Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Cornwall Newsdesk
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Calling all children, Dangerous Dads and Muddy Mums: Free Family Event
Go along to a free day out in St. Austell on Sunday 1 October to enjoy archery, circus skills silly science experiments and much more, thanks to National Lottery funding.
The hugely popular ‘Dangerous Dads’ and ‘Muddy Mums’ activities will be brought to Woodland Road Park in St. Austell (postcode PL25 4RA) this Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
Dangerous Dads, a National Lottery funded project, is working in partnership with Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change and Positive People to organise this free event.
The event is open to everyone, though children aged under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult. The Children’s Centre is available in case of poor weather. Read more at www.dangerousdads.org.uk
Book tickets now for Hall for Cornwall’s Christmas Panto.png)
Awake from your enchanted slumber this Christmas and be the first to book for the Hall for Cornwall’s fun-for-all-the family fairytale adventure, Sleeping Beauty.
Edward 'Kernow King' Rowe and Granville Saxton return in this year's Christmas show, Sleeping Beauty, the final chapter in a trilogy of adventures featuring the much-loved Cornishman, Kenwyne and his extended family.
Disaster has befallen the Kingdom of King Mark. Beloved Princess Rose has been struck down by an ancient curse which forces her to sleep for an eternity, the King is nowhere to be seen and sinister forces are plotting to take his power. What is needed is a hero. But is there anyone brave enough to take on this princely quest? Who will defeat the dreaded dragon Leatherclaw and awaken the sleeping beauty with true love's kiss?
From the creative team that bought you hit shows Dick Whittington and his Moushole Cat! ("the most outstanding Christmas Show in the theatre's history" Cornwall Live) and Jack and the Beanstalk, Hall for Cornwall are proud to present its own home-grown production to enchant and entertain adults and children alike. With magic, music and comedy and some sparkling surprises, make sure you book your tickets now - it promises to be a 'bewty!
Visit www.hallforcornwall.co.uk
Youngsters Shine at Youth Games Final
Around 1000 youngsters from across Devon and Cornwall competed in the South West Youth Games in Okehampton in July at the region’s biggest community youth sports event.
Hundreds of youngsters representing nine Devon districts and a combined Cornwall team took part in the annual event, first launched in 1999 and newly expanded from Devon to include Cornwall this year. The West Devon team took the honours as the overall winners across a total of 19 sports, but there were successes enjoyed by every team. The Games provide an inspirational Olympic and Paralympic-type experience for hundreds of participants at the competitions and offer a long-term incentive for physical activity. For further information visit www.southwestyouthgames.co.uk
Back to school with Mark’s Ark
Start off the academic year with a visit from Mark's Ark Wildlife Encounters, which is brilliant for getting your animal-related topic off to a flying start. Mark covers a diverse range of topics such as rainforests, mini-beasts, habitats, owls, dinosaurs, bio-mimicry, reptiles and many others. He uses bugs and spiders, reptiles, birds of prey, mammals and bio-material to illustrate the displays. For more information regarding one-off, half or full-day visits, ring 07761 810900 to discuss your requirements.
Meet the Newest Engine at Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Lappa Valley Steam Railway received a very exciting delivery back in August in the shape of its newest and largest steam engine, Ellie. This is a welcome addition to the already impressive rolling stock held at Lappa Valley. Joining the other recent addition, the diesel City of Derby, Ellie will be working on the mainline taking visitors in and out of the leisure park. Alongside Ellie, visitors to Lappa Valley can experience its new diesel engine 'City of Derby', new rolling stock, new Play Fort at East Wheal Rose and the newly extended play area at Benny Halt with a new climbing frame and new ride on trains. Lappa Valley is open daily from 9:30am. Visit www.lappavalley.co.uk for full details.
The latest from Cornwall Trading Standards: Fidget Spinners
A popular playground craze has evolved into dangerous shaped fidget spinners with the appearance of a "death star" or "shuriken", which can puncture the skin and damage eyes. Advice from Cornwall Trading Standards suggests that people should always buy toys from a reputable seller. If you can't see a CE mark on a toy or its packaging - don't buy it! The CE mark shows that the manufacturer meets strict essential toy safety standards. Do not give fidget spinners to children under the age of three as they have very small parts that could present a choke hazard. For even more information about toy regulations and safety visit www.businessregulatorysupport.gov.uk
Polwhele House Riding School Open to the Public
Polwhele House’s riding school and facilities are now open to the public on Saturdays and during the school holidays. The Polwhele House riding school facilities include a 20m by 40m all-weather outdoor arena, large paddocks and extensive grounds and woods for hacking.
Now, the Truro based school is welcoming the opportunity for the public to use the facilities and gain riding skills outside school hours. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/polwhelehouseridingschool
Weekend fun at Country Skittles
So, the children have returned to school during the weekdays but there’s plenty of fun to have at Country Skittles during the weekends. Prices start from £1.60 per person for bowling and kids’ meals start from £4. Don’t forget Country Skittles’ Birthday Package which is amazing value at only £10.50 per head (with no minimum numbers). The package includes bowling, main course, ice-cream, a soft drink, and a go on the mini crazy golf as well as balloons and banners around the table. For details call 01736 850209 or go to www.countryskittles.com
The Saracen’s Plate opens on 30 September
Opening to the public on Saturday 30 September, The Saracen’s Plate, a new family diner conveniently located in Penryn, is designed to save time for busy families who care about eating well. It will be creating highly nutritious, delicious and family-friendly meals using ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. Find The Saracen’s Plate below Penryn Rugby Clubhouse, Kernick Road, Penryn, TR10 8NT. Visit www.thesarascensplate.com
Raise money for your school with Riverford
Have you told your local school about Riverford’s new scheme, The Veg Fund, yet? Schools across the country are signing up to the scheme to introduce children and parents to wonderful veg, and for every new family that signs up for home deliveries, Riverford donates £15 to the school’s PTA. Children eat well and schools get funds; it’s good for everyone!
Find out how to sign up your school here: www.riverford.co.uk/vegfund-register
The MAN ENGINE makes National Lottery Awards Shortlist
The National Lottery Awards are an annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects. From more than 1300 entrants the Man Engine has made the last seven in the Best Arts Project category.
Will Coleman, Director of Golden Tree Productions said “When he steamed through the Cornish Mining Landscape, our colossal mechanical tin miner unearthed a deep-rooted vein of pride and resilience running the length of the land. Nearly one-in-three of the entire population of Cornwall came together to celebrate our mining heritage.”
The winners of the National Lottery Awards are decided by public vote.
Vote for the Man Engine at http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards
Visit: www.manengine.org.uk
Spectacular New Theme Park Ride Takes to The Skies
A spectacular new white-knuckle ride has opened at Flambards Theme Park! Sky-Force is the first genuine white-knuckle ride to be unveiled in the South West and is now open in Helston for the summer visitors to enjoy.
Suspended on a set of four giant 18-metre metal legs, the Frisbee-shaped ride exerts the equivalent of up to 3G in force on passengers while swinging them in a pendulum motion and simultaneously spinning through 360 degrees!
Flambards General Manager, Richard Smith said, “This has been a tremendous team effort and I would like to thank the local companies who have put in so much time and effort to help get this amazing ride ready for the summer. Visit www.flambards.co.uk/
New figures show 91% of children are not getting enough exercise
New figures from a YouGov poll show that less than one in 10 of the UK’s parents say their children get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
The poll, carried out on behalf of Sustrans, UK walking and cycling charity, surveyed 1,370 parents of 5 to 16-year-olds about their children’s daily levels of physical activity.
Findings from the survey also showed that: 13% of respondents were concerned about their child’s weight; the number of children cycling the whole way to and from school is just 3%; more than 35% of parents say their children now travel to school by car.
Walking, scooting or cycling to school would help children get their recommended hour of physical activity a day and maintain a healthy weight.
For more information about Sustrans visit http://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-services
Cornish mum’s experience of Sepsis leads to national campaign
The death of William Mead, aged one, to sepsis back in 2014 led to his mother, Melissa, asking hospitals and health care professionals to be more aware of the signs and symptoms of this infection. Mrs Mead’s hard work has now culminated in a national Public Health England campaign to raise awareness of the condition.
Sepsis is a blood infection caused by many things, some as minor as a cut or persistent cough. It is triggered by an infection, where the body’s immune system goes into overdrive, setting off a series of reactions that can lead to organ failure and, in some cases, death.
Acting quickly could save a child’s life. The campaign encourages parents of children aged 0-4 to go to A&E immediately or call 999 if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Looks mottled, bluish or pale
- Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feels abnormally cold to touch
- Is breathing very fast
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Has a fit or convulsion
Melissa Mead, campaign supporter added: “I hope this campaign reaches as many people as possible, so all parents out there know about sepsis and how serious it can be. The more parents know, the quicker they can act. So please, it is too late for me to ‘think sepsis’, but it’s not too late for you.” For information visit www.sepsistrust.org