Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after the theft of a campervan in the Murrayfield area.
The blue Volkswagen California van, registration VMS 321 was reported stolen from outside a property on Succoth Gardens around 2am on Thursday, 15 September.
Entry was gained to the property and the keys removed before the vehicle was taken and driven away. The campervan remains outstanding.
Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area or who believes they have seen the campervan is asked to get in touch.
“You can pass on information by calling 101, quoting reference 0225 of 15 September.”
The funeral service for Her Majesty The Queen will be broadcast live on a big screen in Holyrood Park in front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The ceremony, which is taking place at Westminster Abbey in London, is scheduled to begin at 11:00am on Monday 19 September.
The City of Edinburgh Council is inviting residents and visitors to attend and pay their final respects to Her Majesty. Entry is free and un-ticketed.
The screening will be of the BBC’s full coverage from 8:00am until 5:00pm.
Lord Lieutenant Cllr Robert Aldridge (below) will be representing the City of Edinburgh at the state funeral.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This screening represents an opportunity for us all to come together and pay our final respects to The Queen. We all share in the nation’s, and indeed the world’s, grief at the loss of our longest serving monarch. As Her Majesty’s funeral takes place in London, we’re proud to be joining in with screenings and services in towns and cities across the United Kingdom.
“I can think of no more fitting venue for Monday’s screening – in The Queen’s own park on the doorstep of her beloved Palace of Holyroodhouse – and I hope people of all ages will take this opportunity to say their final farewell to Her Majesty.
“Here in Edinburgh, we can take immense pride in the role our city played in the ceremonial events to mark The Queen’s passing and I want to thank the many Council colleagues, partners and volunteers, who each played such a big part in delivering them so gracefully and flawlessly. And to the people of Edinburgh for turning out in their thousands to pay their respects.
“I have no doubt these past few days will be remembered for how brightly Scotland’s capital shone as an example of respect, pride, and professionalism to the world.”
The screening will take place outdoors, so we are advising those wishing to attend to plan ahead, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water.
Toilet facilities will be available however there will be no seats, so we advise bringing blankets or chairs.
Extra litter bins will be in place and BBQs will not be permitted.
Please note that Queen’s Drive will be closed to general traffic. Disabled parking will be available in Broad Pavement car park on a first come, first served basis.
The travelling public should follow Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams to stay informed about their services on the day of the funeral.
List of ceremonies and events taking place across the UK to allow people to pay tribute to the life of Her Majesty The Queen and mark the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III:
Scotland
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Council will be screening the State Funeral on a big screen in Holyrood Park in front of the Palace of Holyrood House. More information can be found on the council’s website.
Scottish Canals
In partnership with The Church of Scotland, Falkirk Council will hold a service of reflection at the Kelpies this Sunday 18th September 2022 at 7.30pm. Further details can be found on their Facebook page.
London
You can view guidance on Her Majesty’s Lying-in-State at the Palace of Westminster here. Details of accessibility arrangements are available here.
In the evening, the grandchildren of Her Majesty The Queen will conduct a vigil at the Lying-in-State.
Other Events
The following public events are taking place in towns and cities across the UK during the period of National Mourning. For more information about local events in your area please check your local authority’s website.
Moments of Reflection – Sunday 18 September, 8pm
Blackpool
The Blackpool Tower Illuminations- which have been changed to red, white and blue throughout the period of mourning in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – will turn off for the Moment of Reflection at 8pm. You can find more information here.
Cheltenham
A Moment of Reflection will be held outside Cheltenham’s Municipal Office, led by the Mayor of Cheltenham, at 8pm on Sunday 18 September. For more details please visit the Cheltenham Borough Council website
Luton
The National Moment of Reflection will be observed in a special event at 7.30pm on the steps of Luton Town Hall to commemorate the life and reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Please visit the Council’s website for more details.
Southend
In the City of Southend-on-Sea, the Mayor will lead a moment of silent reflection at 8pm on Sunday 18 September, to reflect on a lifetime of service which Her Majesty devoted to the United Kingdom, the Realms and Territories and the Commonwealth. For more details please visit the Southend-on-Sea website
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent will hold a commemoration service on the eve of the funeral, at 6.30pm on Sunday 18 September at Stoke Minster. It will be followed by the observation of the national moment of reflection at Stoke Cenotaph at 8pm. For more details please visit the Stoke-on-Trent council website.
Swindon
The National Moment of Reflection will be observed on Sunday, 18 September with a short service on the steps of Swindon’s Town Hall. Members of the public are asked to arrive by 7.45pm for the service to begin at 7.55pm. For more information, please visit the Council’s website.
Ceremonial events
Northern Ireland
Coleraine
Coleraine Town Hall will broadcast the National Moment of Reflection on Sunday 18 September. On Monday they will also show the State Funeral.
Lisburn
The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II streamed from Westminster Abbey will be shown on the screen in Lisburn City Centre on Monday 19 September from 10.00am.
East of England
Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth Borough Council will hold a civic service of thanksgiving and remembrance for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at 6pm on Sunday 18 September at Great Yarmouth Minster. For further information visit the Council’s website.
Ipswich
A big screen will be showing the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the Cornhill, Ipswich on Monday 19 September.
The funeral of HM The Queen will be live streamed in the Nave of Norwich Cathedral. All are welcome to watch the live broadcast from 9am, free of charge. No ticket is required. You can find more information on the Cathedral website.
Norwich Theatre Royal will also broadcast the live coverage of the State Funeral of HM The Queen, free of charge. Please book tickets in advance here.
Midlands
Bedford
Bedford Borough Council will be holding a public screening of Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Monday 19 September at Bedford Corn Exchange. Residents must book their place to watch the proceedings in advance. For further information visit the Bedford Borough council’s website.
Birmingham
The State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be shown on a big screen in Centenary Square on Monday 19 September. For further information visit the Birmingham council’s website.
Coventry
The State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be screened live in Coventry city centre on Monday 19 September. A large screen is to be set up in University Square – between the Cathedral steps and Coventry University – to help people watch the 11am service and pay their respects. For further information visit the Coventry council’s website.
Lichfield
Lichfield Cathedral will be holding a service of commemoration at the Cathedral at 3.30pm Sunday 18 September. There will also be a minute’s silence and outdoor vigil at the Memorial Park at 8pm, Chasetown. You can find more information can be found on the Cathedral’s website.
Lincoln
The grounds of Lincoln Castle will remain open and a large screen will be displaying the funeral for those wishing to pay their respects. Please check local information for details.
Nottingham
A multi-faith event remembering Queen Elizabeth II will take place in the Old Market Square from 7pm, incorporating the national Moment of Reflection at 8pm. More information can be found on the Council’s website.
Stoke-on-Trent
The City of Stoke-on-Trent Council will be holding a service of commemoration (with procession) for Her Majesty The Queen at 6.30pm on Sunday 18 September at Stoke Minster. For further information visit the Stoke-on-Trent council’s website.
West Northamptonshire
West Northamptonshire Council will be holding a remembrance service for Her Majesty The Queen at 11am on Sunday 18 September at All Saints Church, Northampton. For further information visit the West Northamptonshire council’s website.
A service of commemoration for Her Majesty The Queen at 3.30pm on Sunday 18 September at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Market Place, Kettering. For further information visit the West Northamptonshire council’s website.
Durham Cathedral will hold a special Service of Reflection to give thanks for Her Majesty The Queen’s life. This event will be ticketed, and the service will also be live streamed on Durham Cathedral’s Facebook page. For further information, please visit Durham Cathedral’s website.
The National Moment of Reflection will be marked with an event at 8.00pm on Sunday 18 September in Durham Market Place. More details are on the council’s website.
Newcastle upon Tyne
Live coverage of the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be shown on a screen in Old Eldon Square, Newcastle on Monday 19 September. Further information on the screening can be found on the council’s website. A Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place at 4pm on Sunday 18 September. Further information on the service can be found on Newcastle Cathedral’s website.
North Tyneside
North Tyneside Council will hold a service a service of remembrance to commemorate the distinguished service of Her Majesty The Queen at 6pm on Sunday 18 September at the Christ Church in North Shields. For further information visit the North Tyneside council’s website.
North West
Blackburn
A service will be held at Blackburn Cathedral on Sunday 18 September at 2pm. The service will also be live streamed.
Blackpool
A moment of reflection for Her late Majesty The Queen by the Blackpool Standard Bearers will take place at 11.00am, at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum on Moor Park Ave. Please refer to the Council’s social media and website.
Church services will take place on various dates across Chester, including at Chester Cathedral, Neston Parish, St Thomas Ellesmere Port and St Chad’s Winsford. For further information visit the Chester council’s website.
Liverpool
The official civic service of Remembrance for Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday 18 September at 3pm. Doors will open for members of the public at 2pm. For further information visit the Cathedral’s website.
Manchester
A requiem mass giving thanks for the life of the Queen will take place at 10:30am Sunday 18 September at Manchester Cathedral. A Service of Thanksgiving will also be held at Manchester Cathedral on Sunday at 2.30pm. More information can be found here.
On Monday 19 September, big screens will show coverage of the State Funeral at three locations from 9am: Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square and inside Manchester Cathedral. Each site will be open to the public without the need for tickets. More information can be found here.
North Yorkshire
York
York Minster will hold a service a service of commemoration for Her Majesty The Queen (with a respectful procession of City of York Council members and the civic party, between York Mansion House and York Minster) at 4pm on Sunday 18 September at York Minster. For further information, visit the City of York council’s website and York Minister’s website.
South
Chichester
Special services of Choral Evensong with Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held at Chichester Cathedral at 3.00pm on both Saturday 17 September and Sunday 18 September. Further details on the Saturday and Sunday services can be found on the Cathedral’s website.
Reading
Live coverage of the State Funeral and procession to Windsor will be shown in Reading’s Forbury Gardens. There will also be a church service at Reading Minster on 18 September from 2pm. Further information can be found on the Visit Reading website.
Winchester
Winchester Cathedral will be hosting a one-hour service of commemoration at 6pm on Saturday 17 September. On Monday 19 September, a screening of the State Funeral will be held at 11am, with doors opening at 9am. The day will end with a ‘Closing Act of Remembrance’ at 7.30pm. Details for Saturday and Monday can be found on the Cathedral’s website.
South East
Canterbury
A special Civic Service will take place at Canterbury Cathedral at 11am on Sunday 18 September to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The service will also be streamed live on the cathedral’s website and YouTube channel. For more information, visit Canterbury Cathedral’s website.
Hastings
The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen on Monday 19 September will be shown on a big screen in Alexandra Park on the top lawn (nearest entrance is in Dordrecht Way).
Hastings Borough Council is organising the event, in partnership with Love Hastings, the Business Improvement District for Hastings. Visit the council’s website for more details
Hatfield
On Monday 19 September from 10.00am, Hatfield Park will be showing live coverage of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on a large screen in Palace Green outside the Old Palace. Please refer to the website for more details.
Rochester
There will be a Requiem Eucharist at Rochester Cathedral at 3.15pm on Saturday 17 September, attended by representatives from across the Diocese and the civic life of Kent, Medway, Bromley and Bexley. All are welcome to attend this service. The service is not ticketed, and seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Bristol Cathedral will offer a ticketed screening of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Please check Bristol Cathedral’s website for further information.
Exeter
The funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September is being screened at Northernhay Gardens and Sandy Park at the Exeter City Football Club. Further details are available at Exeter City Council’s website.
Gloucestershire
Gloucester Cathedral will be holding a service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at 1500hrs on Sunday 18 September. This is a ticketed event for both local officials and members of the public. The expected attendance is around 1,100 people. All tickets are applied for via the Gloucester Cathedral website.
Plymouth
There will be a church service held on Sunday 18 September at the Minster Church of St. Andrew, Royale Parade at 3pm. Her Majesty’s funeral will be screened on Monday 19 September at the Lyric Theatre. More information can be found on the Plymouth council website.
Salisbury
Salisbury Cathedral will be live streaming the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September at 11:00. The Funeral service will be shown on a large screen and seating will be available in the Nave. No booking is required. For more details, visit Salisbury Cathedral’s website.
Truro
Truro City Council, working with Truro Cathedral, has arranged for a large screen to be placed within Truro Cathedral on the day of the State Funeral for those wishing to attend a public viewing. Further information can be found on Truro City Council’s website.
South Yorkshire
Doncaster
A Service of Commemoration for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place at Doncaster Minister on Saturday 17 September at 6.00pm. More details can be found on the website.
Sheffield
Sheffield Cathedral will hold a commemorative service on Sunday 18 September at 6pm, with a National Moment of Reflection at 8pm. The service will also be shown on a large screen outside the cathedral on the forecourt, and streamed on the Cathedral’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Head to the Cathedral’s website for more details.
Sheffield Cathedral will also be screening the funeral of The Queen inside and outside the Cathedral. The Cathedral doors will open from 8:30am with morning prayer at 8:45am. Please refer online for more details.
West Yorkshire
Bradford
There will be a Civic Service at Bradford Cathedral on Sunday 18 September. The Cathedral will also be screening the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September. Further details are available on Bradford Cathedral’s website.
Leeds
Live coverage of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be shown on Leeds Big Screen in Millennium Square on Monday 19 September between 10am – 6pm (times subject to confirmation of TV broadcast schedules). Further details are available on the Leeds City Council website.
As the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation continues to expand, Scotland has become the latest nation to establish a federation.
The idea of setting up a federation was something that had been considered for some time. Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Scotland representative Iain Feenan discussed how the creation of the federation came about and the role in which the success of IMMAF ultimately played in making the final decision.
With the progression of the federation, Feenan also hopes that Scotland can play their part in securing Olympic recognition of Mixed Martial Arts. He said: “It’s something a number of people in the Scottish MMA scene have spoken about for a while now.
“However, seeing the emergence of IMMAF and the affiliated organisations is a driving factor. As a country, we want to be part of growing the sport and help with the goal of being recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
“It’s been challenging and a slow process, but we are making headway, and in the end, it will be well worth it.”
A huge factor for a federation finding success is having clear, attainable goals, something the MMA Scotland appears to have in abundance.
Feenan explained that there are numerous things the federation will look to achieve in order to progress the safety & level of mixed martial arts across all levels of the sport: “Our goal is to build an organisation that develops the sport of MMA in Scotland from grassroots to professional level through education, training and safeguarding of young people, competitors and coaches in MMA.”
Scotland will be sending sole competitor Kunle Lawal to the European Championships. Feenan believes being able to have representation at a tournament so early after the inception of the federation is a monumental step in the right direction.
“It’s great to see Scotland represented for the first time at this event. Scotland has a wealth of talent who I’m sure we will see compete in IMMAF events more regularly in the future.”
Although this will be the federation’s first IMMAF tournament, they are no strangers to the Championship format. In June, Scotland took a sizable team to the inaugural EMMAA Four Nations Tournament, taking home eight medals, and the aforementioned Lawal was named Athlete Of The Tournament.
Watch the 2022 IMMAF European Championships live and exclusively from Bella Italia Efa Village in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Italy) from 27 September and 1 October 2022 at immaf.tv with the tournament draw taking place on 26 September.
Join us every Tuesday morning 10-11.30 in term time for musical fun and games for little ones with their grown ups. There’s plenty of time to chat and enjoy a coffee and delicious cakes from the cafe too.
Gepco Van Bokhorst is a vet in the Netherlands, but he is also an Ambassador for CliniClowns, a European Clowndoctor organisation. His role as an ambassador is to support clowning organisations across Europe by taking part in fundraising events to raise money and spread the word about the fantastic work of Clowndoctors.
Hearts & Minds were delighted when Gepco contacted them to say he and his wife Angelique had signed up to do The Big Stroll at the legendary Edinburgh Kiltwalk on 18 September to raise money for their Clowndoctors. They are hoping to raise £2500 and this will be boosted by 50% by the generosity of Sir Tom Hunter.
Gepco explains why they wanted to come and support the Edinburgh charity:
“My role with the CliniClowns in the Netherlands: I am one of the ambassadors. These are volunteers who go into the country to receive cheques, supervise, and start sponsor activities and give presentations.
“The policy is that (paid) clowns should be with the children or people with dementia. So, most of the money can be destined for the clowns working in the field. I have felt involved in the founding of the CliniClowns organization and have seen it grow to its current size with 40 people working in the office and more then 100 clowns employed.
“I have also been closely involved with the CliniClowns Circus for 6 years. This circus was meant for families with a multiple disabled child. So, the whole family had a fun event. This was a very special and valuable time for me to experience the impact of Medical Clowning up close. I have seen miracles happen. (See the photo a friend took with me and a girl who does not respond to people and could hardly move her arms according to her caretakers). Every time it gives me goosebumps and I realize how important medical clowning is.
“In 2017 after giving a presentation for the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organisations (EFHCO) I heard about Hearts & Minds and immediately adopted Dr. Wallop. Your charity is a bit smaller and reminded me of the earlier days of the CliniClowns.
“Scotland: I have been visiting the Highlands since my last year in university. I have also spent holidays in Scotland with my family and children. It feels like coming home. I received once a Gordon kilt as thanks for saving a dog (I am a vet). The kilt belonged to the lady’s late husband. Once I had worn this kilt, it again felt like coming home. Last year, I had a red kilt (Ramsay) made so that I could marry the love of my life in it: Angelique.
“The Kiltwalk is a challenge we like, not only the walk but also everything that has to do with fundraising (t-shirt, leaflet, video etc.) and the most important reason is you as a small charity can use it very well, especially when Sir Tom Hunter tops it with 50%. And of course, I can wear my wedding kilt again!!”
Sean Donnelly Interim CEO, Hearts & Minds said:“We are so grateful to Gepco and Angelique for coming all the way from the Netherlands to support our Clowndoctors and I am looking forward to joining them on The Big Stroll in my kilt and red nose too!
These funds will go directly to Clowndoctor visits to hospitals and schools and will bring moments of joy and laughter that last long after the Clowndoctors have been.
Service of Reflection for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Ahead of the State Funeral for Her Majesty The Queen, Scottish Canals in partnership with The Church of Scotland, will honour the memory of The Queen by holding a Service of Reflection at The Kelpies, the gateway to The Queen Elizabeth II Canal on Sunday 18th September 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
The Service of Reflection will be led by The Church of Scotland’s Ex-Moderator, The Very Reverend Martin Fair.
At 8pm mourners will join people across the nation in observing the minutes silence.
Concluding the service a local lone piper, Euan Thomson, will play `A Salute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’ as crowds disperse.
Following the news about The Queen’s death children and young people have turned to Childline counsellors for support. They have discussed a range of different things, including:
Sadness for the loss of The Queen
Past bereavements that this has reminded them of (family members or friends passing away)
Issues around mourning in public and school’s announcements/assemblies
Feeling overwhelmed with all the news at the moment – with The Queen’s passing being one more sign of “how the world is getting worse”
The monarchy’s legacy
What the new King will do
Advice – for parents and carers
Following a huge and public loss like that of Queen Elizabeth II, it is normal for children and young people to feel the impact of the grief in their communities.
This may have raised questions for them about loss or remind them of their own experiences of bereavement.
There are a number of ways that adults can support children at this time:
Let them know that you’re there to listen to them and remind them that sharing how they feel can really help. Equally, give them space if they wish to be alone to process how they are feeling
Remind them that there are lots of small ways to let their feelings out. This could include expressing their feelings by doing something creative such as writing a letter to that person or keeping a diary of how they’re feeling
If they are upset about someone who has died, encourage them to think of the happy times they had with the person who died and share this with you so you can talk about them together
Remind them that it can take a long time to feel better if they have experienced a bereavement and that this is normal
If they are finding it hard to talk to you, let them know they can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said:“It is not surprising that the death of Her Majesty The Queen has brought up different feelings for children and young people. When big world events take place such as this, we often see them being raised by children in Childline counselling sessions.
“Those that have turned to our counsellors have talked about a range of things including sadness about her death, questions about loss and grief, and for some young people, The Queen’s death has reminded them about a bereavement they have experienced in their own lives which will feel very difficult for them.
“Others have highlighted that it feels like another piece of very overwhelming news at the moment.
“Death is a very natural and inevitable part of life, but its also a very overwhelming topic for children to process and understand. It is important that children know there is someone they can talk to if they are feeling worried or upset. Remind them that there are trusted adults who can listen to them and that they can always contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice.”
Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of NSPCC, said: “Everyone at the NSPCC is devastated by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. She was our Royal patron for more than 60 years, which was just one of the countless ways she made a huge difference to the lives of children in the UK. Our thoughts go out to her family, including our current patron the Countess of Wessex.
“Her Majesty The Queen supported the NSPCC in a number of ways, including attending our centenary thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1984, visiting our national training centre in 1989 and hosting a reception at St James Palace in 2007 to mark the end of our FULL STOP appeal. The NSPCC’s Royal patron is currently the Countess of Wessex.
“We know that during this moment of national shock and mourning, many children will be feeling anxious. Support is available for children struggling with anxiety at Childline: Worries about the world | Childline”
What are you up to this weekend? Come along to our 17th annual arts and music festival!
Over 75 artists, from a huge variety of disciplines, will throw open doors to their homes & gardens over the weekend – so lots to see and discover … also visit our Campervan Brewery pop up bar, chow down food from @The Safari Lounge & listen to live music at the Hive!
