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The National Mining Museum has today boosted its reputation as one of Scotland’s most family-friendly visitor attractions by unveiling an excitingly-equipped play area for its younger visitors.
 The brand new facility was officially opened at the Museum in Newtongrange at 10.30 am on Thursday 14 July by local Councillor and museum Trustee Wilma Chalmers. Wilma was joined by children from Wiz Kidz Nursery in Newtongrange who were eager to try out the new equipment.
It comes hard on the heels of a bold decision a year ago by the Museum Trust to introduce a new Family Ticket in which children under 16 go free. The strategy has markedly increased the rate of family visits, and the new play area should add greatly to the fun of the Museum for youngsters.
They play area has been built with the help of a £10,000 grant from the People’s Postcode Trust and designed with the expertise of Caledonia Play, a family-run business based in the heart of Scotland which specialises in environmentally sustainable products.
The equipment includes a natural timber double tower activity unit with pit wheel, tunnel, bridge, slide and climbing wall. A separate log train and carriage sit close by to encourage imaginative play. The playground is set in an enclosed area overlooked by picnic tables so parents can keep a watchful eye on the children while enjoying a cup of tea. It will be available throughout museum opening hours.
Cllr Chalmers said: "Playgrounds are a very important part of growing up and they bring not only fun and enjoyment to children, but also physical activity. The museum’s new play area is a wonderful space for kids to run, climb, slide and let off stream. Visitors and locals alike will enjoy this space for years to come - it’s a fantastic addition to the museum.”
People’s Postcode Trust Advisor Clare Oliver said “People’s Postcode Trust were thrilled to award funding to the National Mining Museum Scotland. The project is one which will hugely benefit the surrounding community, and People’s Postcode Trust is delighted to be a part of it.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery is a Five Star visitor attraction, a recognised collection of national significance and recipient of the 2009 Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Best Visitor Experience award. First opened in the 1890s, the ‘Lady Vic’ became known as one of the first Scottish super pits and today is home to the extensive collections of the National Mining Museum Scotland.
For further information please contact Gillian Rankin, Marketing and Events Officer at National Mining Museum Scotland on 0131 663 7519 or email
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About the People’s Postcode Trust
The People’s Postcode Trust aims to make the UK a better place for both people and nature. We want to make a real difference to small organisations and community groups all across the country through grants ranging from £500- £10,000.
The People’s Postcode Lottery is the UK’s charity lottery, and 40p from every £2 ticket goes to charity, with the People’s Postcode Trust receiving funds on a regular basis. The People’s Postcode Trust distributes these funds- from between £500 and £10,000- to smaller organisations and projects across the UK.
The People’s Postcode Trust is an independent charity (charity number SCØ40387) set up in April 2009 and is a company limited by guarantee (356549) to provide financial support for small organisations, bodies and community groups in the UK.
About People’s Postcode Lottery
People’s Postcode Lottery is the lottery for local charities throughout the UK. People’s Postcode Lottery is a community lottery and our mission is to raise funds for charities and to increase awareness for their work by organising lotteries.
Launched in the UK in 2005, People’s Postcode Lottery represents a unique fundraising concept where players play with their postcode to win cash prizes whilst supporting local UK charities. 40p from each ticket sold goes direct to charity. All money raised in the individual country (tickets are available in England, Scotland or Wales) stays in the individual country. |
A new publication highlighting local beauty spots and showcasing walks and trails throughout Midlothian is now available free to download and at a variety of locations throughout the area. With16 trails and plenty of information about locally based activities and visitor attractions there is plenty for the eager visitor to see and do!
