Veggie Event sees massive rise in interest since Horseburger Scandal!

 

One of Europe’s biggest veggie events, VegfestUK Brighton, held at The Hove Centre on March 16^th and 17^th, has seen a massive rise in interest since the breaking of the Horseburger scandal, with all stall space sold out a month before the event; website hits have more than tripled year on year, and Facebook and Twitter activity has gone through the roof as vast sectors of the UK look towards veggie options to replace processed meat and ready meals.

‘It’s incredible’, say the organisers of this weekends’ event. ‘Literally since the day the news broke about what they were finding in the food chain, we have seen a surge of interest in every way. There are especially a lot of new businesses springing up that cater for veggies and it seems most of them are sensing an opportunity to reach more potential customers very quickly right now, which would explain why we have sold out of all available stall space for the first time ever – and that was a month ago.’

‘We are expecting capacity crowds at the event and especially a big rise in the ‘meat reducers’ – those looking for veggie options but not necessarily wanting to go veggie – just ditch the horseburgers and get some decent healthy options instead. VegfestUK Brighton is the right event for people like this right now. You can sample the best, for free, and buy at discount prices, whilst accessing cookery demos, talks and a host of other information about the veggie lifestyle, in a friendly, relaxed and fun environment. Vegfest rocks!’

The show is opened by BBC Radio 2 presenter Janey Lee Grace, and other celebrities including Sara Jane Honeywell (CBeebies), Roxy Shahidi (ex Emmerdale actress) and Dean Howell (Fleetwood Town FC) will be joined by a host of other top speakers and performers, including comedy hours each day with Andrew O’Neill and Sarah Pascoe. Admission to the public is completely free, and you can access more information about the event by downloading the free event programme here http://brighton.vegfest.co.uk/programme

VegfestUK events continue during 2013 with their tenth birthday party at Bristol in May, with the Happy Mondays and Caravan Palace, and a new show in London at Olympia in October with comedians Dave Spikey and Jamie Kilstein – see www.vegfest.co.uk for more information about both these shows.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE!

Forget splashing the cash on expensive perfume or flowers this Mother’s day, as simple quality time with the family is the one thing mums want most this year.

A family day out came out top in a poll of over 3,000 British mums, with a quarter of women preferring to spend time with their loved ones over more traditional Mother’s day gifts like flowers or chocolates. In fact, ‘the best things in life are free’ seems to be mums’ mantra overall with a lie in coming second place followed by a housework free day, and breakfast in bed being fourth favourite.

 Lisa Penney, spokesmum for Bounty Parenting Club, which carried out the survey said: “With today’s lifestyles more hectic than ever it’s understandable that all time-poor and cash-strapped mums really want is quality time spent with their families as opposed to gifts.” “The results just go to show it’s the thought that counts – and this is what mother’s day should be all about, showing mums they’re appreciated and loved.” “And the great news for dads is that things like letting mums have a lie in or helping out with the housework is easy on the pocket too!”

Rather surprisingly, expensive perfume actually makes third place in the Mother’s day least wanted list – perhaps because mums are conscious of the money ‘wasted’ on frivolous gifts in these times of financial restrain. And unfortunately for dad it looks like ‘the best things in life are free’ mantra doesn’t ring true where romance is involved – with only 3% of mums choosing sex on a Sunday morning as their mother’s day treat!

MOTHER’S DAY MOST WANTED

1.      A family day out
2.      A lie in until I’m ready to get up
3.      No housework/chores
4.      Breakfast in bed
5.      A bouquet of flowers

MOTHER’S DAY LEAST WANTED

1.      A gadget free day
2.      Pyjama day
3.      Perfume
4.      Sex
5.      A day to myself

The ChildLine Schools Service needs volunteers in Sussex

Following its national launch at the end of last year, ChildLine is now rolling out a new programme in Sussex, to help younger children’s understanding of abuse and how they can stay safe. Using assemblies and workshops delivered by volunteers, ChildLine will help children recognise situations where they may need help and tell them how to access support. Sessions are sensitively tailored to ensure topics are covered in a way which children understand.

All children have the right to be happy and safe, but many suffer abuse in silence, unable to speak out. The ChildLine Schools Service is aimed at primary age children, particularly focusing on nine to 11 year olds, and aims to help them understand what abuse is,including bullying, how to protect themselves and where to get help and support if needed.

The ChildLine Schools Service needs volunteers to deliver assemblies at local schools followed by an interactive workshop a week later.

The presentations and messages delivered at schools have been developed alongside children, parents, carers and teachers. They are sensitive, age appropriate and engaging. The Service is provided free of charge and focuses on primary school children, aged nine to 11 years old.  By 2016, the ChildLine Schools Service aims to visit every primary school in the UK at least every two years.  

Full volunteer training and support is provided by ChildLine, alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to local children as part of a committed team. Interviews will take place in Brighton on 17 and 18 April and training will start for successful applicants on 22 May.

Amanda Rocca, ChildLine Area Co-ordinator for Sussex, said: “Research undertaken by the NSPCC shows that the majority of children who contact ChildLine for advice, information and support are over 11 years old.  However we know that the majority of children who are subject to a child protection plan are under the age of 11. 

“These younger children are not connected so much with the outside world. In fact, their world is quite small. So if abuse is happening to them at that age, then it’s very difficult for children to speak up. That’s why we want to educate children earlier and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe or seek help if they need it.”

In keeping with ChildLine’s long history of volunteering, the schools service will be led by volunteers. They will be trained to deliver safeguarding assemblies and interactive workshops. All materials will be provided and volunteers will be given regular training and support. 

Amanda Rocca continued: “What’s key about our Schools Service is that we need a great team of volunteers. It is very much about mobilising the community and to make child protection everyone’s responsibility.”

First piloted in 2010, there are two phases to the new service. The first is a school assembly that provides definitions of abuse, places to go for help and an introduction to ChildLine.  The second phase takes place one to two weeks later and is an interactive classroom-based workshop where the messages are reinforced.

  

Find out more…

For more information about volunteering for the ChildLine Schools Service, please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/schoolsservice, or view the latest recruitment video at www.nspcc.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-your-time/help-in-schools/schools-service-volunteer_wda85310.html.

WWF ambassadors lend their voices for Earth Hour 2013

Three well known ambassadors for WWF have come together to record special edition audiobooks for children, and grownups alike, to enjoy during this year’s Earth Hour. The exclusive audiobooks have been recorded for families to listen to during the world's biggest switch off.
 

As the lights go out for Earth Hour, actress Miranda Richardson, ‘Grand Designs’ TV presenter Kevin McCloud and comedian Alistair McGowan will bring to life Rudyard Kipling’s famous ‘Just So’ stories.  Eight of the classic childhood stories will be voiced, including favourites such as ‘How the Camel Got His Hump’ and ‘How the Leopard Got His Spots’.

WWF’s Earth Hour - which takes place on Saturday 23rd March 2013 this year - is a popular date in the diary for friends and families to show their support for the planet by switching off the lights for one hour.

Those taking part in this global event can gather round in candle-light to enjoy enchanting stories that have captured the imaginations of young and old for more than a century.     

 WWF ambassador Miranda Richardson said: "Earth Hour is a time for families to come together and show their support for the planet and it’s also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy quality family time.

“Story telling is one of the oldest forms of family entertainment and these recordings are a novel and entertaining way to spend Earth Hour together and introduce a new generation to these classic captivating tales.”

Last year’s Earth Hour was the biggest yet and saw a staggering 6,950 towns and cities in more than 152 countries take part. An estimated eight million Brits will be joining in for the world’s biggest switch-off this year.

From a single domestic light bulb to giant iconic illuminations such as Big Ben, the Taj Mahal and the Sydney Opera House, Earth Hour demonstrates a determination to help protect the planet.

Rachel Bloodworth, spokesperson for WWF said “The aim of Earth Hour is for people to show their support for our amazing planet and raise awareness of the world’s energy consumption.

“It’s a great excuse to take a step back from the hectic pace of modern life and those taking part can embrace a simpler and more rewarding way to spend time together such a good old fashion story telling session. ”

WWF ambassador Alistair McGowan said: “These captivating childhood tales conjure up all sorts of strange and wondrous animals in people’s imaginations, bringing the stories to life. But amazing creatures don’t just live in books. Our planet is home to so many incredible species and unique places - but they need protecting. WWF's Earth Hour is your chance to show you care about the state of our planet and the natural world.  Even small steps can help like keeping your energy use to a minimum throughout the year to save precious resources and stop our planet warming unnecessarily - which threatens the survival of every species on Earth, including Man. Together we can make Earth Hour into a way of life not just a gesture.”

WWF ambassador Kevin McCloud said: “Surely every parent in the land enjoys reading a great bedtime story just as much as the kids enjoy listening to it and these unique tales are such a fun way to spend Earth Hour.  So it doesn’t matter if you're five or 50, just make sure you sign up, switch off and relax with the family for one hour, to show you care about the future of our planet.”

In the week leading up to WWF’s Earth Hour: Miranda, Kevin and Alistair’s audio recordings will be available to download for people who sign up to Earth Hour from Saturday 16th March: www.wwf.org.uk/justsostories 

However, sneak preview material will be available from Monday 4^th March 2013 at: www.wwf.org.uk/earthhourstories

For more information and other ideas on how you can show your support for the planet on Saturday 23^rd March please visit www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour    

BOOK YOUR PLACE FOR THE BIGGEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH!

- World Book Day’s online children’s literary festival returns on 7th March

- TV’s Tony Robinson to host 2013 event

- Picturehouse to screen in cinemas across the UK for schools

A show-stopping line-up of authors and illustrators will be beamed live to the world’s homes, schools, bookshops and libraries when The Biggest Book Show on Earthreturns for World Book Day 2013 on 7thMarch.

The event, to be hosted by renowned children’s writer and TV presenter Tony Robinson, will see a stellar line-up of bestselling authors and illustrators join the UK’s original online live-streamed festival celebrating books and reading for youngsters.

Broadcast live from the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, it will include Horrid Henry author Francesca Simon showing how to bring characters to life and ‘grand dame’ of children’s literature Shirley Hughes explaining how to use illustrations.

Also taking to the stage to offer their insightsto children to help them improve their writing will be Lauren Child (Ruby Redfort),Liz Pichon (Tom Gates), Cathy Cassidy (The Chocolate Box Girls) and Anthony Horowitz (Diamond Brothers), while illustrators Rachel Bright and Guy Parker-Rees will demonstrate how to draw characters and book covers.

For the first time, The Biggest Book Show On Earth will also be broadcast live into various cinemas around the UK, including twenty Picturehouse Cinemas, ten Cineworld and seven independent cinemas.  Attending schools will be able to enjoy exclusive extras including a reading by Francesca Simon of an extract from her forthcoming book Horrid Henry’s Nightmare,a Q&A with the authors from the Show and book prizes for pupils who come dressed up as their favourite characters.

Taking part couldn’t be easier – simply visit www.worldbookday.com to register for FREE and check your technical set-up before the big day. Children from all over the world can watch online while parents, teachers and librarians are able to download resources and ideas to help young audiences join in the fun and read along.

Schools parties wishing to attend a Picturehouse Cinemas screening can visit www.picturehouses.co.uk. Tickets are £2.50 per pupil, with accompanying adults going free.

The Show will air live over the internet from11am to midday on 7th March, and be available to watch on-demand via the website from the following day.

Kirsten Grant, Director of World Book Day, said: "We are very excited about the fantastic bill for this year’s event. The Biggest Book Show on Earth is a great way of introducing children all over the world to the country’s best authors and illustrators. We can't wait to spark the imaginations of millions of children!"

Marc Allenby, Head of Commercial Development at Picturehouse, said: “We are delighted to bring World Book Day to cinemas up and down the country. Engaging with local schools and the community is key for our cinemas. Picturehouse Cinemas have been pioneers in Alternative Content, with literary events such as the Man Booker Prize event and the live Stephen Fry reading among recent events.”

Half a million children from more than 75 countries logged on to watch the Show in 2012, which this year is just one of a number of events and activities in schools, bookshops and libraries set to excite youngsters about books and reading for World Book Day 2013.

Eight new books including titles by performers from this year’s Biggest Book Show on Earth line-up can be exchanged for free with a special £1 World Book Day Book Token being handed out in schools and nurseries this month. And by downloading the World Book Day‘Books Alive’ app to a smartphone, children can watch their £1 Book Tokens and £1 books come to life through augmented reality technology.

Older readers can meanwhile join The Word Herd, a new scheme encouraging teens to share their passion for reading with their peers. They will also be able to access exclusive new digital-only content from popular teen writers including Patrick Ness, Dawn O’ Porter and Alex Scarrow via a brand new app for iOS and Android, powered by teen social reading and writing community, Movellas.

Visit www.worldbookday.com for more information, the latest news and to subscribe to the free monthly World Book Day e-newsletter.