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 only legitimate options left for consumers were: (a) The Citizen’s Advice Bureau, (b) Trading Standards or (c) a trip to the local solicitor or county /high court. The former two can advise but often fail to persuade an intransigent installer to give the consumer satisfaction and the latter can be daunting and very often costly to the complainant.

The Ombudsman Scheme has an extensive Accreditation Procedure. This helps members achieve a higher standard of service, administration and consumer satisfaction.
The Ombudsman Scheme has extensive legal powers to investigate complaints made against members. Any decisions made are legally binding and enforceable under the terms of The Arbitration Act 1996. Members have signed a legally binding contract at the point of entry into the scheme allowing the Ombudsman to investigate and thereby agreeing to abide by any decisions made.

The complaints process (consisting of conciliation, mediation, independent inspections and ultimately, if necessary, arbitration) is a totally free service to the consumer/complainant.

This provides a level of protection hitherto unavailable in this industry to consumers.
In short, the scheme is long awaited, very well received by installers, the industry, consumer groups, the press and general public.
The Ombudsman Scheme is a powerful way to help bring renewed consumer confidence and enhance the image of the industry and also in giving double glazing advice. Members promote professionalism, competency and customer care, combined with a robust form of legal redress for justified complaints.

An Ombudsman is someone to whom you can address a complaint about an organisation or body if you feel you have been dealt with unfairly or have suffered some financial or other loss you would like investigating.

There are a number of Ombudsman Schemes in the United Kingdom. Some Ombudsmen are Government appointed, for example, The Local Government Ombudsman and The Financial Services Ombudsman, whereas others are industry appointed, such as the Telecommunications Ombudsman and the Surveyor Ombudsman. The Double Glazing Ombudsman is a similar non-statutory scheme.

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 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.

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.

Why can’t I get an exact price over the phone?
Until the house or office clearance company can asses exactly how long the job will take, what if any residual value there is, and what our recycling / disposal costs are going to be a precise quote cannot be given.

What sort of furniture and effects have a value?
Antiques, art, collectables and high quality designer furniture are the items that have enough resale value to offset against the costs of clearance. The office or house clearance company should make sure good quality second hand furniture finds a home, but it usually doesn’t have much value. The service provider should however be happy to give advice on how to sell second hand furniture in cases where they think someone else may pay more than they will. They also help you get it reused by recommending local free-cycle initiatives.

What happens if there is more or less stuff in the house than we estimated?
For a variety of reasons the size of the clearance can change right up to the last minute. This is always understand this and simply adjust the price accordingly.

What happens to the contents once removed?
Every effort is made to ensure everything that can be reused and recycled is reused and recycled. Most clearance companies say this and should carry it through.

Does a clearance company clear rubbish as well as furniture?
They should do including all general domestic and office waste, including rubbish, fridges, tyres, biomass, etc.

Is there anything they can’t clear?
Most house and office clearance companies cannot clear hazardous materials such as paint, noxious chemicals, solvents, asbestos and medical waste. The  local authority should be contacted to get a list of recommended local hazardous waste carriers.

Would I have to be at the property whilst the work is done?
No. So long as the clearance company have access to the property, in normal cases they can go ahead. It is often the case that keys are collected from a local estate agent or neighbour, for example. When not present, it is extremely important to know in writing if anything is not to be removed, and it has to be clearly identifiable (preferably clearly labelled).

Should the clearance company be licensed and insured?
Absolutely. They should fully insured to carry out all the aspects of house and office clearance services and should be licensed by the Environment Agency as waste carriers.

Can they take stuff to a charity shop?
They should offer this service and also should a requirement for furniture etc to be delivered to friends, family or into storage, they should off a man and van service for this which would be factored into the overall cost.

Would they clean the property once it has been cleared?
Standard practice is to sweep through the property. However if the property has been requested to be more thoroughly cleaned, the house or office clearance company should provide options such as hovering and wiping down to a full spring clean service.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Conformable Anti Skid Tape
Conformable anti skid tape is a must for all irregular surfaces such as diamond tread plate, 5 bar tread etc.  The foil backing of conformable anti skid tape easily conforms to the peaks and valleys turning a previously slippery surface (diamond tread plate can be lethal in wet conditions) into one achieving the highest grip rating. Due to the nature of its purpose, conformable tape is mainly used in the form of highly visible black and yellow stripes to highlight potentially risky areas.

Transparent Non Slip Tape
A clear grip tape is perfect for applying when you need an unobtrusive yet extremely effective anti slip surface.  Most grip tapes use aluminium oxide which is naturally opaque, so to produce perfect clarity, a translucent S2 coating ensures a truly transparent grip tape.  Perfect for applications on marble, company logos (create that amazing 3D effect!), terrazzo and all aesthetically appealing areas.

Black Yellow Hazard Non Slip Flooring
The black and yellow hazard non slip flooring and tape has a high grip non slip surface but with high visibility stripes.  Great for applying onto RVs, trucks, nosings and all safety critical areas.  It can often be obtained in different shapes and sizes for should there be a special requirement.

Glow In The Dark Plain Colour Anti Skid Tape
Photoluminescent anti slip tape combines a high grip surface yet also possesses a bright glow in the dark capability.  The photoluminescent anti skid tape is charged by natural or incandescent lights; they store the energy and slowly release it when the lighting dims.  Ideal for stair nosings, walkways and other potentially hazardous areas, will emit a glow in time of power failure.  A must for any organization which wants to fulfil all requirements, this material does not contain any radioactive materials.

Red White Hazard Sandpaper Tape
Red and white hazard sandpaper tape helps to minimize insurance and liability risks through its warning capabilities as well as its grip. This kind of sandpaper tape product is perfect for all industrial and commercial applications.

Aqua Non Slip Tape
Aqua non slip tape has a multitude of uses from baths and showers to boats, hot tubs and swimming pools.  Aqua floor tapes are completely non-abrasive yet still allows great grip as many uses of this tape are where bare feet are present.  These tapes can be found in cut sizes or rolls and it is recommended for baths and wet rooms to apply the aqua floor tape in strips to create a ladder type effect.  The material does not contain any grit so will not harbor any dirt or bacteria.

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.

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.

A World in Miniature, Houghton Hall, Carlisle
This truly amazing museum contains of one the world’s top three collections of quality miniatures, from remarkable 1/12 scale copies of antique furniture, paintings and china in beautiful room settings, to everyday items at sizes you just won’t believe!

Made with breathtaking skill and craftsmanship and displayed with care and attention to detail, our museum is sure to thrill and delight collectors and the curious alike. We even have the world’s smallest teddy bear!
Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal, Cumbria
The Gallery is housed in one of Kendal’s most important buildings, a Grade I listed villa, on the banks of the river Kent. The galleries offer two floors of light-filled spaces in which to see art. The intimate rooms and tranquil setting are used to show British painting and sculpture, without pretention or overload, to uplift the spirits in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

As well as a fine permanent collection, Abbot Hall is widely acknowledged as having one of the most imaginative and independently minded exhibition programmes outside London.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Blackwell is one of Britain’s finest houses from the turn of the last century. Designed by M H Baillie Scott, Blackwell was built between 1898 and 1900 as a holiday retreat for Sir Edward Holt, a wealthy Manchester brewery owner. The house survives in a truly remarkable state of preservation retaining almost all of its original decorative features, including the rare and fragile hessian wall-hangings in the Dining Room.

Coniston Launch 2010, Coniston, Cumbria the Lake District
Lake cruises and group charters on Coniston Water in the Lake District. Coniston Launch offers a variety of ways that you can enjoy a beautiful boat cruise and day out on Coniston Water in the Lake District. Regular services covering three different circular routes on Coniston Water. Stay on the boat for the full cruise or stop off at any of the jetties to catch a later boat back. Combine a boat cruise with a walk around the shore of Coniston Water

Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport, Cumbria
Native marine and freshwater fish in more than 50 carefully recreated habitats make up a sequence of informative displays that will captivate you.

Careful contact with Rays and Starfish… silvery Bass dodging the crashing wave. Plaice hiding in the sand, Cuttlefish changing colour as they watch you pass… baby Seahorses so unbelievably small.

Entertaining talks and feeding demonstrations from the staff and the Quayside Cafe is also open to the general public. Discover an array of gifts and souvenirs suitable for all ages in the Gift Shop.

The town of Penrith, with its beautiful red sandstone buildings has fascinating yards and alleyways to discover, pleasant open spaces and a selection of places to stay from fine hotels in Penrith to cosy guest houses and self catering cottages.

A lovely walk up through the wooded slopes of Beacon Hill to the Beacon “Pike” Monument, built in 1719 of local red sandstone, rewards you with great views over the town and lake district fells beyond. The Rotary Club of Penrith have produced a leaflet with details of an “Access for all Walk” – a self guided tour of Penrith. The route has been chosen to make the walk accessible to all, including those with disabilities. To download a copy, please visit the Rotary Club website.

Back down in the town, explore the ruins of Penrith Castle, dating back to the 14th century, set in an attractive public park where you can play tennis, bowls, crazy golf, pitch and putt or simply watch the world go by! There’s a children’s playground and paddling pool too.

Many visitors come to Penrith for its unique specialist shops offering local produce – fine foods like Penrith Toffee Fudge, loved by the Royal Family and traditional Cumberland Sausage together with all sorts of local crafts. A Specialist Shops leaflet for Penrith is available.

Eating out in Penrith is a pleasure, there’s a good choice too, ranging from inns with home cooking, Penrith restaurants with international cuisine, cafes and tea shops.

Don’t miss Penrith Farmers’ Market, held every 3rd Tuesday in the Market Square, where you can cut down the food miles and enjoy locally produced and sourced goods. The newly named Charter Market, a traditional street market is also held every Tuesday in Great Dockray.

Penrith Museum, housed in the former 17th century Robinsons school building gives a fascinating insight into the history of Penrith, local geology and archaeology and houses an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions.

Dating back to Norman times, St, Andrew’s Church in the centre of Penrith is surrounded by historic buildings with a peaceful outdoor seating area. Look out for the “Giants Grave” in St. Andrew’s Churchyard!

If you are feeling active, the recently extended Penrith Leisure Centre has swimming pools, gym, indoor climbing wall, large sports hall and indoor bowls hall.

The town has an award-winning station on the main west coast London to Glasgow railway line and is served by National Express buses. The C2C cycle route passes through Penrith and the town has been designated Cumbria’s first Cycling Hub, which means cyclists are made extra welcome and will find excellent facilities and specially designed routes starting from Penrith along with many Penrith hotels being cyclist friendly.

Shabby chic home furniture and accessories can give your house the WOW factor! The style of shabby chic is steeped in history yet with the modern day paint effects and colours, these items of furniture are brought right up to the present day. Shabby chic offers the traditional look without being heavy and stuffy. It adds character to a room and pieces can be used as little or as much as one wishes.

The influences for shabby chic furniture are taken mainly from French furniture of around the 1800’s period. The paint effects on these traditional reproduction designs of furniture recreate the shabby look but keeping it chic. The pieces are far from just shabby.

Shabby chic home furniture is extremely easy to look after and clean which makes it an excellent choice for those who have families or other busy lifestyles. Just one piece of shabby chic style furniture can give a focal point to a room.

With the rise of popularity of shabby chic furniture, complementing accessories and decorating items such as wallpaper are now readily available. Accessories for every room in the house including glassware, candle sticks and mirrors can now be found along with bathroom accessories such as soap holders, mirrors and towel rails.

One of the main benefits of A Radio Fire Alarm System is that they reduce the needs to run cables to each individual device on the fire alarm system.  Modern radio fire alarm systems will only need cables to be installed to the control and signal booster panel positions to provide a mains supply.  This benefit of radio fire alarm systems means that have been ideally suited to listed type buildings.  It allows the installation of a fully functioning fire alarm system within the building while not ‘running’ cables where it is impractical to do so.  Examples of installations of this type are in Windsor Castle and The Ritz Hotel, both of which have radio fire alarm systems installed.  In some instances conservation bodies would also prohibit the installation of cables within protected buildings and radio fire alarm systems may be the only solution to allow the building to comply with current regulations and standards.

Another huge benefit to a radio fire alarm systems is the vastly reduced installation times.  As each device is battery powered and does not require a cable to connect it to the fire alarm system, a single device could be installed in a room in around 30 minutes.  A hard wired alternative system would in comparison take weeks or months to install, greatly increasing the installation time and the amount of disruption within the building.  In a hotel for example installing a ‘hard wired’ type system would take months to install.  It may be more cost effective to install a radio fire alarm system when the amount of ‘down-time’ is taken into account i.e. the hotel may lose much more revenue in shutting areas of the building while the installation of a fire alarm system is taking place.

Due to the flexibility and ease of installation, radio fire alarm systems are also being used as temporary systems.  Some building companies for example use radio fire alarm systems on sites where fire detection is required whilst building work is ongoing.  These systems can be installed as the building work commences and be used on the project until the project is finished.  The system can then be simply taken down ready to be used on their next project.  The benefit of flexibility can also seen when using radio fire alarm systems on projects with phased construction works.  The devices can be simply added and removed as work is on going without having to add and remove cables and therefore speeding up the construction process.

Advances in battery technology have enabled radio fire alarm systems to become easier to manage in terms of maintenance.  As the devices on a radio fire alarm system are all battery powered, there is no escaping the fact that these batteries will need to be changed.  However radio fire alarm manufacturers are embracing new battery technology to increase the battery life of their devices.  Many radio fire alarm system manufacturers are now using lithium batteries.  These batteries have a much greater life span than the batteries that were traditionally used and many radio fire alarm manufacturers are quoting life spans of up to 5 – 7 years for the batteries used within their system devices.

In conclusion radio fire alarm systems if correctly surveyed and installed offer huge advantages over traditional ‘hard-wired’ fire alarm systems.  Offering greater flexibility, reduced installation times and huge leaps forward in the reliability in the systems over the last 20 years.

The construction of sealed lead acid batteries is in actual fact it is not as complicated as people may let you believe.  The following is a short piece on exactly how these batteries are constructed.

The whole ethos of how the battery construction is designed is basically to eliminate the loss of electrolyte through evaporation, gassing or spillage.  The basic premise that the batteries are sealed leads to a longer battery life and also reduces the amount of maintenance needed compared to other varieties of batteries.  Other types of batteries have simple valve caps to let gas escape from the batteries, whereas sealed lead acid batteries are constructed using pressure valves which open in extreme conditions.  To reduce the release of oxygen and hydrogen in the air by galvanic action as the sealed lead acid battery is charging the electrolyte needs to have an adapted design.  The electrolyte is designed in sealed lead acid batteries in such a way that it triggers the oxygen and hydrogen to re-amalgamate into water and is often known as a recombinant technique.  Because of the reasons given above and the sealed nature of the batteries, sealed lead acid batteries are much safer than other variants of batteries and are used for mobility scooter battery requirements.

The bonefishing is on a scale so massive that previous experiences now seem little more than practise sessions. Big numbers of bulldog-like giant trevally (GTs) cruise seas so clear that on some days the water seems to become one with the endless blue skies. When these beasts charge your flies down it is unlike any fishing there is. I have witnessed fishermen freeze up as a GT’s back comes out of the water in its eagerness to nail your fly, and I have seen people jump out of the way of a rampaging GT on the hunt. Words will never truly describe a fishing experience as intense as sight fishing for GTs. Is this the ultimate?

I suppose it could be, but the bonefishing is off the scale as well. Vast shoals of monster bones swarm these remote flats, and I would hazard a guess that every single fish has never seen an angler before, let alone a fly. They fed so hard and aggressively that the guys were left in a state of shock by the whole experience. Mingling with the bonefish are huge milkfish, but that is another whole story on its own.

GT fishing in this part of the world is about as hardcore as fly fishing trips get. Bonefishing requires a wonderfully subtle and deft approach, and when hooked, they run off with a lightning burst of speed. GTs on the other hand defy belief in their aggression and defiant nature. Most fishermen will carry both a 12 and a 9 weight set-up when fishing these places, to be able to fish for GTs, bones and other species as tides and locations change. Going from smashed knuckles and bruised pride on a bad-boy rampaging GT to dropping a size 6 in front of a graceful bone requires great skill and an ability to adapt at will. Possibly nowhere on earth is going to give the fisherman such (wonderfully seductive) choices to make. I therefore offer up the Seychelles’ remote atolls as one of the places you simply have to do your utmost to fish; it really is as good as fishing can be.

As with many professional services such as office and house clearances, the company has years of experience and can carry out the service in a quick and efficient manner. Other services that a house clearance company normally provide are transportation, removals, waste disposal, probate valuation and antique and collectables valuations.

Each house or office clearance job is different and is required for different reasons so it is important to use a well established house clearance company that can take care of all the matters concerning the clearance from valuations to the recycling of waste.

Many people are very aware of the need to reduce waste and preserve resources. When using a house or office clearance company, responsibility of both the client and service provider to be committed to recycling and re-using the items that are cleared. You should check the environmental policy of the company you are using and ensure all possible steps are taken to recycle or send items to be re-used.

The transportation of waste to responsible recycling facilities should be carried out. Items that can be re-used or re-sold can be taken to a wide range of businesses and charities to sell as second hand goods. This means items are being re-used so benefiting the environment but also money made from sales benefits charities.

Another service associated with house clearances is probate valuation. Probate is often a distressing and difficult process and a house clearance company can work closely with solicitors and private clients providing probate valuation services. Services provided include written probate valuations, insurance valuation and the advice on selling antiques, collectables and art etc. From then the same house clearance company can clear the property leaving it clean and tidy ready for sale or transfer.

Peterborough and Doncaster are not the first areas people will first think of as large business and distribution centres but they really are major players in this field. Their locations are their key along with their excellent transport links both road and rail most notably commencing with the opening of the Great Northern Railway London to York line in 1850. Peterborough and Doncaster road links are equally as effective hense major road haulage and distribution centres.

Peterborough has a vibrant business community and is a business destination for conferencing and for UK distribution head quarters. Even Peterborough Cathedral, voted in the top 10 UK landmarks in the Fujifilm user’s poll of 2007, has conferencing facilities. Peterborough is only 75 miles from London but is equally as accessible from the north by the East Coast Mainline and by the M1 motorway. On this line, Newcastle is two hours away and London just one hour. Also by rail from the east as Peterborough is served by the main cross country Liverpool to Norwich train.

The start of Doncaster’s distribution activities stem from the coal mining industry. Coal was shipped to the local steel production firms in Sheffield and Rotherham. For modern day distribution, Doncaster is ideally located to major cities such as Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle also the Midlands. Major high street retailers, supermarket distribution to the north and rail freight to Europe all have large facilities in Doncaster. With such major companies and organisations having offices and distributions centres here, hotels in Doncaster now cater very well for the corporate guest. To further enhance Doncaster as a business centre, the Robin Hood Airport has flights to mainland Europe, Barbados, Poland and even Mexico. The Robin Hood Airport is the UK’s newest purpose built airport on the old RAF Finningley.

In 2005, Tesco opened a brand new 370,000 square feet distribution centre and shortly after they took over a centre in Doncaster and further expanded it by 110,000 square feet. Both of these sites are fresh food depots. Conferences and meetings are obviously held in abundance in Peterborough with many Peterborough hotels having excellent conferencing facilities.

Self catering is becoming more and more popular. The consumer is seeing the many benefits of staying in a self catering property in the UK as opposed to either staying in a hotel or going abroad. Tourism industry members are seeing the profits made from owning holiday homes and the rentals of them. For second home owners, it is the perfect way to make some money out of the property whilst the owners are not using it. In the tough economic time, this is a practice that is being seen more and more to alleviate mortgage payments and running costs. Holiday property owners and companies are also noting that more and more enquiries are for short breaks, typically 3 or 4 nights. Due to this, short breaks in self catering properties are now widely available. They enable extra business in the quieter, off season months and can even generate repeat business for a full week in the high season. Lake District short breaks are great for those who cannot afford the cost of a full week, those who have a small holiday entitlement and families wanting an extra break on top of their main summer holiday.

The Lake District lends itself very well to a self catering holiday. It has some of the quaintest cottages and properties in the UK set in the most spectacular surroundings. Many walkers and adventure enthusiasts prefer staying in a self catering property for many reasons. It is often the case that Lake District cottages are located in a more rural or isolated locations which suits walkers and climbers enabling them to step right out of the cottage front door and up a mountain. In most cases, hotels and bed and breakfast venues are larger properties so are in less isolated locations. Hotels and b&b’s do not suit everyone. Lake District self catering properties allow complete freedom to come and go when you please and the storage areas for bikes, walking and climbing gear for example. Washing facilities are all but always found so washing of gear can be done throughout the stay if required.

When in a group, Lake District cottages are ideal. A trip to a local shop or market can be done stocking up fully for the week ahead, cooking can be shared out and combined, can make for a very cost effective holiday. Although with the large number of quality restaurants and pubs in the Lake District, it is hard to stay in every night! The main point is, you get the choice when staying in a Lake District cottage.

Saftey clothing can come in the form of protection but also when high visibility is required or workwear that alerts colleagues and the general public that a particular job or process is being carried out.

Many building sites will not let a workman on even a subcontractor, without the correct safety boots and clothing. Should they not have the correct protective workwear then they will be told to leave and come back. This can delay the job and loose a subcontractor the money for that day.

Saftey workwear is anthing from a high visibility vest to protective earwear, boots and jackets.

Sending a pet to a kennel whilst you are on holiday can be inconvenient as not everyone has a kennelling centre near them. Kennelling and pet sitting services can be quite expensive almost doubling the cost of the holiday. Another and perhaps the biggest reason why pet and dog friendly hotels are appealing is that many owners hate the thought of having to leave their dog or pet when they go away. Taking a dog abroad has its problems with quarantining etc but if the holiday is in the UK, why not take your pet along? Pets are often a large part of the family so leaving him or her for a week can sometimes be quite upsetting. In fact, some even let pets go free which makes taking a pet with you far cheaper than kennelling.

It is not always appropriate or right to take a pet on holiday should the destination, type of accommodation or the activities on the holiday not be suitable for a pet. The Cumbria – Lake District on the other hand is one destination with a great choice of activities and that both the family and Fido with enjoy equally. It is now far easier to take your pet away with you without compromising on the choice of holiday. In fact, there are now pet friendly hotels which a few years ago, was almost unheard of.

Many hotels in the UK and the Cumbria – Lake District specifically exclude dogs and pets of all sorts from their premises. However, some hotels welcome all well-behaved pets to enjoy a holiday with their owners. Some dog friendly hotels in the Lake District offer walking services, special bed linen and beds and food.

If you have the best knives, saucepans and oven all the better but not everyone does. After buying the best produce you can afford the next most important purchase should be quality cookware, i.e pans.

Many people will have noticed that when a chef is cooking on television, they state and describe the pan they are using and that is normally one that they would strongly recommend you use. This is because pans are such a large part in how a recipe is cooked and how the finished dish turns out. When searing meat the last thing you would want to do is use a high sided pan as this would effectively steam the meat and you should not boil paste in a small, shallow pan.

Different pans cook food in different ways which is confirmed in a number of famous dishes from around the world. Many famous dishes are named after the pan or dish in which they were cooked in for example Spanish Paella, Moroccan Tagine and Indian Karahi. Each piece of cookware has been used for years and years to specifically achieve different effects.

Moving on from the correct type of pan or piece of cookware and then there are the different finishes including bases and coatings on pans, non-stick, stainless steel and copper pans are the most common. There are then cast iron pans namely for casserole dishes and griddle pans. Leading brands include Stellar pans, Le Creuset and Tefal.

The life of a pan can be greatly prolonged by cleaning it correctly. Although many pans these days are “dishwasher safe” this is not the advised method of cleaning pans. Seasoning a pan not only prolongs the life of the pan but it improves the quality of the cooking in it. This is done by heating oil in the pan then letting it go cold. You then wipe of the cold oil with a cloth or kitchen paper. This is also the advised method when dish washing by hand, basically anytime you use detergent on the pan.

Recently having undergone a complete restoration, Tradewoods are delighted to have supplied over 1000m² of flooring for this important project: Norcliffe’s new underfloor heating system has been covered with Tradewoods Super 6 engineered hardwood flooring unfinished rustic French Oak 21 x 180mm. The featured apartment first received a coat of mahogany oil to add a deep, period look to the floor, this mahogany oil was then over-coated with two coats of clear oil to finish. A stunning restoration.

How food looks is extremely important. The look of the food is the first impression and as is regularly said, you eat with your eyes. How food is presented on a plate is so crucial these days.  The food itself needs to look appealing but what it is presented on can also greatly affect the way the dish looks. Top chefs know the importance of this and they will be the ones that choose the dinnerware range for the restaurant. Only a few years ago, a standard plate would be used to serve all the dishes. Now there are curved, square, rectangle, oval and shallow bowls. Different dishes are presented on each plate depending on the look required. Some chefs are even using slates, pieces of wood and other such materials. A beautiful piece of dinnerware can give the dish that wow factor when arriving at the table Wedgewood or Versace china.

Chefs, especially, tend to choose white dinnerware. White presents all food well and is a blank canvas for the presentation. Michelin star food is one area where presentation goes hand in hand with the taste of the food and these chefs consider the plate or receptacle highly.

It is not just in the professional and commercial sectors where there has been an advance in tableware design. Top designers such as Terrance Conran and Vera Wang have designed collections and home owners are paying more attention to how their table looks. Dinner parties are back. The popularity of cooking programmes, the ability to buy high quality produce in supermarkets now and factors such as the recession could be contributing factors. Having a spectacular looking dining table makes guests feels special.

Ill matching tableware, dinnerware and cutlery can greatly affect the feel of a restaurant or a home dining table. Modern china and dinnerware would look completely out of place in a traditional looking room and vice versa. It is something that many people notice these days whether it be when visiting a restaurant or attending a dinner party.

There are so many different ranges on the market to choose from with some very modern and distinct styles such as the Villeroy and Boch china ranges or for a more traditional look, Wedgwood, Denby and Aynsley produce timeless design ranges. Versace has even created some china ranges for Rosenthal.

Patterned dinnerware and tableware can date so if longevity is what is required then a simple white set cannot be beaten. White tableware goes with every colour scheme but should a more distinctive or modern look be required then there are some amazing modern designs around at the moment. Leaders in this field are designers such as Terrance Conran and Villeroy and Boch. Clean line designs in white are the dinnerware sets that are being most favoured at the moment. In a very practical sense of breakage, a broken white piece can be replaced even with a different range.  Buying key patterned pieces though to use with a plain white set is an excellent way to introduce colour or patterns whilst still keeping to predominantly white.

A franking machine protects the environment by actively:

• Checking that all machines manufactured since June 1st 2006 are RoHs compliant
• Reducing pollution by recycling and minimising landfill
• Using recyclable packaging wherever possible
• Using incoming delivery boxes to ship goods out wherever possible
• Remanufacturing machines and parts to very high standards, reducing the amount sent to landfill
• Encouraging staff to be energy efficient

Even after their life, old machines can be sent back to the factory to constituent parts and reuse or recycle and ink cartridges are re-cycled. Ink cartridges count for a huge amount of landfill waste so by recycling even the small cartridge, it is further enhancing the environmental responsibilities of a franking machine.
When franking machines are sourced from a specialist supplier they are still the very competitively priced and the added environmental services and features do not add to the cost. It is often the case that a product whether it be for the workplace, home or a food item is more expensive if it has green credentials. This is something that has to change, especially in the current economic climate when money saving is a must for most consumers and businesses.

Franking mail ensures that business expenditure is kept under control and reduced whenever possible. Franking machines can save on average at least 2p on a first class, 3p on a second class and 6p on large letters and at the same time, giving mail a professional image. A professional image on an envelope could give you the edge when tendering for new business for example with personalisation of the franking imprint.

A franking machine saves instantly on postage costs but also labour costs compared with the process of weighing and sticking individual stamps on. That coupled with the more professional look mean franking machines are the way forward for today’s businesses.

Security is high on business agendas and many franking machines use modern encryption technology and fulfills the highest security requirements. A digital, thermotransfer print head and integrated security device create a universal partner for your franking needs. A high quality, immediately smear-proof indicium can include your company advert and ensure that your outgoing mail is an advertisement for your business further enhancing professionalism. This is also another feature that helps reduce waste and unnecessary production of labels as the transfer goes directly onto the mailed item.

Strangely, Windermere [town] used to be called Winandermere and before that there were actually three small hamlets [Applethwaite, Birththwaite and Heathwaite] which were combined in the 1800’s when there was a greater attempt to encourage people to visit the area. The railway arrived in 1857, making the area much more accessible to visitors and with this demand grew a wealth of Lake District Hotels. The railway still exists today and brings people from all over the world to this special area of the Lake District National Park. As well as being a sustainable way to travel, most of the Windermere hotels are only a short walk from the station, or at worst a five minute taxi ride.

Lake Windermere is well known as England’s largest Lake at over 10 miles long and is also the deepest at 65 metres. There are numerous outstanding viewing points within easy reach either by car, or by short walk. Gummer’s Howe is probably the most famous being situated at the south end of Lake Windermere. You can drive most of the way, leaving only a 30 minute walk to marvel at the panoramic views over Lake Windermere and across to Morecambe Bay. To see the Lakes from a different perspective, Arnside Knott rewards those who take this gentle climb with stunning views of the Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay; simply head for the viewpoint.

Kendal is the biggest town in the south and central Lakes area and has great transport links should you not have a car. The number 555 Stagecoach bus goes from Kendal town centre right up to Keswick along and operates and hourly service. The bus journey alone is worth going on as you pass Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, views towards Skiddaw and Helvellyn finally arriving at Keswick. In fact, the A591 was voted “Britain’s Best Road” by sat nav users last year. Oxenholme – The Lake District train station is just a few minutes from the centre of Kendal which is a West Coast Mainline stop. Trains to and from London, Glasgow and Edinburgh operate from here also a local service to Windermere via Kendal.

When staying in or around Kendal there are many places to that are worth a visit. The Kendal Museum and Abbot Hall Gallery are both excellent attractions with exhibitions changing regularly including work from local artists as well as Bridget Riley and Henry Moore. The local produce available in this area means there are a number of artisan producers and delis stocking food from around the region. The Cumberland sausage and Damson Gin really are worth a try!

The choice of accommodation is varied in Kendal from large and small hotels to self catering properties and some lovely Kendal Bed and Breakfast properties. Staying on the outskirts of Kendal is an excellent idea getting both the convenience to Kendal with all its amenities whilst staying in a quiet location.

Helsington is located just one mile from the centre of Kendal making it the perfect location to stay when visiting the “Auld Grey Town”. It is situated at the southern end of Kendal and is reached very easily from the main A591 road. Helsington has one of the prettiest churches in the south Lakes. Set on the side of a hill, the views from the church are magnificent. The Lyth Valley right round to Morecambe Bay can all be taken in.

As well as the church, Helsington Laithes Manor is another notable building. The original building is believed to date from the 13th Century, when the Manor of Helsington belonged to Margaret de Ros. The West end of the main block is of medieval origin, probably late 15th C. It is said to have a chapel with a pre‐ Reformation window. Helsington Manor was owned by Marmaduke de Thwenge. At his death in 1323 it passed to his son, William de Thwenge and in 1374 the property, in the estate of Thomas de Thwenge, passed to Robert de Lumley. The year 1511 brings the first reference to Helsington Laithes which passed to Sir George Lumley. The House then came into the hands of Henry VIII, who in 1539 leased it to Sir Thomas Seymour, for 21 years from Michaelmas 1540.

The property boom over there has been a huge lure for UK investment property buyers. It has also become a hot destination for UK residents wishing to relocate on a permanent basis. This has been coupled with many large international companies setting up offices. They have either relocated or require the need to be visible in the UAE for business purposes. These include UK banks, property consultancies and large international corporate organisations.

Migrants, emigrants, ex-pats, overseas students and corporate movers to the United Arab Emirates will all required shipping to United Arab Emirates. A professional and reliable international moving and shipping company can take away all the worry often experienced with a large relocation.

•    excess baggage shipping and forwarding by sea freight, airfreight, road, worldwide
•    cartons, boxes and packing materials should always be supplied by the shipping company for self packed consignments
•    international household removals/ international relocations/ overseas removals by shared or exclusive containers
•    antiques and fine art packing and overseas shipping
•    motor vehicle shippers (autos, cars, motor bikes etc) containerised , roll on / roll off, over crating and case packed.
•    long and short term storage facilities
•    international freight forwarding

It is quite evident from the examples above the people and situations requiring shipping to Abu Dhabi and United Arab Emirates are very varied. It also shows how popular shipping to these areas has become.

To complement the interest people have in cooking and dinner parties the items on a dining table and the settings should be strongly considered. How the food looks on a plate is extremely important as well as how the plate looks within the table setting. The look of the food is the first impression and as is regularly said, you eat with your eyes. The food itself needs to look appealing but what it is presented on can also greatly affect the way the dish looks. Top chefs know the importance of this and they will be the ones that choose the dinnerware range for the restaurant. Only a few years ago, a standard plate would be used to serve all the dishes. Now there are curved, square, rectangle, oval and shallow bowls.

You cutlery then needs to match the dinnerware. A traditional set of cutlery would look out of place next to a modern square plate for example. Likewise, a modern set of cutlery would not feel right with a traditional set of china plates. Leading cutlery brands such as Arthur Price cutlery have been manufacturing high grade cutlery for over 100 years. Their traditional ranges remain popular but they have introduced contemporary ranges in keeping with the modern look that many home owners are requesting.

One of the leading modern cutlery brands at the moment and one which is synonymous with innovative design is Villeroy and Boch. Villeroy and Boch cutlery as with other brands of such stature retain a timeless design but firmly keeping with a contemporary look. Due to the nature of stainless steel, cutlery can be a real statement on a dining table. For a customer wanting to achieve a very contemporary look, modern cutlery perfect finishing touch.

There is an excellent choice of accommodation available within Eden including hotels, guest houses, Cumbrian cottages and caravan parks. Away from the main holiday season many of the Lake District holiday cottages offer the flexibility of short breaks rather than just whole weeks, so visitors can enjoy a long weekend in the area and perhaps buy some fresh local produce to cook yourself at the property. However your eating requirements are catered for by the many excellent restaurants and traditional pubs that reflect the local flavour.

Historic Penrith, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Northern Lakes”, is the major town in the Eden Valley, with a good mix of traditional shops selling locally made products and crafts, including famed Cumberland Sausage and Penrith Toffee.

When it comes to places to visit during your stay the Eden Valley offers a wide range of historic houses, castles, gardens, craft workshops, galleries and museums. In fact there are over seventy visitor attractions in Eden. For the more active there are many sporting facilities including sailing, windsurfing, horse riding, golf, squash, tennis and fishing.

One of the area’s key activities is Appleby Horse Fair, which takes place every June. The Horse Fair gathers together travelling folk from all over the country, buying and selling horses, keeping alive a 300 year old tradition. This is Britain’s largest gypsy gathering, with hundreds of tradition horse-drawn caravans converge on nearby Gallows Hill.

Walkers will find Eden is wonderful walking country, either a leisurely walk along river banks and lake shore or you can take to the higher paths over the Pennines and Lake District fells. In fact, the Pennine Way National Trail reaches into the Eden Valley at Appleby-in-Westmorland as it winds its way towards Scotland. Cyclists can follow the coast to coast (C2C) and Cumbria Cycle Way, both routes are clearly marked along the way.

The River Eden provides challenging fishing, and has in place a “Go Wild” scheme to enable visitors to try wild fishing on the river.

The Wainwright walks have been popularised by Julia Bradbury who often stays at the Skiddaw Hotel when filming in the Lake District. This unique package is set to appeal to walking fans who enjoy bracing walks, fresh air, beautiful surroundings and a touch of glamour too!

The package gives the final bidder and a friend the chance to join presenter Julia Bradbury and the production team from Skyworks TV for a day’s walking in the Lake District sometime next year.

The guests will spend the first night as special guests at the Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick, before walking in the footsteps of the famous walker Alfred Wainwright. The walk may be filmed for TV broadcast, but at the very least, the winning pair will have their own private film of their walk – as well as signed DVD’s photo’s and memorabilia from the series.

Kevin Curran, General Manager of the Skiddaw Hotel, part of the luxury Lake District Hotels Ltd group said “The hotel is very popular for walking holidays and we already have a walking break named after Julia Bradbury and Wainwright  – it includes a copy of Wainwright’s Northern Fells book and a bathroom experience pack for relaxing after a day’s walking on the fells!

Julia likes to stay with us when she is filming in the Lake District, so we were delighted when she mentioned the opportunity to link in with Terry Wogan’s “Want Money can’t buy” auction. Fingers crossed for the bidding on Monday morning.”

A full list of the opportunities up for auction can be seen on the BBC 2 website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/wake-up-to-wogan/terrys-children-in-need-09-auction/monday/

The first modular building we installed as a temporary walk in centre, was a used 6 bay modular building.

Prior to arrival on site, jackpad foundations were used to erect the building instead of traditional concrete foundations.

Portable Building Sales have agreed to purchase the building back after the Primary Care Trust no longer have a use for the building and in addition will also purchase the jackpad foundations leaving a clear and clean car park area once again.

The Portable Building Sales “buy back” scheme ensures that the building is removed safely, professionally and to the current Health & Safety and CDM regulations. They ensure that the Primary Care Trust has no disposal problems and receives payment for the building before it is removed.

Portable Building Sales Ltd is one of the few companies in the UK to provide this type of service.

The used steel framed modular building that was supplied consists of six plastic coated steel modules which have white Upvc double glazed windows. The building also has a plasterboard lined ceiling and walls and a double thickness plywood floor.

This used modular building was decorated internally, cleaned externally and reinstated electrically to the latest regulations.

This temporary modular walk in centre building complies with the current Part L2A 2006 building regulations and is extremely environmentally friendly as it only uses 3% of the energy required to manufacture an equivalent new modular building. This is because the embodied energy is transportable and therefore can be relocated to a new site.

Also there are significant cost savings to the client and in this instance the tax payer as well, as this building was approximately a third of the cost of an equivalent new manufactured modular building.

Portable Building Sales completed the installation of this building within four weeks from the date of order and to the client’s complete satisfaction.

Even though this modular building is pre-owned, Portable Building Sales still provide a 12 months guarantee with the building.

Portable Building Sales provided the Coventry Primary Care Trust with complete peace of mind throughout the process of attending meetings, submission of our Health & Safety plans, supply and installation of the used modular building, arrangement of the crane, to even organising the transportation and temporary traffic management to enable the building to be off loaded from a road adjacent to the site.

For more information please visit http://www.portablebuildingsales.co.uk or telephone 01482 656590

Grasmere is also famous for its gingerbread. Dating back to 1850, Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread is now sold all over the world. The Grasmere Gingerbread shop is located in the same building that the first batch of gingerbread was made all those years ago. It also has connections with Wordsworth.

Grasmere is an excellent base for fell walking on some of the most famous fells in the Lake District. Scafell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and the Langdale Pikes are all very near. There is a number great hotels in Grasmere to stay in. The village is so geared up for tourism that there is accommodation of all types from luxury Grasmere hotels to small bed and breakfasts. All are used to having walkers stay and accommodate them readily but should complete peace and quiet be required, there are some lovely Grasmere self catering cottages. Many being traditional Lakeland slate cottages.

The new outdoor covered feature will then be an option for brides wanting an outdoor ceremony or somewhere different for photographs.

Planning permission has already been granted and the Victorian style design of the gazebo is currently being finalized. The covered structure is being made to order and will feature ornate aluminum balustrade and a hardwood handrail to three sides. Painted in ivory white it has a Verdi Gris painted roof, and will be located close to the shore of Lake Ullswater – making it a fairytale location for wedding pictures. It also enables a smaller wedding party to be catered for as often wedding venues are geared around and for the larger wedding ceremony.

Designed for intimate ceremonies the gazebo is already attracting attention from wedding party planners across the county and beyond. The luxury Lake District Hotels Manager Gary Wilson said “we already have one of the most romantic settings for weddings and also have one of the most photographed jetties in the country. Adding a romantic gazebo to the garden is like the icing on the cake and we really think there’s nowhere better for stunning Lake District weddings.

The gazebo is being produced by Andy Thornton Limited who specializes in design and manufacture of ornate metalware.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the new gazebo should contact Gary Wilson at Inn on the Lake Hotel on 017684 82444 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

With such spectacular scenery, Lake Windermere attracts thousands of tourists each yeaar from anglers, to canoeists to yachtsmen and dingy owners. The cruises on Lake Windermere are truely worth a go as the magnificent scenery can be taken in fully. Starting from the south of the lake and Newby Bridge is where you will be.

Continuing up the lake and you pass Cartmel Fell, Far Sawrey, Bowness-on-Windermere, High Wray and the lake comes to an end at Waterhead, only a short walk into the centre of the bustling Ambleside. The views are of course sights to be hold all the way down but the most spectacular are towards the north of the lake where the Fairfield Horseshoe, Great and Little Langdale and Coniston Old Man are in view. The Windermere Marina continues to thrive with around 400 boats having mooring there, the largest inland marina in the North of England.

Sailing on Lake Windermere is an excellent way to travel. In the summer months the roads are blocked continually due to the high number of visitors. Sailing on the lake is direct, allows the stopping off at the top destinations along the lake such as Bowness, Ambleside and to the many Lake District hotels and makes for a very relaxing journey with not a hint of road rage!

Taking out a Lake District boat charter is an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion. Lake Windermere cruises can be taken out for half days, full days or as bespoke charters. High quality food and beverages are served and it makes a very memorable day.

Independent Wheelchair Lifts
Wheelchair lifts are extremely beneficial for disabled drivers with manual wheelchairs who wish to be independent. They fit most cars and operation is easy. These wheelchair lifts offer enclosed protection from the elements, for the wheelchair and the cost of transferring it to your next vehicle is minimal.

Wheelchair and Scooter Lifts
Wheelchair and scooter lifts are designed to lift manual wheelchairs and scooters and can be fitted to hatchbacks, estate cars, 4 x 4’s and MPV’s. When not in use, these devices store neatly away and can be transferred should a new car be purchased. The wheelchair and scooter lifts come in various models depending on the weight of the wheelchair or scooter, typically around 40 to 150kg lifts.

Person Lifts
Person lifts are for lifting people from their wheelchair into a vehicle and out again. Some models enable the person to stay in their wheelchair which then becomes the car seat. These devices are extremely practical and useful and can be bought for use in the home or the car. It makes the lifting of people effortless and with complete comfort for the disabled person.

Swivel Seats
Swivel seats for cars are a quick and easy way of making getting in and out of cars much easier. Pulling a simple lever allows the seat to be manually swiveled through approximately 90 degrees, making it easier to either stand up or doing a sliding transfer onto a wheelchair or scooter. Each swivel seat usually come with glide rails to enable the user to position the seat for optimum comfort when travelling. The seat can be used on either the passenger or driver side. When used on the driver side, there may be limited rotation. There are even special swivel seats available for MPV’s and 4 x 4’s which can also be utilized on mobile homes. These seats swivel out but also lower the person as well.

Hand Controls
There are various push pull hand controls available for installation in to cars. These devices can be for a single control use or can multiple controls for example integral indicator switches. There are devices that operate secondary functions at the touch of a button can also include:

• Indicators & hazard lights
• Headlights
• Horn
• Windscreen wipers (front and rear)
• Windscreen washers (front and rear)
• Fog lights
• Other functions may be possible, e.g. Radio on/off, heated windscreen, etc

Should a person not be to operate the foot pedals in an automatic car then there are push pull systems that can be fitted which enable them to do so. The rods connecting the controls and the pedals are fixed within the steering column for safety and ease.

Other devices that can be fitted are steering wheel balls for one handed steering, easy release mechanisms for handbrakes and one that enables the switching of the accelerator operation from left to right.

Firgarth has the advantage of car parking, and is situated just a short walk from Windermere centre, with its many shops and restaurants and rail/bus station. We make an ideal base for touring, walking or just a relaxing break at any time of year.

Just take a 15 minute walk through ‘Millerground’ to the shores of Lake Windermere or alternatively climb to ‘Orrest Head’ from where stunning views of Lake Windermere and Morecombe Bay can be enjoyed.

Firgarth offers eight bedrooms comprising of double, single, four poster and king size double which are all ensuite. All rooms are centrally heated and decorated in a combination of modern and traditional design, all have colour TV, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and a range of toiletries.

Three rather special Ambleside cottages have been imaginatively converted from the barn and stables of our 17th century farmhouse. The Hawkshead cottages are set above a quiet country lane [National Grid Reference: 33420,49970] on the edge of Black Fell [a ‘Wainwright’ fell] close to Tarn Hows, near Hawkshead.

Each of the Hawkshead cottages has its own individual character and is centrally heated for all year round comfort. Benches outside the cottages and on the fell side, as well as the al-fresco dining area and barbecue, make an ideal location in which to absorb the peace and tranquillity of the area whilst enjoying the views and abundant wildlife.

Now there are integrated audio visual, or AV, installations that can really make a difference at a conference, meeting or pitch to a prospective client. There are various audio visual and sound system installation packages available, many of which are tailor made to each specific requirement. For example, a large conference room can have 3 separate audio visual installations enabling the room to be divided into three, acoustically isolated rooms for hire to individual groups. Such installations can be operated completely independently but also have the ability for all of the projection systems to display the same image when the main hall is completely open for large delegations.

To further engage delegates and in addition to an audio video installation, interactive whiteboards can be used to energise presentations and motivate learners. Interactive whiteboards combine the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer and engages students and audiences. The touch-sensitive display connects to your computer and digital projector to show your computer image. You can then control computer applications directly from the display, write notes in digital ink and save your work to share later. And what is a huge plus point with these interactive whiteboards is that if a person can use a computer, they can use one of these systems.

Hardcragg Hall is the latest addition to Holidaycottagescumbria.com Cumbria portfolio of 5 individually owned luxury Lake District holiday cottages. Hardcragg Hall is the pinnacle of 5 star luxury self catering accommodation and can facilitate large groups of up to 14 guests with its 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. This stunning Elizabethan manor house makes an excellent choice for luxury family holidays, short breaks, celebrations, special occasions, wedding guests, parties, large groups or for a get together of family or friends.

Hardcragg Hall is steeped in history and dates back to 1563 and this grade II listed country manor house is reputed to be the oldest building in the local area. There are several spacious reception rooms that all interconnect, including the dining room, drawing room, bar area, breakfast room, library, the oak panelled entrance hall area with its roaring log fire and the snug lounge with patio doors leading out into the landscaped gardens and grounds. The recently furnished farmhouse kitchen is superbly equipped with everything you will need to cater for large groups or couples alike and boasts a four oven Aga.

This large Lake District self catering accommodation sleeps 10+ is ideally located in Grange-over-Sands on the Southern edge of the English Lake District. Grange over Sands is one of Cumbria’s secret gems and is the Lake District’s principle sea side town. This is an ideal location for scenic fell and woodland walks, together with a mile long, traffic free promenade overlooking the sands of Morecambe Bay.

Holidaycottagescumbria.com is owned, managed, and run by Simon Cleasby with the help of a team of good housekeepers, and maintenance staff. Simon is a knowledgeable local Cumbrian (nee Westmorland) with a huge passion for the Lake District and Cumbria. Simon travelled and worked his way around the different continents for a few years before coming back to live in the South Lakes to start up this luxury Lake District holiday cottages company.

Scottish golf courses are all over. The particular Scottish areas doing well for golf include Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries & Galloway, the Scottish Borders, Perthshire and pockets of the Highlands. The supreme Scottish golf hotspots, containing golf courses which frequently host the Open Championships, are to be found on the Ayrshire Coast, The Angus Coast, the Fife Coast and in the heart of Perthshire. Scotland golf location meccas include Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick on the Ayrshire Coast, Montrose and Carnoustie on the Angus Coast, St Andrews on the Fife coast and finally Gleneagles luxury golf resort in Perthshire. International golf visitors are well served by airports near these Scotland golf hotspots. For the Ayrshire golf coast head to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, for the Angus golf coast look to Aberdeen Dyce Airport and both St Andrews and Gleneagles are just a reasonably short drive from Edinburgh Airport and the many Edinburgh hotels.

Troon on the Ayrshire coast, alongside Prestwick and Turnberry, is renowned for its place within the history of Scottish Golf. The Royal Troon golf course plays host to numerous world class golf competitions including the Open. Golf lovers will want to take a turn on the Old Course at Royal Troon, touching golf history and admiring the splendid views from the course across the Firth of Clyde.

You could certainly describe Prestwick as a Scottish centre for golf. The famous Prestwick Golf Club is home to the Open Championships – the first Open was held here in 1860. Situated off the A79 and just one mile to the north of Prestwick Airport, you can be literally straight off the plane and playing golf here on this historic Scotland Course.

Turnberry on the Ayrshire Golf Coast boasts two splendid luxury golf courses, both part of the luxury golf resort and golf hotel complex Westin Turnberry. The two on-site Turberry golf courses here include Turnberry Kintyre, with a Par 72 and Ailsa golf course, one of the world’s best golf links course. Ailsa is remembered particularly for the Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson showdown in the 1977 Open Championships.

St Andrews on the Fife Coast of Scotland is a pilgrimage for golf fans looking to play golf in the footsteps of golf champions. The famous six golf links St Andrews courses are open to the public so you can touch golf history on the Old Course (Handicaps required). Cottages in Scotland are a great idea for accommodation.

Bassenthwaite Lake, a key habitat for the ospreys, is a National Nature Reserve and a Special Area of Conservation owned and managed by the Lake District National Park Authority.

Each year these beautiful and rare birds return to nest and this Easter was made ‘eggstra’ special by the return of our male and female Osprey 2 weeks ago.  The female osprey laid her first egg of 2009 at the nest near Bassenthwaite Lake on Thursday 16th April.  The female bird is now incubating the egg and it is hoped that further eggs will be laid in the coming days.  Ospreys normally lay a clutch of three eggs.  Incubation is carried out mainly by the female and takes between 34-40 days.

Peter Wells, General Manager of The Castle Inn Hotel Keswick said: Staff at the hotel are very ‘eggcited’ that the first egg has been laid.  We are hopeful that there will be more eggs and that the clutch will hatch in time for our Spring Bank holiday visitors in May.

Hundreds of people visited the Bassenthwaite area over the Easter weekend to get a glimpse of the Lake District Ospreys.   Visitors can get great views of the birds from a Viewpoint in Dodd Wood, only 400 metres away from the nest.  The Viewpoint is open all daylight hours, with staff on hand with telescopes from 10am-5pm daily, as part of the RSPB’s ‘Dates with Nature’ Project.

It is also possible to see the birds on the nest on a giant videowall at the Visitor Centre on the Forestry Commission estate at Whinlatter Forest, near Braithwaite.  Live pictures from cameras overlooking and inside the nest are also beamed to the screen and can also be viewed on the Project’s website www.ospreywatch.co.uk and the BBC Cumbria website at www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria.

It is now easier than ever before to visit Dodd Wood and Whinlatter thanks to the Osprey Bus which was launched in 2008.  The liveried bus service named after the spectacular birds of prey operates around Bassenthwaite Lake taking in the Whinlatter Exhibition and the Dodd Wood viewpoint and runs weekends from 4th April to 31st August 2009, except during the following school holidays, 6-17 April, 25-29 May and 18 July – 31 August when it runs every day.  A bus timetable is displayed at the hotel as the liveried bus service picks up from and drops off at The Castle Inn Hotel during these times.

Of course, it isn’t just leisure guests that need to be lured. With businesses cutting staff and budgets, the business guest is just as important to target. Cumbria is an excellent stop off for business guests from the south on their way to Scotland. Another market is conferencing. Conferencing facilities and packages are offered in most of the larger hotels Lake District now. With most conferences held on week days, it is an excellent market to target. Creative marketing campaigns are springing up such as the Best Western ‘message focussed menu options’ where bread and water is an option if a team has recorded poor performance. This is an eye catching campaign but which saves the business money but helps to improve the performance of their team as the same time.

Short breaks offers for leisure guests have been popular for some time but short breaks are a great way to get away when money is tight. Keswick hotels are popular with leisure and business guests due to its location and facilities. Easily accessible from the M6 motorway, Keswick has some of the most equipped hotels in Cumbria and with such fantastic scenery and walking, it creates a very cost effective break. An area full of activities and stunning scenery is the area of Keswick and Bassenthwaite. There are many Keswick hotels that offer child friendly rooms with excellent leisure facilities on site. These facilities include heated swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, putting greens and some even have games rooms with both board games and computer games such as Wii consoles installed. The practical facilities within these hotels come in the form of flexible meal times for children, the use of complimentary high chairs and cots, bed time books and stocks of essential items such as nappies, baby milks and food and dummies.  Bassenthwaite the village itself is one of the most beautiful Lakeland villages and is an ideal base for discovering the woodlands of Thornthwaite Forest and the trails of Dodd Wood. It is the northernmost and only true ‘lake’ in the Lake District; it is renowned for its peacefulness, accessibility and continually changing scenery caused by changeable weather and seasons.

With hotels keeping creative with their offers, listening to the needs of their guests both leisure and business and keeping up a high standard, it should hopefully keep them in a much better position during this recession.

This exclusive development of Lake District lodges for sale offers you a tranquil retreat with nature and luxury sitting side by side. Each of the log cabins for sale in Cumbria is finished to the highest standards, ideal for comfort. It is the perfect holiday base to get out and enjoy the many wonders of the English Lakes.

Whether it is relaxing, getting back to nature, outdoor pursuits or sight seeing, High Bracken Lodges provide ideal Lake District holiday homes for sale. The farm boasts fantastic open views of the fells, with walks through bluebell woods and a river to splash your wellies in.

The seasons bring many changes on the farm from new lambs in Spring, to the Summer grass mowing, right through to Winter cattle feeding, find out all the latest with the news and pictures on The Farm page.

The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales are filled with things to do and it is all on your doorstep here, the local tourist board site has lots of information.

If it’s shopping, restaurants or culture you want then these lodges lie just a short distance from Kirkby Lonsdale with its boutique shops, delis and pubs or the historic market town of Kendal.

For more information and to arrange a viewing please call Eileen or Stephen on 015395 67219. We have regular open days and are open for viewing every weekend 12 – 4pm. We look forward to hearing from you.

Open for viewing every weekend 12 – 4pm.

Alston, Newby and Kirkby Stephen are lesser know areas in the Eden Valley. Kirkby Stephen is a market town with cobbled streets and rural scenery leading to wild uplands. Kirkby Stephen has a great atmosphere and community making it a great place for a drink or a bite to eat. It has three public houses and individually owned shops.The distinctive local stone used is very different to the slate used in structures in south Cumbria.

Newby, with its Pennine backcloth, delightful Jacobean Hall, and surrounding landscapes really have a rather special unchanging beauty. Newby, neighbouring Lake Ullswater and picturesque Appleby in Westmorland, it is a small mediaeval market town of distinction.

Alston is the highest market town in the UK at 1000 metres above sea level. The road leading to Alston is a motor biker’s paradise, the A686 up Hartside Fell. The road climbs steeply and bends almost at right angles and has been voted by The AA as one of their “Ten Great Drives”. The views down into the Eden Valley are views to savour with the craggy Lake District fells to one side and the pennies to the other. Passing right through the Eden Valley is the Coast to Coast route which runs from St Bees on the West Cumbrian coast across to Whitley Bay so this area is very popular with cyclists.

The Eden Valley will surprise with its wide range of activities – strenuous mountain walks to gentle riverside strolls, watersports, golf and even activity centres where paintball shooting, archery and quad biking can be experienced. For such an activity packed holiday, Lake District cottages and Cumbrian cottages are a good choice of accommodation type. They give greater room for equipment, for cyclists especially, and are located in settings where a hotel or bed and breakfast would never be.

For those interested in buying either Devon holiday homes, or second homes in Devon, but are struggling to find available properties within their budget, then an alternative would be to consider luxury lodge. There are a lot of advantages to choosing Devon lodges including the affordable price tag, the high quality finish and luxury furnishings.

These days holiday lodges come with better specifications than a lot of houses with broadband, sky TV, spacious plots, large decked areas, paved courtyards and all year round holiday use. Better still on some of the top Devon resorts you will also be able to make use of the onsite facilities such as heated indoor swimming pools, golf courses and equestrian centres.

You will also have peace of mind about the security of your home as the resort will provide a range of security and maintenance services including a private access controlled entrance to ensure your investment is protected all year round. In keeping with such a luxury investment, you will not be responsible for chores such as grass cutting and ground care around your lodge. These tasks will all be taken care of for you so that you are free to relax and make the best of your holiday time.

Woodlands is one of the few Windermere hotels to achieve a five star guest accommodation status. Sarah and Alan Ayres, the proprietors, were thrilled to be recognised for their hard work by the AA, which was awarded for their exceptional standards of quality guest accommodation and service.

Woodlands Hotel in Windermere is a handsome Edwardian Villa situated between the villages of Windermere and Bowness in Cumbria – the Lake District, just a few minutes away from the shores of Lake Windermere. Guests will enjoy the luxury, stylish and contemporary Boutique accommodation being offered at Woodlands, which has now been formally recognised as being one of the finest hotels in Windermere. There are a total of fifteen luxury and en-suite guest bedrooms including a choice of single, double or twin bedded rooms. The resident’s bar and lounge is an exciting space for guests to relax after a long day’s site seeing and exploring. According to the AA, a five star Guest House needs to demonstrate an awareness of each guest’s needs with nothing being too much trouble. All bedrooms must be en-suite or have a private bathroom, with excellent quality beds and furnishings. Breakfast must include specials/home-made items, high quality ingredients, and fresh local produce. The new suite meets and even exceeds The AA’s five star criteria.

Sarah and Alan have not compromised or neglected their environmental policy through these refurbishments and improvements. They continue to support the Tourism and Conservation Partnership and hold a CBEN bronze award for good environmental practice. With the escalating effects of using a car on both the environmental impact and the rise in fuel costs, Woodlands offer a collection service from Windermere train station.

For more information on the new suite or to check availability go to http://www.woodlands-windermere.co.uk or telephone 015394 43915

A piece of artwork is something that reflects a person’s personality and individuality. It can be a statement or can blend sympathetically with a room’s design and colour scheme. It is a way of personalising a room and many pieces of canvas art hold sentimental value from a special holiday or which could have been passed down from a relative.

Many people rent houses and flats. Either there are rules that the accommodation must not be altered in any way or should the tenancy be just 6 months, painting, decorating or doing any such DIY is not a viable expense in both time and money. A piece of artwork can make rented accommodation homely and provide a personal touch that is often missing in these circumstances. The piece of canvas artwork can then be packed up and moved to the next home.

There are many artists now that work closely with interior designers for both residential and business contracts. Designers can specify exactly the colours required to match the interiors and artists have been in agreement with following those schemes. It now means that some artists offer artwork that can be painted in colours to suit a client’s interior and the ability to order online enables the consumer or designer to choose from artists nationally, in fact, even worldwide. Art is becoming more and more accessible which is in turn, making pricing more accessible as well. The rise of shows such as ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover and DIY SOS, where the inclusion of pieces of canvas art are always showcased in the final room. This has enlightened home owners to the effects a piece of modern artwork has on an interior.

Combe Martin has grown in its visitor numbers and now has a large caravan site along with the ability to purchase Devon holiday homes on site. These Devon holiday lodges are growing in popularity. The Devon lodges can be found with two to four bedrooms so they are perfect for families with plenty of room to store surf boards and bikes. The location of Combe Martin is great for tranquillity but then Woolacombe and Croyde are only a short drive away for the surfing and younger crowds. Woolacombe and Croyde both hold a Blue Flag status for their beaches and surfing is in abundance.

Things are changing quite rapidly though and the biggest contributor is the demise of the Euro. At the current rate, you get 1.01 Euro’s to 1 British pound. This makes a huge difference when calculating the currency required for taking abroad. Not too long ago, the exchange rate was 1.60 Euro’s to the British pound. The rise in fuel and transportation costs has effected island tourism destinations quite severely. Many tourists, even in 2008, would have noticed the rise in costs of food and beverages on their holiday abroad.

The UK has some of the best scenery and destinations in the world from dramatic coastlines to mountains in the Lake District and Scotland. The current economic climate is effecting just about everyone in the UK at the moment. Money is tight but there has not been a better time to book a short break or holiday in the UK. There is a huge choice of hotels in the Lake District offering discounts on nightly rates or special offers at the moment. This is the perfect opportunity to stay in a hotel that may otherwise be out of the usual budget. Many of the Lake District hotels have an excellent standard of restaurant, some with a 2 AA Rosette rating or just purely serve good quality, local produce of which the Lake District has a plenty.

Once in the Lake District, the activities couldn’t be cheaper. The best and most popular activity in the Lake District is walking and this is completely free of charge. Most Lake District hotels have superb walks straight out of the reception door so there is no need to use the car once parked up at the hotel. This also means public transport can be used to travel to the Lake District which can helps the environment as well as the pocket. All the hotels are geared up for walkers so most also offer a packed lunch service which is a great idea and further keeps down the costs during the day. The money saved in the day can then be spent on a meal in the restaurant as it will be fully deserved after a day on the fells.

Value for money can come in different forms. Added value is an offer that should not be dismissed. Added vale can be an extra night free when two nights are booked, free dinner on the first nights stay or an upgrade for an early or mid week booking. These offers often work out cheaper than a monetary discount and guests are realising this. Greater thought into purchases is happening throughout consumers whether it be a household appliance, a gift or for travel.

Marbella is a playground for the rich and famous although in recent years, more affordable holidays have become available. This area attracts visitors from the UK and Ireland but also Northern Europe. This is typified west of the town at Puerto Banus, this area attracts visitors from the UK and Ireland but also Northern Europe. A St Tropez like marina at Puerto Banus is home to million pound plus ocean going boats. Marbella as a whole has a very cosmopolitan community which has built up during the years. Many famous people have resident’s in Marbella which has all the characteristics and facilities required to serve them, casinos, boutique and designer stores, street cafes, world class restaurants and luxury night clubs.

As with most of the Costa Del Sol, golf in Marbella is a very popular activity. There are around 50 golf courses many with huge country clubs. The 320 days of sunshine a year mean as with all of the Costa Del Sol, it is the perfect.

Marbella as with most of this coast is steeped in heritage so it isn’t just all shopping and golf when it comes to leisure activities. The White Village “Mijas” is well worth a visit. The village set 428 metres above sea level and it is obvious why it is called the White Village due to the hundreds and white-washed buildings. The views from the village are spectacular, right across the whole of the Costa Del Sol coast. Due to the nature of the village with its narrow cobbled streets, Mijas has a very close community especially with those over 60, many of which are English speaking.

It isn’t hard to find the real Spain in Marbella. There is the Old Town, which is based around Orange Square or ‘La Plaza de los Naranjos’. In this vacinity are three historical buildings: The 16th Century Town Hall, the old Governor’s House and the Chapel of Santiago. As in Mijas, you will find small cobbled streets, small boutiques, galleries, local tapas bars and other authentic restaurants.

There is a varied range of Marbella accommodation from apartments and hotels to private Marbella rentals. Some properties are beyond most people’s wildest dreams. Rental Marbella can be found in the forms of villas, apartments, townhouse, marina properties and golf accommodation. Short and long terms lets can be found with most providers. Properties can be found in central locations where a car is not required or for a more peaceful holiday, there are retreats away from the central locations.

The climate on the Costa Del Sol is the mildest in Europe with over 300 days of sunshine per year and an average temperature of 18c. This is reflected in the number of holidaymakers that fly into Malaga airport each year, over 2 million. The 2 million visitors have a plethora of beaches to choose from the largest, Calahonda at a length of 4500 metres to the more modest El Bombo beach. It is a destination for everyone of all ages and interests which is why it’s popularity has continued to grow.

The Costa Del Sol encompasses some of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola. Along the coast is Marbella with its famous marina at Puerto Banus.
As with much of the Spanish coastline, the Costa Del Sol has many golf courses, around 70. Golf is a major attraction in this area with the Volvo Masters held at Valderrama and the large choice of courses to suit all abilities. The views from courses such as the Baviera Golf Club are stunning over to the sea and the mountains.

It was in the 1960’s that the Costa Del Sol felt the tourist boom with the introduction of the package holiday. Until then, it was either Spaniards of the rich and famous that came to this part of Spain. The package holiday made the area accessible to the. To meet with demand, the area had to be developed and large high rise apartment blocks started to spring up. The many communities within the Costa Del Sol are now very international but there are still large number of Spaniards and the real taste of Spain can still be found especially in the small hillside villages with their low rise, white washed buildings.

There are types of Costa Del Sol accommodation to suit every requirement, taste and budget from a Costa Del Sol apartment to one of the many types of holiday rentals Costa Del Sol offers. There are apartments, townhouse, villas and golf properties and these can be situated right in the heart of an area or just off the beaten track for a quieter experience.

Summer time in the Western Lake District – Sun, sails and sound-checks
Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the streets of Whitehaven, Silloth, Cockermouth… Local festivities and music festivals abound. Don’t miss Workington’s ‘Paint the Town Red’, the multi-award-winning Solfest, the Seaton Carnival, the Festival of Fools at Muncaster Castle, Millom’s Scarecrow Festival or the impressively named CockRock, to name but a few.
What better time to hit the quiet beaches of Allonby, St Bees and Haverigg, to try the fascinating town and harbour walks in Egremont and Harrington – or to set out by foot or on bike along the famous Coast to Coast routes? There are many Lake District Accommodation venues and Lake District hotels to stay at. There are strolls, hikes and rides for all the family, from coastal walks at Flimby to pony rides on Silecroft beach, organised through the Murthwaithe Green Trekking Centre. Golf at Workington and the Harrington driving range? Or what about a perfect, lazy day’s fishing on the Salterbeck reservoir, or from the pier at Whitehaven?
Of course when the sun is dancing on the Lakes, the urge to get out on the water is irresistible. So don’t resist.

Autumn time in the Western Lake District – Local colour like no other
Always majestic, the landscape of the Western Lake District turns magical with the change of season. As the days grow crisp and morning mists gather on the lakes and in the valleys, the fells become a golden swathe of bracken. With Lake District hotels set amidst such breath-taking scenery, there can be no better place to appreciate the woodland colours – from the soft carpets of oak and birch leaves in the Miredale valley to the striking red maples of Giggle Alley near Eskdale.
The bird sanctuaries of the coast are a hive of activity with new arrivals settling down ahead of the winter, or just passing through. Visit the Dodd Wood view-point near Bassenthwaite and you may catch an impressive glimpse of the rare and beautiful ospreys which fish the lake, perhaps before they migrate to their African wintering grounds.

Winter time in the Western Lake District – Rediscover the spirit…
Whether you think the season starts on the shortest day of the year or sometime soon after Halloween, the Western Lake District allows you to experience it to the full. Snow-capped mountains, glorious sunsets, roaring log fires and traditional evening entertainments will remind you what winter used to be, should be – and can be – all about.
Take the Swinside Stone Circle near Broughton-in-Furness, It’s an atmospheric time of year to visit this megalithic site, one of the earliest and finest in Britain. The fifty-five stones are set in a ninety foot diameter circle and seemingly aligned with the midwinter sun. Or the extravaganza of Darkest Muncaster and its mile-long trail of twinkling lights and seasonal effects – by turns spooky and truly magical. To complete the picture, add the welcoming warmth of cosy pubs and inns, of home-made soups and Cumberland Rum Nicky, a rich sticky tart with exotic ingredients that draw on the region’s historical trade with the West Indies.

There are a number of plus points that make a self catering holiday attractive. Here are some examples:
1.    Of course, top of the list, kitchen facilities, allowing cooking to be done yourself. A huge money exercise especially for families. When in a group, the cooking can be shared and the it can actually be quite a fun event.
2.    Storage facilities and space. If having an activity holiday or a family holiday where there are bikes, walking gear or sailing equipment, most self catering properties have the space to store this equipment and space for drying is necessary.
3.    Lake District cottages are often set amongst fantastic scenery and tranquil locations, allowing a complete “get away from it all” holiday. A complete change from the hustle and bustle of a city and a chance to spend time in a property completely different from home.
4.    The ability to come and go when you please unlike a hotel when rooms need to be cleaned and door are locked at a certain time.
5.    Children can play with other family’s children and parents can take it in turn to babysit so that each set of parents can have a night to themselves.
6.    The more the merrier for fun and money saving. Clubbing together between 2 or 3 families, a group of friends or couples saves a huge amount of money. There is greater interaction compared with staying in separate hotel rooms.

Recent years have seen a tremendous rise in the number of self catering properties to choose from. No longer is a self catering holiday spent within a dingy flat. Lake District self catering cottages can be found for 2 persons right up to 16 and from the basic small house to luxury cottages complete with flat screen TV’s, wood burners and luxury interiors with all the modern conveniences of washing machines, dryers and dish washers.

Self catering holidays benefit the environment too. The carbon footprint of a self catering holiday is significantly less than a hotel based holiday. Many factors contribute to this, the amount of lights, sheets and towels washed and spa and swimming pool facilities. Some self catering property owners and developers are creating a more eco friendly property, for example, installing solar panels, wind turbines and worming and composting facilities.

What better location for a self catering holiday than a farm.  More and more self catering accommodations are situated on working farms or properties that were once working farms providing a great opportunity to help farmers who are diversifying into tourism in order to subsidise incomes.

Pre-owned structures are an even bigger advantage in terms of both cost effectiveness and environmentally. Pre-owned modular buildings have been recognised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as being extremely environmentally friendly compared with an equivalent new manufactured building.  The reason for this is that the embodied energy required to manufacture a modular building is transportable as the embodied energy is locked within the fabric of the building. Therefore the energy contained within pre-owned modular buildings can be transported and relocated to another site. In traditional buildings this is largely lost when they are no longer required and demolished, even when the materials are re-cycled. However, with modular and portable buildings the embodied energy can be relocated along with the modules to another site

The nature of a temporary structure means it can be installed, moved or sold quickly and easily. Most portable and modular buildings suppliers offer purchasing and collection services. Collections are carried out under strict health and safety guidelines in compliance with the currently required CDM regulations.
In the current economic climate, this versatile, cost effective and limited risk approach to a business premises or an extension is very advisable. Moving to whole new business premises or building a classroom extension is not viable at present. A temporary structure solves all requirements without compromising on safety or quality.

“The decision to use Woodfuel was initially brought about by the cost savings involved and a wish to reduce our reliance on LPG. The type of woodfuel we chose, chip rather than pellets, was motivated by a wish to use a locally sourced product that would reduce our Carbon Footprint further, whilst benefiting not only the local economy but also local woodlands and their biodiversity.” Nick Lancaster, Langdale Estate.

The Langdale Estate provides luxury Lake District hotels, spa, timeshare and self catering holiday accommodation. As a tourism facility situated in the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Langdale Estate management team is striving to balance the requirements of its visitors with the sensitivities of the local and wider environment. The Biomass boiler project is part of an overall Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility policy that has been adopted at Langdale with the aim of creating a sustainable tourism destination and as an ethical employer.

The Langdale management team have taken a conscious decision to enable safe access for the purposes of demonstrating the various processes of taking raw timber and converting it into heat for the hotel. There is a safe viewing area in the wood processing/storage areas at Birch Hill Wood. Viewing panels have been fitted in the on-site fuel bunker with safe access to the main boiler for guided visits further enhancing The Langdale Estate as one the most environmentally conscious hotels in the Lake District.

Further information regarding the Biomass project can be found at http://www.langdale.co.uk/environment/index.htm

The Grand Design Live exhibition is to be held at ExCel London between 25 April and 4 May 2009. Grand Designs Live 2008 was a huge success for Kris. Making numerous contacts and gathering an outstanding amount of new orders, this exhibition was worth all the hard work. A huge draw to Kris’s stand was him painting his canvas artwork live at the exhibition. It enabled Kris to speak one to one with his prospective clients.

Kris is not averse to painting is canvas art live and speaking to people whilst working. Kris appeared on ITV’s 60mm last year and is going to be on 5 more shows in the next.

Last year Grand Designs Live saw a massive increase in visitor numbers up from 40,000 in 2007 to a staggering 100,000 in 2008. 2009 is set to be as if not even more popular with the launching of domestic gadgets and gizmos that haven’t been released yet and new and innovative products of today and tomorrow’s house builds. That coupled with over 450 exhibitors.

Kris is very excited to be exhibiting at Grand Designs Live again this year. Kris graduated from the University of Huddersfield in June 2000 but he is no stranger to London after completing a 2 year MA at the Royal College of Art between 2000 and 2002. He has been producing contemporary canvas art since graduating and has exhibited work in various exhibitions, show homes, bars and salons around the UK and abroad, working with a number of interior designers to supply art work to them. He also exhibits in over 20 John Lewis departments stores, primarily in London. Through exhibiting at Grand Designs Live, he is hoping to showcase his artwork to a wider audience, different to those of John Lewis and his home town of Hull.
The launch of his website http://www.krishardy.com in 2006 has meant he has a travelling portfolio of his previous, latest, bespoke and John Lewis work. Incorporating an ecommerce system has enabled his work to be purchased online delivered to anywhere in the world.

His very contemporary approach to his artwork style and attitude to artist – client relations is refreshing. The approach he takes with his work is to produce high quality, original acrylic-on-canvas paintings that complement the client’s interior. All artwork is painted to order by Kris himself and comes in standard sizes depending on the painting format. The refreshing approach is highlighted greatly by his comment “I more than happy to do bespoke sizes and colours, as I believe if you want a piece of art for a specific space then you should not have to compromise”.

Grand Designs Live
London Excel 25 April – 4 May 2009
Tickets weekday advanced £10/on the door £15
Weekend and Bank Holiday Monday advanced £13/on the door £18
For more information on Kris’s exhibition and latest work visit his website www.krishardy.com and for directions and opening times for Grand Designs Live go to www.granddesignslive.com

Grove Farmhouse is the latest addition to the four holiday cottage lets already on the farm. This new renovation comfortably accommodates 8 – 10 people. Grove Farmhouse has been finished to a very high standard and contains all the modern conveniences expected from a luxury holiday let without compromising the original features of the farmhouse. Grove Farmhouse has two lounges each with log burning stoves, wireless broadband access and in the kitchen, a traditional Rayburn cooking range. A total of three bathrooms make this property an excellent choice for a large group.

The luxury Lake District cottages lie in the beautiful Stock Valley in Ambleside. They are reached by a private drive from Ambleside, which runs past Stockghyll Falls and nature park, climbing to 700 feet to offer some of the finest Panoramic views in the Lake District. Each of the Cumbrian cottages has been lovingly converted from a traditional Lakeland barn. Guests are invited to relax in the secluded gardens, or explore the farm and its wildlife.

Andrew Howard together with his brothers Max and Ross, took over the running of Grove Farm in the summer of 2008.Their family has been farming for over 150 years on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. Grove is a typical Lakeland hill farm, running to some 160 acres of grass and woodland on the slopes of the Stock Valley. The pastures on the farm are home to the Howard’s herd of pedigree Dunn Galloway cattle. The cattle are sold to local speciality butchers.

Grove Cottages at Grove Farm have given them the opportunity to share their love of the Lakeland countryside, and guests can enjoy firsthand the same amazing views and sense of peaceful serenity that attracted us on their first visit. Previous visitors to Grove Farm will know that we are blessed with a fantastically stunning location, and with Ambleside being so close there is plenty to do without spending too much of your valuable holiday  time in the car.

For further information and to check availability go to http://www.grovecottages.com or telephone 015394 33074.

With this beautiful lake and the mountains at the doorstep, including Helvellyn, one of England’s highest peaks, there is always somewhere new to explore in this lovely region and you will never be short of something to do.

Your hosts, Keith and Lindsey Morgan, have been providing Ambleside bed and breakfast accommodation for over twelve years and will endeavour to make each and every guest’s stay  as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

there are eight attractive and well appointed en-suite rooms. Visitors can choose from family, triple, twin, double or single with either a bath or shower room. Stylishly simple and tranquil, all eight en-suite rooms have been newly decorated to offer a comfortable, warm and relaxing place to unwind after a day’s activities.

Motorcycle theft has been rising year on year although it must be remembered that the number of motorbikes on the road has also grown. 80% of motorbikes are stolen from the home. According to the Police, around 50% of motorbikes stolen were not locked. In the UK, mopeds and scooters are the most stolen forms of motorcycles.

Established in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police with the help and backing of the Home Office, Sold Secure is an independent body funded by UK insurers that tries to set a bar to eliminate low-level products from the market. Manufacturers and suppliers can apply to have their products approved by Sold Secure. They assign three levels: bronze, silver and gold.

Sold Secure: Bronze: These products offer resistance or attack from the basic tools (aimed at preventing opportunist crime). Sold Secure: Silver: These products offer theft resistance against enhanced tool list (aimed at preventing more determined attacks). To award Gold they test the products on the bikes to recreate a real-life theft situation. Disc-locks undergo some of the hardest tests to pass on a bike: wedge test with hammer chisel and screwdriver. Locks without double-locking pins do not pass. The Gold testing also involves lock picking, drilling, slide-hammering, sawing, wedging test and a torque test. Testers require 6-8 samples, and they study technical drawings before the tests to determine weak points. They re-test annually. It isn’t just for the assurance that the lock has been thoroughly tested but having a lock approved by Sold Secure can even reduce your insurance premium.

Leading manufacturers of motorcycle security devices are Xena, Squire and Oxford. Squire Locks are well respected in the motorcycle sector. Henry Squire and Sons Limited have been manufacturing locks and theft prevention devices in England since 1780. XENA Security began in the early 1990s when a group of UK engineers and motorcycle enthusiasts set out to design a better motorcycle lock and Oxford Products was founded in 1973 by a group of enthusiasts at University City of Oxford. Still today, Oxford Products is staffed by active enthusiasts who test and develop the product range.

The romantic nature of this area unsurprisingly attracts couples looking for a wedding destination. Year on year the Lake District is attracting more and more couples with hotels in the Lake District seeing steady increases in weddings throughout the year. There is an excellent choice of Lake District wedding venues due to the high number of hotels. Having this choice enables a wedding party to select the best venue for the size and theme of the wedding. Many hotels offer a cruise on one of the lakes on the wedding day. This can be for the bride and groom only or for the whole wedding party.

The area is very much geared up for Lake District weddings. The large number of weddings held in Lake District hotels has meant other facilities are readily available such as car hire, photographers, DJ’s and cake makers. Should the bride and groom live out of the area, no services need to be brought with them. This of course makes organisation much easier and keeps costs down.

1. Live availability and online bookings – Many customers will not wait for you to get back to them with your latest availability, they will just go elsewhere. Therefore you need an online booking system that displays your live availability and allows customers to make a booking with instant online payments.

2. Easy to use and install – You should look for a system that someone with only basic web editing skills can install, with no complex installation instructions. This way you will easily be able to manage and maintain your booking calendar without the need to call on your web developer each time something needs amending.

3. No commission charges – You should look for an online booking system that can be purchased for a fixed annual fee rather than having to continually pay out a percentage of each booking taken through the system.

4. Customisable booking pages – It is crucial that your reservation system can be fully customised in order to fit in with the look and feel of your website in order to maintain the professionalism of your brand. 

5. Full Control – Your booking system should enable you to deal direct with your customer and all payments need to go straight to you, not through an agency. You should also be able to choose whether to offer real time online bookings, or provisional bookings which allow you to liaise with the customer in order to confirm the booking. 

6. Help and support – It is important to choose a booking system that includes telephone and email support, as well as a quick and easy guide to getting started with the system.

Kendal is right in the heart of South Lakeland so it is the perfect location as a base for walking, touring and enjoying the unique pleasures of the Lake District. The A591 dual carriageway means easy access to Kendal from the M6 motorway, just 8 miles. Continuing down the A591 and Windermere is only a further 8 miles and just 4 miles on is Ambleside. A Kendal B&B is the perfect location for exploring not just the Lake District but also the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian coastline.

There are some great local walks in Kendal and some brilliant ones for low level walkers. A very popular walk is up to the observation point on Scout Scar where there is a 360 degree panorama with the Lake District fells to the north and Morecambe Bay to the south. Walking is not the only activity. Kendal has a climbing wall, a swimming pool, two golf courses and driving ranges. Kendal Golf course is on the side of Kendal Fell with some of the best views from a golf course in the UK.

Kendal itself is a bustling market town full of good shopping from big names to local speciality businesses and luckily, there is a good choice of Kendal bed and breakfast venues to stay in. The market in Kendal, held on a Wednesday and Saturday, attracts many visitors and also now a monthly farmers market. Kendal has a large number of shops and delis supplying local produce and these are growing year by year.  

There are lots of cultural accents in Kendal. The nationally acclaimed Brewery Arts Centre features live drama, music, film, dance and art exhibitions. In fact, Kendal has an excellent artist community with many local artist exhibitions at The Brewery. The Abbot Hall Art Gallery, situated on the banks of the River Kent, has exhibitions from influential artists such as Frank Auerbach and David Bomberg.

Kendal is famous for Kendal mint cake and snuff. Snuff making in Kendal has been operational since 1792 and holds a lot of history in the area. It is still made in Kendal today by two companies which both stem from the originator of snuff making in Kendal. Mint cake is also still made in Kendal by three companies all of which with a long heritage, a combined trading time of over 300 years.

Finally, Kendal also offers Kendal accommodation for business travellers. Kendal is home to offices of national and multinational companies such as Lowe Alpine, The North Face and Furmanite.

The western Lake District covers a large area from the Solway Firth at the northern most tip right down to Barrow-in-Furness. It is extremely diverse in its landscape having some of the largest mountains but also having miles of coastline. It is the most enriched areas of Cumbria but which offers real escapism from the hugely busy South Lakes.

Silloth-on-Solway on the very northern coast is home to a championship golf course and which holds Open qualifiers. It attracts many visitors to play this links type course. Still on the coast and moving down to Whitehaven. Whitehaven has undergone much regeneration in the last few years and the harbour there is really worth a visit especially the biennial Whitehaven Maritime Festival. Further down the coast and you get to St Bees. St Bees has one of the best beaches in the UK. Clean sand and wonderful views towards St Bees Head. Heading down the A5395 for around 14 miles and you get to Muncaster Castle. The Pennington family have resided there since 1208 but early indications are that the castle has been around since 1026. Set on roman foundations, Muncaster Castle offers tours inside of the castle, an owl centre, playgrounds, a wildlife pond, ghost sits and is one of the most popular Lake District attractions.

The mountain and lake panoramas are the most dramatic of the whole of the Lake District. The market town of Keswick is a haven for walkers attracting thousands of visitors each year to walk the famous fells of Skiddaw and Helvellyn and hence there are many Lake District B&B venues to choose from. It also situated next to the beautiful piece of water, Derwentwater and only 3 miles away is Bassenthwaite. Bassenthwaite Lake is the only piece of water that is officially a “lake”. All the other bodies of water are either a “mere” or “water” for example Buttermere and Crummock Water.

Finally, panoramas do not get any better than the view from the southern end of Wast Water looking towards Great Gable and Scafell Pike. This view won “Britain’s Favourite View” on the ITV’s television programme in 2007 out of 16 views around Britain. Wast Water is the deepest lake in the Lake District at 260 feet deep but only 3 miles long. Wasdale Head offers some of the most remote Lake District accommodation but which is always busy with walkers attempting Scafell Pike.

Cark-in-Cartmel and Allithwaite are both located at the southern end of the Cartmel Valley and are classic ‘working’ Lakeland villages. This area is beautifully quiet without being remote and has a gentle pace of life. With its location so close to Morecambe Bay this area brings a milder climate than the rest of the Lake District.

The medieval village of Cartmel lies just 1½ miles north and is the oldest and most picturesque village in South Lakeland. The 12th century priory escaped destruction during the Dissolution of Henry VIII and remains one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in the north of England. The ancient village square is home to two good pubs and is a lovely place to sit and enjoy a drink and watch the world go by. There are another two good pubs just around the corner to visit when staying in Cumbrian cottages.

Cartmel Valley is a gentle, undulating landscape of lush green fields, rolling hills, leafy lanes and tranquil forests. The woodlands are an ideal base for easy access of the whole of the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, the rolling sand dunes of the Cumbrian coast, the Forrest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Walkers can put away their car keys as there are dozens of walks from their Lake District self catering cottage. The ancient Cistercian Way pass through Cark village and links up to all major walking routes in the Lake District. The Cumbrian Coastal Way also goes through both Cark and Allithwaite and provides spectacular coastal and fell walking for mile after mile. Morecambe Bay, with its vast areas of sand and marshes is a popular haunt for bird watchers, as is nearby Leighton Moss bird sanctuary. The Bay and the Cumbrian coast are great for windsurfing, with clear winds from the south.

If walking is not on the agenda when staying in one of these Lake District cottages then a visit to Holker Hall is a must. Holker Hall is Cumbria’s premier stately home, the home of Lord & Lady Cavendish. Residents and visitors of the village are granted permission to walk freely around the extensive parklands stocked with herds of deer and rare breed cattle and sheep. They also have a farm shop on site where produce from the estate can be purchased.

And finally, for families, a 10 minute drive north leads you to the nostalgic Haverthwaite to Lakeside Steam Railway. This connects to the awaiting Lake Windermere steamers and cruise boats that travel the full length of England’s longest lake where stops can be made at Waterhead (for Ambleside) or Bowness-in-Windermere.

Taking an environmentally conscious approach is one such way. This approach most obviously benefits the environment but is an excellent marketing tool to help a business grow and attract new customers.

The hotel and leisure industry is notorious for its energy consumption. There is the lighting, the washing and laundry, all the electrical goods within the rooms, the heating, kitchens and then Jacuzzis and swimming pools in the Lake Disitrict spa. All contribute to a huge carbon footprint but also high energy costs. The cost of electricity and gas has increased by 20 % in the last year which is creating a huge impact on the profits of a hotel or bed and breakfast. With the economy being in such a bad way at present and customer confidence in spending is decreasing, this industry can’t afford to put up its prices. After all, it is a highly competitive industry to start with.

Hotels have for some time now put notices in the bathrooms relating to the towels situation, in the bath if you would like them changing, on the rail or elsewhere if they are ok to be used again. This of course makes a difference if you think of how many hotels there are in the world but there is so much more that can be done.

The English Lake District is a haven for walkers and people relocating to live and work to provide a better standard and healthier living than in a city. It is understandable that the Lake District has a high number of environmentally conscious hotels. There are various levels of implementations that can be put into practice within Lake District hotels and accommodation providers from recycling and reusing of materials, to sourcing materials, services and supplies locally. There is then a next step that can be taken for example in the form of creating a renewable energy source for the hotel. One of the hotels in the Lake District that has installed a biomass energy production system which has been enabled by its location amongst a 35 acre managed woodland area. Such a system requires expert input but with the correct guidance, an economically feasible and attractive alternative to the use of LPG can be achieved. After a report had initially been produced, it was summarised that a biomass system would be far more efficient than a new high efficiency LPG boiler, an anaerobic digestion system or solar power system. To put this biomass system into context, the saving made should be at least £35,000 per year for this hotel and leisure complex when comparing it to its previous gas boiler system.  With such a saving, it is extremely evident the amount of unsustainable energy that will be saved.

Most improvements or refurbishments on houses and gardens end up costing far more than was originally expected. By trying to do as much of the work yourself within your capabilities is going to help at times like these. Garage doors for example are items that if working properly are marvellous and add to a property’s aesthetics and value. When not working properly, for example, when they are not opening or closing properly, a car is not safe when inside or imagine the horror if the door won’t open and the car is stuck inside!

An old garage door can look shabby and make the whole property look less desirable especially when it comes to selling a property. A nice, well looked after and in good decorative order garage door is part of the external appeal of a house. With car parking at such a premium these days, having a garage next to the house or integrally can add a lot of value and provide that extra decision making draw for a property.
The cables are components on garage doors that do tend to stop working properly over a period of time. These can be quickly and easily repaired by visiting a garage door spares supplier. Cables can be repaired following careful instructions.

If changing garage door cables yourself, there are some important points to follow:

1. Read carefully any Instructions that are available for your door
2. Always replace both cables/wires at the same time
3. Make sure that you have the correct tools available to enable you to complete the job
4. Make sure that you have the correct garage door parts for the repair.
   (If you are replacing the cables, please also check the roller spindles for wear, as this is a good time to also replace them)
5. Always oil all moving parts.

Finding the model of your garage door is important in order to obtain the correct parts. This information if not known straight away can be found using the points below:

1. Firstly look on the garage door handle, this usually gives you the manufacturers name, ie, Henderson, Cardale, Garador etc.
2. If there is no name on the lock, then look inside the garage, usually on the inside of the garage door there is a manufacturers label, ie, Henderson, Cardale, Garador etc

Safety is always important when carrying out maintenance work yourself. Before attempting to carry out any maintenance or repairs to a garage door it is important to read carefully any Instructions provided for that particular make of door and also to make sure you have all the correct parts and tools necessary. Whilst starting out, remember the springs on garage doors are usually held under a good deal of tension. Finally, before any work is attempted on the garage door, the tension on the spring or springs must be isolated or released, only after this has been done can any work be completed in safety.

There is in fact only one piece of water that is officially a lake and that is Bassenthwaite Lake 3 miles from Keswick. All the other bodies of water are either a “mere” or “water” for example Windermere and Ullswater or a tarn which means a small body of water.

There are 20 major lakes of which the largest and busiest is Windermere. Windermere is a thriving tourist destination with an excellent choice of Windermere bed and breakfast venues but there are many Windermere hotels available as well. Windermere the town is located 1.5 miles from the lake but Bowness-on-Windermere sits right by the lake swarming with boats, tourists and tours. At nearly 11 miles long, Windermere can fit a lot on it including 14 islands. The speed limit of 10 miles per hour maximum has caused some controversy but of course it has also pleased some people. Another very fascinating fact is that in the heavy rain of January 2005, Windermere rose by nearly a meter overnight. That equates to an extra seventeen thousand litres of water!

The next largest lake is Ullswater in a different part of the county but which offers a much quieter experience. Ullswater is set amongst some of the largest mountains, the main one being Helvellyn, the Lake District’s 3rd largest. The Ullswater Steamers operate on the lake so not only does this area appeal to walkers, but also some sightseers for the spectacular views and quiet lake.

Derwentwater is the 3rd largest lake and offers a very good choice of Lake District guest house venues surrounding it and is located just a mile from Keswick which is a haven for walkers. Derwentwater is only 3 miles long which is significantly smaller than the Windermere and Ullswater.

The deepest lake is Wastwater, being 79 metres or 258 feet deep. At the end of Wastwater at the head of the Wasdale valley are some of the highest mountains in the Lake District, Scafell Pike (which is the highest), Great Gable and Lingfell. The Screes is a mountain that catches the eye on wastewater. It measures 2000 feet from top to base but 200 feet of it is below the surface of Wastwater. The view towards Scafell Pike from the other end of Wastwater, won Britain’s Favourite View in the ITV programme last year.

It is not just the size of the Lake District that attracts tourists but the density of the area. No other National Park in the UK has the amount of fells and lakes so it is truly special and should be visited by everyone.

The new cottages are in four different locations all offering different forms and sizes of accommodation. The first, Rosegarth Cottage at Newby in the Eden Valley. The second Lake District cottage is Edenfold Cottage, Bolton near Appleby. The third cottage is Pheasant Cottage in the Eden Valley and the fourth of the Lake District cottages is Stonegarth also in Newby.

These cottages are the latest additions to their already 35 strong cottage portfolio. This amount of cottages lead to the need for a new website which was put live last year and which enables the visitor to check the live availability of each cottage. It also gives clear information on each particular property with either “available”, “booked” or “a please phone” status. If one of the cottages is “available”, indicated under the availability status is the price for that week. This enables the visitor to know instantly the cost and eliminates the need to telephone or email for a price.

Goosemire Cottages are a small family run agency offering holiday cottage accommodation in the Lake District, UK (with just a few exceptions) an all-inclusive rental price. Their limited overheads mean low prices and they pride themselves on their value for money approach. There are open all year round and offer out of season or last minute breaks. To help you relax, Goosemire Cottages adopts a “nothing is too much trouble” approach, ensuring a welcoming, informed and personal service. On arrival you will find your cottage carefully prepared, to give your holiday a perfect start. In fact from the point of your initial enquiry onwards they guarantee they will give both you and your holiday the warm friendly attention deserved.

Goosemire Cottages have available over 39 traditional self-catering holiday homes for discerning visitors (Ranging from 1 to 7 bedrooms, sleeping up to 10). Most are rustic 17th or 18th Century Lake District self catering cottages or lovely barn conversions, where antiquity and modern comforts have been beautifully combined. The atmosphere and idiosyncrasies of each Lake District cottage property are reflected on our website, and while some maybe more luxuriously appointed than others, all are carefully prepared and maintained.

They offer Cumbrian self catering holiday cottages in the following locations – Bowness on Windermere (largest lake), Lake Ullswater,( the Lake Districts second largest lake), Haweswater, the Eden Valley, Bassenthwaite, Grasmere, Kendal, Ambleside in the central lakes, the South Lakes peninsulas, and Wastwater. If you are feeling energetic you can go fell walking, climbing or even mountain biking. Other activities include sailing, wind surfing, fishing or bird watching.

For further information on the areas, availability and prices of all 39 cottages visit www.goosemirecottages.co.uk or telephone 01539 731 801.

Static caravans are a good choice for combing the freedom of self catering whilst being in the heart of the area you are staying in. They provide a cheaper alternative to a cottage rental and the caravan sites often have a convenience shop and a bar. There are many caravan sites in Devon and this area attracts a lot of tourists for its good weather, long white sandy beaches and an excellent range of activities. Alternatively, many of the Devon caravan sites offer touring caravans for sale.

The magnificent North Devon coastline has a choice of beaches including Woolacombe, which has been acknowledged as one of the top ten beaches in the world and is a regular winner of both Blue Flag and Premier Awards for beach safety and cleanliness. There are also the beaches of Croyde, Saunton and Westward Ho!, all of which rival the most exotic of Mediterranean resorts.

The astonishing natural beauty of North Devon combines the superb coastline with the distinctive countryside, often meeting with stunning consequences. Neat patchwork quilts of fertile farmland, wild rugged moorland and wide open spaces all combine to make this corner of England so unique. It’s difficult to imagine any part of Britain more awe-inspiring than the rugged wilds of nearby Exmoor. Covering an area of 250 square miles, this National Park is every rambler’s idea of heaven, where red deer and wild ponies stalk the steep valleys and gorges while buzzards and falcons soar overhead. Popular with a broad clientele, this stretch of coast was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty in 1959 and spans from Marsland Mouth on the Cornish border to Combe Martin and the edge of the Exmoor National Park.

Wherever you choose to go, whatever you choose to do, there’s always the peace and tranquillity of the countryside to offer a means of escape from the demands of everyday life. In fact the Council for the Protection of Rural England classifies North Devon as one of only three areas in the country that can still officially be called “tranquil”.

There is plenty to see and do for every type of person. Here is a brief list, for more information on attractions visit the official North Devon Website.

• Arlington Court – National Trust House and Gardens
• Clovelly – One of the worlds unique villages. Picturesque cobbled streets leading down to 14th century harbour
• Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park – 250 species of plants and animals
• Exmoor Brass Rubbing Centre – Collection of over 100 brasses and rubbing plates
• Exmoor Zoological Park – Over 150 species of Wildlife
• Lundy Island – North Devon’s own Atlantic Island
• The Milky Way – A galaxy of entertainment for all the family
• Once Upon a Time – Fantasy Land for children aged 3 -11
• Quince Honey Farm – Fascinating insight into the life and work of the honey bee
• Surf South West – Learn to surf with a Surfing Association Approved School
• Watermouth Castle – Entertainment centre set in restored castle and grounds

International trusts are governed by the International Trusts Law of Cyprus. International trusts are not taxed in Cyprus.

Tax aspects
Cyprus trusts enjoy important tax advantages, providing significant tax planning opportunities to interested parties. The following advantages are indicative of the possible options for tax minimization: All income, whether trading or otherwise, of an international trust (ie a trust whose property is located and income is derived from outside Cyprus) is not taxable in Cyprus Dividends, interest or other income received by a trust from a Cyprus international business company are also neither taxable nor subject to withholding tax provided that the beneficiaries are not tax resident in Cyprus. Even though a trust with shares in a Cypriot company may not be an international trust, the exemption relies on the fact that Cyprus tax is imposed only on Cyprus residents. As the beneficiaries are not residents of Cyprus, no tax is imposed on the distributions made to the trust Gains on the disposal of the assets of an international trust are not subject to capital gains tax in Cyprus An alien who creates an international trust in Cyprus and retires in Cyprus is still exempt from tax if all the property settled and the income earned is abroad, even if he I a beneficiary An international trust created for estate duty planning purposes would not be subject to estate duty in Cyprus.

The nature of a Trust
A trust is established by an individual (the Settlor) and is a means whereby property (the Trust Property) is held by one or more persons (the Trustees) for the benefit of another or others (the Beneficiaries) or for specified purposes. The Settlor can be a Trustee and the Settlor and the Trustees or any of them can be Beneficiaries. In law, the Trustees are the owners of the trust property, although they may not deal with it as absolute owners but rather in accordance with the provisions of the law relating to trusts and the rights of the beneficiaries as set out in the trust documents. In other words, the trustees are under a binding obligation to deal with the trust property in accordance with the law and the direction set out in the trust document. The trust property can include all kinds of assets situated anywhere in the world. Trusts are usually used by wealthy individuals for the purpose of protecting their estate from inheritance or capital gains taxes in their home country. They can also be used by expatriates settling into a trust before repatriating assets acquired while working abroad, to protect such assets from the tax of their home country.

Other aspects
There are many situations other than saving in taxes where Cypriot trusts can prove advantageous. These
include the following: an individual, through the use of a Cypriot trust, can ensure that minors, mentally impaired persons or persons unable to deal with the management of the individual’s estate are well provided for, even after the individual’s death an individual, through the use of a Cypriot trust, can arrange to be inherited by persons, who due to the legislation of the individual’s country, would otherwise be excluded from the inheritance an individual who wishes to divest himself of personal assets for fiscal or other reasons can achieve that by transferring them to a Cypriot international trust an individual who wishes to keep the ownership of a company anonymous and confidential, can do this by setting up a discretionary Cypriot trust to own the shares in the company an individual who has or may have income arising overseas, which they do not wish to remit to their country of residence, can arrange for such income to be directed to the trustees of a Cyprus based settlement and be held in a discretionary trust in accordance with their wishes an individual with assets outside their country of residence – which country may in future extend its exchange control restrictions to include remittance of overseas funds – may wish to retain the flexibility of overseas funds by transferring them to a discretionary trust.

Other advantages
In addition to the tax and other aspects set out above there are other favourable factors for creating a trust in Cyprus The favourable legal system relating to trusts together with the advantageous geographic position of the island make Cyprus a particularly attractive trust location. Cypriot international trusts are not subject to exchange control. Bank deposits with Cypriot banks, either local or international, or with any bank around the world, are also not subject to exchange control. The absence of exchange controls and the availability of excellent telecommunications and international banking services, make Cyprus a convenient base for the remittance and transfer of funds The presence of a number of reputable international fund management companies on the island and the high standing of the legal and accounting professions ensure the availability of expert advice as well as the competent management services required for the proper operation of a trust. There are no, registration or reporting requirements for trusts established in Cyprus nor are the names of the trust or of the persons referred to in the Trust Deed disclosed. Cypriot law is flexible in that it allows the removal of a trust from its jurisdiction and vice versa. This could be important in cases where a change in circumstances may render such a transfer advantageous for fiscal or other reasons.

For the last 20 years, more and more families have been going abroad to Europe for their summer holiday and year on year the UK market has been decreasing. The UK seaside used to be thriving and although such places as Devon and Cornwall are still busy in the summer, on the whole, it is less popular. The UK has so many fantastic places like Scotland and Wales for walking, the Northumberland coast where there is 10 miles of coast with some of the cleanest and whitest sand in the country, down to Dorset and the Isle of White.

The UK of course does have a downside in the weather but what the UK lacks in sunshine, it makes up for in activities and good old fashioned fun. This area is especially suited family holidays in the Lake District with its vast choice of activities. Firstly there are the fells. Walking and taking in the spectacular scenery in the Lake District is not only good exercise but it is free. Other activities in Cumbria and the Lake District are Muncaster Castle, the World Owl Trust, Ravenglass Steam Railway, Lake District Coast Aquarium, Puzzling Place and Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick, Beatrix Potter Museum and cycling tours at Grizedale Forest. A trip to the Lakes isn’t complete without a boat trip. Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwentwater are the main lakes for boat trips. It gives a different perspective on the fells from the water than on land.

Organized Lake District family breaks takes away all the stress of having to think of what to do each day. An organized package takes care of all the booking of venues and has an itinerary each day. This kind of holiday helps families get the most out of their Lake District holiday and can include activities such as sailing, walking, museum trips, picnics and cycling. Many have been designed to enable families to spend time together but also making consideration for the parents by giving them a few hours of freedom with the children only activities.

The Euro is not the only reason UK family holidays are predicted to increase. The awareness of climate change and the impact of flying on the environment is something that is making families think twice about going abroad. A return flight from London to Barcelona for example produces half of tonne of carbon dioxide per person. That is an awful lot when compared with a return car journey from London to the Lake District which creates a 10th of a tonne of carbon dioxide. Once a family has realized what good they are doing for their children’s future, money saved and most importantly, how much fun can be had on a holiday in the UK, it is sure to make the UK tourism industry flourish once again.

Unlike many of the suppliers to the show, Kris will be producing his canvas art in real time within the 60 minutes. He is due to be painting under a canopy outside. The colour pallet will be given to him by the show’s designer which in the case of the Cobham show will be Derek Taylor. Derek will advise Kris on the colour scheme so his artwork can complement the decor. He is due to be interviewed regarding the work he is supplying by Terri Dwyer, the shows presenter.  Kris is hoping this fantastic opportunity will showcase his art to a wider audience. Launched in 2004, 60 Minute Makeover is a very popular daytime, reality television show on ITV aired at 2.00pm until 3.00pm. The designers and crew makeover four rooms in each house as a surprise for a nominated owner or resident. At the end of the show, the revamped rooms are revealed to the deserving person.

It has been a very exciting year for Kris so far not just in the form of 60 Minute Makeover but in May he exhibited at Grand Designs Live at London Excel. Kris had the idea of actually painting whilst on his stand which made for a very productive and effective show and achieving a high number of commissions.

It is often under estimated the importance of wearing the correct type of motorcycle clothing from gloves through to boots and even the correct garments underneath. Most motorcyclists know the importance of wearing a helmet but there are still some that do not wear adequate clothing on the rest of their body.

Leathers come in a wide range of styles to suit the bikes, riders and different needs and situations. The leather used for motorcycle gear is a very tough form of leather to give maximum protection. All aspects of the suit or separate are tested from the seams to the zips to check for tearing, impact abrasion, cut and burst resistance. Armour for extra protection is inserted into the shoulder area, back, hips, knees and elbows such as in the Alpinestars clothing range. Leather is the most traditional form of motorbike clothing but even that has advanced in recent years. Kangaroo skin is now used, especially for race suits, as it gives great protection and maximum comfort. The kangaroo skin moulds to the body ergonomically with great movement which is why it is so popular when in a racing position.

Specialist motorcycling clothing has really gone forward during the past few years with advances in manufacturing techniques, materials and product development. Leather used to be the only material for motorcycling clothing but there are now a choice of materials including nylon and Kevlar. These materials are much lighter than leather making them more comfortable whilst riding but they are also far better for protection against the weather. The ballistic nylon and Kevlar materials have fantastic anti abrasion properties. These materials took over 1700 cycles on an abrasion test before failure. If you put that against a pair of jeans which failed after 50 cycles, it is evident the importance of such protective clothing.    

Ballistic nylon (e.g. Cordura) and Kevlar materials keep warmth in when needed but also allow vents in the design of the garment to let air in when it is hot. Textile garments dry out much faster than leathers so when touring, clothing made from these materials are a good idea. Many of the top motorcycle clothing brands such as Dainese and Spidi do both leather and textile ranges.

Another major point is the importance of the correct size of clothing, helmets and accessories. A helmet that is too big can cause injury in the event of an accident and also distract the rider whilst riding. An ill-fitting jacket can also cause injury especially is the armour dislodges. Wind noise caused by a baggy jacket is another distraction along with another consequence, wind drag.