The Lodore Falls Hotel in Borrowdale valley played host to past members of staff during a weekend reunion in Keswick. Over 60 ex staff and several current employees got together to renew friendships and memories.

The reunion attracted past employees from all over the world including Peter Dixon and his wife who travelled especially from Australia for the occasion and stayed on to see friends in the Lake District. Also present was Kurt Hartmann and his wife who travelled from Germany. Kurt was Head Chef at the Lodore Falls Hotel for 27 years and it was he who taught current Head Chef Mike Ward.

The reunion began with afternoon tea at Lake District Hotels ltd Lodore Falls Hotel, followed by an evening trip into Keswick for drinks and a friendly pub catch up.

On Sunday everyone gathered again at the Lodore Falls for Sunday lunch and a group picture before departing home or on holiday.

Organised by Head Chef Mike Ward, Sales Manager Tanya Sentance, and past employee Vikki Brier, they all agreed the effort of finding everyone was worth it. Finding staff was made easier by using social media sites like Facebook and friends reunited. Mike said “Social media has made an impact on being able to keep in close touch with friends across the world. It made finding everyone and keeping them informed so much easier. It was a monumental occasion and great to meet people who worked here years ago.

Mike really enjoyed catching up with his Head Chef mentor and it was especially important that lunch was perfect. Having over 60 people at the event shows how much people fondly remember their time working here at this famous Lake District hotel. It was also nice for our current team to catch up with old friends.”

The double glazing and conservatory industry has little regulation. Whilst standards of product are getting better problems still occur with miss selling methods, badly installed products, unfulfilled remedial work and lengthy guarantees which are not honoured (due to traders going out of business or having an unwillingness to make good on their promises). The general public still have a deep-rooted and long standing distrust of the industry. Many double glazing installers believe that the quality of membership of most Trade Associations and Installer Schemes doesn’t lend itself to the grouping of highly professional businesses who are customer focused.
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The fashion industry is now as much about footwear as clothing.

What we wear on our feet has become as, if not, more important than what clothes we wear in recent years.

Certain footwear brands have become absolute musts for the fashion savvy. In magazines, on television and on the high street, we are constantly seeing simple clothing styles but paired with footwear that is anything but simple and plain. You can guarantee that in every glossy magazine or gossip site, there will be at least one image of a celebrity in a pair of show stopping shoes or boots. Shoes are the new fashion statements and also status symbols for this generation.

To fully confirm the importance and evolution within the footwear industry including mens shoes and womens shoes, we are now seeing brands such as FitFlop that not only give you a work out whilst you wear them but they have health benefits as well. FitFlop are no ordinary flip flops at all. They have an innovative, patent pending
Microwobbleboard™ hidden in the EVA sole that is designed to give you a workout while you walk. The heel is thick and firm to absorb shock, the toe area is mid-density and the midsole is soft centre. This gives you a slightly unstable surface on which to walk on (although you will never notice as they are so comfortable) which helps to:

1.    Provide your legs and bum (glutes, hamstring, calves and thighs) with a muscle workout and help to tone these areas.
2.    Burn more calories than you would do when walking in a normal pair of shoes.
3.    Improve posture.
4.    Provide relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, from lower limb oedema, and restless leg syndrome.

Not only is the industry seeing new footwear brands launching but there are also a number footwear brands that have had a renaissance recently. One such brand is Dr Martens, namely the iconic 1460 boots. The Dr Martens 1460 launched in the 1960’s, originally built for work-wear, the combination of comfort, durability and style have ensured that the 1460z is still as popular as ever. With 8-Eyelets, famous yellow stitching, two-tone grooved sole and distinctive footprint these boots are classic in terms of mens boots and womens shoes and boots.

And who would have thought even 5 years ago that wellies would be a must have even in the summer! The rise in popularity of festivals coupled with the inevitable rain and mud has firmly put wellington boots on the fashion map. But whatever the weather, music taste or style, Wellington boots are the one item no seasoned festival-goer would ever be without. Thankfully the Hunter Wellies collection provides not only comfort and protection from all weather conditions but offers a wide range of products for the fashion conscious.

Women have always traditionally had a passion for shoes but due to the latest mens shoes brands, men are starting to get that passion too. Brands such as Hudson, Boxfresh and Fly are designing fashionable footwear that stands out from the crowd including stitching details and colours other than black and brown.

The interior of a home can often say as much about a person as the clothes they wear.

The passion for interior design is growing. Many households are taking more care about the pieces of furniture they buy, the look they want to achieve and maybe experimenting with colours, textures and design styles.

There may be many factures that have resulted in us spending more money and time on our home interiors. Firstly, the vast number of home decorating, makeover and interior design television programmes. Not everyone has an eye for design or just naturally a passion for interior design. The home makeover shows have given inspiration to the masses.

The internet is another huge factor. Before being able to buy online, we could only gain inspiration and buy furnishings and accessories from local home stores or by stumbling across a mail order catalogue. The choice, basically, was very limited unless you lived in a large city.
Now with online interiors and furnishings stores, blogs and online magazines, not only can imagine and visualise the exact look we want, we can buy that look and have it delivered.

The ultra modern look is very much of the moment, frankly stark in places, mainly white and very clinical. Although this look quite often suits apartment living, it isn’t for everyone and does not always suit a period apartment or house. We are very much over the chintz look so what do we go for when we want to keep colours muted but want texture, individuality and creativeness? One style that ticks all those boxes is the shabby chic look.

Shabby chic talks its influence from the New England style along with French. It is more often associated with the French style but increasingly amongst interior designers, they are seeing the ties with the very popular New England style as well. The shabby chic style is very creative, individual and romantic. Many furniture designers now are taking the basic elements of a shabby chic home and combining it with a touch of glamour to create a modern, comfortable style.

Bland shabby chic is not, it is very much a statement in terms of interior design. It is a statement in quite a different way to many styles of furniture in that it is the shape and form of the pieces that give the statement as the colours and shades are mostly muted like greys, washed out blues, pale pinks and faded greens. It is due to this that it has become such a popular style. The statement without the brash colours often found with strong design styles. It is the stylish marriage of things based on vintage designs and more modern pieces.

Even though by its nature and of course name, shabby chic doesn’t have smooth, perfect finishes. At the same time, the finishes, paints and varnishes on shabby chic furniture are meant to be like that and have been created in that way purposefully. Mass manufactured it is not and more importantly, not worn, chipped or broken through use as it is then that shabby chic loses its chic.

One very good description of shabby chic colours is “chalky”. These chalky greys and taupe’s mixed with lots and lots of white. Shabby chic furniture is always matt, always painted and combined with muted, linen covers is put together with accent pieces in silver. A touch of glamour and sparkle can then be added with crystal accessories such as chandeliers and decanters along with black and white family photos in silver frames and fresh cut flowers in an assortment of beautiful vases for example.

Why should I use a professional home or office clearance service?
You should use one if you want a highly professional, reliable, and swift service that is very competitive on price whilst most importantly, being fully licensed, insured and compliant with EU and UK legislation. You may also appreciate a professional’s commitment to delivering the most environmentally friendly clearance service available.

How is the price worked out for a house clearance?
There are three factors that influence the cost. 1. The labour required. 
2. The cost of disposal and recycling of the items cleared. 
3. The resale value of the items to be cleared. Once the house clearance company have assessed the job they then calculate the price. There should be no hidden extra costs.
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With packages tailor-made for both ‘him and her’, the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey is the perfect remedy for mind, body and soul.

If fast cars and fabulous spas are your passion, then why not check in to the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey. Situated on the site of the legendary racetrack and airfield, the hotel features a selection of simply stunning packages bound to satiate the most demanding spa divas and the most passionate petrol heads – perfect with the British Grand Prix fast approaching in early July.

If thoughts of indulgence and utter relaxation make you and your partner purr with pleasure, then the Fast and Fabulous Spa Experience is the package for you. You will be treated to two sumptuous spa treatments each, choosing from the signature Jane Scrivner High Velocity Massage, to the Body Brushing treatment or even the Butter LONDON 30 minute Manicure, you can be sure you’ll both be left quintessentially pampered!

Alternatively if your partner’s more of a thrill-seeker than a pleasure-seeker, and would prefer to race round one of the UK’s most famous tracks, rather than succumb to spa treatments, then the His and Hers Spa & Car Experience is bound to keep you both happy. As you enjoy a relaxing Full Body Massage in the hotel’s destination spa, your partner will be having the time of his life negotiating hair-pin bends and high-speed manoeuvres with an exhilarating 30 minute driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World.

The unique, design-led Brooklands Hotel opened its doors this March on the site of the iconic Brooklands race track. Brooklands Hotel brings a sensational property to the market. The much anticipated opening offers the ultimate combination of contemporary design with a vibrant history. Predominantly glass, this super style-statement of a property has been designed for luxury, while embracing the rich legacy of the Brooklands race circuit. Complete with a destination spa, cocktail bar, restaurant, and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, the 120 luxury rooms and suites offer unrivalled luxury within this area of Surrey. Priding itself on personality, individuality, and an unparalleled level of uniqueness – where else will you find a spa on a race track, with luxurious suites only thirty minutes away from central London?

The ‘Fast and Fabulous Package’ rate is based on two people sharing a standard room (single occupancy in a double bedded room is £179.00 per room, per night). Spa treatments times are subject to availability and should be booked at your earliest opportunity prior to your stay to avoid disappointment. For more information on the newest Surrey spa hotel visit http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com.

Dredging is required for various reasons including environmental, commercial and industrial uses.

Environmentally, examples of the use of dredging are to clear waterways also to collect sand in order to repair coastal erosion. Industrial and commercial uses dredging are for example the collection of materials used in concrete production and the dredging for valuable trace substances.

Dredging has become an essential operation in process of flood prevention through increasing an area’s capacity for holding or carrying water away.

Dredging requires not only the correct craft but also the correct dredging equipment which is mainly the dredging bucket. Each type of dredging project requires a different type of bucket as each location and material required to be dredged is different.

Dredging buckets are made by the process of the fabrication of steel through welding. They are either constructed in a workshop or onsite depending on the nature of the usage and location. Dredging buckets can range from 3m3 to 25m3. The first process is to design the bucket using CAD software and then the drawing service. It is these critical initial stages that enable the bucket to be fabricated.

The materials used in the construction of dredge buckets, excavator buckets and mining buckets are highly sophisticated. The steel is high strength and abrasion resistant with tungsten or chromium carbide wear protection systems. Each bucket is ESCO wear resistant encompassing their protection systems and are bushed and line bored.

As mining, excavation and dredging buckets are often used in challenging and demanding situations, it is important to keep on top of refurbishment. A professional dredge bucket manufacturer should also offer the service of repair and refurbishment.

The refurbishment and repair of mining and dredging buckets is as skilled a job as manufacturing. The welding & fabrication processes are as complex and so a fully equipped workshop is required with a lifting capacity in the region of 15 tonnes. The welding should be to ASMA 9 standard or higher with a mobile line boring facility. Once the welding and fabrication has been completed the process of the abrasion resistant and steel plate coatings can be implemented.

Cartmel is a medieval village situated on the edge of the southern Lake District. The 12th century Cartmel Priory typifies this village both in architecture and history. It is still used for worship today as it has been for over 800 years and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The other main attraction for visitors to Cartmel is the racecourse. With the first recorded race said to have taken place on the mid 1800’s, Cartmel races continues to grow in stature and popularity year on year. The creation of a new grandstand, with the back drop of the beautiful southern Lake District coupled with catering to rival any top race event has really put Cartmel on the map.

Cartmel is very much becoming a gastronomic destination. Cartmel and its surrounding villages have some of the best examples of Lake District gastronomy in the whole of Cumbria and the Lake District. Even though many of the restaurants and public houses are located within historic buildings, the food served is right in the 21st century using the finest locally sourced produce that is found in an abundance in the south Lakeland area.

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of the most famous exports from Cartmel. The pudding is now sold all over the United Kingdom and even world with high class restaurants in London serving this still handmade in Cartmel pudding.

With its top quality food, beautiful historical buildings, race course and spectacular scenery, it’s not hard to believe that Cartmel attracts a cosmopolitan visitor. Luckily, Cartmel offers some stunning Lake District self catering properties. When attending the races, what better place to stay in than a beautiful Grade II listed manor house or a beautiful double-fronted period property in Cartmel.

Nearby attractions also include Holker Hall (a stately home with lovely gardens and grounds and a cafe, Cark-in-Cartmel), the Lakeland Motor Museum (In addition to vintage and classic motors, the museum now features of faithfully recreated period shop fronts and also has a themed gift shop. It is now located at its new site in Backbarrow, on the main A590) and Brantwood (an historic house & gardens which used to be the home of John Ruskin with a shop, café and terrace on the east side of Coniston Water).

With the festival season in full swing fashion retailers are focusing their attention on the ultimate festival style.

It has become apparent that these days festivals are about more than just the music. Despite being cooped up in a tent for days and up to their knees in mud, festival-goers have never looked more glamorous.  In the last few years the festival has become an open field fashion show for trend setters and fashion lovers alike.

But whatever the weather, music taste or style, Wellington boots are the one item no seasoned festival-goer would ever be without.  Thankfully the Hunter Wellies collection provides not only comfort and protection from all weather conditions but offers a wide range of products for the fashion conscious.

Hunter Wellies have been producing Wellington boots for more than 150 years.  Today, the reputation of Hunter boots’ performance, durability and outstanding comfort has become legendary. The Hunter Wellington boot is globally recognisable and has become a lifestyle statement around the world.

Originally designed for stomping through rugged terrain, Hunter Wellies have since become the first choice for festival goers and country types alike, making them an all year round boot.

The expanding Hunter range continues to inspire the great festival look and is a must-have for fashion fanatics.  The variety of colours, patterns and styles means that there is a pair to suit everybody, from the basic to the extraordinary.

Over the years the Hunter boots have been the exclusive choice for many celebrity festival fans, from style icons Kate Moss and Sadie Frost, to pop idol Lily Allen. Most recently, the iconic Wellington boots have even attracted collaboration with the infamous Jimmy Choo, inspiring the sleek and sophisticated Carnaby boots collection.

This year’s definitive festival boot look comes in the form of the Hunter Wellies Festival 2010. Individual styling, consisting of Hunter rivets, strap and stirrup detailing sets these boots apart. Style and street cred are apparent in the wearer whilst the message is exclusivity and seasoned festival goer.

For ultimate festival glamour in 2010 the beautiful new Wedge Wellies range introduces a 2½ inch wedge heel to the originally flat Wellington boot.  This brilliant new design incorporates the much loved high heel with the functional rubber boot without any of the usual impracticalities of wearing heels at a festival.

Wedge Wellies have been designed specifically with festivals in mind.  The wedge provides a cushion to maintain an extra comfortable fit while the incredibly unique styles, such as the Wedge Welly Curve Candy Girl boots and the Wedge Welly Curve Maneater boots ensure that any festival-goer will attract attention and stand out from the crowd wherever they go. Ugg boots are still a festival staple.

Slipping over on floors or down stairs are common forms of accidents in the workplace and in the home.

Employers now have to carry out risk assessments in the workplace by either an in-house health and safety officer or a professional risk assessment consultant. The risk assessment identifies any problems, risks and deficiencies in the workplace from anything from fire extinguishers and fire drills to toxic fumes and potential accident hot spots. This act provides guidance, codes of practice and regulations for the employer to carry out the risk assessment as quickly and as easily as possible.

Slips and falls can result in serious injury. Prevention of such accidents is very easy with care, attention and by using easy to apply anti slip and non slip tape.

Yellow Coarse Traction Tape
Snow, ice and mud easily clog and restrict the grip capability of most traction tapes surfaces. Yellow coarse traction tape is coated with a deep aluminium oxide mineral to help prevent clogging. Ideal for use in ski resorts and any area that suffers from icy or muddy conditions.

Black Standard Non  Slip Tape
Black standard anti slip tape is the most common and widely used of all the anti slip tapes as it is ideal for any general non slip requirement. This material has a permanent self adhesive, plastic base and is coated with extremely tough, diamond hard aluminium oxide.  The anti slip capability (coefficient of friction) exceeds all legal requirements.  It prevents slips and trips on stairs, internal walkways and external areas. For muddy or icy areas, a coarse tape should be used.
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Grip tape and non slip tape are often thought as exactly the same product but there are differences.

Grip tape is the same as non slip tape, isn’t it?
Put simply, yes and no!  Modern skateboards have their origins in the late 1950s, when grip tape started appearing in the 1970s the most commonly available mineral in the US was silicon carbide (also known as carborundum tape).  From the 1980s onwards throughout western industry aluminium oxide became more prevalent as an abrasive mineral and began replacing silicon carbide; it was more readily available, more quality consistent, had the same level of hardness and was cheaper.  Grip tape can be produced with either, with some non slip tape only produced using aluminium oxide or S2 (a form of silica).

I have heard that silicon carbide is better and tougher?
Completely untrue.  As mentioned above silicon carbide was the original grip material however from the 1980s onwards moves were made towards production using aluminium oxide.  Mineral hardness is measured by the MOHS scale, both aluminium oxide and silicon carbide register the same mineral hardness, 9.  1 is talc and 10 being diamond.  Silicon carbide retains its place in grip tape usage mainly as an ‘old school’ remnant, reminding boarders of its vintage 1970s roots, in performance there is little difference with aluminium oxide offering better quality output.

What about the adhesive?
Most grip tapes have a lower level of adhesion compared to non slip tape.  A skateboard is an easy substrate to adhere onto, in the worst case it might have a lacquer coat.  Non slip tapes might be applied onto extremely low energy substrates, the most difficult materials include PP, PUR and siliconised powder coat.  Non slip tapes have to possess an adhesive capable of permanently and instantly bonding to these surfaces, this can only be achieved with modern, advanced and often application specific adhesives.  The old system of simply applying a higher coat weight is no longer seen as an effective approach.

Is the base material different?
Skateboard grip tape typically uses a thin PVC base.  Anti slip tapes will normally use thicker PVC and various thicknesses of PVC dependent on the end application.  Other plastics that are utilised which include: PET (provides extra strength and zero stretch tolerances), PE (full biodegradability), PP (can easily be hot welded instead of adhered), aluminium foil (formability and extreme flame retardancy) and PU (cushioning abilities but very expensive compared to other plastics).

Does the backing liner vary?
At last a simple answer, yes!  Most grip tapes will use a thicker backing paper, the reason is unknown but is believed to be historical.

It was reported that around 24% of the British adult population went away for the 2009 August Bank Holiday weekend.

The August Bank Holiday weekend has always been one of the busiest and most popular Bank Holidays to go away. It is in a prime summer month and also the last Bank Holiday before Christmas. The weekend is one of the last before children return to school and the timing of it is ideal for both tourists taking their first break of the summer or as a short get away for those who have taken a holiday earlier in the summer.

Getting away for August Bank Holiday in the UK is a great idea especially in 2010. The Sterling to Euro exchange rate is still fairly poor and with holidays and prices abroad rising, staying in the UK has been a popular choice this summer. A long weekend is an excellent choice if money is tight and a holiday for a whole week is unaffordable. Another reason could be or if the time off work cannot be had.

Cumbria – The Lake District is a great place to visit for a Bank Holiday weekend as it is easily accessible, has a wide range of locations, activities and places to stay and visit and offers something different from a city break or holiday abroad. Keeping children entertained is easy in the Lake District with such a broad range of Lake District activities. Listed below are a selection from across the region.
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