YOUNGSTERS at Mark’s Ark visited Adventure Church, Week St Mary where they were entertained by animal handler Mark, who had brought along his ‘mini zoo’ from Penzance.

Thirty children, accompanied by adults, were able to get up close to a tarantula, stroke a python and monitor lizard and become acquainted with a skunk! Mark made the session even more interesting with facts and anecdotes about each animal’s habitat and behaviour.

On Tuesday, February 2, Rob Isherwood, a history teacher and archaeologist, who recently moved into the village, gave 20 children an interesting talk on what archaeology is, using artefacts to illustrate his points.

It was then the children’s turn to look at and handle a variety of objects from Rob’s collection of finds. They were encouraged by the adults, using tips Rob had given them, to try and solve the clues as to the origin and use of each object.

Pizza and home-made ‘Rocky Road’ completed another evening of adventure.

Pancake day was on Tuesday, February 2, and following last year’s success the adventure for the children was to cook their own pancakes. Following an introduction by Father Rob Dickinson on the origins of Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) the children, supervised by helpful adults, proceeded to oil frying pans, tip in pancake mixture and cook at least one pancake each — several managed at least three! Much tossing and applause followed. The pancakes, duly spread with favourite fillings, were eaten at tables café-style in the lady chapel.