Musselburgh Grammar Pupils Gain From Racecourse Giving Initiative

The East Lothian track was one of 15 racecourses which took part in the Racing Together initiative which dedicates a day of employee volunteering across the racing industry.In past years racecourse staff volunteers have taking part in a beach clean-up at Fisherrow Sands and helped with garden improvement and maintenance work at Olivebank Child and Family Centre. 

This year a vocational approach was taken and racecourse hospitality experts from Heritage Portfolio provided advice to pupils on setting up a large corporate event, preparing an Afternoon Tea and how to serve up the perfect coffee. 

The Grammar pupils were welcomed to the racecourse by chief executive Bill Farnsworth and Racing Together chairperson Morag Gray who gave a short presentation.

Musselburgh Racecourse senior operations and commercial manager, Sarah Montgomery, said: “Engaging with the local community forms a core part of our business ethos and we are delighted to once more support Racing Together’s Give & Gain Day.

“We have a strong relationship with Musselburgh Grammar School and this builds on previous initiatives where pupils have visited the racecourse as part of a Maths in Action programme to advance numeracy skills, and also a school sponsored walk when 800 pupils crossed the finishing line at the racecourse.

”The Give & Gain concept, sponsored by Waitrose, is organised and managed by Business In The Community and highlights the importance of employee volunteering as a foundation stone of a responsible business strategy.

Stephen Atkin, Racecourse Association Chief Executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many racecourses donate time from their busy schedules to help out a wide range of excellent causes. Racecourses have really stepped up their community engagement work in the last couple of years and this is helping to future-proof the sport by engaging with the next generation of racegoers and potential participants.

”John Blake, CEO Racing to School, said: “Give & Gain is a great concept that inspires and acknowledges employee volunteering nationwide. Racing shows year-round willingness and enthusiasm to support communities in different ways and the Racing Together Give & Gain Day is a focus for the sport to be creative in working together to help others.”