CAST-Off is a programme of free artist-led activities for families, which takes place every summer in the large walled garden at National Trust Penrose on the outskirts of Helston. The programme began in 2020, prompted by the need to provide activities out of doors during the summer holidays while the Covid 19 pandemic made it impossible to meet indoors. CAST-Off has grown in popularity year-on-year and is now a highlight of our annual calendar.
The first CAST-Off offered a trail along the Cober valley, from Lowertown through to Loe Bar, with a range of activities along the way, all plotted on an illustrated activity map designed by CAST learning lead, Lucy Grant.
The programme attracted enthusiastic responses from lots of local families. The lovely old walled garden at Penrose was one of the venues included in the first trail and proved to be an ideal setting – a calm natural environment within easy reach of Helston by bike or scooter. CAST-Off returned in the summer of 2021, with all activities concentrated in the garden, and the programme has been based at Penrose ever since.
In 2022, support from The National Lottery Community Fund enabled us to introduce a second strand, CAST-Away, which took creative activities directly to communities on the Lizard peninsula, with sessions at Polurrian Cove, Poltesco, Gweek and Porthoustock, each drawing on the history and natural environment of its location. In 2023, the CAST-Off for Schools programme was developed for local primary school pupils. It has taken place every summer term since.
Each CAST-Off session offers a range of four or more different activities, encouraging children to explore, create and experiment at their own pace and in their own way. Artists and facilitators are on hand, with a wide range of artist-quality materials and tools provided.We collect feedback from every CAST-Off session. The following is a small sample of the overwhelmingly positive comments recorded:
This is what kids need – to be outdoors, in their own creative worlds, believing that they can create something beautiful, ambitious and fun. If every child could do this every day, ideas and confidence would flow and flourish. MORE PLEASE!
I enjoyed spending time with my son. Picking up paint and paper and being creative makes me very happy and is difficult to achieve otherwise.
We LOVE IT HERE. It’s our favourite activity. Inclusive, educational, relaxing, inspirational, a wonderful atmosphere, new things to explore and play and learn. Don’t stop what you’re doing! We nearly had to miss our camping holiday because my 9-year-old daughter was devastated to miss ANY of the CAST-Offs!
We have had the best day with a fantastic range of activities and great setup! Helston is so lucky to have this.
Having a free AMAZING activity has meant I’ve been able to have a really fun day with my children at a time when money is so tight. THANK YOU!
