Days Outs Northumberland

0 | June 24th, 2010 | Posted in Travel

Historic Northumberland, days out and attractions for everyone young and old. Having once been part of the Roman Empire, it wouldn’t surprise you that Northumberland has a wealth of history and none more so than in the form castles, historic houses and even more modern historical attractions such as the Darlington Railway, known as the birthplace of the railways. Below is just a taste and selection of the days out Northumberland, attractions and places to visit.

Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England, and proudly known as “The Windsor of the North.” Built as a medieval fortress, today it is home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and their family. The castle has fun and things to do in Northumberland for everyone. Their friendly guides are happy to answer questions, bringing to life 700 years of Percy family achievements and adventures in front of your very eyes. From Harry Hotspur to Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle offers history on a grand scale.
State Rooms
Alnwick Castle is different. It is still a family home, but behind the stark and foreboding walls lie lavish State Rooms packed with a stunning array of art and furniture collected over the years by the Percy family.These intermingle charmingly with signs of modern living belonging to today’s generation.
Knight’s Quest
Hands on fun and games for the younger members of the family, with some new and exciting additions for the 2009 season. Dress as a knight or lady of the realm and follow in the footsteps of Alnwick’s most famous battlingson, Harry Hotspur. Learn some of his fighting skills and put them to good use in accepting the challenge to defeat the dreaded monster in Dragon’s Quest.

Beamish Open Air Museum
For an extremely varied Northumberland attraction then a visit to Beamish is a must. A world famous open air museum that tells the story of the people of North East England at two important points of their history – 1825 and 1913.  Beamish, Britain’s favourite open air museum, is set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside. You can step on board our trams and be transported to the past.

Chillingham Castle
This 12th century stronghold, just twenty minutes from the seaside and the home of Sir Humphry Wakefield and his family, became ‘base-camp’ for the 1298 conquering attack on William Wallace by “Hammer of the Scots”, King Edward 1st. Wallace had raided the previous year, burning the women and children to death in the local abbey. The Castle was given permission to add battlements by King Edward III in 1344 (See the actual License in the Castle). The Elizabethans added ‘Long Galleries’ and Capability Brown designed the park in 1752. The glorious Italian garden was laid out in the 19th century by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, fresh from his royal triumphs at Windsor Castle. Royal visits from 1200s to this century, and winner of many architectural awards.

The Castle is now open to the public and also available for weddings, private functions, tours and has self catering apartments. It is ideally situated for exploring the breathtaking Northumbrian countryside, located 10 miles from the coast and around 70 miles from both Newcastle and Edinburgh for the perfect of Northumberland days out.

Darlington Railway Museum
Venture into our original 1840’s railway station, the home of Locomotion No.1 Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum is located on the original 1825 route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the world’s first steamworked public railway. The Museum is devoted to the area formerly served by the North Eastern Railway, with particular reference to the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and the railway industry of Darlington. Journey through the galleries and find out why Darlington was the birthplace of the railways. A range of smaller items including station and lineside signs, uniforms, furniture, tableware and paintings, complement the larger exhibits. The entrance hall and ticket office are restored in period style, enhanced by displays of items such as porters’ barrows, luggage, posters and advertising signs.

So, for the whole family and especially historians, these attractions can’t be beaten for Northumberland days out.

The Construction and Operation of Fire Extinguishers

0 | May 25th, 2010 | Posted in Health and Safety

Modern fire extinguishers are highly sophisticated items of equipment and strict regulations are in force in the manufacture and maintenance of each appliance.

The Construction and Operation of Modern Fire Extinguishers

Modern portable fire extinguishers are typically Stored Pressure or Cartridge Operated Fire Extinguishers. Manufacturers of fire extinguishers tend to produce both types of fire extinguisher with stored pressure fire extinguishers being the most common.

Fire Extinguisher Construction Materials.

Typically modern fire extinguisher bodies are constructed from Steel, Aluminium or Aluminium Alloy. These materials give the fire extinguisher a durable exterior to withstand knocks, external temperatures and corrosion. The cartridge in gas cartridge operated fire extinguishers is usually coated in plastic to give the cartridge extra protection against the contents of the fire extinguisher. There are two types are gas cartridges in modern fire extinguishers, these are; piercing disc and frangible pip cartridges. The piercing disc gas cartridge features a diaphragm which is pierced by a suitable shaped spindle. The frangible pip gas cartridge features a pip which is broken by a blunt spindle. In a gas cartridge operated fire extinguisher only the cartridge itself is pressurised whereas in a stored pressure fire extinguisher the entire body of the fire extinguisher is pressurised.
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The Benefits of Wireless Fire Alarm Systems

Closed | March 31st, 2010 | Posted in Electronics And Gadget

Radio or wireless fire alarm systems first became available in the early 80’s. In these days the early radio or wireless fire alarm systems began to gain a poor reputation for reliability, mainly related to the radio transmissions and battery life of the devices.  However over time the technology involved in these systems has steadily advanced to where we are today.  Today’s Radio or Wireless Fire Alarm Systems are light years ahead of their early 80’s ancestors.  Interestingly the advance in technology with the radio fire alarm systems has occurred as a bi-product of major advances in technology in the computer, battery and mobile phone industries.  Radio Fire Alarm System designers and engineers have embraced and harnessed this technology to create a new generation of radio fire alarm systems that are much more sophisticated in terms of performance, fault monitoring and reliability.  These new systems are fully compliant to BS5839 and EN54 and are fully monitored.

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.

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The Construction of Sealed Lead Acid Batteries

0 | March 31st, 2010 | Posted in Electronics And Gadget

There is a lot of confusion as to exactly how sealed lead acid batteries are constructed. 

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.

Hopes Grove Gardening Nursery Launch New Website

46 | December 21st, 2009 | Posted in Home & Garden

Hopes Grove Garden Nurseries based in Kent are pleased to announce the launch their new look website. The website has been designed to meet the growing number of online orders of trees, plants and hedging and to provide the customer with an easier to navigate site. The ordering and searching facilities have been updated to further streamline the website with secure online ordering still paramount.

Hopes Grove Gardening Nursery continue to take orders by phone, fax, mail and email as they understand not everyone can or wants to order online. They also continue to provide a printed catalogue which can be ordered through the methods above or online.
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House Clearance and Office Clearance Services

0 | December 18th, 2009 | Posted in Property & Real Estate

Using a professional house clearance or office clearance company takes all the hassle of clearing a property or business premises. In terms of business use, the minimisation of disruption is paramount.

As with many professional services such as office and house clearance, 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.
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Windermere – The Heart of the Lakes

0 | December 17th, 2009 | Posted in Travel

Who would have thought it? Windermere is not on Lake Windermere! In fact, it’s about 2 miles away, with ‘Bowness on Windermere’ being the small town which is on Lake Windermere.

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.

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Choosing the right tableware

0 | December 16th, 2009 | Posted in Shopping

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.

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.

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 dinnerware ranges or for a more traditional look, Wedgwood, Denby and Aynsley produce timeless design ranges. Versace has even designed a range of Versace china.

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.

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21st Century Cutlery

0 | December 16th, 2009 | Posted in Shopping

In general, the interior design of the home is being taken more seriously and is being enjoyed even by the average home owners. We are starting to see famous and notable designers creating ranges for leading brands which is enabling the homeowner to achieve an individual or more sophisticated look.

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.

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Franking Machines and the Environment

0 | December 15th, 2009 | Posted in Business

Despite the fact franking mail requires a machine, this does not mean that they are extremely harmful to the environment. When looking at which franking machine to purchase make sure they are manufactured with concern for the environment both during, and after, their working life. In setting its own environmental emission objectives and targets via its management system the franking machine supplier ensures that any emissions waste or usage of natural resources are controlled, monitored and reviewed so as to ensure that it continues to improve its environmental performance wherever there is the potential to do so.
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Cumbria’s Eden Valley – a beautiful corner of England . . .

0 | December 8th, 2009 | Posted in Travel

The Eden Valley is a beautiful, yet little known area in Cumbria, which lies between the Lake District National Park and the North Pennines – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To the North of the Eden Valley lies Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall, whilst to the South you will find the fabulous Yorkshire Dales.

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.

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Portable Building Sales awarded a contract to supply two modular buildings to the Coventry Primary Care Trust

0 | December 8th, 2009 | Posted in Business

Portable Building Sales recently won a contract to supply two modular buildings to the Coventry Primary Care Trust.

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 Buildings 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

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