By Kate Hodges
15th March 2021
MONDAY: Virtual Museum Club
Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft has, of course, been closed for most of the last year. But their award-winning online tutorials are available to all for free. We love their ingenious simplicity, and the stylish results. Try creating papier-mâché bowls, marble painting, letterpress printing and weaving with artist Claire Burns.
TUESDAY: Discover Children’s Story Centre
Based in east London, the magical Discover Children’s Story Centre has, for the past year, been sorely missed. But it’s still possible to get your fix of author events, activities, fairy tales and art sessions. The Centre’s YouTube channel is a feast of free videos. Watch the Drag Pirates on their voyage to create a better world, join illustrator Alex Willmore for a reading of his book, The Big Trip, or join Discover’s story builders as they tell tales from around the world. More here
WEDNESDAY St Patrick’s Day
It’s St Patrick’s Day; find more about the myths and truths behind the man here and how the event is celebrated here.
Why not make some decorations to mark the day? The craft ideas here are easy for little hands, and very sweet. We love the Pot of Gold Hanging Mobile. Alternatively, play some Patrick-themed games; lucky charms catapults look a lot of fun!
Many people choose to celebrate the occasion by eating green food. Emerald munchies can be fun, but food colourings aren’t the healthiest of things to ingest. Try vitamin-packed green smoothies instead (this is our go-to recipe), tasty Courgette, Feta and Spinach Fritters or these Matcha Green Tea Coconut Pancakes.
THURSDAY Forage For Pepper Dulse
The blustery, sunny weather has put us in the mood for spring-time seaside walks. Beach jaunts are made even more fun with a purpose; take advantage of the super-low tides and go foraging for seaweed. We are a little obsessed with Pepper Dulse, the “truffle of the sea” which has a delicate garlicky flavour. Find more about its appeal and learn to identify it here, and discover recipes for Pepper Dulse Cheese and dried pepper dulse (it makes an excellent seasoning) here.
FRIDAY Spring Equinox
Tomorrow is Spring Equinox, when day and night are of equal length, and the weather begins to warm. This is a festival of balance; of light and dark, of Sun and Moon, the inner and outer world and the balance within ourselves. Why not celebrate by choosing a place to run wild in the wind, making a spring shrine of growing flowers, meditating among the trees and greeting the nature spirits of flowers and herbs? You might even test the old wives’ tale that the Equinox is the only time you can balance an egg on its end. Find out more from The Green Parent’s Glennie Kindred here
What We’re Reading This Week
‘You worry you’ll be seen as weak’: single dads in their own words – a photo essay
“While the demands and stress of motherhood are widely recognised today, Borden believes many fathers are stunted by Charles-esque notions of masculinity. Men must, above all, appear strong. They must not show vulnerability. And they must provide – even if that means remaining at a remove.
The men in Borden’s new book, Single Dad, make this simplistic notion of fatherhood seem ridiculous, says Borden. “I want to honour them; the men engaged in the singular and vital task of bringing up their children.’”
Read more here
Found something inspirational to read that you’d like to share? Want to share your creations with us? Have an idea for things to do? We’d love to hear from you. Email Kate
