Venue: Across Cornwall
Website: https://www.primarytimes.co.uk/cornwall/news/2019/09/halloween-and-october-half-term-events-in-cornwall

Summer might be over – but there’s loads to love about autumn…

Autumn brings with it an amazing array of colours and contrasts, so whatever your plans are, step outdoors and make the most of this awesome season…

 

Halloween Happenings

Deliberately avoiding the more ‘sinister’ aspects of Halloween and providing a fantastic alternative to trick or treating, many local attractions place a spotlight firmly on the lighter side of the occasion. Pumpkin carving opportunities, singing pumpkin shows, Halloween baking sessions, fancy dress discos – there’s plenty of spooky and non-spooky fun to be had! 

 

Blazing Bonfires and Fabulous Fireworks

Nothing conjures up a perfect autumnal scene more than a big, blazing bonfire and a black sky filled with bright colourful lights and fizzing sounds. Professionally organised themed firework displays accompanied by music are increasing in popularity as they offer a safe environment as well as a sense of occasion that occurs when large groups of people get together.

There are some big displays to look forward to, notably: the Fireworks and Steam Extravaganza at Lappa Valley on Saturday 2 November; Polperro's Spectacular Fireworks on Saturday 2 November; the Bodmin Fireworks and Bonfire at Bodmin Town Football Club on Tuesday 5 November.

 

Sparkler Safety

Each year, over half of all firework injuries are suffered by children. Adult supervision is essential when children are using sparklers:

• Sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil, so should never be given to a child under five.
• Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves
• Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit
• Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people
• Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler
• When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water

For the Firework Code and other safety tips see www.saferfireworks.com or www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/fireworks-safety/

Awesome Autumnal Art

October is the month to take part in the Big Draw Festival, especially as the 2019 theme is ‘Drawn to Life’! For children, drawing is a means of understanding the world, how it looks, and how it works.

It nurtures creativity, developing their imagination and power of invention. So find out what is happening at your local library, school, science centre or community hall and get to Play with art! For a full, up-to date list of events in Cornwall see www.thebigdraw.org

 

 

 

It’s National Libraries Week: 7 to 12 October

Children are always welcome in Cornwall's libraries, and no-one is too young to join!

Youngsters can borrow books, find out information and use library computers - all for free. Cornwall’s libraries also offer free activities for children throughout the year, including Bounce and Rhyme for babies and toddlers, and Book Track and the Summer Reading Challenge for older children. Joining the library is free and you can even join online from home. Discover what is happening at your local library during Libraries Week, from 7 to 12 October - visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries

 

Autumnal Art:  Leaf Suncatcher 

Take a leaf out of nature’s book and liven up your windows with warm autumnal colours with these stunning suncatchers...

You will need:

• Coloured tissue paper (in a range of autumnal colours)
• Sticky Back Plastic
• Scissors
• Glue Stick
• Black Card
• White Chalk
• Double Sided Sellotape

 

What to do:

Collect a wide range of leaves of different shapes and sizes to use as templates for your suncatchers.

Draw around each leaf with chalk onto a piece of black card. Make two identical outlines from each leaf for each suncatcher. To make a thick border, cut inside and outside of the leaf shape.

Place one leaf outline onto the sticky back plastic. Cut the coloured tissue paper into small squares and layer these gently inside the leaf template and onto the sticky back plastic. Next, glue the second leaf outline onto the top of the first outline. Layer another bit of sticky back plastic onto the top of the whole leaf. Cut around the shape to finish. The suncatchers are now ready to adorn your windows. Stick them on with double sided Sellotape.

For this and lots more seasonal activities go to: www.thebestideasforkids.com/leaf-suncatcher

Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials includes 60 cool projects that transform paper rolls, egg cartons, jars and more! It is available for pre-order now on Amazon.

 

 

Autumnal Art: Leaf Rubbings 

Liven Up Leaves

Whilst out walking along a trail or footpath, be sure to keep an eye on the trees as their leaves turn from green to red to brown – the changes can be spectacular. Deciduous trees lose their leaves to conserve energy over the winter months and it helps them to cope with windy conditions. With all the leaves on the ground, look out for leaf skeletons as they can be really beautiful! Collect some leaves and transform them into a fabulous artistic autumnal creation! Here’s how:

 

You’ll need:

• A Saucepan
• Soda Crystals (Sodium Carbonate) from supermarkets
• Tweezers
• Paintbrush

 

Instructions:

• Collect some leaves whilst out walking. You’ll want large leaves that have not yet dried out but don’t pull them from the tree, there should be plenty on the ground!
• Pour 30g of soda crystals into the saucepan and dissolve in 500ml of water.
• With help from an adult, bring the mixture near to the boil then take it off the heat. Place the leaves you have selected into the pan and let them soak for 30 minutes.
• Remove each leaf from the pan with tweezers, then gently wash the leaves with cool water.
• Use a paintbrush to lift away the small bits of leaf cell remaining around the skeleton.
• If you’re careful, you’ll see the network of veins inside the leaf.
• You can colour it with paint, or maybe use the skeletons to decorate your own cards!

 

How to … at Halloween 

 

How to… carve pumpkins

Perch your pumpkin on your doorstep with pride by following our carving tricks and tips... 

By carving pumpkins children are able to challenge their creative skills and often feel elated when their sculpted masterpieces are perched on the doorstep for all to admire.

These days there are loads of gorgeous stencils of owls, Halloween cats and various spooky scenes that can be etched onto the side of the pumpkin, adding a degree of inventiveness.

Pumpkins have a tendency to rot rather rapidly once they have been carved so the best time to carve any mini masterpiece will be no more than two days before Halloween.

 

You will need...

A pumpkin!

A design template if using one

A pen

A candle

A special pumpkin carving saw or a sharp, straight edged knife

A spoon to scoop out the inside of the pumpkin

A bowl to place the ‘fruit’

 

How to Carve a Pumpkin

• 
• Begin by drawing a design onto the pumpkin. Be as creative as possible or use a stencil.
• Cut out a lid from the top of the pumpkin. Cut at a slight angle to make sure the lid doesn’t fall into the pumpkin. Scrape off the flesh from the lid.
• Scoop out the flesh and seeds using a large metal spoon and place in a bowl. Make sure the walls of the pumpkin are least 2 cm thick
• Next, with adult supervision, start carving the pumpkin using motions that direct the knife away from you. Use a slow, sawing motion to carve the design. Avoid any jerking motions by keeping a part of the blade in the pumpkin when sawing.
• To sculpt, it will be better to start working on the centre of your design first.
• To add shapes, you may wish to use other utensils such as an apple corer to make circles
• Remove all carved sections of the pumpkin
• Make a flat spot on the base of the pumpkin for the candle. Use a tea light candle.
• Finally, place your mini orange masterpiece on your doorstep for all passers-by to admire!

 

 

Looking after your pumpkin

Pumpkins deteriorate quickly once cut, so always leave the lid off when the candle is in to prevent it shrinking and when it does start to shrivel dunk your gourd in a bucket of water for a few hours to rehydrate.

 

 

 

 

 

Painted Pumpkins

Forget carving your pumpkin this year! Leave the sticky, pulpy mess behind and add an extra twist to your doorstep display by painting your pumpkin instead. This is a great idea, especially for some of the smaller sized pumpkins that can be tricky to carve. Plus, for little hands, it’s less hazardous than carving.

The painting couldn’t be simpler - just wash the fruit and dry it thoroughly with a tea-towel. Then, using acrylic or spray paint, get creative with colour and design! To create a spider web effect, strategically place masking tape into the shape of a web to the side of the pumpkin.

Spray paint the fruit, and once dry, slowly peel off the tape to display an orange web. You may wish to add a plastic spider for an extra scary effect! To steer away from the spooky theme, you can paint a Minion, an Olaf or other favourite cartoon character onto the pumpkin. You’ll find a mass of inspiration on Pinterest.

 

 

How to....make Halloween food...

Pumpkin Peppers

These Pumpkin Peppers look super scary and are so easy to make. Buy a selection of yellow, red and if you can get them, orange peppers.

Top the pepper, de-seed and carve a traditional Jack-O-Lantern face onto the side of the pepper. Fill with salad leaves and croutons.

 

 

 

Banana Ghosts and Mandarin Pumpkins

These Banana Ghosts and Mandarin Pumpkins will go down a treat and so are easy to create.

For the Banana Ghosts, blob a couple of mini chocolate chips as eyes and a coffee bean for the mouth.

Alternatively, and especially to avoid any chance of choking on the coffee bean, you may wish to use currents for the mouth.

For the pumpkins, peel the mandarins and use a thin piece of the herb Angelica as the stalk.

Alternatively,  use small slices of apple candy cables as the stalk

 

Scary Apple Teeth

These scary apple teeth are sure to get the children chattering! Slice a rosy-looking apple into quarters and de-pip.

Then gently cut a slice out of the apple quarter and fill with flaked almonds for teeth. Be sure to check for any nut allergies before serving these.

 

 

 

Want to know what Halloween and October Half Term activities are taking place in Cornwall?  Read on...

 

Food Treats and Fun Tricks at Jamaica Inn

Families are in for a real treat at Jamaica Inn this October! Firstly, there’s a fabulous choice of winter-warming food available throughout the day – the food is first-class and is a perfect treat on a cold, blustery October day.

Whilst on Saturday 26 October children can dance the night away at the spooky-fun Halloween disco which will be packed full of tricks and treats, party games, a best dressed competition, a tasty buffet and sweet stand. Don’t miss out! For more details see www.jamaicainn.co.uk and for tickets call 01566 86250.

 

 

Frightful Fun and Feeding Times at Paradise Park 

Brave souls can explore the all new Halloween Quiz Trail at Paradise Park on Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November plus the popular Kids’ Halloween Disco returns on Friday 25 October, between 3pm and 6pm, with yummy spooky food, pumpkin soup and an awesome fancy dress competition. Remember during half term there will be feeding times for the penguins and otters, the colourful lorikeets in the walk-through Australian Aviary, and the animals on the Fun Farm. For ticket prices, visit www.paradisepark.org.uk

 

 

Under Ones and Adults go Free to Jungle Jack’s

Did you know, under ones and adults always go free to Jungle Jack's in Newquay? Little ones under the age of one can make the most of the free and daily Toddler Time activities in the delightful Jungle Room. Soft play has many benefits for babies and toddlers, not least an opportunity to interact with other children in a clean and safe space.

At Jungle Jack’s you'll find ample seating, a well-stocked café and free WiFi, so can kick back with a sandwich and a hot cup of tea while the youngsters get stuck in. For more, see www.junglejacks.co.uk

 

Country Skittles Food Offer for Primary Times Readers

Country Skittles is a great place to have fun and enjoy tasty food, and it’s a great place to visit over the October half term holiday - especially with its special offer on kids’ meals. As well as the 4 bowling alleys, fantastic games and free Wi-Fi, there is a very special deal for Primary Times readers - get a kids’ meal half price with every adult meal bought during October half term with the advert in this magazine. With prices from less than £2 per person for bowling, you know where to go for a great value for money day out this half term! For bookings call 01736 850209.

 

 

Fangtastic Family Fun at Flambards 

There’s a host of fangtastic family fun on offer at Flambards throughout the October Half Term holiday, from Saturday 19 to Thursday 31 October. From wacky weird science shows and spooky pumpkin trails through the cobbled streets of the Victorian Village to the Helston theme park’s thrilling rides and a stunning fireworks spectacular there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. On Wednesday 23 October, the theme park will be staying open late to stage its famous Halloween Tricks and Treats Firework Spectacular with evening entertainment with the UK’s top Tribute to George Michael performing his greatest hits. Go to www.flambards.co.uk

 

Spooky ‘Goings-On’ at The Lost Gardens 

This October half term be enchanted by the spooky ‘goings-on’ at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Experience the creepy but cool in a bug-tastic culmination of spooky Halloween activities set to make your spine tingle. Adventure through the Gardens, following the Creepy Creatures Trail, meet ‘The Good, The Bad and the Bugly’ of the natural world, discover the wonderful nocturnal residents that have made Heligan their home and meet the owls. All activities are free with Garden entry. Discover more at www.heligan.com

 

 

Fancy Dress, Fireworks and Fun at The Seahorse 

Watch the waves crash, feel the leaves crunch and enjoy fun with all the family at The Seahorse, Pentewan Sands, this October half term. What's more, in October, you can enjoy a great line-up of entertainment, including a fireworks extravaganza on Friday 25 October and a spooky Halloween party on Thursday 31 October.

From Halloween entertainment, fancy dress parades and fantastic fireworks, Pentewan Sands Holiday Park can guarantee you a frightfully good October half term break, whatever the weather. For more information visit www.seahorsecornwall.co.uk

 

Enjoy a Winter Weekend Powered by Steam

Join us for a winter weekend powered by steam! Lappa Valley will be celebrating the end of the 2019 season with fireworks and a steam extravaganza on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November. The whole weekend features a collection of traction engines, both full size and miniature, fairground organs, every available railway locomotive in use at Lappa Valley plus visiting steam engines on the 7.25” and 10.25” gauge railways. Tickets cost £5 for this event. You can either add that price to a day ticket and stay on site in Lappa Valley or arrive from 5pm onwards and pay just £5.

Saturday's firework display will be at 7.30pm. All visitors need to be onsite by 7pm for safety. For more information, see www.lappavalley.co.uk

 

Rain or Shine Fun at Kidzworld Cornwall

Discover a whole world of adventure at Kidzworld Adventure Play. Families of all ages will have the time of their lives at Kidzworld as there really is something for everyone. It’s a traditional play centre with soft play, slides and ball pools, but it also offers something a bit different with its trampolines, roller skating and soft ball canons. Adding an extra element of fun that every family should experience, there are also dodgems, mini golf and the daring Sky Trail climbing frame. The majority of activities are included in the admission ticket price, but some activities and opening times are limited during the local school term. For more, see www.kidzworldcornwall.co.uk

 

Have an A-Moo-zing Time at DairyLand Farmworld

DairyLand Farm World, near Newquay, is all about free range, farmtastic fun for the whole family, whatever the weather. From slides to the nature trail, tractor and pony rides, to milking the cows, feeding the animals and the giant indoor Bull Pen play area - a visit to the farm promises a great value family day out. See www.dairylandfarmworld.com

 

Follow the Firework Code 

Having fireworks at home can be great fun, as long as they are used safely. Figures show more children rather than adults get hurt by fireworks. Over the past five years over 350 pre-school children, some only a year old, were treated in hospital for fireworks injuries.

If you’re putting on a home display, you should follow some simple steps to make sure that everyone has a good time without getting hurt.

 

The Firework Code

• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.

• Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.

• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.

• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.

• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.

• Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.

• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.

• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

 

Keep Your Family Safe -

Sparkler Safety

Did you know that sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil? Sparklers are not toys and safety precautions should be taken to avoid accidents.

• Never give sparklers to very young children.
• Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves.
• Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit.
• Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people.
• Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler.
• When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.

 

Bonfire Safety

• Children should be supervised near bonfires. One person should be responsible for the bonfire.
• Choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and well away from where the children will be playing.
• Never pour petrol or meths onto a fire, it’s safer to use fire lighters to prevent flare-ups.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of an accident.
• Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair.
• After the party pour water on the fire, rather than leaving it to burn out.

 

First Aid Hints for Burns

• If clothing is on fire, lie the person down wrapped in heavy material such as a coat or blanket (not made of nylon) and roll them over and over to put the flames out.
• DON’T use ANY kind of creams, butter, oil or lotions.
• For all burns on young children – seek medical attention.
• In all cases if the burn is severe – seek medical attention.

 

Where to buy your fireworks

Always buy fireworks from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards. This means that they should have BS 7114 written on the box.

 

Think of your neighbours…

Let your neighbours know if you are planning a fireworks party as they may have pets which should be kept indoors. It would be kind to let elderly neighbours and families with young children know there may be some loud bangs.

 

Fireworks: the law

The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. The exceptions are:

• Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight
• New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am

You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates:

• 15 October to 10 November
• 26 to 31 December
• 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year
• At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

You can be fined up to £5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.

Find safer firework information at www.saferfireworks.com