Budding Heston Blumenthals are being invited to suggest their own wacky and wonderful flavours in a competition to celebrate Children’s Week (July 10 to July 16). Ice cream makers Davisons are supporting the week which is being promoted in the Island by The Children’s Centre and a competition to create a new flavour is being run in the build up to the event. Once the winning recipe is chosen Davisons will make the new ice cream flavour in time for it to go on sale during Children’s Week - with 40p from every cone sold going towards The Children’s Centre’s services for families and children across the Island. Grace Phillips is Community Fundraiser at The Children’s Centre and is co-ordinating the charity’s plans for Children’s Week. She said the event will culminate with a mass participation ‘Happy Feet’ fun day on July 16 with hundreds of children and parents being encouraged to make 10,000 footprints on Douglas Prom. She said: “A healthy adult ought to take 10,000 steps a day as part of a balanced lifestyle. Happy Feet aims to highlight this message and encourage families to keep active together. By painting, printing or chalking 10,000 footprints along Douglas Prom we will demonstrate what an achievable goal this is and offer parents an indication of how much activity their children should engage in as they grow and develop. Happy Feet will take place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 16th July on Douglas Prom between the Sea Terminal and the Old Summerland Site. All paint will be provided and is water soluble and non-toxic to protect the environment. We aim to get 5,000 people involved to make 10,000 prints. Happy Feet welcomes all families, so bring your grandparents, your kids and even your dog!” Ian Davison, Managing Director of Davisons, said: “Davisons are pleased to support The Children’s Centre and help promote Children’s Week on the Isle of Man. The Children’s Centre offers an invaluable service to the children of the Island and as a Manx company Davisons are committed to supporting local charities and organisations as much as possible. We believe that as the Manx community supports our business it is our duty to put back into the community and help with sponsorship and support for local organisations charities.” Each participant in the Happy Feet event will be asked to make a donation of ?2 which will go towards funding The Children’s Centre’s many services for families and children across the Island - which includes the Centre’s new Community Farm. To add to the fun staff from Sharkey’s hair salon will offer mini pedicures, manicures and temporary tattoos. In keeping with the theme of health and exercise the Happy Feet day also features a smoothie making machine powered by bicycle, a giant hopscotch game and skipping sessions. By staging various forms of exercise on the day organisers aim to illustrate that keeping fit can be fun and doesn’t require expensive equipment - it’s also a great way for families to spend quality time together. For the second year running, the Isle of Man will be the only area in the British Isles to celebrate Children’s Week although there are a total of 50 countries around the world which organise Children’s Week events. On the Island there will be around 70 activities, many of which welcome volunteers to organise or help out. The Davisons ice cream flavour competition is open to children and adults - all you have to do is send your idea for a new recipe with your name, address, and contact telephone number to gracephillips@thechildrenscentre.org.im Closing date for entries is 4th July. If you have any ideas for Children’s Week events email Grace Phillips at the same address or call her on 631944. - ENDS -