By Kate Hodges
13th April 2022
EVENT, RECIPE, DO SPRING WORSHIP
It’s a big celebratory Easter, Oestre or Passover weekend – the perfect opportunity for family time. We have some ideas for celebrations (none of which are linked to any particular religion) here, and crafts here. Even though the actual event fell a month ago, these Ostara celebrations work well at this time of year too.
This weekend’s sweet-stuff blow-out means there may be a lot of leftover chocolate around after this weekend. Why not use it up creatively? Jamie Oliver’s ideas sound delicious – we love his Vegan Chocolate Pots and chocolate tiramisu. Rocky Road is one of our favourite indulgences – this recipe is super-easy for kids, or try the easy-peasy chocolate fridge cake found on the same page. Or why not get arty, and make your own chocolate sculpture!
MAKE THE DANDELION KING
Golden dandelions are starting to dot our lawns, parks and meadows. Why not pick some and use them to make a vitamin-packed spring tonic to shake off those sluggish winter blues? Find out more about the super-powers of the flower, leaves and roots here. Alternatively, use your foraged flowers to make fragrant dandelion honey earthy dandelion coffee or a very pretty dandelion crown!
EVENT LET’S GROW!
Next week is the beginning of Plant and Share Month. From April 20, Food For Life Get Togethers is calling on the nation to get growing and sharing their produce with their communities. Why not try growing some delicious food from scratch? Plant your seeds, help them grow, and share the seedlings, and be part of a movement that already has 58 thousand participants! Be inspired, download a toolkit, and join free online training here
EVENT SHOW TIME
Scotland’s Puppet Animation Festival comes to a climactic end this weekend, with performances across the country. Meet wise old Dagba, the guardian of the forest at Aden Country Park, or goggle at Cat Sith, a high-impact outdoor spectacular, starring an acrobatic Scottish wildcat. Charming, with an eco-friendly slant, and some surprisingly powerful messages, there’s a show for every age.
EVENTS DANCE ACROSS LONDON
London’s Southbank Centre is springing to life! This Friday, join a free Bollywood-style dance session at 1pm in the Clore Ballroom, or, on Saturday, come with your cycling legs on and help keep a free, bike-powered disco alive! Sessions are at 11.30 am and 2.30pm. If you’re looking for a holiday treat, charming show Meal One combines impressive projections with music, dance and augmented reality to create an immersive experience for 5-9-year-olds.
Alternatively, why not immerse yourselves in the spring spirit at London’s Horniman Musueum this Saturday? Get hip and hop around to live New Orleans-style jazz from The Alvar Tree Frogs, create an eco-friendly spring or Easter bonnet, watch vegetarian cooking demonstrations, listen to samba drumming or try inspiring craft activities. There will also be staff on hand to lead you around the stunning 16.5 acre gardens. While you’re there, don’t miss the innovative, free Hair: Untold Stories exhibition. Adults £5, kids free, book your tickets in advance.
WHAT WE’RE READING 10 Ways Your Child Can Be a Better Friend to Autistic Peers: “Non-autistic kids can improve their social skills by adapting to autistic peers. This April, for Autism Awareness Month, here are some insights and advice that you can use to help your child be a better friend.”
Read more here
