Dalkeith Country Park – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Make 2nds Count and Dalkeith Country Park celebrate over £8,000 raised during charity partnership

Impactful two-year collaboration helped raise vital funds and spread crucial awareness of secondary breast cancer

Make 2nds Count has proudly announced the successful conclusion of its two-year charity partnership with Dalkeith Country Park, a historic estate and visitor attraction near Edinburgh.

Generous contributions from the community and visitors resulted in an impressive total of over £8,217. These funds will play a vital role in supporting Make 2nds Count’s initiatives, including the monthly Tea and a Chat events in Edinburgh, Birdsong yoga, and providing meaningful gifts for retreats aimed at supporting patients.

The meaningful collaboration, which commenced in January 2022, was initiated through a close connection with Karen Henderson, a patient ambassador for Make 2nds Count. The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund, established by her husband, has become a beacon of support for Make 2nds Count and was the driving force behind this inspiring partnership.

Alistair Henderson commented: “The Karen Henderson Legacy Fund would like to thank everyone at Restoration Yard and Dalkeith Country Park for their fantastic support over the last 2 years, helping make life that little bit better and happier for Secondary Breast Cancer patients.

“Karen had a special bond with RY and DCP over the years, she loved a visit there to shop, to walk and to catch up with friends therefore it has been so nice that that relationship has been able to continue on through Karen’s Legacy Fund.

“From the very start when we launched Karen’s Legacy Fund at RY back in May 2021 through; the 500 Mile Challenge, several fashion show events, the planting of Karen’s Tree, Karen’s Collection sale, etc etc both RY and DCP have been such enthusiastic and helpful supporters of both Karen’s Legacy Fund as well as Karen’s family and we appreciate it all greatly.”

Make 2nds Count and Dalkeith Country Park united with the common goal of raising vital funds for the charity and spreading awareness about secondary breast cancer. Over the course of two years, the partnership flourished with numerous successful fundraising initiatives.

Notable events included seasonal fashion shows with luxury raffles at Restoration Yard, The Kitchen Menu Donations – donating 50p from every dessert – a Wishing Tree at the 2022 Spectacle of Light and an online art auction as part of the Inception Art Show at Dalkeith Palace.

Make 2nds Count expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the team at Dalkeith Country Park and the local community, with Emma Hall, Head of Operations saying: “We are so thankful for the overwhelming support received over the past 2 years.

“From community members who attended events, and made generous donations, local press whose coverage helped shine a spotlight on the initiative, further amplifying awareness and to the team at Dalkeith Country Park who have been amazing and so supportive of our cause.”

As part of the partnership, Dalkeith Country Park displayed informative signage throughout the park during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These signs aimed to educate visitors about the signs, symptoms, and key statistics related to secondary breast cancer, highlighting the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people.

Reflecting on the positive experience, Make 2nds Count and Dalkeith Country Park jointly celebrated the success of their partnership. This collaboration exemplifies the impact that can be made when communities and organisations come together for a common cause.

Stephen Begg, Operations Manager at Dalkeith Country Park, says: “Everyone at Dalkeith Country Park and Restoration Yard is ecstatic to have raised such an impressive amount for Make 2nds Count.

“It’s been wonderful working with Make 2nds Count and gaining insight into the amazing work they do to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer. We are thrilled to have been part of their efforts for the last two years”

Make 2nds Count is now actively seeking new partnerships with businesses to continue their vital work in 2024 and beyond, and they invite businesses interested in supporting M2C to reach out for potential collaborations and to be part of their ongoing effort to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer as well as fund research and provide crucial support for patients.

For further information, please contact: hello@make2ndscount.com

Dalkeith Country Park invites visitors to Make 2nds Count

Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity

Secondary breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Breast Cancer Awareness Month boost courtesy of the stunning Dalkeith Country Park.

The Edinburgh-based charity, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is Dalkeith Country Park’s chosen charity partner for 2023. They continue to benefit from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of their visitors.

October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides the latest chance to support the work of Make 2nds Count, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people.

On Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13), the iconic Orangerie at Dalkeith Country Park will also be lit up purple as part of the Make 2nds Count Shine a Light campaign, joining over 50 other UK venues that will be lighting up in the charity’s colours on this day.

The Parks’ popular Yellow Trail is turning Purple this October with special prompts designed to shine a light on the incredible work and support provided by Make 2nds Count – giving hope to those affected by secondary breast cancer.

The Yellow Trail Info:

Also known as The Wilderness Walk, the Yellow Trail is a relatively flat 2km route with a surface suitable for bikes and buggies. A series of easy loops that take in impressive views of St Mary’s Church and Dalkeith Palace, as well as a little wonder along River Esk. Approximately 20 minutes in length, the path takes visitors through the Restoration Yard where they can also pick up a range of refreshments.

Walkers will be encouraged to capture and share their time on the Make 2nds Count Trail on social media, to be in with a chance of winning a wellness hamper from Restoration Yard, The Park’s converted 18th-century stable yard.

Catriona Tanner, Marketing Manager for Dalkeith Country Park: “Make 2nds Count was chosen as our charity partner in recognition of the connection between Dalkeith Country Park and Karen Henderson, who was a dearly loved visitor.

“The tireless work that the charity does to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer is outstanding, and we have been thrilled to be part of their efforts, particularly during this key moment of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count: “We rely heavily on fundraising and donations to help our community and we are thrilled that Dalkeith Country Park is supporting us.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time when we particularly focus on raising awareness and on education, so the fact that The Park is working with us to fulfil this mission as well as via fundraising is amazing. We are really grateful for their continued support.”

For more information on Make 2nds Count and their work, please visit:

https://make2ndscount.co.uk

To see more of their Shine a Light Campaign, please visit:

https://bcam.make2ndscount.co.uk

All set for fireworks at Fawkes Festival

NEW SENSATIONAL SCOTTISH FIREWORKS FESTIVAL LAUNCHED AT DALKEITH COUNTRY PARK

Dalkeith Country Park is getting ready for the first event in a sensational new Scottish fireworks festival this autumn.

Billed as a unique new way to experience Halloween and Guy Fawkes night, Fawkes Festival is primed to set skies ablaze spectacularly.

Designed and produced by the team at GC Live and delivered by technical partners West Lothian-based events group 21CC, it promises wickedly wonderful Halloween and fireworks events for all the family.

The extravaganza, being staged across the Lothians and beyond, features an exciting programme of events with entertainment, fairground rides, fabulous food and drink and a magnificent fireworks display choreographed to music – all with a beautiful country house as a backdrop.

It kicks off in Dalkeith Country Park on Saturday, October 28 when the first fireworks spooktacular takes place, with the festivities culminating in a 20-minute Halloween-inspired fireworks show, set to classic Halloween music, lights and lasers, with the grand vista of Dalkeith Palace as a backdrop.

Geoff Crow, director of 21CC Group, says: “This is going to be Scotland’s biggest and best Guy Fawkes festival.

“Since the pandemic, there have been virtually no big shows like this around the country but we’re bringing Guy Fawkes back with a bang!”

The festival runs from October 28 to November 5 with further events being held at: Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire on October 29; Hopetoun House, South Queensferry on November 4 and Gosford House, East Lothian on 5 November.

GC Live will also be taking the Fawkes Festival to two venues in England where there will be a special movie-themed Light-Laser-Sound Extravaganza, featuring London’s largest 15-minute immersive light and laser display to music with sky trackers, flames and special effects.

These events are being staged at London’s Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park with shows taking place at both venues on November 3 and 4.

For more information on the Fawkes Festival, all the events and to book tickets, go to www.fawkesfestival.com

Volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland and enjoy the event for FREE!

Are you fan of 80s and 90s music? Child Bereavement UK needs you! The charity is looking for music fans to give 4 hours of their time to volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland at Dalkeith Country Park on 24 June 2023.

Volunteers sell wristbands and raffle tickets to raise funds to support the charity’s work and in return get to enjoy the rest of the event free of charge!

The line-up for the festival includes The Human League, Wet Wet Wet, Tony Hadley, Midge Ure, Roland Gift, The Farm, The Beat, Betty Boo, Stray Cats Slim Jim Phantoms Trio, Hue and Cry, and Doctor and the Medics.

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity supports children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.

Lorna Murchie, Fundraising Partnership and Engagement Manager for Child Bereavement UK said: ‘This year Child Bereavement UK is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of some of the UK’s most anticipated festivals and gigs.

“Our volunteers tell us they have a great time soaking up the festival atmosphere and seeing their favourite acts, in return for just a few hours of their time helping us raise much-needed funds. If you’re tempted to join in, please visit our website to find out how you can get involved .’

For more information on volunteering or to see our full list of events please visit:

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/Event/festivals

To find out more about the charity and for support please visit:

www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40

Easter boost for Make 2nds Count

Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity

Breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Easter boost courtesy of Dalkeith Country Park.

The organisation, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is the visitor attraction’s charity partner for 2023 and benefits from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of visitors.

Easter provides the latest chance to support the work of Make 2nds Count, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people.

And Dalkeith Country Park, just outside Edinburgh, has a cracking Easter calendar of events including a fashion show , Easter cookie decorating workshops and its first Duck Race.

Fashionistas can get an exclusive preview of the Restoration Yard’s new spring and summer collection on the evening of March 30. The boutique shopping event, featuring fizz, a goody bag and styling tips straight from the catwalk, also includes a charity raffle for the Karen Henderson Charity Fund, in aid of Make 2nds Count.

A couple of days later, April 1 sees the staging of the inaugural Duck Race when a flock of yellow birds will vie for position on the River Esk, and throughout April 2-14 kids can take part in a hands-on Easter biscuit decorating workshop.

Then on May 4, the Inception Art Show returns to Dalkeith Palace, showcasing a curated collection of artists until May 14. This year, Dalkeith Country Park is delighted to have Anderson Strathern on board as the headline sponsor. The exciting, sales-led contemporary art exhibition launched in 2021. This year 35 modern and contemporary artists, sculptors, photographers and painters have been invited to ‘take over’ The Palace.

As part of the 10-day programme, an online charity art auction will run in partnership with The Auction Collective creating an enticing event when buyers have the chance to bid for works from many of the Inception artists, painters & photographers, whilst supporting Make 2nds Count.

Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, secondary breast cancer is incurable, although it can be treated. Make 2nds Count patient champion, the late Karen Henderson, was a visitor to The Park and is fondly remembered there.

Remko Plooij, Managing Director of Dalkeith Country Park says: “Make 2nds Count was chosen as our charity partner in recognition of the connection between Dalkeith Country Park and Karen Henderson, who was a dearly loved visitor.

“The tireless work that the charity does to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer is outstanding, and we are thrilled to be part of their efforts for this coming year.”

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count: “We rely so heavily on fundraising and donations and are thrilled that Dalkeith Country Park is supporting us.

“It’s wonderful that, at this special time of year, visitors to The Park can also share their fundraising ethos and help make such a difference in the lives of patients and their families.”

Get egg-cited at Dalkeith Country Park

Dalkeith Country Park launches its Easter events and activity programme 1st – 16th April 2023

FREE PICTURE: Dalkeith Country Park Easter Fun Activities Launch, Tue 21/03/2023: Getting egg-cited for Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme of events – Dalkeith Country Park launches its Easter events and activity programme 1 to 16 April 2023: Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme has launched with a huge variety of family events and activities. Including egg hunting, craft workshops, Fort Douglas (playwark) adventures, Bunny Fun Runs and the very first Dalkeith Country Park Duck Race along the River Esk. Pictured chasing the Dalkeith Country Park Easter bunny are (from left) Juliette Thomson (aged seven and from North Berwick), Phoebe Watkins (aged seven), Sadie Watkins (aged four), Alexandra Thomson (aged 11) and Elijah Mitchell (aged nine). (all children pictured with parental permission). More information in accompanying Press Release, visit www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk or from: Amy Redmond, Content & PR Executive, Dalkeith Country Park – 07920 839 344 – aredmond@dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk Photography for Dalkeith Country Park from: Colin Hattersley Photography – www.colinhattersley.com – cphattersley@gmail.com – 07974 957 388.

Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme has officially launched with a huge variety of family events & activities. Create the ultimate Easter holiday day-out filled with egg hunting, craft workshops, Fort Douglas adventures, Bunny Fun Runs and the very first Dalkeith Country Park Duck Race.

The programme launches with the amazing Duck Race along the River Esk, kicking off the Easter holidays. Families can then head out on the Golden Egg Hunt and search The Park for prize winning eggs, or bounce on over to Fort Douglas adventure playground. Finish off the Easter extravaganza hopping off all those chocolate eggs along the 1k or 5k Bunny Fun Run.

The Fort Douglas adventure park hosts an Easter activity area. Little adventurers are invited to hop on in and take part in the scavenger hunt, down slides, along wobbly bridges and flying down zip lines to collect a chocolatey prize. Once the hunt is done, join the bunny helpers to get creative and decorate eggs to hang on the Fort Douglas Easter tree. Children should keep eyes and ears open for an extra special guest who may just hop on in to say hello.

And that’s not all! Restoration Yard will play host to an abundance of workshops for both adults and children. Adults can try their hand at the art of decoupage, creating a beautiful set of six hanging decorations or their very own unique plant pot. Scotts Apothecary are running a Spring Candle Making workshop, producing bespoke hand-poured candles that pack a blissful punch.

Easter workshops for little ones include Spring Storytelling, Easter Cookie Decorating and Easter Craft Workshops. Parents can indulge in some well-deserved ‘me-time’ in The Kitchen or The Store, while little ones enjoy the workshops.

Dalkeith Country Park’s Easter programme begins on Saturday 01 April with events, activities and workshops running throughout the Easter holidays until Sunday 16 April.

Dalkeith Country Park Easter Events Programme

Event	Date(s)	Booking Link
Fort Douglas Easter Activity Area	Saturday 01 – Sunday 16 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/fort-douglas-easter-activities/
Dalkeith Country Park Duck Race	Saturday 01 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/duck-race/
Golden Egg Hunt	Saturday 01 – Sunday 16 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/golden-egg-hunt/
Spring Storytelling	Sunday 02 Apr – Saturday 15 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/spring-storytelling/
Kids’ Easter Cookie Workshop	Sunday 02 Apr – Friday 14 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/kids-easter-cookie-decorating-workshops/
Easter Decoration Workshop	Monday 03 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/easter-decoration-workshop/
Kids’ Easter Craft Workshop	Tuesday 04 Apr – Tuesday 11 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/kids-easter-craft-workshops/
Spring Plant Pot Workshop	Wednesday 05 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/spring-plant-pot-workshop/
Spring Candle Making Workshop	Monday 10 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/spring-candle-making-workshop/
Easter Bunny Fun Run	Sunday 16 Apr	www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/easter-bunny-fun-run/

To book online, visit:

Easter Events Calendar – www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/events/

Food Festival returns to Dalkeith Country Park next weekend

The Great British Food Festival is back this year at the lovely Dalkeith Country Park on the weekend of the 10th & 11th September and it promises to be a fantastic foodie weekend.

Over 75 different traders will be in attendance, amongst them artisan food producers and award winning street food stalls.

Along with wonderful food and drink producers there will be a great line up of local bands, fantastic chef demos, foodie talks, man vs food competitions and a bake stage.

Dan Maycock, one of the organisers said ‘We have got a great mix of local Scottish produce and some coming from further afield. On the hot food front you will be able to try anything from traditional hog roast to Indian and Thai dishes, so hopefully something for all tastes!’

The Chef Demo stage hosts great local chefs and Instagram stars cooking up their favourite dishes and sharing tips, with five demos taking place each day.

One of the highlights is the ‘Great British Cake Off’, where amateur bakers compete head to head in two baking categories (see www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com for details and to enter), and best of all, if you enter a cake you get free entry to the festival!

There is entertainment for all the family over the weekend, including kid’s cookery lessons, free circus skills, and live music. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out for the whole family. See www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com for advanced tickets.

Volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland and enjoy the event for FREE

Are you a fan of 80s music? Child Bereavement UK needs you! The charity is looking for music fans to give 4 hours of their time to volunteer at Let’s Rock Scotland selling wristbands and raffle tickets to raise funds to support its work. In return volunteers get to enjoy the rest of the event free of charge!

The line-up for Let’s Rock Scotland, which takes place on Saturday 18 June 2022 at Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh, includes Squeeze, OMD, Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins), Level 42 and Nick Heyward.

Lorna Murchie, Community Projects Manager for Child Bereavement UK said: ‘This year Child Bereavement UK is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of some of the UK’s most anticipated festivals and gigs.

For more information on volunteering or to see a full list of events please visit:

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/Event/festivals

To find out more about the charity and for support please visit:

www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40

Paddington’s Palace tour – visit the Queen’s favourite bear this summer

This summer, join an immersive adventure in Paddington – Marmalade Messiness – heading to Dalkeith Country Park, Scotland.

Mrs Bird has brought Paddington , and his friend Pigeonton to Dalkeith Palace to show them where the best marmalade is made. Her old friend from school is the Palace Cook and has promised to give Mrs Bird a tour of the Palace kitchens. However, things have gone awry. Mrs Bird can’t seem to find Paddington in the Palace grounds and desperately needs your help to find him!

On this unique adventure, you will explore Dalkeith Country Park locating pawprints, half-eaten marmalade sandwiches and other clues. You’ll meet characters from the famous stories, played by actors and puppeteers, all on a mission to help you locate Paddington.

The Marmalade Messiness immersive adventure takes audiences through the Dalkeith Country Parkgrounds and into the Palace kitchen exploring the treehouse and river along the way. An adventure for all ages!

At the end of this 50-minute adventure, free arts and crafts-based activities and a café, serving both marmalade and non-marmalade-baseddelights, will await explorers in need of a tasty treat.

Created by Histrionic Productions the team behind acclaimed immersive adventure ‘Autumn Treasure Hunt with Percy The Park Keeper’ At Chiswick House & Gardens and ‘The Peter Rabbit^TM Garden Adventure – a live immersive experience’ at Blenheim Palace this summer, Paddington Marmalade Messiness – the immersive adventure opens on July 13^th 2022, playing throughout the summer school holidays and ends on Monday 4^th September 2022.

Created by Sean Holmes (Associate Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, previously Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith) and Jon Bauser (Designer 2012 Paralympic Games opening ceremony, associate artist Royal Shakespeare Company).

Directed by Bethany West (Shakespeare’s Globe, Royal Court London, Bristol Old Vic) with Puppetry by Jimmy Grimes (The Peter Rabbit^TM Garden Adventure, War Horse, The One Hundred and One Dalmatians).

Food Festival comes to Dalkeith Country Park for the first time

The Great British Food Festival is back this year and is visiting Dalkeith Country Park near Edinburgh for the first time on the 11th and 12th September. The event runs all weekend from 10am-5pm.

After missing 2020 because of the pandemic, the organisers say they can’t wait to be back doing events and are looking forward to bringing their food festival to the area for the first time.

Dan Maycock, one of the organising team said: “Tickets have been selling really well and we are really looking forward to a fantastic foodie weekend”.

Dan added that there is a lot for all the family: “we have lots of great food and drink, chef demos and talks but also forager walks, kids entertainment and great live music, and free parking with your festival ticket.”

The fantastic live music has a play list packed full of local bands and artists, so you can do some shopping, grab some food and then have a well-earned relax with a local beer listening to some great live entertainment all within the beautiful grounds at Dalkeith Country Park.

The events is the perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out where the whole family ‘bubble’ can get together, visit www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com for more details and tickets (some time slots are now sold out, so book quick!).