India – but gradually he becomes braver and braver as the tiger befriends him and he overcomes his fears. For 3+ Tiger Walk by Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Jesse Hodgson, published by Otter-Barry

Pattan's Pumpkin

Monsoon, floods and droughts are a way of life in India, and people down the centuries have tried to make sense of natural disasters through story-telling.

This is an Indian story to rival Noah’s Ark. Pattan has grown an enormous pumpkin, but will it be big

enough to save his family when the floods come? The striking, rather naïve illustrations, in vivid colours, with some very amusing animal expressions and a gentle rhythmic story would be perfect to read aloud. For 4+

The King with Dirty Feet by Sally Pomme Clayton, illustrated Rhiannon Sanderson, published by OtterBarry

and he has begun to smell. Eventually he bathes in the river, but his feet are still dirty and angrily he tries to banish dirt from the land. After many disasters an old man solves the problem by making the first pair of shoes. A funny tale with brightly coloured illustrations. Age 5+ Classic Tales from India: How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head and Other Stories, by Vatsala Sperling and Harish Johari, published by Bear Cub Books

This is a wonderful collection of tales, with colour illustrations on every page. Storytelling is integral to Indian culture and is passed down through the generations. Each of the eight tales is prefaced with information about the historical, religious and cultural background, and concludes with a short explanation of the moral and spiritual implications, aimed at parents and teachers. Both the authors grew up in India and the illustrations have an authentic Indian feel, as the various artists were inspired by classic Indian paintings. For 6+ Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Robert Ingpen, published by Templar

A retelling of an old Indian and Bangladeshi tale. A happy king lives in a palace in India but one thing he hates is bathtime. He hasn’t washed for a whole year,

O Best Beloved, every child should know how the Camel got his Hump and the Leopard got his Spots.

Wonderful illustrations, printed on thick creamy paper, imagine the beginnings of the animals of India and other distant lands. First told to his daughter Josephine, if ever Kipling changed the way he told a story, she would stop him and say ‘Not like that, Daddy. Tell it just so!’ Tragically, Josephine died at the age of six and devastated by her loss, he collected the Just So stories into a book in her memory. Kipling’s rhythmic prose is an absolute delight, perfect for reading aloud. For 6+

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Nicola Bayley, published by Walker The wonderful Disney film, with its memorable songs is probably most children’s first introduction to Mowgli, Bagheera, Baloo and Shere Khan but older children will find Kipling’s original Jungle Book a much darker, exciting and more frightening place.

Included here are the first three stories, richly illustrated by Nicola Bayley with elaborate borders and frankly terrifying animals. A very different depiction of Indian life, seen through the eyes of an Englishman who grew up in India and deeply loved the country of his birth. For 8+ The Acrobats of Agra by Robin Scott-Elliot, published by Everything with Words Based on the true story of a French circus which was lost during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, this exciting adventure story tells the tale of three children. Beatrice is sent from England to Agra when her parents die and dreams of becoming an acrobat in the circus.

Together with Jacques, a boy-acrobat, Ping, an Indian boy, and accompanied by Tonton the tiger, they set out to find her baby brother George.

Nineteenth century India is brilliantly evoked and Scott-Elliot doesn’t shy from depicting the horrors of the mutiny and the ravages of war. For 10+

Ludo's Book Club >>>>

Why Do Dogs Sniff Bottoms

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Rain or shine activities Animal Encounters, Sailing, Get Creative, Cousin Jack's Kevrenna

Have a ‘really wild’ time with Mark’s Ark. Brilliant for parties and school visits!

Mark has 25 years of experience and is PLI checked.

For more details call Mark on 07761 810900 marks-ark.co.uk FB: MarksArkAnimals

A visit from Mark’s Ark wildlife encounters is an amazing opportunity to get close-up to giant bird-eating spiders, snakes, lizards and birds of prey. In these safe, interactive, hands-on sessions for all ages Mark covers a wide variety of topics including Rain forests, mini-beasts, habitats, nocturnal animals, and predators.

Sessions are tailored for different age groups and finish with the extremely popular ‘hands-on’ part of the show (Covid restrictions permitting) when children can hold, stroke, or touch the animals (do take photos!).

Children’s Sailing Trust has lots of waterbased activities on offer for schools, individuals & families on the Helford River and soon at Trevassack Lake on the Lizard Peninsula...

Book your spot on the popular Wet ‘n’ Wild sessions on Saturdays – three hours of activities on the river from dinghy taster sessions to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and games.

Whether you’re new to sailing and fancy trying out a beginners course or

want to brush-up on your watersports skills, there are opportunities to get out on the Helford River come rain or shine.

outdoors, experiencing new challenges and helping to support the charity's work in providing accessible activities for all on the water.

For adults, there is bespoke sailing throughout the week, tailored to what you want to get out of a session.

Get in touch and quote reference Spring10 for 10% off bespoke sailing.

This summer have fun, learn and try something new! /Activity-booking

All activities are a brilliant way of getting children spending time

How to make sparkling rockets Our 4-year-old contributer Aria and her little sister Isla have sent in photos to show us how to make space rockets.

They look great! We think several rockets together would make an amazing mobile....

You will need: 2+ paper plates cardboard and cardboard tubes sellotape / masking tape/ stapler Scissors pen Brightly coloured paint paint brushes glue glitter, 'jewels', sparkly things (younger children may need help with cutting, sticking and use of the stapler. Staples have sharp bits.)

• Cut the rocket's fins (see picture for shape), make a slit on either side of the rocket body (cardboard tube) and insert the long edge of the fin. Sellotape or staple in place. Be aware that it is difficult to paint on sellotape.

• Cut the paper plates in half and sellotape or staple the cut edges to make a cone. Stick the cone onto the tube (we suggest little bits of sellotape all round the join).

• Draw the port-hole on the rocket.

• Add paint, glue and glitter, then dry your amazing masterpieces (see over) Thanks Aria and Isla!

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

Kevrenna Let your children take the lead in Cousin Jack's new GPS tracked trail on the Tin Coast: Kevrenna Over the last few months, Cousin Jack's, the team behind the stage adaptation of The Mousehole Cat, have been busy developing a new mobile phone app designed to engage children with important local stories whilst getting them out and about along the beautiful Tin Coast.

Launching in the early summer, Kevrenna will be a free family adventure trail app. Children and their families will navigate to real-life trail points to unlock local stories. Listen carefully; correctly answer the questions and test your nature photography to win golden bezants!

Will your family collect 15 golden bezants by the time you get back to the car park? Information

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Frugi Indian Art Competition Gallery of our favourite entries

Frugi and BlackbirdPie creative competition winners!

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

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.

Peacock Esme 8

Amelia (6) and her Big Cat Theatre

Matthew (4) with his Indian Collage

Check out the Frugi’ India range at welovefrugi

Rainbow Lion Aimee 2

Tribal Mask Layla 6

Peacock Hattie 4

Aimee (2) preparing her entry

Painted Rock Lexé 10

Dress Amber 7

Patterned Elephant Lexilee 6

Big Cat Puppet Theatre Aimee 6

Himalayas Isaac 5

Monkey and Animals Bo 9 Rickshaw Rupert 4 (just)

Map of India Jack 5.6

3D Peacock Lottie 4

Butterfly and Caterpillar Lola 7

Girl and Elephant Izzy 7 Illuminated Letter Elephant by Lara 9

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Please revisit for updated information

BlackbirdPie Cornwall's What's On for families post@blackbirdpie.co.uk

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