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A West Yorkshire team of field service engineers was full of praise after using the corporate facilities at a South Leeds adventure park recently. Paul Biltcliffe, Team Manager at Sky, took 14 colleagues to Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre for a team-building adventure day. The team spent the morning having a team meeting in one of the bespoke cabins on the four-acre site before heading outside to experience the challenge of the High Ropes and the Tower Jump Pillow. Feeding back to the team at Mission Out, Mr. Biltcliffe said: “The cabin was ideal for us, and it made a really big change to a normal meeting room in a hotel or pub we would usually be in. Everything we needed was there, the screen was spot on, the layout of the room was perfect, and the food was freshly cooked and filling. “The support the Mission Out squad gave us on the High Ropes and the Jump Pillow was awesome. There were lots of people to support us and really helped the afternoon flow. "The encouragement given to one of my team who was struggling to make the jump was brilliant and, in the end, they managed to complete the task. Everyone loved the day and really got a lot from it. Thanks to you and your team for making it so memorable for us all.” Duty Manager at Mission Out, Gemma Simpson was delighted with the feedback: “Whether you are looking for an off-site meeting space, active challenge for your team or a day filled with outdoor learning through adventure, we worked with Sky to build a bespoke experience for their business. “If you’re looking to strengthen bonds, boost productivity or foster innovation, our team-building programmes are designed by experts and tailored to meet your specific goals. Our dynamic and interactive activities encourage strategic thinking, problem-solving and effective leadership. With our experienced facilitators guiding the way, your team will embark on a journey of growth and discovery, unlocking hidden talents and building trust along the way in a unique adventure park environment.” Mission Out offers a choice of modern, fully equipped and flexible meeting spaces as a base for corporate activities. The heated meeting spaces include plasma screens, flipcharts, notepads, pens and pencils plus refreshments. Packages start from £25 per person. Designed to appeal to families, groups and parties as well as corporate customers, Mission Out also features giant swings, den-building and adventure golf among its many activities. Tingley Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family that comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres.

Cycle to Work Day is set to take place on Thursday 3rd August this year. Almost two thirds of employees in the UK have access to the Cycle to Work Scheme, a fantastic initiative promoting cycling as a healthy and eco-friendly commuting option. However, surprisingly, only 1 in 4 eligible employees are currently making use of this incredible opportunity. This data prompts to reflect on the untapped potential of the Cycle to Work Scheme and the numerous benefits it brings to individuals and businesses alike. “There are many benefits of cycling to work. Whether you are looking to brighten up your mood, reduce your environmental impact or escape traffic jams, Cycle to Work Day is an ideal day to start” says Alex Bennett, Head of Marketing at cycleGuard . The greener mode of transport together with the investment in cycling infrastructure across cities in the UK contributes to many environmental benefits: Air Pollution Cycling to work offers a compelling solution to reducing air pollution. By opting for two wheels instead of four, commuters significantly decrease the emissions of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases that motor vehicles release into the atmosphere. Unlike cars, bicycles produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they do not degrade air quality. Moreover, cycling helps to improve traffic congestion, which is a major contributor to air pollution in cities. As more people choose to pedal to work, the overall number of cars on the road decreases, leading to smoother traffic flow. In fact, as 98% of commuter cyclists are willing to cycle in the rain, they make a positive impact in reducing air pollution levels, ultimately contributing to cleaner, healthier, and more breathable urban environments for everyone. Noise Pollution Unlike motor vehicles, bicycles operate silently. By choosing to cycle instead of drive, commuters help create quieter streets and neighbourhoods. This reduction in noise pollution not only contributes to a more peaceful and pleasant urban atmosphere but also benefits people’s well-being. Carbon Footprint According to Cycling UK, making a simple yet significant change by swapping just one trip a week from driving to cycling can lead to a remarkable yearly reduction of half a tonne of CO2 emissions. However, the real potential lies in cycling more regularly, as this increases the positive impact on one's carbon footprint. By pedalling to work as a daily commute, cyclists become active participants in combatting climate change. Sustainability Commitment Encouraging employees to cycle to work not only demonstrates a company’s dedication to the environment but also boosts their reputation. This collective effort enhances their image as an environmentally responsible organisation, appealing to clients, stakeholders, and potential employees. By promoting cycling as an eco-friendly choice, the company raises pride among its workforce and contributes to a greener future for all. But as Bennett concludes: “It is important to consider that cycling to work should not only be done on Cycle to Work Day, but all year round."

In the digital age wherein almost everything can be done from our phones – including making payments – and contactless bank cards have become synonymous with the shopping experience, the time wherein consumers opted to pay in cash has seen its heyday come and go. But just how popular have cashless payments become? In a new research report published by one-stop business comparison website BusinessComparison , the most recent data from across the globe was gathered alongside a survey of 2,000 UK adults to determine how often people pay using cash, and which payment types are the most commonly used. The research found that, overall, Europe had seen 180,147 million cashless payments in 2020. The continent recorded the third-highest volume of cashless payments at the time of the data being collected, accounting for 20% of all global cashless payments. In terms of the United Kingdom, the country recorded 30,914 million payments during the 12-month period, of which, 20,722 million were cashless – making up 67% of total payments for the UK. Broken down per capita, this amounted to 455.32 cashless payments per person in 2020, with the United Kingdom recording a population size of over 67 million people at the time. Whilst the research clearly indicated that cashless payments have grown exponentially in popularity, BusinessComparison wanted to know which cashless payments had come out on top – debit/credit cards, or digital wallets. The UK recorded 17,522 million debit card payments, alongside 2,851 million credit card payments and 345 million delayed debit card payments. Interestingly, no records for digital wallet payments were found at the time of the data collection. From the data collected, it was clear that debit card payments were the most prominent form of cashless payment. With cashless payments rapidly becoming so popular, what has become of traditional cash? BusinessComparison surveyed 2,000 UK adults to find out more about their cash-spending habits. Consumers were asked when they had last paid using cash, where the cash was spent, and what had prompted them to use cash rather than a cashless method. Interestingly, the survey found that cash was still being used relatively often in the UK. 44% of respondents said that they had paid in cash within the last week, with a further 17% using cash in the last two weeks. An additional 13% reported paying in cash within the last month. 1% of respondents had never paid using cash. Unsurprisingly, many of these respondents were between the ages of 18-24 (8%). In particular, 62% of respondents from Wales had paid in cash within the last week, alongside 51% from the North West. In comparison, 24% of respondents in the North East and 20% in Northern Ireland had used cash within the last month. When asked where they had last paid using cash, it was hospitality that came out on top. 11% of respondents said they had been in a cafe or deli, with 9% spending cash in a restaurant. Other common locations for physical cash to be spent included: Charity shop (9%) Farmer’s market (7%) Pub (6%) Butcher’s shop or fishmongers (5%) Finally, BusinessComparison wanted to know why consumers were choosing to pay using cash. For many, it was a matter of necessity. Almost 30% said they had used cash as they were only making a small purchase (29%), with another 29% saying they were using up cash they already had on them. Other common reasons for paying in cash included: The business only accepted cash (15%) Technical issues meant only cash could be used (7%) Prefer paying in cash (17%) Most notably, just 17% of respondents said they prefer paying in cash – highlighting how much attitudes towards cash payments have changed. A vast majority of respondents had spare cash to use up (29%) with just under 30% using cash to make small purchases (29%). 22% of respondents from the West Midlands said they preferred paying in cash, alongside 20% from the East of England. Philip Brennan, Founder and MD at BusinessComparison, commented on the research: “In recent years, we’ve seen cash payments become increasingly undesirable, whether due to inconvenience or something else. Cashless payments have quickly risen in popularity to become the most predominant form of in-person payment." “As well as highlighting the global success of cashless payments, our research shows how cash payment trends vary in different parts of the UK, with Wales and the North West making notable contributions to the growing popularity of convenient cashless payments." "It's clear that savvy UK consumers understand the benefits of cashless payment methods, making it essential for businesses to cater to their preferences."

The Rock On Wood live music festival is set to return to the White Hart Pub in Loughborough from 21-23 July 2023. It will bring together the greatest local bands from the area for a weekend of live music to support mental health in the community. The free music festival will raise money for Leicestershire-based mental health charity, Lamp. This will be the music festival’s second year after raising £850 for Lamp last year. The event is entirely run by volunteers including organising, running and performing. Performers at this year’s festival include Union State Hands, Hulot!, F’uke FighTers, New Age Grace and Talking With Ghosts on Friday. Pogo, Dreadnought, Heather McDowall, The Mighty Quinn, Fatzorro & Sparky, The Stop Startz, Rob Newton and John Cunliffe on Saturday. Shanty Folk, Hartland Country Band, Matt Keneson, 7th Chords and Groby Tuesdays complete the line-up on Sunday. Tom Lakesman, Rock On Wood organiser, said: “We are set for our Rock On Wood event to take place again this July to support Lamp. Mental health is something that affects many people within our community therefore we would like to support Lamp in providing services for those that need support.” Vicki Standing, Fundraising and Relationships Manager for Lamp, added: “We are overwhelmed that Rock on Wood are supporting Lamp again this year. The funds raised will help us continue supporting people within the communities of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland. We hope that those who are attending have a great weekend of live music while supporting our cause.”

Following a period of uncertainty about the future of the Cobham Bookshop, we have great news to share. A group of local residents have managed to secure a new long term lease on the premises at 12a Anyards Road in order to keep the much loved shop going which will see an independent bookshop remaining on the High Street for years to come. Jane Black, a long-time local resident who has spearheaded the campaign is delighted with the outcome, adding : “The Cobham Bookshop has been an integral part of the High Street for as long as any of us can remember and it would be a sad day for our community if it were ever to close. We are delighted to be playing our part in keeping it open.” Lou Morana, a fellow Cobham resident, added: “We saw a great groundswell of support for the shop when it looked like it was going to close, and that helped us to believe that it has a long term future in the High Street. We hope to harness that energy going forward and continue to service the needs of all generations of our reading community in the years to come.” The Bookshop will close for a few days from 31st July for restocking and some minor maintenance, but it will be business as usual from 6th August. The shop’s manager, Bryony South said: “We will reopen on Sunday 6th, though our website will remain available throughout, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter in our shop’s life. I am really excited that we have managed to find new owners for the bookshop and look forward to welcoming new and existing customers. Please pop in and say hello!” For enquiries please contact them via email on info@thecobhambookshop.co.uk or visit their website here

Leicester City striker George Hirst has completed a permanent transfer to Sky Bet Championship side Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee, subject to league approval. The 24-year-old former England youth international spent the second half of last season on loan with the Tractor Boys as they secured automatic promotion to the second tier – scoring seven goals in all competitions. Hirst, who also enjoyed loan spells with Rotherham United, Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers since signing for the Foxes in the summer 2019, made his Leicester City debut in a July 2020 Premier League fixture away to Tottenham Hotspur. George leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the Football Club for his future career.

Scottish Gas, part of Centrica, the largest home energy supplier in the UK, has partnered with Scottish Rugby to help the rugby community across Scotland reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. The deal will involve more than 130 active clubs in all five playing regions of Scotland and could reduce energy consumption by over 50%. The partnership is set to act as a catalyst for all communities to start transforming their buildings into healthier, more comfortable, more resilient places to work and play on the journey to zero-emissions. A central initiative of the partnership is a £2million joint investment in the Club & Community Net Zero Fund across the five-year deal. Clubs will receive free tailored energy efficiency advice and access grants from the fund to help pay for improvements. Scottish Gas will use Scotland’s largest clubhouse, Murrayfield, as a leading example by providing expert support and advice in order to identify and potentially fund future energy efficiency infrastructure projects. And it’s not just the nation’s 47,000 rugby players that will benefit - by working directly with clubs, the partnership aims to engage communities across Scotland to deliver on the Scottish Government’s net zero ambitions for 2045. Championing Scotland Women The deal will support all areas of the game, including the Women’s game through shirt sponsorship for the Scotland Women’s squad as they begin preparations for the new WXV tournament later this year, as well as supporting age grade squads within the women’s development pathway. Hive, the UK’s leading smart energy platform, will become the naming partner for Edinburgh Rugby’s home, where both they and Scotland Women play domestic fixtures, which will become the Hive Stadium. In addition, Scottish Gas will become naming partners of Murrayfield Stadium and provide a decarbonisation plan and greener energy supply for the entire Murrayfield Estate from solar, wind, hydro power and biogas. Starting with the upcoming international match when Scotland play Italy on 29 July, the stadium’s official name will be ‘Scottish Gas Murrayfield’. Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, owner of Scottish Gas, said: “By partnering with Scottish Rugby, we are supporting communities across Scotland to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills, supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero ambitions. Our Club and Community Net Zero Fund gives clubs a much-needed boost, making rugby greener as a sport and freeing up more resources to develop the grass roots game. We are particularly excited about our partnership with Scotland Women.” Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive Mark Dodson hailed the deal as “ground-breaking for our sport” and a significant boost to the organisation’s ambitions around the ESG agenda (Environmental, Societal and Governance) to make a real contribution to creating a greener, cleaner and healthier Scotland, where we can look to the future with increasing confidence." “Scottish Rugby is starting out on an important journey towards becoming even more energy efficient and is ready to take on its responsibility and play its part in the country’s transition to a lower-carbon future. “This deal is therefore important in both a sporting and societal context. Unquestionably, it helps to future proof rugby in Scotland for the next generation through significant investment and also the contribution and impact Scottish Gas will be having within our community clubs. Our vision, at the time of cost-of-living challenges for clubs and households, is to provide meaningful support and funding to clubs and communities throughout Scotland." “This partnership with Scottish Gas will help accelerate our ESG strategy and implementation as we work to fulfil our ultimate ambition: to become a leading global rugby union in the path towards sustainability. We are looking forward to working with Scottish Gas and welcoming them into our family of principal partners, alongside BT, Macron and Peter Vardy.” Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition, Mairi McAllan, said: “The race to net zero is one that we must all win. It will continue to be driven by government, but it cannot happen without all of us – individuals, communities and businesses – taking steps as part of a national effort to tackle the climate emergency." “The sporting sector has a significant role to play within this and I welcome the leadership shown by Scottish Rugby and Scottish Gas in setting up this initiative. It’s not only great to hear plans for the home of Scottish rugby to be decarbonised; rugby clubs are an important part of our communities right across Scotland and this partnership therefore offers very exciting opportunities for thousands of people to play their part in increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs.” Jamie Farndale, Scottish Rugby’s Sustainability Ambassador and current GB 7s player, said: “The scale of the challenge of getting to net zero by 2045 is huge. I believe sport has a big role to play and can use its platform to support people in lowering their carbon footprints. This partnership, working with local clubs, is a perfect way in which Scottish Rugby can act as a trusted messenger and have a positive impact in communities throughout Scotland.”

A record number of Leeds College of Building students have been selected for the national final of SkillBuild 2023 - the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild showcases some of the brightest talent. Highly skilled learners and apprentices go head-to-head to be crowned winner of their chosen trade. Scores were tallied following the conclusion of the regional qualifiers and nine Leeds College of Building students selected for the national competition. This is the most finalists the College has ever had shortlisted and is the largest cohort from any single college in the UK. Fifteen regional qualifiers took place across the UK, with Leeds College of Building hosting the final West Yorkshire regional event across North Street and Southbank Campuses on 29 June. Competing trades included Bricklaying, Bricklaying Level 1, Roof Slating & Tiling, Carpentry, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering, Plastering & Drywall Systems, and Wall & Floor Tiling. Competitors were tested on their technical abilities, time management, problem-solving, and skills working under pressure. The prestigious competition is proven to improve competitors’ technical and employability skills, as well as advancing career options. Over 45 learners participated in the West Yorkshire heat representing 11 regional colleges and seven independent employers. The College put forward 20 of its own students across a range of disciplines. Mark Sims, Leeds College of Building Lecturer and Competition Coordinator, said: “Every one of our learners worked so hard and certainly carried the Leeds College of Building name forward as an institution to be reckoned with. Of the 27 top three spots across trades in the West Yorkshire heats, Leeds College of Building secured 18 places, which is an incredible achievement for our students and their tutors." “When the successful competitors were finally announced for the national finals, I was absolutely gobsmacked by the results. Our learners have secured a massive nine finalist places, which is the biggest number the College has every secured.” Following the regional qualifiers, the top eight scoring competitors from each trade category across the UK will now participate in the national final. The Leeds College of Building students selected for the finals are: Brickwork - Archie Kitching (1st place in West Yorkshire regional qualifier) Plastering & Drylining Systems - Daniel Fairclough, Nathan Richards (1st and 2nd places respectively) Plastering - Newton Robinson, Wesley Proud (1st and 2nd places respectively) Roof Slating & Tiling - George Jewitt-Knott, Aeron Murray, Daniel Sperry (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places respectively) Wall & Floor Tiling - Sam Cowgill (1st place) Mark continued: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody at the college for their hard work in making our Yorkshire Regional such a success - from support staff welcoming guests to lecturers helping and encouraging students with their training preparations.” For the first time, this year’s national final will take place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21, 22 & 23 November 2023. The arena has previously played host to the National Badminton Championships, darts tournaments, and various music concerts. Nikki Davis, Leeds College of Building Principal & CEO, added: "Everyone at Leeds College of Building is delighted with the performance of the students who took part in the regional finals. Those progressing to the national finals have the opportunity to test their skills against the best in the country and we wish all of them every success." “All those who took part in the regionals demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism, and we were very proud of every one of our students. SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity for students to really showcase their skills, push them to the limit, and possibly go on to represent their country at WorldSkills.” Leeds College of Building has an exceptional track record in SkillBuild competitions. Three Leeds College of Building students took medal positions at last year’s national final. At a special award ceremony presented by Steph McGovern in her Packed Lunch studio, apprentice Zara Dupont received gold in the Plastering and Drywall Systems category. Fellow students Kyron Sharlotte and Aaron Brady also took bronze positions in Roof Slating & Tiling and Wall & Floor Tiling respectively, while Aeron Murray received Highly Commended in Roof Slating & Tiling.

Scotland U20 Head Coach Kenny Murray has confirmed his team to face Zimbabwe U20 this Saturday in their first round of the World Rugby U20 Trophy. The game kicks off at 8am BST (10am local time) and will be available to stream live via Rugby Africa and Kenya Rugby Union social media channels. This match is the first of four that the young Scots will encounter in Nairobi. The team will also be up against USA U20 and Uruguay U20 over the next two weeks, before the finals which take place on Sunday 30 July. Out of the 23-man squad, 18 made appearances for their clubs during the 2023 FOSROC Super Series Sprint earlier this year. In addition, six of these players made appearances for either the Glasgow Warriors ‘A’ or Edinburgh Rugby ‘A’ teams during the first three rounds of the competition. The forward pack only sees two changes from the eight that started in the team’s preparatory match against Spain U20 at the end of last month. Craig Davidson and Callum Norrie will take on the prop positions, this time joined by Jerry Blyth-Lafferty at hooker. The powerful pairing of Eddie Erskine and Jake Parkinson will once again take charge in the second row. Co-Captain Liam McConnell begins the back row, joined by Jonny Smith on the open side and Sam Derrick at Number 8. Co-Captain Ben Afshar will start at scrum-half, this time joined by Andrew McLean who will be making his first start for Scotland U20. A strong start from the back five in their match against Spain earns them their position in the starting fifteen. Geordie Gwynn and Finn Douglas will don the wing jerseys, joined by Kerr Yule and Ben Salmon taking on the centre positions. Dan King completes the starting fifteen at full-back. There is a five-three split to make up the replacements bench with Corey Tait, Max Surry, Oliver Minnis, Ruaraidh Hart and Jonny Morris in place to bolster the forwards, along with Finlay Burgess, Findlay Thomson and Matt Reid providing cover for the backs. Head Coach Kenny Murray said: “Now that we’ve arrived in Nairobi, we are really looking forward to kicking off the tournament." “We have four exciting matches ahead of us, all of which pose their own challenges and opportunities." “Zimbabwe will be a tough opponent. They’re coming off the back of a very impressive win against Kenya in the Rugby Africa Barthés U20 Trophy in April, so they’ll be wanting to continue this form going into the tournament." “We took many learnings away from our match against Spain last month – both positives and things we needed to improve on. The guys have been training and preparing well, but we must put this into practice to get a good result.” All matches will be available to watch here : Scotland U20 team to face Zimbabwe U20 at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday 15 July (kick off 8am BST, 10am local time) 15. Dan King (Heriot’s Rugby) 14. Finn Douglas (Southern Knights/Edinburgh Rugby) 13. Ben Salmon (Stirling Wolves/Glasgow Warriors) 12. Kerr Yule (Ayrshire Bulls/Glasgow Warriors) 11. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders) 10. Andrew McLean (Boroughmuir Bears) 9. Ben Afshar (Ayrshire Bulls) CO-CAPTAIN 1. Craig Davidson (Watsonians) 2. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty (Boroughmuir Bears/Edinburgh Rugby) 3. Callum Norrie (Stirling Wolves/Glasgow Warriors) 4. Eddie Erskine (Bath Rugby/Bath University) 5. Jake Parkinson (Ealing Trailfinders) 6. Liam McConnell (Boroughmuir Bears/Edinburgh Rugby) CO-CAPTAIN 7. Jonny Smith (Harlequins) 8. Sam Derrick (Southern Knights) Replacements 16. Corey Tait (Boroughmuir Bears) 17. Max Surry (Cardiff Met University) 18. Oliver Minnis (Hartpury University) 19. Ruaraidh Hart (Stirling Wolves/Glasgow Warriors) 20. Jonny Morris (Watsonians/Glasgow Warriors) 21. Finlay Burgess (Stirling Wolves/Edinburgh Rugby) 22. Findlay Thomson (Watsonians) 23. Matt Reid (Watsonians)

The University of Sussex has received £15 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to establish a new Energy Demand Research Centre. The new national Energy Demand Research Centre will be led by the Universities of Sussex and Newcastle, involving ten other UK universities. It will investigate how domestic, industrial and transport energy demands can be reduced across the UK. The Centre, whose Director Professor Mari Martiskainen is based at the University of Sussex Business School, will build an evidence base for understanding consumer behaviour, researching mechanisms to improve energy efficiency, and assessing the impact of reducing energy demand on different communities. Lowering energy use is critical in the race to net zero. Previous evidence has shown that overall energy use in the UK “could be halved by 2050, whilst enhancing quality of life”. The new Centre will build on this. The new Centre will investigate how domestic, industrial and transport energy demand reduction can be delivered on a local and national level across the UK, and what that means in real terms for the British public. Mari Martiskainen, Professor of Energy and Society in the University of Sussex Business School, said: “This new Centre will deliver important research and policy recommendations into how to reach net zero. Energy demand reduction will improve energy security, reduce household energy bills and address climate change." “Many people and businesses across the UK, including in the Brighton area, have struggled with their energy costs in the last year, so it is vital that we improve energy efficiency of our buildings to make them more resilient to both extreme weather and future price shocks.” Prof Steven McGuire, Dean of the University of Sussex Business School, said: “The University of Sussex Business School is delighted to be the new home for the Energy Demand Research Centre. Sussex's expertise in energy research goes back several decades and the new centre draws on this intellectual tradition." “The addition of the Energy Demand Research Centre to our existing Sussex Energy Group and the newly announced Bennett Institute for Policy Innovation and Acceleration means that Sussex has an exceptionally large, deep and expert collection of leading academics working on combating climate change through rigorous research that informs policy and practice.” The new Energy Demand Research Centre is part of £53 million in funding awarded by UKRI to boost knowledge, innovation and new technologies to decarbonise the energy sector. The six research centres will drive forward change in the energy system and help to meet the UK’s net zero target by 2050. The funding for the Energy Demand Research Centre comes from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council.

Leicester Riders and British Basketball League player, Conner Washington and Hot Shot, the mascot have visited Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre for some basketball fun to support Visit Leicester’s Fitcation campaign. The Visit Leicester tourism team invited Conner to climb the Leap of Faith challenge at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre with his basketball, a 30-feet high platform with a jump into the abyss to catch a hanging trapeze bar. The event was aimed at showcasing one of the many activities for families and adults featured in the Fitcation tourism campaign. Conner is one of the most decorated players in the game with 15 pieces of silverware and although he wears the number 13 shirt for the Riders, it’s not unlucky for him as he made a successful leap from the top of the pole! As one of our local sporting heroes, Conner was only too keen to try his hand at something new. The leap was organised to promote the importance of active fun with family and friends. With the school summer holidays just around the corner, the Visit Leicester Fitcation campaign shines a light on many exciting, physical and action-packed adventures to be had in Leicester and Leicestershire for residents and visitors. Conner Washington said: “I loved the whole experience and the best bit was definitely the Leap of Faith as I managed the maximum distance. Looking up from the ground, it looks much further than it looked at the top! As a professional sportsperson, I thrive on pushing myself and I certainly have done that here. I would encourage everyone to take on an active challenge or sport. The pride you get in achieving goals and the team spirt when playing a sport with others who enjoy the same things as you, is hard to beat. Staying active is important to let off steam or keep you mentally and physically engaged in something positive." “I would like to bring my whole team here for some teambuilding – it’s been great fun. I brought the Riders mascot, Hot Shot along and he had a go at the power fan drop. Seeing a horse descend with a rope was quite a sight! That definitely proves Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is for everyone.” Chris Murnin, Deputy Manager at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre added: “It was great to see Conner take on the Leap of Faith. This inspired him to try more of the high ropes course including the climbing wall and power fan drop. The high ropes course is just one of the great assets on our 15-acre site next to the River Soar. “We are all about inspiring active fun and confidence in a safe environment for our visitors, so being part of the Fitcation campaign is perfect for us. We are open all year round and offer after-school clubs, summer holiday activities, family activities, ladies only nights during the week and we also offer a paddle to the pub trip along the river. We’ve got something for everyone and have all the kit for a few hours of active fun.” Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a partner in the Fitcation campaign and offers over 26 fun activities. From bell boating to crate stacking and raft building to abseiling, you can take to the water for a kayak adventure, get a great view on the aerial high ropes or have fun on dry land with bushcraft. With a range of 49 bookable activities and challenges to experience through the Fitcation campaign, families, individuals and groups can book a wide range of thrill-seeking challenges and activities, as well as learning a new sport, find some active family fun or simply enjoy a gentle adventure in the Leicestershire countryside. The campaign gives plenty of inspiration for having fun together, whatever the weather. Challenge your friends to a quad bike safari, learn to pilot a hovercraft over land and water. Take up scuba diving or open water swimming, give a round of golf a go – or try footgolf! You can try your hand at archery or axe throwing. Families can enjoy roller discos and bouncing around at trampoline parks. Take on the Ninja Warrior Adventure course, enjoy the outdoors with alpaca and donkey walks or explore a giant maize maze. Fitcation is all about gentle adventures and active fun to stay healthy, energised and happy. Trying a new sport, setting a personal challenge to get a buzz of achievement, or just taking a walk in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside will create a sense of wellbeing that helps us cope better with our daily lives. To find out what your next active fun could be, go to www.visitleicester.info/fitcation

Charity, Settle Stories hosts of Yorkshire Festival Of Story, aims to promote story writing among young people this year with an exciting writing competition set to change worlds. Children, aged 7-11 years, are encouraged to write a story of up to 500 words about this year’s theme - A Day that Changed the World. Stories can be based upon a day that did change the world or be completely fictional. Sita Brand, CEO of Settle Stories, says, ‘The opportunities to bring forth dreams and ideas that could change the world are endless, we can’t wait to read the entries.’ The competition judge this year is award-winning children’s author and storyteller – Atinuke. Atinuke has published over 20 children’s books, mostly set in Nigeria, which have won her 4 literary awards. Her best-selling book, Anna Hibicus was voted Best Children’s Book of the Year and won the Bank Street College Award, CCBC Choices Award, made the Boston-Globe Honour Book and was shortlisted for the UKLA Children’s Publishing Award. With prizes that include monetary book tokens, signed books and personal feedback from Atinuke herself, the competition is set to be fierce. Each sign-up to the competition will receive a twenty-page learning resource, packed full of tips and techniques to inspire young writers and help them create the best stories possible. The deadline for the competition is 29 th September, so start encouraging young writers to think about what kind of story they’re going to write. To sign up and to find out more about the amazing prizes on offer for the winners, click here to visit their website. Time to start writing!