Sound and light show launches children’s competition to voice major event
The Enchanted Forest sound and light show is launching a competition to find a child who can lend their voice to the award-winning event. Auditions are open for the Voice of The Enchanted Forest competition, which is calling for children aged between 5 and 12 to record a script to be used during the month-long event at Pitlochry’s Faskally Wood this October. The winning Voice will appear in a recording to be played to tens of thousands of visitors as they travel by bus from Pitlochry to the forest for the event, which organisers expect to be another sell-out. The Voice will welcome visitors to the forest and remind them of some important health and safety messages. The competition is being run in conjunction with Bauer Radio and its Radio Tay, Radio Forth and Radio Clyde stations. The winner will record a pre-written script at one of the three radio stations, get VIP access to the station, and be guest of honour at the show’s special preview night on 27th September. This year’s Enchanted Forest show, Oir an Uisge, runs from September 28th to October 29th 2017. Event organisers The Enchanted Forest Community Trust have released a record 72,000 tickets for Oir an Uisge, which are already selling fast. The organisers fully expect the show to sell out before opening night for the first time in its history. Ian Sim, chairman of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Families and children are crucial to the success of The Enchanted Forest, which is why we’re delighted to be running this competition along with Bauer Radio. We’re looking for a child with a voice that’s friendly, fun and assertive so that visitors will sit up and take notice as they’re bused to the event. The winner will get a sneak preview of the event, and some VIP treatment from us and our radio partners.” Kelly Murdoch, sales and events coordinator with Bauer Radio, said:”The Enchanted Forest is a mainstay of Scotland’s events calendar so we’re excited to be on board with them for this unique competition. We can’t wait to hear from all the talented kids out there and also to invite them behind the scenes to one of our radio stations. We just hope they don’t put our DJs out of a job!” To enter the competition, call 01738 400140 and follow the audition instructions or go to www.tayfm.co.uk, www.forth1.com and www.clyde1.com. Details are also at www.enchantedforest.org.uk. The competition runs until midnight on September 12th. Tickets and more information on The Enchanted Forest are available on www.enchantedforest.org.uk
Forest school outdoor learning
The Hideout House Company have created a new range of outdoor classrooms and shelters to complement the forest school revolution As the Forest Schools programme spreads to more and more UK schools and is becoming ever more popular within both rural and urban educational environments, the Hideout House Company is now offering a creative and comprehensive range of products which complement this theme. The principal theme or philosophy being to encourage and inspire individuals of any age range through an innovative and long term approach to outdoor learning in a woodland or outside environment. These products range from making dens from a living wall tipi where you can grow climbing planters up the side, building fire-pits, “pods” to be used for both teaching and shelter, eco outdoor classroom buildings with renewable energy and water harvesting systems, fire pit shelters with a hole in the roof to allow for smoke ventilation, pop-up tents (which can be personalised with on canvas printing) and dipping bug zone ponds. A new entry to the range is a nature watch hut or hide. The nature watch hut allows children to get up close and personal with nature and wildlife and to observe it at first hand without causing a major disturbance. By doing this, they then form an appreciation of nature and an understanding of what we need to do to protect it for now and future generations. The children can also use the RSPB activity pack and we also supply bird boxes and a feeding station to ensure that the children see plenty of activity. The nature watch hut gives children plenty of opportunity to learn about animals, conservation and growing things whilst also being a part of it in a tranquil environment. We appreciate that every Forest Schools setting is unique and that a school needs a design plan to meet the needs of the group and to fit the environment that they have to work in. For more information, please contact Simon Fearnehough on 01865 858982 or e-mail: simon@hideouthouse.com Web address: http://www.hideouthouse.com/school-playground-products/forest-schools-2/
Mayor’s Fund for London supports legal education project with primary schools in London
Almost 1000 primary school pupils have gained an insight into the workings of the justice system through taking part in the Mayor’s Fund for London Theatre of Law project during this academic year. This innovative legal education project is delivered by the National Centre for Citizenship and the Law (NCCL) who have an education team based at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The project works with primary school pupils from London and aims to improve students’ understanding of the law and the contemporary justice system. The project consists of two days – one at school and one at the Royal Courts of Justice. At the start of the project, pupils are asked to consider how much they know about what happens to someone who breaks the law and how much they know about the different people who work within the legal system. This is then reassessed at the end of the project, usually resulting in a positive increase in knowledge, awareness and aspirations to see the law and related areas as a future career possibility. Matthew Patten, CEO Mayor’s fund for London said: “Working with young people to understand the law and their role in society at an early age is essential to ensure they play a full part in London’s future. Theatre of Law meets this need and promotes social and emotional skills that underpin effective learning and positive behaviour.” During the Mayor’s Fund for London Theatre of Law project, pupils work on creative crime stories inspired by real cases, learn about the consequences of crime, write scripts to prepare for their mock trial at the Royal Courts of Justice and debate punishments. The project aims to improve participants’ knowledge and understanding of the justice system and the consequences of what happens when someone breaks the law. It helps pupils gain an insight into the workings of the justice system and the roles of legal professionals, encouraging students to raise their aspirations to see the law and related areas as a future career possibility. Pollie Shorthouse, Executive Director, NCCL said: “The professional environment of the Royal Courts of Justice is an ideal venue for this project and allows pupils to learn more about crime and punishment and the legal system as they explore real courtrooms. The Mayor’s Fund for London Theatre of Law project provides opportunities to enhance knowledge and understanding of the law among young Londoners and to raise aspirations. This is something we are very passionate about.” One primary school participant told the NCCL team that through the project they had learned: “How many people can be affected by a crime… I didn’t understand how serious crime can be”. Theatre of Law participants are encouraged to develop a variety of important life, literacy and social skills through their involvement in the project. This includes attainment in spoken language, reading and writing, analysis, confidence, public speaking, debating and team work. The project also includes a set of comprehensive resources for schools to use throughout and legal education experts from NCCL are on hand to support and guide pupils in all activities. A teacher from Parkwood Primary School, London stated that the best part of the project was that: “It helped the children to understand the legal process – and getting to see a real court was fantastic. It was also very good that the judge who spoke to us was female.” This helps reduce stereotypes. Another teacher from Roe Green Primary School, London commented: “We really enjoy it and find that it gives the children a really clear idea of law and how the court works.” Schools interested in taking part in future Theatre of Law workshops should contact: london@nccl.org.uk or call 0207 947 7047. Theatre of Law is available for primary schools across London with above average free school meal eligibility. The project is funded by the Mayor’s Fund for London which means that schools only have to contribute £9 per pupil.
Looking after sports equipment – How to reduce risk, prolong product life and save money
For over 12 years, Mark Harrod Ltd has been manufacturing and supplying a wide range of sports products to clubs, associations and schools with quality football goals and sporting equipment. As well as manufacturing and supplying the equipment, the team offers installation, maintenance and servicing support for its customers to help them ensure that the equipment remains safe in use for years to come. Mike Bugajski, has been visiting customers for 10 years to check that the products are being installed and maintained correctly and is concerned to find that, more often than not, basic guidelines are not being followed which could result in injury or damage to the product. Taking goal posts as an example, injuries are completely preventable if they are installed correctly, inspected regularly and used appropriately. Mike said: “All of our products are supplied with a general maintenance and safety guide outlining how products should be installed and checked. Health and safety is of upmost importance to any club, school or association offering sporting facilities and it’s their responsibility to provide equipment that is fit for purpose and maintained to the required standard. “None of the customers that I visit would refute this but they don’t always realise that by regularly checking their equipment, not only keeps it safe and in good working order, it saves them money too. I often go on site visits to find football posts that have been installed incorrectly to start with. Not only could this create a health and safety hazard, it could put pressure on the component parts and damage them requiring them to be replaced – an expense that could have been simply avoided by following the installation guide correctly. Similarly, I sometimes find that posts have been dragged along the ground instead of dropping down the wheels that have been specifically designed to make moving large, heavy equipment easier – again resulting in parts needing replacing. The examples are endless. “Of course, it is sometimes difficult for equipment to be monitored 24/7, especially if it is used out of hours by third parties and may be misused resulting in damage. However, these instances make the need for regular inspections even more important as the group/individual allowing their equipment to be used could be liable for any injuries sustained. Lack of respect for the equipment is out of our customers’ control but ultimately it will have implications for the ongoing safety of the products in question.” Mark Harrod Ltd can ease the burden of keeping an eye on equipment and provide customers with peace of mind, ensuring that goal posts and other equipment remain fit for purpose and safe to use. The general maintenance and safety guide provided with all Mark Harrod Ltd goal post products covers assembly, dismantling, checking, anchoring, moving and storage as well as inspection sheets for recording all observations made and for keeping as evidence of best practice. Service and Maintenance Contracts are available at an additional cost which ensure sports equipment at customers’ premises conforms to the BS8461:2012 Code of Practice, BS748:2004 AND BS8462:2012. Visit www.markharrod.com to download a copy of the maintenance and safety guide and to view the product range or call 01502 710039 to discuss the services available in more detail. Twitter – https://twitter.com/markharrodltd Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/markharrodlimited Customer testimonial: The goals for my club Bradenham Wanderers FC arrived, and I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for the wonderful service from start to finish, if only every company could operate a customer service like yours, life would be so easy. 5 star performance, or 10 out of 10 ,what ever way you look at it, the experience of dealing with you guys has been a pleasure. Harry Murfet Basic Maintenance and Safety Tips: • Always use manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations when assembling equipment • Check equipment a minimum of once a week and ALWAYS before any game or training activity • All equipment should be weighted and /or anchored at all times • Never drag equipment across the ground. This could cause damage to the product and the surface, whether natural or synthetic