Worrying about how to start off the school holidays on the right foot?
This week sees the end of the school term and the start of the summer holidays. Heaven for the children, a nightmare for the parents, who suddenly find themselves with endless weeks to fill and keep the little ones occupied. But this summer, why not kick-start the holidays as you mean to go on and get outdoors to take part in this year’s Postcode Challenge?
After the success of last year’s event, the Bike Station and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust have joined forces again to create the Postcode Challenge 2012. Organisers are calling all families, cyclist enthusiasts and Edinburgh residents to get outdoors this Sunday 1 July 2012 and discover more about the cycle routes on their doorstep.
Although billed as a ‘challenge’, the Postcode Challenge is an extremely relaxed affair, with challengers able to set their own pace. The event gets underway at 11am and those taking part are asked to check-in at ten pit-stops along the cycle path routes and collect their stamps to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize. What’s more, there are plenty of treats along the way to pick up too, such as high-res cycle vests from People’s Postcode Lottery, and flower and seed packets from the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust team.
“Even though it’s a challenge, the Postcode Challenge isn’t about the competition,” says Liz Stewart from Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust. “It’s about discovering your local, natural habitat. We’re looking for as many residents as possible to come down on the day and take part. What a better way to start the summer holidays!”
Don’t have a bike? For those who don’t have two-wheels, this year sees a five pit-stop version for walkers keen to learn more about the cycle routes and enjoy the conservation work and bio-diversity offered along the paths.
Once the ten – or five if you’re walking – stamps have been collected along the path, entrants are asked to drop their cards in at the Fiveways Junction before 4pm and be in with a chance of winning a prize. Organisers are also encouraging cyclists – and walkers – to leave messages on the Edinburgh Innertube blog, which can be found at: http://innertubemap.com/.
“We are delighted to support the Postcode Challenge Treasure Hunt again this year,” said Clara Govier, Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Trust. “It’s a great event and it gets everyone outside and learning a little more about the beautiful environment right here in the city.
“We wish all of the challengers good luck – and when you’re stopping by the People’s Postcode Lottery tent and get your stamp, there will also be the chance to enter a competition to win a brand new iPad 2!
People’s Postcode Trust has already worked with both the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust and the Bike Station, who were one of the Dream Fund’s 2011 winners. Awarded over £98,000, the funding was used to create a London Underground-style map of the 70 miles of off-street cycle ways and paths that reach right into the city centre, which will create the basis of the Postcode Challenge route.
The Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust also have another fantastic free family event at Hailes Quarry Park coming up on Saturday 7 July. Stating at 12pm, there’s plenty to get involved in, including a climbing wall, bike track, bouncy castle and children’s rides.
Zero Waste Aware Scotland, State Street, Drylaw Community Centre, Drylaw Community Garden, Spokes and MYDG (Muirhouse Youth Development Group) will also have stands along the Postcode Challenge route.
More information about the Postcode Challenge can be found at www.elgt.org.uk.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
