Address: Plymouth
Venue: Across Plymouth and Devon

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 in 2019, notably: the Amazing Firework Extravaganza at Crealy Adventure Park on 26 and 27 October;  Bonfire Night on Plymouth Hoe on Monday 5 November and the fabulous Bonfire and Firework display at River Dart Country Park on Saturday 2 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/

 

Halloween and All Saints’ Celebrations 

• In Celtic times, New Year was celebrated on 1 November, to mark the end of summer harvest and the beginning of a cold winter.

• The night before New Year, on 31 October, the Celts would celebrate the festival of Samhain and would take time to remember those who passed away. Huge bonfires were created for people to offer sacrifices and many people dressed in costumes.

• After the Roman invasion in the UK, Pope Boniface IV established All Saints’ Day, to replace the traditional Celtic festival of Samhain.

• All Saints' Day is celebrated on 1 November, followed by All Souls’ Day on 2 November. Both days commemorate and honour the saints and loved ones who have passed away.

• In old English, All Saints’ Day was translated as All Hallows’ Day, hence the night before it being known as All Hallows’ Eve, now more commonly known as Halloween

• The Mexican celebration, the Day of the Dead, now coincides with Halloween, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, from 31 October to 2 November.

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 Plymouth see www.thebigdraw.org

 

 

It’s National Libraries Week: 7 to 12 October

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

Youngsters can borrow books, find out information and use library computers - all for free. Plymouth’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 visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/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… make a Halloween mask

Make a beastly mask using a paper plate, elastic, a glue stick, pens and plenty of imagination. English Heritage have an amazing number of free templates, designed to help children create their own mask – just search the web for ‘English Heritage – Beast Mask Activity Pack’

 

 

 

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 Plymouth?  Read on...

 

Boo is Back, and Scarier Than Ever!

No tricks, Dartmoor Zoo is treating you to Boo at the Zoo 2019 on Saturday 26 October, from 4pm to 9pm. The ghouls will be released, and the curse will set its state on the zoo. Prepare for an evening of fright and despair. With a spooky lights trail, woodland maze, sensory room and monsters roaming the zoo, Boo is the perfect family Halloween activity. Suitable for all ages. Children under 3 go for free. Tickets are on sale now: https://dartmoorzoo.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/24674?catID=23968&

 

October Half Term Fun with Argyle Community Trust

This October Half Term join in with the fun with Argyle Community Trust. Variety is built into each day, so on one day there may be multi-sports fun whilst the next could be a football specific day.

At each session there are plenty of games, enabling children to learn skills in a fun way. Plus, there are opportunities to meet Pilgrim Pete. Every child will leave each course with a medal. For more information visit: https://argylecommunitytrust.co.uk/courses or call 01752 562561 ext 4.

 

Value for Money Membership at Drakes Den

Drakes Den Membership is now available from as little as £1.93 a week. Members receive unlimited visits as well as discounts on drinks, foods and parties. The parties include a two-hour use of the play area and party room, a buffet, unlimited juice, invitations and a return play voucher for the birthday child. Drakes Den has three

individually themed party rooms, including a brand-new virtual wallpaper room which projects any theme you like on the wall. For more, call 01752 794444 or see www.drakesden.co.uk

 

Half-Term Theatre Festival Returns this October 

Popular children’s theatre festival Above and Beyond is returning to Plymouth Libraries this October Half-Term and is set to be even bigger and better than before.

Curated by Plymouth-based Above Bounds Theatre, the festival will feature some exciting shows for children plus free activities for all the family including face painting and crafts - there will be something for everyone.

Tickets cost £3 (+ booking fee) from www.ticketsource.co.uk/abovebounds or follow @abovebounds on Social Media.

 

Illuminate Plymouth – Launching the Mayflower 400 Anniversary

To help launch the Mayflower 400 anniversary, Illuminate Plymouth, a spectacular light-based festival will be thrilling the crowds from the maritime city's historic waterfront from 28 November to 1 December 2019. A series of dazzling installations and projections will make Plymouth shine ahead of the official commemorations, forming part of the opening ceremony with other Illuminate events across the Mayflower destinations. Read more at www.mayflower400uk.org/

 

20% Off Activities at Plymouth Snow Sports Centre

Youngsters will simply love the special Kids’ Activity Days at the Plymouth Snow Sports Centre during half term. They will have a great time ski-ing or snowboarding, sno-tubing or having a go on the toboggan or Viper drop.

As the children have fun, you can relax and put your feet up in the Alpine lodge with a Barista coffee and yummy slice of cake, whilst taking in the stunning views across the Plym Valley. As a special October half term treat - not trick! - receive a 20% discount off the price of activities by quoting ‘Primary Times October half term’.

Find the Plymouth Snowsports Centre at Alpine Park in Plymouth, PL6 8LW. For details call 01752 600220.

 

Spooky Halloween and Magical Christmas at Woodlands

Be sure to visit Woodlands Family Theme Park this October Half Term, for spooky Ghost Farm Rides and Marty’s Monster Manor. There will be plenty of wizardry action happening throughout the park to keep the whole family entertained. Then, a few weeks later, the spectacular Christmas attraction will return for its third consecutive year. Visitors will be guided through nine rooms filled with Christmas magic, before meeting Santa himself! It’s an experience not to be missed. For more details visit: www.woodlandspark.com or ring 01803 712598.

 

Halloween Half Term at Paignton Zoo

Little witches and wizards can follow the Wild Potions trail at Paignton Zoo this Halloween and go on a spooky mystery adventure.

On top of that, they can watch animals receive pumpkins and other Halloween treats, listen to special talks, join themed activities and get their faces painted.

Paignton Zoo’s exciting new bug house will open at half term. Bugs at Home will be home to a wide range of amazing, scary and beautiful creatures and tell an important story.

See more at www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

 

Gruffts at Pennywell Farm 

This year, Pennywell will be hosting Gruffts, a great goat show, every day during October half term. Meet all the fabulous breeds of goats and see them put through their paces on the agility course. Follow the goat treasure trail and take your own Pennywell goat for a walk. Then, get to vote for the winners of Gruffts every afternoon – choose the Best in Breed, Best Goat Kid, Most Agile and Least Obedient goat. Each day is action packed at Pennywell. There are hundreds of friendly animals to meet, a different hands on activity or show every half hour and four farm rides included in the admission price. Pennywell will close for the 2019 season on Sunday 27 October. See www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

 

Crealy Spookfest is Bigger Than Ever!

Prepare yourself for the big Crealy Spookfest where even more attractions have been added to an already thrilling and fun-themed event. Brand new attractions include the Halloween Glow, Jester's 3D Fun Maze and the Witches of the Wilderness. The infamous Creaky Hotel will re-open its haunted doors, plus there will be free pumpkins for every child who visits the Theme Park.
In addition, there are Singing Pumpkins, pumpkin carving and an all new show from Buddy and Blossom on the Piazza Stage. Plus, don’t miss the annual Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October to see the sky above Crealy light up in spectacular fashion. For more, see www.crealy.co.uk

 

Cuddle the Ponies at the Miniature Pony Centre 

At this time of year, the Miniature Pony Centre is open for after school and weekend visits - in fact the attraction is open every day until 27 October. It’s well worth a visit, especially to meet the friendly ponies who would love a cuddle off you! For more, see www.miniatureponycentre.com

 

Bonfire and Fireworks at River Dart Country Park

Celebrate the season with a big bang at River Dart Country Park’s popular Bonfire Night and Firework event on Saturday 2 November. Entry includes all-day access to the park, which will open at 8.30am. Daring individuals will have the chance to try some of the thrilling Dare Devil activities (for an additional cost) and what’s more, there’s also a DJ, pony rides and bouncy castles.

Things will start hotting-up later in the day with entertainment from a Fire Performer, the lighting of the bonfire at 6.30pm and the fireworks extravaganza at 7pm. There will be no need to go hungry as hot food and refreshments will be available. For more information and to book tickets visit www.riverdart.co.uk

 

Blow Away the Cobwebs at Castle Drogo

There’s so much to do at Castle Drogo this half term. Every day from Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November, follow the bat trail around the grounds, and on Tuesdays 22 and 29 October, join in the autumn crafty castle capers in the activity hut from 11am-4pm. Blow away the cobwebs with an autumn walk, there’s lots of paths to explore through the Teign Gorge. Find out more by calling 01647 434111 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo

 

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