PLAYMOBIL: THE NEXT EPISODE LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Heritage toy brand looks for the creator of the world’s first official Playmobil episode

Playmobil http://www.playmobil.co.uk/ has recently launched The Next Episode http://www.youtube.com/PlaymobilNextEpisode, a competition to find the creator of the first ever official UK online episode.

Many of your favourite children’s characters have been created into shows and episodes over the years, but up until this point there has never been an official Playmobil episode, created especially for children. Entrants to the competition have the opportunity to bring the magical world of Playmobil to life. This is your chance to get noticed and create something amazing for one of the world’s biggest toy brands.

Whether you consider yourself an amateur film maker, a dab-hand with stop motion video or even a mum or dad looking for the opportunity to exercise your creative juices, you will have the opportunity to win:

· £500 cash prize
· A year’s supply of Playmobil from the 2010 range*
· Your episode shown and viewed on the official Playmobil website for one month
To enter the competition you will find a detailed brief and terms & conditions online at http://www.playmobil.co.uk. All entries are to be judged by Playmobil team themselves.

Jamie Dickinson, UK Marketing Manager, commented: “This is a great opportunity for people to get their creative juices flowing. It’s amazing how many fantastic Playmobil mini-videos you can already find online on places like YouTube. This competition aims to get behind all of those Playmobil fans and give them the opportunity to get something back for all their hard work. We wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to finding the first official Playmobil episode!”

So shoot it, edit it and upload it to our You Tube channel at http://www.youtube.com/PlaymobilNextEpisode.

Closing date is March 4th 2010 so get filming!
Playmobil: The Next Episode brief summary:
· Choose a theme for your short movie e.g. School Day Out, Welcome to Playmobil World, Playmobil Christmas Story, Playmobil goes on holiday etc.
· Create a script – remember the video must not be longer than 4 minutes in total
· Ensure the storyline is suitable for a Playmobil audience – target age group 4-6 years
· Choose the music to accompany your storyline
· Get shooting!
· Upload your finished videos to YouTube and send your links and contact details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Check out where else we’re talking about The Next Episode:
· http://www.playmobil.co.uk
· http://www.youtube.com/playmobilnextepisode
· Twitter@nxtepisode
· Facebook search term Playmobil Presents The Next Episode

*Prize winners will receive a full Playmobil range every three months and a smaller product offering every month.

ELEMIS PRESENTS LIMITED EDITION SKIN NOURISHING MILK BATH SUPPORTING MOTHERS4CHILDREN CHARITY
Boudoir bathing is back!

Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath was launched in a classic glass decanter bottle, 20 years ago. Today, this award-winning, cult beauty product has been re-packaged in a beautiful Italian glass decanter, reminiscent of the original, to celebrate 20 years of excellence.

Noella Gabriel, Director of Product Development says…
“This delicately scented luxurious cream milk bath is the ultimate indulgence, enriched with Japanese Camellia Oil and Oat Extract in a rich Milk Protein base. An all time favourite, this award winning product has remained true to its original formulation, combining science and nature in perfect harmony”

A truly unique formulation, adored by both mothers and children, this limited edition has been chosen as the perfect product to partner with the Mothers4Children charity, with a donation made for every purchase to help vulnerable children.

Available from February - rrp. £49.00, 500ml
£1 from every sale is donated to Mothers4ChildrenWhat are their goals?
To provide practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people. To transform the quality of life and provide hope to orphans in developing nations.

How do they achieve these goals?
Each year M4C identifies charities in the UK and abroad that are making an impact on the welfare and conditions of the world’s most vulnerable citizens. Through a collection of different fund raising efforts during the year, M4C is able to help raise money to fuel these efforts and help a child live a better life.

Available from Elemis spas, salons and selected departments or at Elemis' online shopping and lifestyle site www.timetospa.co.uk

MOTORSPORT FANS CHANCE TO DRIVE WITH HAKKINEN AND RAISE MONEY FOR GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Motorsport fans are bidding on a once in a lifetime experience to drive alongside two-times F1 World Champion, Mika Hakkinen, to raise much needed funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, thanks to myHermes.co.uk.

Hakkinen, who is a brand ambassador for the door-to-door delivery company myHermes.co.uk, which has created the auction, is offering five driving experience prizes with the former F1 World Champion at Mercedes World, in a ten-day eBay auction taking place until 14 February.

The auction will see all proceeds go towards Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, whose pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions, from across the country and abroad.

Speaking of the auction, Carole Woodhead, CEO at myHermes.co.uk, said:” We are delighted to be able to host the auction on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Not only will the winner get to drive with a true Formula 1 legend, they will raise money to help children across the UK – it is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed!”

Mika Hakkinen said: “It is a great initiative from myHermes.co.uk, I am a father of two myself and appreciate the importance of the work which Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity does for sick children. I sincerely hope that we will be able to raise a lot of funds.”

The auction prizes include one 60-minute driving lesson with Mika Hakkinen, two 30-minute driving lessons and two 15-minute driving lessons, all complete with hot laps in an AMG Mercedes, training sessions with a qualified instructor and a three course lunch with Mika.

To take part in the auction visit: http://www.myhermes.co.uk/

For more information about Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity visit: http://www.gosh.org/

FIRST VIRTUAL HISTORY TIMELINE OPENS UP NEW WORLD FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
New interactive history timeline developed by British Library allows students and teachers to explore collection items chronologically for the first time. http://www.bl.uk/timeline

Comparing the Peasants’ Revolt with the Punk Revolution or medieval astrology with the Apollo moon landings might appear unconnected at first, but the British Library’s new interactive timeline will allow students to get a sense of change, continuity and chronology when studying historical events. Bringing together material from the Library’s vast collections and using cutting-edge technology, users will now be able to discover historical connections and create links in an exciting multimedia experience.

Developed by the Library’s Learning team with historians and writers, the timeline includes some of the Library’s key collection items from medieval times to the present day such as records of political events, glimpses of everyday life and writings and speeches from some our best known historical and literary figures. Scanning through centuries of images, audio-visual and printed material, users will be able to explore various themed timelines: ‘everyday life’, ‘music and literature’ and ‘politics, power and rebellion’ on one screen.

Highlights of collection items featured include:

· Records of major events – from the Black Death and the Great Fire to the French Revolution and the abolition of the slave trade.

· Printed matter - the first English printed book, the first cookery manuscript, the first English bible and the first postage stamp.

· Public Life - posters, advertisements and illustrations documenting everything from public executions and magic shows to plague cures and séances.

· Campaigns – pamphlets and writings from activists such as Abolitionists, Chartists, Communists and CND marchers.

· Manuscripts – written by great figures in history including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Captain Cook, Beethoven, Wordsworth, Abolitionists, Florence Nightingale and Dickens.

· Maps - cities, military campaigns and imagined lands.

· Patents - including those for the Spinning Jenny, the bicycle and the machine gun.

As well as the more well-known collections items, the timeline will also include some of the Library’s more unusual sources, opening up a new world of education and learning. Items such as a medieval Valentine’s letter (1477); a 15th century recipe for custard (1440); a Renaissance anatomy book (1543); a royal proclamation announcing England’s first national lottery (1567); a 17th century dictionary of criminal slang (1674); a newspaper reporting the Great Fire of London (1666); an 18th century guidebook to London prostitutes (1788); a Victorian ‘freakshow’ poster advertising a ‘living mermaid’ (1886); and a Make Do and Mend’ ration tips pamphlet (1943); these will allow everyone to become an expert as they explore and find fascinating links dating back to 1215.

Roger Walshe, the British Library’s Head of Learning, said: “Finding innovative ways of engaging with the past is increasingly crucial for students and teachers alike. This timeline demonstrates how we can mesh traditional historical sources with new technologies to support future teaching methods, allowing users to engagingly pursue their own research.

Students will be able to trace a variety of stories in one space. For example, an early advert for curry powder from the 18th century reflects the changing tastes of East India Company Workers and reveals tales about the politics, trade, culinary and cultural exchange of that time – a unique insight into life during that period can be gained from one everyday item.”

Through the use of innovative Flash programming, users will be able to dig deep into collection items, download information and images, view transcripts, add items to favourites and switch timelines and key events at a click of a button. This will allow for interesting and unique comparisons to be made between various aspects of social, political and cultural life. Users will be able to focus on specific subjects such as political campaigns or technological change or alternatively compare themes within one specific time period - for instance, popular cultural ephemera with items recording political events. Timelines is an ongoing initiative for the British Library and new sources and themes will be added regularly.

Dan Lyndon, Advanced Skills Teacher (History), at Fortismere School, said, “The new Timelines: sources from history resource from the British Library is a must for all teachers wanting access to their vast archive in a quick and accessible way. The pinwheel navigation allows the user to spin through time at a pace that is manageable making the search for resources straightforward as well as eye-catching. The Library has collected together an array of important and interesting gobbets, neatly combining text and images, and the ability to overlap a variety of themes helps to extend the depth and value of the website.”
The British Library’s Learning team is a world-leader in providing access to collection items and resources for students and teachers. Using it’s award-winning website that attracts 1.2 million visitors every year, the Learning team has consistently developed ways of giving users the chance to explore the Library’s collections in a new light. Future developments include major resources to support English Language and Literature study.
You can see a video of the site in use at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ogwR-NasR0&feature=player_embedded

The link is: http://www.bl.uk/timeline

THE BABY SHOW RETURNS

The Baby Show with Prima Baby returns to London’s ExCeL, Birmingham’s NEC and London’s Earls Court, offering an unrivalled shopping experience, parenting advice and great entertainment, as the ultimate day out for new parents and parents-to-be The Baby Show is the biggest event in the UK dedicated to babies and since 2002 The Show has grown from strength to strength to become a series of hugely successful national events. October’s Baby Show in Earls Court attracted over 26,000 visitors and, building on this success, The Baby Show will be returning to London’s ExCel in February. Leading experts Annabel Karmel and Clare Byam-Cook will return to give their comprehensive advice on nutrition and breast feeding and will be joined by high profiled guests, former model and mother of two, Tess Daly; leading authority on parenting, child care, women’s health, Dr Miriam Stoppard OBE and a number of other experts.

The 2010 shows will not only cement The Baby Show’s reputation as an essential part of having a baby, they’ll also continue to be a great day out for new and expectant parents. Each Show features thousands of must-have products for both parents and babies from UK’s leading brands Pampers, Mothercare, Tommee Tippee and others; expert advice on pregnancy; birth and parenting skills and entertainment for all the family.

Unbeatable Shopping Offers Parents will get the best deals on those essential products with exclusive show offers and free samples to take back home. The Baby Show is the perfect opportunity to speak face-to-face with brand experts, test drive the latest products and see the latest innovations – helping to take the stress out of parenting.

Expert Advice Expectant parents can receive one-to-one consultations at The Show from fully trained midwifes to help put their minds at ease. They can also catch up with experts where they can receive all the latest advice and information on topics such as breastfeeding, nutrition and sleep. The Baby Show is also a unique opportunity to exchange advice with fellow mums and dads-to-be. There'll also be The Cells4Life Expert Advice and Information Theatre where visitors will have the chance to hear from a range of experts and on a variety of issues facing would-be, expectant or new parents today.

Entertainment For All The Family The Baby Show is not only the place to find everything parents need under one roof, it’s also a fun day out for parents and toddlers. Entertainment at October’s Show came from the iconic Teletubbies and the 2010 Shows will continue to offer entertainment for the whole family. From the Tomy Play Area to Fashion Shows for mums-to-be, little ones and adults alike will be amused and excited by the whole host of interactive features on offer.

The Baby Show, ExCeL, London, 19-21 February 2010 The next Baby Show will take place at London's ExCeL between 19 - 21 February 2010. Leading baby brands Pampers, Stokke and Organix are already signed up, not to mention all the great entertainment and expert advice that parents have come to expect from The Baby Show. The Show in February will be the ultimate destination for all expectant parents; those with little ones already in tow and anyone else interested in hearing the latest developments from the world of parenting.

TV presenter and mother of two Tess Daly will be at The Show on Friday 19 th February to share insights from her forthcoming book, The Baby Diaries and sign copies. Joining Tess on the Friday will be the much-loved health writer and broadcaster Dr Miriam Stoppard OBE. As the leading authority on parenting, childcare and women’s health, Miriam will be advising parents how to get their little ones off to a good night’s rest, and will answer any burning questions from the audience.

Also at the Persil and Comfort Pure Stage will be qualified nurse, midwife and author, Clare Byam Cook who will be giving visitors invaluable and celebrity acclaimed guidance on breast feeding, whilst Annabel Karmel will return to share the wealth of her advice on children’s nutrition.

WIN A GREEN ROOF FOR YOUR AREA NATIONAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING WEEK 2010 LAUNCHES COMPETITION TO SPOT UNUSUAL LOCAL SPECIES
To mark National Science & Engineering Week 2010 (NSEW) 12th to 21st March, the British Science Association is offering to build a fabulous 200 square metre Green Roof on top of a school in the UK. The roof will be a lasting legacy of NSEW’s ‘What on Earth’ campaign, run in conjunction with iSpot, which encourages us to take a closer look at the wonderful flora and fauna that inhabit our local area. (See http://www.whatonearth.org.uk )

To help the selected area win the green roof, which will encourage local wildlife for years to come, it couldn’t be simpler or more fun. All you need to do is upload a snap of something you don’t recognise that you spot in your garden, local park, school ground or hedgerow to http://www.whatonearth.org.uk http://www.whatonearth.org.uk, organised in partnership with The Open University’s iSpot website, where NSEW’s specialists from all fields of natural science will examine, identify and catalogue as many finds as they can over the course of the week and beyond. The aim is to spot, collect and identify as many species as possible over the course of the week, painting a fascinating picture of UK wildlife for us all to observe and enjoy.

The NSEW green roof will be awarded to a school in the area which has shown most support for National Science & Engineering Week’s ‘What on Earth’ campaign and uploaded the most pictures.

The green roof created in conjunction with leading urban ecologist and wildlife TV presenter Dusty Gedge and sponsor - green roof systems specialist - Sika Sarnafil, will not only benefit local children who will use it as an outdoor classroom, it will help attract and preserve local wildlife too. This is particularly important at a time when the habitats of some of our oldest and most loved species, such as the stag beetle and hazel dormouse are in decline.

What’s more, as a reward for participating you will receive a free packet of seeds to plant in your own garden to help create an environment in which local wildlife can thrive. So whether you are an avid nature watcher or you just happen to find something unusual crawling around in your garden or discover a strange looking plant in the hedgerow on your way to work, take a picture and submit it to http://www.whatonearth.org.uk to help your local area win a green roof that will help attract and keep local wildlife in your area for years to come.

Dusty Gedge says, “This is a fantastic initiative from The British Science Association. Green Roofs are a feat of science and engineering designed to encourage wildlife. Increasingly town planners are looking to build more across the UK to improve air quality and increase natural diversity, so it would be amazing to have a best in class roof designed by experts now for us all to enjoy. What are you waiting for get out there and help us win this fabulous prize.”

Register at http://www.nsew.org.uk to keep up to date on events taking place in and around the week.

I HAVE A CHOICE
- Ndubz and Alexandra Burke support brand new youth project -

Global Radio’s Choice FM, is launching an inspirational new youth project called I Have a Choice in partnership with v, The National Young Volunteers Service and Catch22, along with support from artists including Ndubz and Alexandra Burke.

I Have a Choice has been created to inspire, inform and involve thousands of young people across the UK to bring positive change to their communities by engaging them in youth initiatives, with particular focus on youth safety.

Over 2000 young people aged 16 – 25 will have the opportunity to take part in a diverse range of high quality, voluntary opportunities, including basketball, community radio and events. I Have a Choice will be active in London, Birmingham, Manchester, the South coast, Yorkshire and the North East. The projects will be supported by charity partners v and Catch22 and have been designed to build a sustainable legacy of youth-led action within each community.

I Have a Choice will take Choice FM’s long-standing community action work to a new level and is the next step in the development of the work Peace on the Streets has been delivering successfully for the past 6 years.

Dappy from Ndubz said: “Youngsters can come from negative backgrounds and some people may go down the wrong road and end up downhill and are not able to get back up again. But this
community project will open up doors. As long as you give something to your community, your community will give back to you.”

Alexandra Burke said: “Thank you for letting me launch this with you, it’s a great honour…it’s a great way for people to give back, it’s always wise for people between the ages of 16 and 24, that’s when you’re making vital decisions for your life… You do have a choice to make the right decisions, so, it’s what path you choose determines what you do for the rest of your life.”

Terry Ryall CEO of v, The National Young Volunteers Service said,
“We know from our own research at v, that young people really do care about giving something back to their community. Consequently, we’re delighted to be involved in I Have a Choice, providing high quality, volunteering opportunities for young people that really makes a difference.”

Stephen Miron, Global Radio CEO, said : “We are absolutely delighted to be launching ‘I have a Choice’, a social action campaign that we’ve partnered with Vinspired & Catch 22 to deliver. Global Radio sincerely believes in helping young people from disadvantaged communities volunteer to gain skills and confidence & in some cases enhancing their ability to escape the NEET trap. We’re passionate about this campaign & our stations will be giving their full support to the project.

Our partners Vinspired & Catch 22 bring with them a wealth of experience and skills to ensure that this project is a huge success & we are delighted to be working with them.”

Joyce Moseley, Catch22 Chief Executive, said: “Young people should not be hindered by their backgrounds, they have a choice in where their lives will lead and we intend to empower them to make it. With our partners’ v and Global, the I Have a Choice program aims to inspire young people and give them the tools to determine their future.”

For more information on I Have a Choice and to get involved, visit
http://vinspired.com/i-have-a-choice

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