Lucas Ice Cream Family Day set to hit the sweet spot
A FREE ice cream for every child will be on offer at Musselburgh Racecourse thanks to Luca’s Ice Cream as it hosts a family friendly raceday in partnership with legendary local brand, S.Luca Dairy Ice Cream.
With schools out for the summer, the venue has announced the return of its hugely popular summer extravaganza with loads of free activities for the youngsters, and some thrilling horseracing for the adults.
Lucas Ice Cream Family Day will take place on 25 July 2023, offering pony rides, kids disco, face painting, chill out teepees and fairground rides – all free of charge for children aged 17 and under, including their entry.
Aisling Johnston, Commercial Manager for Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner up with the delicious Lucas Ice Cream and invite families along to relax, have fun, create lifelong memories and of course, indulge in some seriously good ice cream!
“Our dedicated kid’s Clip Clop Zone features some great activities for all ages, while the kid’s disco is sure to provide some quality entertainment – especially for the parents!
“There will also be two special guest kid’s TV mascots in attendance. We won’t reveal who it will be just yet, but lucky little ones will have the chance for an exclusive meet and greet!”
There will be six exciting flat races going on throughout the day, as well as some uniquely engaging pony races to delight spectators.
A selection of delectable street food options will also be available, with attendees having the option to further elevate their event experience with special food and drink packages, including a Well Hung and Tender burger and beer package, before washing it down with some refreshing frozen treats.
Lucas Ice Cream, which originates in Musselburgh, partnered with the racecourse for this fun-filled event to provide luxury ice cream to visitors, renowned for its smooth textures and magnificent flavours.
Yolanda Luca, owner of Lucas Ice Cream, said: “As a family-owned company, it’s fantastic to be involved with an event of such value, being able to connect with the local community throughout the day.
“We can’t wait to see everyone’s smiling faces and hope that the free ice cream adds an extra magical touch!”
Gates for the event will open at 12pm, with the first race beginning at 2:30pm and the final race commencing at 5:20pm.
Children 17 years and undergo free when accompanied by an adult, and tickets purchased before midnight on 24 July 2023 will save £2 per person.
Located just six miles from the city centre, direct public transport links are available along with a courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall train stations.
General admission prices are £23 when booked online and then £25 on the day of the event. All timings are provisional and subject to change.
Musselburgh Racecourse provides year-round racing action, with 27 race days across the flat and jump racing season – weekend, midweek, and evening.
To book your tickets for Lucas Ice Cream Family Day now, please visit:
Keep the kids amused with free footballat Meadowbank
Looking for ways to keep the kids amused this summer, then look no further than some free summer football being offered by Edinburgh Leisure.
Suitable for young people aged 11+ years, the football sessions will run on the main pitch at Meadowbank Sports Centre from 1:30pm – 3:00pm every Tuesday and Thursday of the summer holidays.
Participants can come along, stay active and socialise while enjoying the outdoors. Sessions don’t need to be booked – kids can simply turn up and have fun.
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life.
In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city. As a charitable trust they provide activities for everyone as they move through their lives.
Visitors to the National can now explore the spectacular Your Art World exhibition, showcasing the artwork of creative 3–18-year-olds from Scotland. The nationwide call out has inspired over 500 incredible young artists from across the country to get involved.
The Your Art World project aims to engage with young people and encourage them to think and act more creatively. Having uploaded their creations digitally to National Galleries of Scotland’s website, the artwork is now proudly displayed on screens at the National.
The young people could be as imaginative as they liked and use any type of materials for their creations, resulting in a superb collection of artworks. The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly imaginative with no limitations.
Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.
Four community and school groups, from the Scottish Highlands to the Borders, also worked alongside the National Galleries of Scotland to create physical installations. Groups involved included Dounby Community School and Nursery, secondary schools from across the Scottish Borders and Granton Primary.
A group of children and their families from PAMIS, an organisation in Scotland working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities for a better life, are also featured.
The result is a creation of extraordinary displays ranging from environmentally inspired projects made with rubbish collected from the shores of Orkney to stunning paintings, drawings, and 3D sculptures, along with sensory led artwork by the PAMIS group.
Families and young people inspired by the creativity will also be able to get involved in making their own creations in the galleries this Summer. With a specially created ‘make and share’ area allowing them to produce and upload their own work to the website. There is also the added bonus of having their artwork added to the digital showcase on the screens.
Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.
Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Galleries of Scotland, said: “I feel so excited and proud to be showcasing the artwork of the talented young artists of Scotland.
“The response has been truly inspiring and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity. The Your Art World project is incredibly important to us at National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work.
“Art has its place in every school, home and young person’s life, whether that be encouraging people to think creatively, use it as an expressive outlet or simply for some fun, this project and exhibition celebrates that art really is for everyone.”
Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.
Dounby Community School Head Teacher, Islean Gibson, said:“Being part of such an amazing gallery exhibition has given everyone here at Dounby School such a sense of pride and motivation.
“Sharing our thoughts and ideas as part of a national project has really inspired our whole school community. The power of creation will have a lasting legacy.
“It makes me swell with pride every day seeing just how impactful creativity can be for a wee school and its community. I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone take that step into Your Art World and see where it takes you!”
The exhibition is part of a wider Your Art World project which aims to engage and encourage young people in the world of art. With online resources available for teachers and families to support children in art-based activities, the project encourages everyone to get involved no matter ability or knowledge. By providing tools and guidance, Your Art World demystifies the creative process and makes art accessible to everyone.
The exhibition is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have raised more than £5 million awarded by Postcode Culture Trust to support National Galleries of Scotland.
All submissions can be viewed via the online gallery and will also be displayed digitally at the National until 14 April 2024.
An event at Westminster last month saw the launch of the inaugural National Drowning Report from the Water Safety All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) authored by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), and supported by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF).
The report highlighted some shocking statistics relating to the number of accidental fatalities in 2022, with a section of the report focusing on child drownings.
The report showed that in 2022, 35 children died from accidental drowning, the equivalent of more than a classroom of children. Comparing this to the 5-year average, there was a huge 46% increase in the number of accidental fatalities amongst children in 2022.
The report documents that in 2022, 226 people lost their lives to accidental drowning, with 83% of those being male.
We have already seen a number of people tragically lose their lives to accidental drowning in 2023 and the report looks to provide recommendations for the UK Government to how this can change.
Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, commented “We know that for anyone to drown is a complete tragedy, but when we see the amount of children drowning increasing by 46% we know that things need to change urgently.
“Within the report, we have worked with various organisations to put forwards a number of key recommendations for the UK Government to enable all young people to have the opportunity to learn about water safety.
“We want the UK Government to find innovative solutions to better deliver school swimming; mandate that every child has a class-based water safety lesson at each key stage; and to invest in initiatives to address the increase in child drowning fatalities.
“Drowning, for the large part, is highly preventable. Education and supervision in particular reduce the likelihood of an incident turning into a sudden and devastating tragedy.
“We have been asking the question of the UK Government for many years as to why classroom-based water safety is not on the curriculum.
“We recognise that getting all our children in the water is critical but teaching water safety in the classroom removes existing barriers and gives every child an understanding of safety, risk, and the chance to learn how to stay safe in and around the water, no matter their background.”
“This report is a step in the right direction to give MPs and the UK Government the facts and statistics they need to make a change to prevent losing even more children to accidental drowning. We at RLSS UK will work with our partners and the National Water Safety Forum to endeavor to deliver the necessary change.”
The launch of the report coincided with RLSS UK’s annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign where the charity was able to educate over 1.8million children through its free resources to schools and leisure centres.
The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange to help worried parents this summer
School’s out for summer but far from signalling the start of a care-free holiday, many Edinburgh parents are already worrying about how they will afford new school uniforms when the holiday is over and the new academic year begins.
That’s according to one local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, who are reporting a higher level of anxiety than ever amongst Edinburgh parents, many of whom have said they will be cutting back on summer holiday treats this year to meet the rising cost of essentials such as school uniforms.
And so, The Leith Collective is acting now to help alleviate some of that anxiety with the launch of their free school uniform exchange.
Taking place at The Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird as well as the Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, this initiative will see locals donate good quality uniforms, schoolbags, pencil cases and school essentials to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked.
Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Demand for our free school uniform exchange last year was high. Sadly, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, there is an increasing number of families from all walks of life who are genuinely anxious about how they will kit out their kids again this year.
“So, we felt it was essential that we launch our free school uniform exchange as soon as possible – so that parents have at least one less thing to worry about throughout the school holidays.”
This summer’s free school uniform exchange follows The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which received an overwhelming response, with over 7,000 coats donated and collected by locals.
People can donate and collect items at The Leith Collective in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and the St Enoch Centre during opening hours. No tights or socks can be accepted but all other good quality school items are welcome.
The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.
National charity Family Action polled over 1,000 parents/carers to find out how this summer looks for families facing increasing financial pressures.
Over three quarters (76%) of parents/carers are worried about activity and entertainment costs for the summer holidays due to the rising cost of living.
A third (33%) of parents/carers surveyed will be going without a family holiday, and over a quarter (26%) will be going without days out for their family during or in preparation for this summer holiday, when compared to previous years.
Almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed think they will compare the school summer holiday they give their child/ren, this year, with what other parents around them give their children. The same figure feel more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays this year than excited.
Over a third (36%) of parents/carers anticipate they will need to seek financial and/or emotional support to get through the school summer holidays this year.
Family Action’s free advice line FamilyLine is available 24/7 for families looking for support this summer
National charity Family Action polled over 1,000 parents/carers to find out how this summer looks for families facing increasing financial pressures.
Findings revealed that 76% of families are worried about the cost of days out, such as travel, entry fees and equipment costs, because of the cost of living crisis. In the run up to and during the school summer holidays, 26% of families will be going without days out completely, and 33% will be forgoing a family holiday this year, due to the rising cost of living.
Further findings from Family Action also highlighted an increase in mental health issues facing families this summer, with nearly half (46%) of parents/carers feeling more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays, rather than excited.
The survey reveals that this year the school summer holidays are set to be a time when inequalities are amplified, with almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed set to compare the school summer holiday they give their child/ren, this year, with what other parents around them give their children.
David Holmes CBE, CEO at Family Action said: “Every family wants to make happy memories during the school holidays but, for many, this summer will be more difficult than ever. From juggling childcare to coping with the cost-of-living crisis and searching for affordable ways to have fun, the pressures can really build up.
“At Family Action we are here to help to make the summer a memorable one for the families we work with, and our services will be providing a range of ideas for simple and often free activities that all families can participate in. As our survey shows, 80% of parents/carers agree that making happy memories with their children can be free, so providing free or low cost activities is a great way to take some of the pressure off families this summer.”
Family Action runs over 170 services across the UK and this summer they will be coming together to make happy memories for the families they support, and providing the financial, practical or the emotional support needed to reduce shame and reassure families that making happy memories doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Family Action Service Manager, Leanne Best, said: “The families, volunteers, staff and colleagues we work alongside share with us that there is an expectation that summer school holidays should be a really happy time, where we spend lots of quality time together as families, doing fun activities, going on summer holidays and making special memories, but it is sadly not the reality for most this year.
“Many families are worrying that due to the cost of living crisis they will have to find more money for the basics, such as food, bills, childcare and school uniform. This means that they aren’t going to be able to afford holidays, days out, or activities which can result in stressful households and can leave people feeling guilty about ‘not being good enough’ or ‘not doing enough’ for their families.
Sanna uses our service and said: “I’m worried about trying to save up for 6 weeks because it will be quite a struggle financially because obviously the gas and electricity bill increased twice and the support we were getting from the government has stopped and has taken a chunk off the family budget, so I am worried about how I am going to keep the children entertained through the holidays.
“Family Action trips are the only time I’ll go out on a trip, as I don’t have the budget to take my kids out. Even if you go on a train its expensive and then you worry about the entry tickets. I do all the free things I can do with my kids I go to the park, for picnics, take them for a walk, but if you think about taking them somewhere where you need transport, entry tickets and food it can come to easily £100!
“When you do it by yourself you have all these worries, all these stresses, and all these anxieties, but when everything is provided, like the Family Action trips, all you need to do it sit, relax and make beautiful memories with your children.”
Leanne Best adds: “We have listened to these worries and in response, we will be enhancing the support we already offer to children, young people and families in Stockton, with the addition of our Summer Action Packs.
“Summer Action Packs will contain a variety of summer essentials, activities, tips & ideas, vouchers and information – which will hopefully enable families to worry a little less and have more resources and affordable opportunities, which will help them to enjoy some special family times over the Summer.”
David Holmes concludes: “At Family Action we believe that all children and families have the right to thrive. Together we can overcome the summer struggle and make it one to remember for all the right reasons.
“We know that families agree that the best memories don’t have to be expensive to make, but we also see the stress families feel under to provide the best possible summer holidays for their children, and we can help.
“Our services provide a lifeline to families with direct, practical, emotional and, where we can, financial support, all year long and our free adviceline FamilyLine is there for families across the UK, to provide advice and support.”
Gamers, gaming industry leaders and content creators are being asked to come together and help grant 200 life-changing wishes for critically ill children across the UK.
Make-A-Wish UK’s Wish 200 Week between 24–30 July 2023 invites gamers to do sponsored live streams, challenges and special events to help raise money to make magical wishes come true for up to 200 children aged between 3-18 years-old.
More than 63,000 children in the UK have been diagnosed with a critical condition and are eligible for a wish. That number is estimated to reach over 73,000 by 2030.
Make-A-Wish UK has seen a 400% increase in gaming-related wishes since 2017, with more children than ever finding solace in gaming whilst undergoing treatment for critical conditions, meaning many of the wishes will go to members of the gaming community themselves.
Since 2021 when Wish 200 Week was first established, the gaming community has come together to raise a staggering £696,000 and delivered over 300 wishes to critically ill children and their families, helping them to create long-lasting memories.
11-year-old Cameron who lives with Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition resulting in several heart defects, got a surprise wish to meet YouTuber SB737. After hearing SB737’s voice, Cameron knew that he’d finally be meeting his idol.
“The surprise on his face was the best part of the wish! It was so special because it was something that money can’t buy,” said Mum, Victoria.
“With a disability it’s hard for him to go out and play,” said Victoria. “Gaming allows him to play with his friends and it provides a way for him to escape reality as he immerses himself into the action of videogame characters.”
For Cameron, his favourite part of the wish was being able to hang out with SB737 and play games together. Watching Cameron meet his idol was the highlight of the trip for Victoria: “I loved watching Cameron talk to him and share photos of the day with his mates. To see Cameron so happy is all I ever wished for, Make-A-Wish made that happen – so my wish has also been granted!” said Victoria.
Under the campaign slogan, ‘1 Week, 20 hours, your way’ content creators including CozyGamerKat will be holding live streams with all the money raised will go directly to granting wishes for 200 more children and young people.
Jason Suckley, Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish UK said: “Gamers and non-gamers alike have the power to help us grant wishes for as many critically ill children across the UK as possible, many who have had childhood stolen away from them by their illness.
“We’re receiving a growing number of gaming-related wishes, which we know can leave a profound and lasting impact on critically ill children and their families. ”
Gamers wanting to set up a live stream or special event can sign up to offer their support here and people can watch and support them to reach their fundraising totals.
Non-gamers can also take part and support those children who are waiting for a wish by entering the Make-A-Wish prize draw to win the ultimate gaming bundle consisting of a gaming PC built by Gaming Content Creator Sacriel, a gaming desk and chair bundle, Xbox and a PS5.
And for those who can’t take part during the week, are still able to complete their 20-hour challenge at a time that suits them.
Miniclip, who have supported Make-A-Wish UK for many years, have now officially partnered with the charity and are once again supporting this year’s campaign.
Miniclip’s CEO, Saad Choudri, said: “This is our third year of supporting this incredible campaign. It’s great to see our industry come together to raise much-needed funds to help make these children’s wishes come true.
“Together, with our friends in the gaming industry and our players, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of these children.”
Rob Small, President and Co-Founder of Miniclip, is a Patron for Make-A-Wish UK. Rob helped the charity to create the Wish 200 Week campaign. Rob said: “It has been a joy to see the gaming community coming together to help grant wishes for fellow gamers over the years.
“Seeing the support that Make-A-Wish has received, I am proud to be part of an industry that is using its power to help others. Wish 200 Week is an urgent campaign to ensure more children receive their wishes in time. I hope the industry will once again help them rise to this challenge and change the lives of seriously ill children.”
Supporters and sponsors who are supporting the campaign include: Miniclip, Hutch, MTG, First Touch Games, Sports Interactive, Venatus, Tripledot and SUMO Group.
To find out how to get involved in the campaign, visit:
)
