Author Archives: Lisa

  1. The Great Big Green Week is back for 2026!

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    intoBodmin — Green Week 2026

    We’re joining The Great Big Green Week

    A week of stories, skills, conversations and swaps — celebrating nature, community and the small changes that matter.

    6th – 14th June 2026

    This June, intoBodmin is proud to be taking part in The Great Big Green Week — the UK’s biggest celebration of community action on climate and nature. Thousands of groups, venues and communities across the country join in each year, and this year we’re bringing a whole week of events, workshops and activities to Bodmin.

    It’s not about pressure or guilt. It’s about getting together, learning something new, meeting someone inspiring, and finding small, meaningful ways to connect with the world around us. There’s something here for everyone — whether you’re curious, creative, or just fancy a good evening out.

    The Great Big Green Week is a nationwide moment where communities come together around what matters: the environment, each other, and the future. A celebration, not a lecture — a chance to discover what’s possible when people with shared values get in the same room. Find out more →


    What’s on

    From an evening of storytelling in the garden to a nature-themed comedy conversation, here’s everything we’ve got lined up. Drop in for one or come to them all.

    6 June 7.30pm
    Storytelling
    Nature Storytelling — Sam Crosby

    Swap your sofa for the garden and join Sam Crosby — founder of Recalling Fire — for an evening of traditional oral storytelling around the fire and under the fairy lights. Sam’s work draws on ancient stories to inspire bold steps for the future.

    £10 / £12 / £14 • The Old Library Garden
    Book tickets →
    8 June 10am
    Craft
    Creative Wellbeing — Upcycling

    Swap buying new for making something beautiful. Join Debbie and the warm, welcoming Creative Wellbeing group for a morning of crafting, making and upcycling. A lovely space for people of all abilities.

    £5
    9 June 12pm
    Theatre
    Hello Beach! — Jasmine Cole Productions

    Swap CBeebies for live theatre! An interactive, multi-sensory storytelling show for little ones aged 0–2 and their grown-ups. Featuring puppetry, singing and key-word signing. We’re delighted to bring this to Bodmin in partnership with Chy Trevail Library.

    Suggested donation £3 • Chy Trevail Library
    Book tickets →
    11 June 1.30pm
    Wellbeing
    Herbalist Workshop — Triskelion Herbs

    Join Georgie Paterson from Triskelion Herbal Clinic to explore the world of herbal medicine — what it is, what it offers us as people, and what it means for the natural world. Free to attend.

    Free
    13 June 2pm
    Comedy
    In Conversation — Simon Nicholls, Catherine Beazley & Anna Keirle

    Swap talking to yourself for laughing with others! A nature-themed Q&A with multi-award-winning TV & audio comedy producer Simon Nicholls and wildlife genius Catherine Beazley — hosted by the brilliant comedian Anna Keirle.

    £10 / £12 / £14 • The Old Library
    Book tickets →
    🌱

    Seed Swap — The Garden

    Come and swap your seedlings with ours! Meet garden volunteer Zoe and ask all your seedling questions. Running throughout the week.

    🧵

    Craft Swap — The Café

    Bring unused craft materials and take home something new. A relaxed, no-pressure space to browse, swap and give good stuff a new life.


    Why we’re joining in

    At intoBodmin, we believe in the power of bringing people together around things that matter. The Great Big Green Week feels completely at home with what we do — creating space for creativity, connection and community, in a place that already cares deeply about its surroundings.

    We’re not here to tell anyone how to live. We’re here to gather some incredible people who are genuinely passionate about what they do, and to open the doors so you can meet them. Whether you go home with new skills, new seeds, or simply a good conversation — that feels like a green week worth having.

    “Sitting in a circle outdoors with a bunch of people, carving wood into something useful and beautiful, is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways of spending a day I can think of.”

    — Tim Hutton, woodsman & whittling workshop leader

    Stay in the loop

    More details, behind-the-scenes content and event reminders will be shared on our socials throughout May and June. Follow us to keep up — and come and be part of it.

    Join the conversation: #GreatBigGreenWeek#intoBodmin

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  2. Alice Hopkins – Bodmin Change Maker

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    If you are trying to change the way you work and make it better for your family too, then you might be interested in Alice’s story.

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    Alice Hopkins is founder of Õrn Kuu Skincare and newest recruit into The Old Library community. She is making some changes around the way she works, introducing some seasonal skincare workshops and reflexology taster sessions to her online business and has found a home here with us.  Yay!

    We asked Alice what making this change has been like and any tips she’d give to someone thinking about doing the same.

    “At first I thought I’d just come in, have a look around, and see how it felt. But as soon as I arrived, the space felt so welcoming that I knew it was the perfect place to work from. I started by trying it out with an evening facial cupping workshop, following by a few weekends offering holistic treatments and reflexology sessions. I also had some ideas for more practical and creative workshops, so I asked on my Instagram stories what people might be interested in. That’s how I decided on my first skincare making workshop. Four people booked on, which looking back was perfect because it was small and intimate and helped me find my feet with the format. Then on my next one I had x10 people and I started to build my confidence.

    The difference being at the Old Library for me is that is has a really good community feeling. Something that feels good for my business and also the community I live in. The process has been really smooth; I can book online, I can access the building through the 24 hour system and communication has been really brilliant – even when I couldn’t get in on a Sunday and I needed the team to sort it out for me, they did it all remotely!

    If you are thinking about making a change like me I would say, just go for it!”

    You can find out more about:
    – booking a space at The Old Library here
    – Alice’s summer skincare making workshops and reflexology taster sessions here
    You can find out more about Alice by following her on Instagram @ornkuuskincare


  3. Join our Troupe!

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    Hello. -Mimi here 👋


    We are starting a new amateur dramatics music hall/ variety/ cabaret troupe with a theme of nostalgia and fun!

    Our plan for this group of curious characters is:

    • to cultivate individual creativity
    • develop acts that fit with the theme and the company ethos
    • run a series of professional masterclasses that will be tailored to the interests and skills of those that wish to take part! 
    • raise money be performing and put the funds back into the development of the troupe.

    We will be drawing inspiration from old school variety shows; think seaside entertainment, street theatre and commedia dell’arte (if we’re going back that far…and going to get nerdy about it 🤓). 


    Interested? Then let us tell you about the audition process……


    Auditions will take place on Thursday 21st May at The Old Library.

    1. Take a look at the information below and fill out this form: Music Hall Troupe – Fill out form  
      Any questions please email: mimi@intobodmin.co.uk 

    2. Choose one of the following to prepare:


      A 3 minute music hall/ cabaret act This could be a ‘strong man’ who opens jars – or tries to! A dancer who hates dancing! Or maybe you can juggle or have a secret skill you’d like to share! Don’t feel limited by suggestion but feel excited to try anything! 


      An ol’ Music Hall song Check out ‘Music Hall Songs’ on You Tube and pick one you may like to perform. We will expect it to be unaccompanied but if you can play an instrument, then feel free to accompany yourself! 


      Perform a short silly monologue or poem Although you’re welcome to perform something more serious, we are aiming for these shows to be fun and comic in style! You can write the monologue or poem yourself or just pick one of your favourites. 

     Questions?

    What is the commitment for this?
    If you successful in joining the Troupe then we will need you to commit to as many performances as possible. This could be up to one a month and take place throughout Cornwall and Devon. You won’t be expected to do all of them but we will be looking to make sure we always have enough acts to fill a show!  Our first show is all booked in on the 26th September at Blisland Village Hall 

    Tell me more about the Troupe… 
    Performers will be coached and directed. We want to find a good fit and a fun format that means we can swap acts in and out, sometimes with the Troupe coming together, and sometimes adding in some local knowledge responding to the place/ venues we end up! We are looking for Troup members who are kind, committed, value quality performance and come with good vibes! This is about offering skills, confidence, talent and artist development, networking with local professionals and also having fun whilst entertaining and welcoming audiences into this wonderful world we create! 

    Why is the name of this project Music Hall/ Variety/ Cabaret Troupe? That’s not very catchy! 
    Great question! This is new and exciting, and this is the best way we can currently try and describe the vibe we’re after! (sorry if vibe is used too many times in this write-up – this is not AI it’s just my limited vocabulary when describing intangible feels!) HOWEVER – we hope our initial ‘troupe’ through this launch will all come up with it’s official name! The people involved will help shape and form this exciting new group! Yay! 

    I’m interested but maybe not as a performer… 
    Amazing! Please drop Mimi an email and have a chat about how else you may want to get involved!  

    I’m interested but I have some barriers that are stopping me applying… 
    Please drop us an email and we can see if we can come up with a solution together! This may not always be possible, but we would love to try our best to see if we can make this opportunity work for you!  


    OK, if you are good to go, then time to complete step one, fill in the form to register your interest!
    Good Luck, Mimi x

  4. CALL-OUT – A LOW-ENERGY, HIGH-SPIRIT CHRISTMAS SHOW

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    This December, we want to reimagine what a Christmas show can be – with less waste, less energy, and more warmth, joy, and creativity.

    We’re inviting companies, artists, or innovative technicians to pitch a co-produced Christmas show that places sustainability at the heart of its making, not necessarily in the story it tells.

    Inspired by the Theatre Green Book, we’re looking for a production that is:

    🌱 Low-cost and low-waste – Think reuse, repurpose, reimagine: sustainable set, costume and props that tell a story of circular design.
    ⚡ Energy-aware – How can you use less energy? Can your lighting or sound source its own energy? Could the show power itself differently – solar, battery, even pedal-powered?
    🏗️ Light-touch in process – Minimised travel, minimal build, maximum creativity.
    🎁 Cosy, joyful and full of heart – A feel-good, festive experience for audiences of all ages. Not worthy or heavy – just full of wonder and delight.

    We’re especially excited by non-traditional formats – gig theatre, intimate storytelling, low-energy spectacle. The kind of work that makes people smile without switching everything on.

    What we’re offering:

    – A 12-show co-production partnership with intoBodmin at The Old Library in December 2025
    – £1000 towards making the show
    – 70% of all ticket sales over the run
    – Producing support and rehearsal space (subject to availability)
    – Deadline to pitch: Sunday 15th June

    Send us your spark of an idea – it could be a short proposal, a video, some sketches, or even a conversation starter. We’re not looking for a perfect pitch, just a good idea that aligns with our values.

    Submit to: mimi@intobodmin.co.uk
    Questions or wild ideas you’d like to run by someone? Send these to fin@intobodmin.co.uk

    Let’s create a Christmas show that wraps audiences in joy – without wrapping the planet in waste.

  5. New Podcast Episode 4: Fin chats to Lisa G

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    In this podcast Fin chats to our Venue and Fundraising Lead, Lisa Glithero about:
    – her experience working for the community organisation, Baked Bean Theatre Company in London
    – the importance of inclusive theatre practice.
    – how stories can be told in different ways.
    – her greatest challenge climbing a mountain.
    – returning to Cornwall and how she discovered intoBodmin
    – what a typical day at The Old Library looks like for Lisa
    – building relationships and the importance of a cup of tea
    – what a typical day at The Old Library looks like for Lisa

    Enjoy!

    https://on.soundcloud.com/zM7h7312qm8btneZ7

  6. Discover the Magic of the 2025 Time Keepers Spring Trail 

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    Welcome to the adventure! This year, the Time Keepers Guild is calling on families, young explorers, and the young at heart to join the Spring Trail—a FREE family-friendly quest designed to unlock Bodmin’s hidden watery wonders. Whether you’re a local or visiting during Easter, our trail will lead you through enchanted streets, secret wells, and mysterious clues that bring ancient legends to life. 

    A Quest Inspired by Water and Wonder 

    The Spring Trail is back for 2025, and it’s better than ever! Inspired by last year’s magical journey and this years Puzzle Panel, we’ve reimagined the adventure with fresh puzzles and legends that celebrate the ever-changing, ever-inviting flow of water throughout Bodmin. Follow the current of clues, dive into the secrets of our historic wells, and uncover the tale of the lost Bucca—a mythical sea creature that has washed ashore in need of your help. 

    “Let the magic of water guide you to adventure!” 

    Meet the Time Keepers Guild 

    Deep within Bodmin’s winding streets, the Time Keepers Guild has uncovered a mystery: the beloved Bucca has lost its way, and its magical scales are scattered like droplets along our ancient pathways. Now, the Guild needs your insight and curiosity to restore the balance of nature. By solving a series of engaging puzzles and following hidden clues, you can help guide the Bucca back to its ocean home. 

    The Time Keepers Guild Journal 

    Every great quest begins with a map! Our beautifully designed Time Keepers Guild Journal is your indispensable guide to the Spring Trail. Inside, you’ll discover: 

    • Bubbling Puzzles & Secret Clues: Navigate Bodmin’s watery wonders and unlock the mysteries of the Bucca. 
    • Enchanting Tales: Follow the narrative woven into every page as you journey through historic sites and hidden spots. 
    • Local Adventures: Explore places you’ve never seen before, with each location adding a splash of color and magic to your quest. 

    Pop into The Old Library on the top of the High St (open Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm) to pick up your FREE copy, or visit our website for more information. 

    Launching at Bodmin Market 

    We’re kicking off this year’s Spring Trail with a splash! Join us at the intoBodmin stall at Bodmin Market on Saturday, 29th March between 9am and 2pm. Here’s what you can expect: 

    • FREE Time Keepers Guild Journals: Grab your essential guide to start your adventure. 
    • Craft: Pick up a Free Spring Trail craft bag to take away. 
    • Create: Try your hand at creating pop-up eco-artwork with artist Josie Purcell. 

    Complete the Quest – And Reap the Rewards 

    As you journey through the Spring Trail, you’ll gather clues and solve puzzles at your own pace, discovering Bodmin’s secret nooks along the way. When you complete your journal, be sure to: 

    • Claim Your Certificate and Badge: Visit The Old Library Café (open Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm) with your completed journal before 21st April. 
    • Enjoy Exclusive Treats: Get 20% off a kids’ picnic bag from The Old Library Café to recharge after your adventure. 
    • Enter Our Competition: Submit your completed journal to enter our prize draw for a magical two-night stay in a Hobbit Hut, courtesy of Acorn Camping & Glamping. Details are provided in the back of the journal. 

    Your Easter Adventure Awaits! 

    If you’re looking for a fun way to get out of the house this Easter, the Time Keepers Spring Trail will be available for you to pick up and complete through to the 21st April. With puzzles to solve, stories to discover, and watery places to explore, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by joining us on this one-of-a-kind adventure. 

    Some info about the trail accessibility

    • The routes have been selected to be as accessible as possible. There is a mixture of pavements and grass, so if you are taking a buggy or using a wheelchair you may have to make some judgement calls on how you access the landmarks.  
    • We mapped the longer trail as taking 10,000 steps, so be prepared for a day out! We recommend taking a packed lunch.  
    • You’ll find a QR code in the journal that will take you to Google Maps so you can plan your adventure in advance.  
    • We made the puzzle book so you can get out and about to explore nature. However, the puzzles are designed so that you don’t have to visit all the land-marks, you can still complete the adventure and claim your certificate and badge.  

    Ready to dive in? 

    Visit The Old Library on the top of the High St to pick up your FREE copy of the Time Keepers Guild Journal (Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm), Bodmin’s hidden magic awaits you! 

  7. Your invitation to the Spring Trail Puzzle Panel!

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    Join the Puzzle Panel… 

    …and help us create the puzzles for Bodmin’s Spring Trail! 

    What is the Spring Trail? 

    Last year, the Spring Trail was in the form of an adventure map and puzzles where participants helped The Guild of Timekeepers find a missing item. The trail took participants around the town and explored the shops and organisations that Bodmin has to offer! 

    This year, The Guild of Timekeepers are back! This time to explore the mystery of the ‘history leak’ that seems to be dripping out of the town’s historic wells. It will guide participants will embark on a treasure hunt-style adventure around the town exploring Bodmin’s connection to water and some of Bodmin’s beautiful parks and green spaces. 

    We will have a launch day on the 29th March (the day the clocks change) where you can pick up your trail, do it on the day and join in some children’s craft activities. However, the trail will run over several weeks. 

    What is the Puzzle Panel? 

    If you are interested in creative writing, history, nature and the environment and/or…puzzles and riddles... then we need you!  

    We are looking for some members of a new club with a mixture of skills and interests that will help us create some fun and exciting puzzles for a family friendly trail this spring.  

    We wish to create a series of small puzzle questions that can be printed as part of an ‘adventure journal’ that can be completed while on the trail or from the comfort of a cafe or park bench, that will compliment a fun and exciting narrative around the theme of a mysterious ‘history leak’ from Bodmin’s wells.  

    What could this include? 

    • Give us feedback and advice on our narrative and theme as we create a trail that explores Bodmin’s historic wells and leat that runs beneath our town and feet! 
    • Create puzzles and riddles! 
    • Research folklore, nature and history and feedback to the group 
    • Explore nature and the wells of Bodmin to create additional activities 
    • Meet new people  
    • Oh and… free tea and biscuits!  

    The Puzzle Panel will assemble… 

    At The Old Library @ 6pm – 7:30pm on Thursday 6th , 13th, 20th and 27th February. 

    Final thought: If you enjoy your time as part of the Puzzle Panel then we will look to support ways in which this group can continue as a regular activity group. 

    Do you want to know more? Pop into The Old Library on a Tuesday and ask for Mimi or email: mimi@intobodmin.co.uk 

    Or sign up here:

  8. The Walking Bus

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    This activity is funded by Cornwall Council as part of their Active Travel Project which is aiming to increase the number of people using active travel, eg walking or cycling to complete journeys. There will be 4 dates for each these walks and we hope they give you the confidence to take this walk or to buddy up with other people who may attend.
    If you would like more information email sara@intobodmin.co.uk or ring us on 01208 811185

  9. The Old Library re-opening – an artist’s view…

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    If you attended our House Warming re-opening event then you might have spotted Tanja Durant quietly sketching in the corner. Tanja is a Gig Sketch Artist and you will normally find her at parties, weddings and celebrations documenting the event on her digital sketch pad, observing the guests and picking up on the conversation and the mood.
    This is Tanja’s interpretation of our Open Day – we hope you love it as much as we do…….