Tag: competition

Bethany wins Blue Peter Competition to design satellite logo for first launch

A 12-year-old from Hampshire has been named the winner of Blue Peter’s Awesome Orbit competition to design an emblem that will go on one of the first satellites to launch from the UK this summer.

Bethany Turner, from Alresford, appeared live on Friday’s (20th May) episode of Blue Peter, joining wthe presenters in the studio as her ‘Earth Sitter’ emblem was named the winner. Bethany wants satellites to help in measuring the melting of the polar ice caps and monitoring deforestation, to discover when trees have been felled and where new seedlings need to be planted to prevent global warming.

The programme also featured 2nd place runner up Adam, aged 13 from Lancashire, who designed “The Ace of Space” that could be used to help repair broken satellites, and 3rd place runner up, Ava, aged 7 from Pembrokeshire, whose ecologically focused design “Where Bees Belong” could help search for land that needs more flowers for bees. Adam and Ava will have their names engraved on the satellite, along with 27 runners up.

British ESA astronaut Tim Peake launched the competition, which was supported by the UK Space Agency, in October 2021 to give young people across the UK the opportunity to design an emblem and come up with ideas for how satellites could be used to help people in the future.

Bethany said: “It felt amazing when I found out I had won, I was so shocked I couldn’t believe it. For my design I thought if we could scan the Earth with satellites it could tell people when there’s illegal deforestation and they could go and plant trees. It could also scan the polar icecaps so people can see when they’re melting and try to prevent it.

“I’ve been interested in space for quite a long time and I really enjoy it. I get most of my information from books from the library or books I’ve bought and I definitely want to learn more. I’d definitely be interested in working in the space sector in the future.

“As part of Bethany’s prize, she spent a day with Steve Neaves, Creative Director at Hampshire-based branding and design studio Crux. Steve and his team had worked on Bethany’s original drawing to help create the final emblem that will blast into space. They explained how her design had been redrawn and digitised to enable it to be engraved onto the plaque that will be fixed to the satellite.”

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said: “We all use space every day, from watching satellite broadcasts, using a mobile phone, to finding our way around. Data from satellites in space is even used for monitoring the environment and understanding climate change and it’s a big part of new technologies like supporting driverless cars through better connectivity.

“From missions to Mars, to understanding climate change or launching satellites, all this great work relies on more young people joining the space sector in roles such as engineering, law, science and philosophy and the UK Space Agency is working to inspire future generations to consider a career in the space sector. It’s fantastic to see so many people take part in this wonderful competition and our huge congratulations go to Bethany, Adam, Ava and all the runners up.”

ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer congratulated Bethany with a message from the International Space Station, saying: “I heard the brilliant news about you winning the Blue Peter space competition and I thought ‘where could be the best place to congratulate you from, but here in space’. I am currently on my own mission, and I have brought along the Blue Peter badge for the ride!“

Bethany’s emblem will be engraved onto a satellite that will be sent into orbit on the first launch from UK soil from Spaceport Cornwall this summer.  As part of her winner’s experience, Bethany will also win a Blue Peter Orange Competition winners’ badge, take control of a Mars Rover at Airbus in Stevenage, experience a trip in a driverless car supported by satellites and get to see behind the scenes at satellite testing facilities at Harwell Space Cluster, in Oxfordshire.

The satellite is a collaboration between the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and Airbus Defence and Space, and designed and built by In-Space Missions in Alton, Hampshire.

Wanted: Budding inventors dreaming up tomorrow’s world

Scots charity revives inspirational awards that help transform assisted living

An inspirational competition to bring tomorrow’s world to life has relaunched after a two-year break forced by the pandemic – and is also marking Blackwood’s 50th year enabling people to live independently.

The Scottish-based challenge has previously delivered a host of life aids for people who are ageing or have disabilities, including an app that helps make living spaces safer for people with dementia and a “spill proof” spoon for those affected by conditions which cause them to shake.

Now the Blackwood Design Awards – which attracts entries from all over the world – are resuming bigger than before and hope to inspire a new army of inventors to get involved in the Dragon’s Den-style challenge with new designs, technologies and adaptations submitted.

Fanchea Kelly, CEO of Blackwood, one of Scotland’s most respected experts in specialist housing and care, said: “It feels incredible to have the design awards back – and we can’t wait to see the pent-up inventiveness that is about to be unleashed.

“Over the nine years since we created and launched the awards, it has always amazed us to see how varied the entries have been. From intricate, high-tech products to basic designs and ideas that simply haven’t been considered before.

“There is an entire world of untapped innovation out there. We’re delighted to be offering an outlet for that creativity and inventiveness again and feel certain we’ll be helping more transformative products to become a reality.”

The Scottish independent living specialist’s competition is open for inventions, designs and concepts that can boost independent living and enable people with disabilities to live life to the full.

The deadline for submissions in June 30.

This year’s competition will be judged the following distinct categories: Best Collaborative Project, Best New Concept and Best New Aids, Equipment or Accessible Technology.

The competition can be entered by groups or individuals and is open to both seasoned professionals and gifted amateurs, meaning that both technologically advanced and those simpler, yet often most successful designs, are equally welcome.

Fanchea added: “The main thing we look for is the innovation to make a huge difference in helping those living with disabilities or age-related conditions to live more independently.

“Many previous entrants have gone on to achieve great things so it’s a fantastic opportunity for all budding designers out there”.

For more information or to enter, please visit www.bespoken.me or e-mail bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk. 

Blackwood operates more than 1500 properties across 29 local authorities, and invests in innovation and technology to help people live life to the full. The charity has already built two developments of tech-smart ‘Blackwood Homes’ in Glasgow and Dundee which use a “CleverCogs” digital system to make life easier for older people and people with disabilities

People looking to join can find more information at:

www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/peoplehood 

or by messaging: getinvolved@blackwoodgroup.org.uk

For more information, please visit: https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk

Miles Briggs MSP and Tómas get Pawlitical to be crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022

On Monday 9th May, Miles Briggs, Conservative MSP for Lothian and his sister’s five-year-old rescue dog, Tómas will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022.

Following a three-year hiatus, dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of breed, creed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, will head to Scottish Parliament gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh with their two-legged MSP owners to see who will be crowned Holyrood’s top dog.

Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, the competition offers the unique chance for Miles Briggs MSP to show off the lovely, Tómas.

With the boom in dog ownership during the pandemic, this year’s event focuses on promoting responsible dog ownership as well as celebrating the unique bond between dogs and their owners. Not only is responsible dog ownership integral to improving dog health and welfare throughout Scotland, it also helps ensure the nation’s dogs lead happy and healthy lives. 

The event also encourages open dialogue on dog welfare issues with MSP’s having the opportunity to meet with dog welfare experts from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club.

Proud dog lover, Miles BriggsMSP explains: “Tómas is a Spanish rescue dog who had a hard start in life but has now become a much-loved member of the family and dog brother to my niece, Skye.

“Tómas puts up with me dressing him up every Christmas and he has a huge life skill of managing to find and destroy the squeak in any dog toy within two minutes.   

“Tómas is always super excited when you come home – he gives the best welcomes in the world.  He will always be a winner to me and proves very popular in Lothian when out campaigning and meeting constituents.

“This fun event will be a great chance to celebrate the essential work MSPs are doing to improve dog welfare in Scotland while highlighting the importance of responsible dog ownership.”

MSPs are also calling for their supporters to vote for their canine companions online in a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote. There will be additional judging on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, which will review the contestants on their good dog deeds and winning personalities. This will then determine which political pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Holyrood Dog of the Year’ title.

The Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022 competition starts at 10.00am on Monday 9th May at the Scottish Parliament Gardens, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX.

To vote for Miles Briggs and Tómas in the pawblic vote please click here:

thekennelclub.org.uk/hdoty 

– where you will also find the details of all the MSPs and their four-legged friends entered in this year’s competition. 

Competition launched to find the UK’s messiest student accommodation!

Are these the filthiest students in the country?  

Competition launched to find the messiest student accommodation in the UK

Students across the UK have been sharing amusing pictures of the mess and destruction they have created in their student flats, with the images showing chaotic bedrooms, broken furniture and kitchen nightmares.  

It’s part of a competition launched to find the UK’s messiest student accommodation by home and contents insurance provider, SO-SURE, with the winning students receiving a £200 voucher to spend on Just Eat, so they can celebrate over a takeaway guaranteed to cure any hangover.  

The competition ends on Monday 25th April at 12pm (UK time) and people can enter here.  

We all know students have a reputation for prioritising a night out over a tidy flat, so it maybe isn’t a surprise we already have some pretty shocking frontrunners. 

1. Sarah, Brighton University  

Sarah shared this photo of a kitchen after what looks like a fairly messy night out. We are not sure who landed washing up duties, but it can’t have been much fun on a hangover!  

2. Josh, Cardiff University 

Josh says this is a photo of his mates’ room in their student flat. This has to be one of the messiest bedrooms we have ever seen, maybe it’s time to invest in a bin? It’s not much, but it’s a start.  

3. Cassie, Bournemouth University  

You almost have to admire the chaos here, it’s like a work of art. Cassie shared this photo from her student accommodation in Bournemouth, we don’t know who the room belongs to, only that they are the ‘messiest gal’.  

To find out more about SO-SURE, please visit: https://wearesosure.com/.

If you have a messy flat and want to take home the £200 Just Eat voucher, share your photo with us here: https://wearesosure.com/blog/win-200-just-eat-vouchers-by-submitting-a-photo-of-your-messy-student-accommodation/    

National Winners Revealed In Royal Mail’s Heroes Of The Pandemic Stamp Design Competition

Chosen by HRH The Prince of Wales, the eight winning designs will feature on Royal Mail Special Stamps

 ·         The winners are:

–          Logan Pearson, Bury CofE High School

–          Isabella Grover, Creswick Primary School

–          Shachow Ali, Flint High School

–          Ishan Bains, Abbey CofE Infant School

–          Alfie Craddock, The Hereford Academy

–          Jessica Roberts, Flint High School

–          Raphael Valle Martin, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

–          Connie Stuart, Litcham School

·         The final designs showcase the children’s heroes from all walks of life; from bus and delivery drivers to food bank volunteers, NHS workers and vaccine scientists

·         The winning designs were chosen from 606,049 entries – securing Royal Mail a world record title for the largest postage stamp design competition

  • Over the coming weeks each winner will have a special dedicated postmark that will celebrate their achievement. The postmark will be applied to stamped mail delivered to addresses nationwide
  • All eight winning designs were approved by HM The Queen
  • The stamps will be available to pre-order from today (11 March) at www.royalmail.com/heroes and by phone on 03457 641 641.  They will be available on general sale from 23 March.

Royal Mail today revealed the winning eight designs in their Heroes of the Pandemic stamp design competition. 

The winning artists and their designs are: 

 Logan Pearson, Bury CofE High School 

 Isabella Grover, Creswick Primary School 

 Shachow Ali, Flint High School 

 Ishan Bains, Abbey C of E Infant School

 Alfie Craddock, The Hereford Academy 

 Raphael Valle Martin, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

 Connie Stuart, Litcham School

Last spring, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Royal Mail Chief Executive, Simon Thompson launched a special stamp design competition. School-aged children across the UK were invited to design a postage stamp featuring their own hero or heroes of the Covid pandemic.

The response was unprecedented. Having received a world record-breaking 606,049 entries, regional judges including retired teachers carefully selected 120 regional finalists. From this, a special panel of judges, including the Prime Minister and Baroness Floella Benjamin, picked 24 regional winners. The final eight winning designs were personally selected by HRH The Prince of Wales, with the finished stamps approved by Her Majesty The Queen. 

Entries from across the UK celebrated a wide range of heroes, including: NHS workers; parents; carers; cleaning staff; teachers; supermarket workers; public transport staff and delivery drivers. Also depicted on the designs were many volunteers who have helped in their local communities or raised money for charity, such as Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Simon Thompson, Royal Mail CEO, said: “As we approach the second anniversary of the first lockdown, it’s fitting that the nation’s children have taken the lead in celebrating the heroes of the pandemic. They have captured the resilience and determination of the British people in eight drawings. I think they look great!”

In addition, to mark their success, a special postmark will feature on stamped mail delivered to addresses nationwide. Each child will have their name included on their own congratulatory postmark over the coming weeks.  

This is only the fifth time in the company’s 500-year history that children have designed Christmas stamps.

The winners will receive £1000 in high-street vouchers and £1000 for their respective schools.

The stamps will be available to pre-order from today (11 March) at  www.royalmail.com/heroes and by phone on 03457 641 641.  

They will be available on general sale from 23 March.

Fife church hopes for ‘Good News’ as voting opens for £6,000 prize

St Luke the Evangelist Church in St Andrews flies the flag for Scotland

  • Voting is now open to select the national winner in Ecclesiastical’s Good News church competition
  • Five regional winners received £1,500 each after submitting their Good News stories
  • A final overall winner will be selected following a public vote with the winner receiving £6,000 for their church

Voting has opened to decide the national winner of Ecclesiastical Insurance’s ‘Good News’ competition and give one church £6,000.

Good News launched last year to shine a light on the vital work Anglican Churches do by sharing their good news stories and showcasing all the ways that people in their local area have pulled together to make a difference.

Almost 200 entries were submitted from across the UK, covering stories about home delivery services for people self-isolating, community cafés and virtual events.

Five regional winners were chosen in November, receiving £1,500 towards their work. They now stand a chance of winning the grand prize of £6,000 – bringing their total winnings to £7,500.

Picture by Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk

Scotland’s Regional Winner was St Luke the Evangelist, St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane Diocese

The public now has the chance to vote for their favourite before a panel of Ecclesiastical Insurance and church representatives select an overall winner.

Helen Richards, church operations director at Ecclesiastical, said: “Despite the challenges that the pandemic has brought with it, churches have remained a beacon of hope to the communities they are based in.

“The response to the competition was fantastic and we received lots of incredible entries showing how churches pulled together with their local communities during what has been an incredibly difficult time for so many of us.

“The five regional winners really stood out to the judges and we’re now urging the public to show their support for their local church to be crowned as national winner.”

Picture by Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk

Voting for the national winner opened on Wednesday 5 January and closes on Monday 28 February.

To vote for your favourite church, simply go to:

www.ecclesiastical.com/churchcomp and cast your vote.

Flora pupils play Climate Savers Top Trumps inspired by COP26

26 children’s designs feature on an exclusive deck of Climate Savers Top Trumps following a UK-wide competition ran by Royal Bank of Scotland.  

  • Over 2,000 pupils and teachers from primary schools across the UK entered the competition through its NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank brands.
  • The Climate Savers Top Trumps were on display to delegates and world leaders throughout COP26 in Glasgow.
  • COP Principal Partner NatWest also awarded nearly £30,000 to three schools to fund new green projects.

Pupils at an Edinburgh primary school got their first glimpse of the COP26-inspired climate savers Top Trumps which they helped design.

The Royal Bank of Scotland tasked Scottish primary school pupils with designing an exclusive set of the iconic playing cards promoting sustainable behaviours.

Across the UK through its NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank brands, the competition received over 2,000 entries. The 26 winning designs, showing the everyday actions young people can take to combat climate change, were featured in an exclusive Top Trumps deck for COP26.

The Climate Savers Top Trumps were on display to delegates and world leaders throughout COP26 in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November, for which the bank was a principal partner.

One of the winners was Flora Stevenson Primary School pupil Honor, age 11, for her card design which suggested recycling old clothes. Honor was joined by the rest of her classmates at the Edinburgh primary school to play the iconic children’s game.

COP26 President Alok Sharma said: “The interest and engagement that NatWest’s climate competition for schools has generated shows how important this issue is to schoolchildren across the country.

“It has been a fun programme which has allowed everyone – pupils and teachers – to get involved and it will be exciting to see them bringing their ideas to life.

“Everyone can play their part by going one step greener and MoneySense Climate Savers Top Trumps is a great way to also make it a fun and creative process.”

Over 2000 entries to the competition were received in less than a month. The bank’s Chief Financial Officer Katie Murray was one of the competition’s judges, alongside TV presenter Ade Adepitan.

NatWest Group Chief Financial Officer Katie Murray, said: “COP26 is a once in a lifetime event and a great opportunity to get children to join the discussion on climate.

“This competition shows just how much young people want to get involved and make a difference – and what innovative ideas they have for doing that.

“We received an overwhelming number of entries and the quality of ideas and solutions impressed all the judges. It was hard to decide who should win. It was also brilliant to see the geographical diversity of the entries. 

“Importantly, the competition has shown that, with the right mindset, the journey to a greener future can be fun and inspiring and I’d like to thank all those who took part.”

The competition also gave teachers the chance to win up to £15,000 to fund new green projects for their school. Bolton’s Thomasson Memorial School saw off competition from over 2,000 entrants to take home the top prize of £15,000 in the teachers’ competition.

Our Lady of the Missions Primary School in Glasgow and Brookfield Primary School in London have also been awarded £7,000 and £4,000 respectively.

Charlotte Siggers, the winning teacher at Thomasson Memorial School – a school for deaf children aged four to 16 – received widespread praise for her project, which will see the creation of an area within the school’s grounds where pupils will be given the opportunity to grow their own produce and be responsible for the upkeep of the land.

The campaign builds on the bank’s MoneySense programme, which, for more than two decades, has been teaching financial skills to young people. It follows the 2020 launch of the bank’s Island Saver game – a video game built for games consoles and mobiles themed around cleaning up a magical island, collecting litter and building money skills. The bank is principal partner of the climate summit.

To see the full list of winners visit www.mymoneysense.com

November date for Andrew Fairlie Scholarship culinary competition

The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced that the second annual Andrew Fairlie Scholarship will take place on Tuesday 16th November.  

The finals will see five talented chefs compete for the chance to become Andrew Fairlie scholars and take part in once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences. 

Perth College UHI will host the skills test and judging portion of the day, with the winners’ announcement being made at Gleneagles. A teenage Andrew, encouraged by mentor Keith Podmore, enrolled in a City & Guilds course at Perth College UHI before following Podmore to London members club, Boodles, and eventually winning the first ever Roux Scholarship. 

The scholarship recognises two outstanding individuals each year – one male and one female – who are forging ahead with their culinary career and working in Scotland.  

The aspiring chefs in the running for the ‘ultimate scholarship’ in the industry include Josh Wilkinson, 26, who is currently working as Senior Chef de Partie at the Isle of Eriska Hotel.  

Chef de Partie at The Torridon Amy Stephenson, 22, has likewise made the final, as has Spud Henderson, 32, Chef de Partie at Craig Millar @ 16 West End. 

There are also two returning finalists from 2019’s competition – Ryan McCutcheon, 29, now Chef Patron at Achray House Hotel, and Peter Meechan, 24, Chef de Partie at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant.  

Spearheaded by HIT Scotland and supported by the First Minister, Scottish Government and Gleneagles, the scholarship was first launched in February 2019 in recognition of Andrew Fairlie’s significant and lasting contribution to the hospitality industry.  

In 2019, the scholarships were awarded to Emma-Rose Milligan from Kilmarnock and Joseph Harte from South Queensferry (top). 

David Cochrane, CEO at HIT Scotland, said: “After announcing the finalists last year, we are very much looking forward to seeing them in action next month.  

“This is a unique opportunity for these chefs working in Scotland to take on the mantle of Andrew’s legacy and experience some fantastic industry opportunities that will help develop their careers. Best of luck to all the finalists!” 

Stephen McLaughlin, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie Head Chef and lead judge, said: “We have had to wait a while for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship to come around and now that it is almost upon us, we are as excited and as privileged as ever to play our part in preserving and extending Chef Andrew’s legacy through nurturing and mentoring this year’s very talented finalists. 

“The finalists can expect a tough challenge to be laid out in front of them on Finals Day, but at the same time the day itself will be fun, educational and inspiring. We are delighted to be partnering the day with Perth College and are over the moon to add the college to the list of Andrew Fairlie Scholarship collaborators.” 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “After what has been an incredibly difficult year for our hospitality sector, it is heartening to see new and inspiring culinary talent emerging through this fantastic scholarship in honour of Andrew Fairlie.

“Throughout his life and career, Andrew did so much excellent work to inspire the next generation of ambitious, talented chefs in Scotland and this scholarship will contribute to his legacy. 

“It is great to see so many young, up-and-coming chefs aiming to benefit from the scholarship. They will all undoubtedly make their mark and contribute to a strong and sustainable recovery for Scotland’s hospitality sector.” 

Conor O’Leary, Managing Director at Gleneagles, commented: “We are enormously proud to support the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, which provides an important platform for emerging talent and strengthens Scotland’s reputation as a centre for culinary excellence.   

“We very much look forward to hosting the finalists here at Gleneagles in November and are delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with HIT Scotland to ensure the culture that Andrew established is promoted and nurtured in the next generation of chefs.” 

Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies at Perth College UHI said: “On behalf of the team in Hospitality and Food Studies, we welcome the opportunity to host the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final within our kitchens and facilities.

“We are ready to support HIT Scotland with the event and welcome the opportunity to involve our students to support the event and the finalists, giving them invaluable experience.” 

The chosen winners will gain industry-wide recognition as Andrew Fairlie Scholars and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and at Michelin star restaurants Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Core by Clare Smyth. 

Students fly the Edinburgh College flag at WorldSkills UK competition

Four Edinburgh College students have qualified for national WorldSkills UK finals having triumphed in a series of qualifying heats in their respective fields of study.

Damian Tchorzewski and Liam Ward have qualified for the Automotive Technology final, while Ben Nicolson and Corrie Kettrick have qualified for the Stonemasonry final.

Automotive Technology

Damian, who recently studied Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement, and Liam, who studies Light Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Principles, reached the finals following a qualifying process.

Stage one saw the duo sit a test that consisted of 30 questions in 30 minutes. The highest scorers from regions across the UK then progressed to stage two where they were tasked with completing five challenges on a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) program, under timed conditions.

Damian and Liam were among the six best performers in this qualifier and will compete in the national final taking place at Cardiff and Vale College on Friday 19th November.

Stonemasonry

This year’s Stonemasonry qualifiers – SkillBuild – did not take place due to COVID-19, however Ben and Corrie will have the chance to experience competition as they have been selected to participate in the national final.

The duo, who study at the College’s Forthside Construction facility, will travel to the National Construction College in Norfolk on 16-18 November where they will complete a set of stone-cutting challenges in competition with two Stonemasons students from Bath College.

Scott Warden, Head of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at Edinburgh College, said: “Congratulations to Damian, Liam, Ben and Corrie on qualifying for their WorldSkills finals – it is an outstanding achievement.

“WorldSkills UK, and skills competitions in general, are a fantastic way for our students and apprentices to network with peers from across the country, to test their skills in a new and challenging environment, and to boost their confidence.

“We’re delighted that four of our students will experience that this year and have the opportunity to be named among the best in the UK in their field. We wish them the best of luck.”