Atogwe Blog

Cuckoo Brow is a quiet little hotel nestled in the village of Far Sawrey near Ambleside and only a short walk to the famous National Trust home of Beatrix Potter – Hill Top Farm. This Lake District Inn offers good, clean accommodation with hearty bar food served in its cosy Claife Crier bar. Popular with walkers, cyclists and the weekend traveler alike, you will find a warm welcome att Cuckoo Brow. Their doors are open to families and to those wishing to bring their pet away to the Lake District.

When it comes to either Lake District Bed and Breakfast accommodation the Cuckoo Brow should be your first choice.

One of the most critical parts of non slip and safety flooring is the adhesive.

With one of the most critical parts of non slip flooring being the adhesive, it is odd that a non slip flooring company will rarely get asked about what adhesives are utilised on their anti slip flooring but to them, it is something that occupies a great deal of effort. A non slip or safety flooring range has widely disparate uses; everyday the director and his colleagues in sales discover a new application for a product that they have been selling for over 18 years!  As the uses are so varied that subsequently means the adhesive has to adhere securely to a variety of substrates.  Like most chemicals pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) have constantly improved their capabilities, the adhesives we use on our range of non slip flooring is vastly superior to the materials we supplied back in the 1990’s.  Levels of tack, shear and temperature range have improved dramatically, all to the benefit for our customers ensuring total quality.  Please find the most common adhesive questions below.

What PSA does Heskins use?
Heskins generally use modified acrylics (there are a tiny handful of exceptions for specific non slip flooring applications).  They like the all round capabilities that modern modified acrylic PSAs offer, as mentioned previously their product has many varied demands made of it, they appreciate that the modified acrylics allow high tack levels, high shear levels and superb temperature ranges encompassing extreme minus ºC to high ºC.  All the transparent range has a further PSA modification to ensure no UV problems, please enquire for specific grey scale tests for each product if this is a concern.

Do you offer different adhesion levels?
Heskins do.  In over 99.9% of cases their adhesives on the safety flooring tape are more than sufficient, however, for clients with a special demand for higher tack levels we also coat the HG adhesive.  For customers who take our HG x-coarse product, this adhesive is standard on their materials, for all others it can be coated dependent on quantity.  Our HG offers exceptionally high tack levels without any compromise on the other parameters.

How well do the adhesives cope with low energy surfaces?
Low energy surfaces are becoming more prevalent and popular for various reasons; they are often the by-product of a shiny appearance or can be present in composites constructed from recycled plastics.  An example of a low energy surface would be after you have waxed your car you will notice the water globules form small puddles on the surface, the puddles are formed by the low energy surface, and these low energy surfaces create major problems for PSAs.  Heskins has worked tirelessly to ensure that our anti slip flooring customers receive a high quality non slip flooring regardless of the surface energy level, to this end in 2008 we developed our LE adhesive.  Specifically designed to allow excellent adhesion onto difficult surfaces this adhesive can be coated onto all our range, please enquire for MOQs.

Womens boots keep your feet warm and thankfully are now firmly on the fashion map.

The nights are drawing in and the clocks will be going back on October 31st before we know it. This all adds up to possibly one of the most exciting times in footwear purchasing, buying winter boots.

Now, this has not always been the case. Even 10 years ago the choice of womens boots was far from exciting. Black and brown being the colours available and if you wanted a flat boot, you’d almost certainly know which style you’d have to go for.

Women are now as blessed with the ranges of womens boots on offer on our high streets as the fantastic shoes were get to choose from. In fact, boots are being worn all year round now which further confirms their popularity.

One of the biggest effects on the womens boots market has been the introduction the phenomimom that is the Ugg boot to the UK. Most of the shoe manufacturers are making boots in the Ugg boot style but the original and authentic Ugg is made by UGG® Australia. There are lots of Ugg Boot brands, so why wear UGG® Australia?

UGG® Australia are the authentic UGG Boots that the celebrities wear and have become so popular that the phrase ‘ugg boots’ has become synonymous with the brand. Besides that there are many specific reasons to buy the UGG® Australia brand only:

UGG® Australia offer the very highest quality UGGs;
They have solid heels that do not buckle;
Genuine sheepskin layer keeps water out;
Lavish, thick fleece is toasty but breathable;
These boots will last years - you get what you pay for;
They are treated to be more resilient to odour throughout their lifetime.

These Ugg boots are as popular as ever in celebrity circles and on the high street - they look great, they feel great, they’re even practical and they last. The brand is constantly evolving its product range too - the UGG Cardy and Bailey Button boots are brilliant new variations on the popular style that are in demand far far in excess of the numbers made by the brand.

Wellies are one of the most practical pieces of footwear if you live somewhere like the UK where we tend get the odd shower! The thing is, plain, dull green wellies are not exactly what many fashionista would care to walk down the street in. Cue, Hunter. The quintessential and original welly manufacturer have embraced the 21st Century and have welcomed the fact that the products are now worn by a much wider range of people and used for a wider range of activities. Over the years, Hunter Wellies have received much recognition, but particular pride is taken in The Royal Warrants of Appointment as suppliers of waterproof footwear to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. For the fashion conscious however, a collaboration with Jimmy Choo, and the introduction of colours such as fushia, violet and silver is the biggest recognition. Practicality and fashion in one pair of boots hence, we’re seeing Hunter Wellies on the streets and not just in the fields.

Hunter Wellies are now being worn as day to day womens boots and what a fantastic way to introduce colour into your wardrobe and onto your feet. The range is growing year on year with seasonal styles offering the latest colours.

Assembly Solutions Limited announce launch of a new range of electrical cable assemblies kits specifically for the exhibition industry.

The next time you’re attending an exhibition, take a moment to appreciate the complexities of setting up a successful exhibition. The demands made on the construction crew are enormous. Working on a strict “do or die” deadline, they must have 100’s of booths, lecture areas, refreshment stalls and many more constructions finished and functioning perfectly before the doors open. One of the most critical tasks they face is setting up the intricate network of cable assemblies that power the entire exhibition.

ASL (Assembly Solutions Ltd.) is the “Complete Wiring Capability” company. Since 1995, ASL has been manufacturing and delivering cable Assembly Solutions to UK and overseas enterprises that demand the most sophisticated and reliable cable assemblies that money can buy. In addition to their Bolton factory headquarters, ASL now has factories in Poland and China to produce cable assemblies in the quantities their ever increasing clientele demands at the most competitive prices in the market.

Recently, ASL announced the launch of a new range of electrical cable assemblies specifically for the exhibition industry. The demands of the exhibition industry are somewhat unique, because their cable networks must be both as complex as permanent large installations and mobile. Exhibitions are set up one day and pulled down the next, only to be re-installed in another location for the next exhibition. This requires cable assemblies that can be quickly and repeatedly assembled and dismantled, without any loss in functionality.

ASL’s Exhibition Cable Assembly Kit answers this need with specially designed “Plug and Play” wiring harnesses that have been specifically designed and constructed for the needs of the exhibition industry. These PNP cable assemblies are exceptionally versatile and strong to accommodate the range of applications each exhibition demands and the abuse of repeated installations and removals.

With years of experience designing and manufacturing wiring harnesses, control panels, wiring and cable looms and the full spectrum of other cable products, ASL is uniquely qualified to produce cable assemblies for the exhibition industry. This company has been called upon for providing cable assembly solutions for some of the most demanding projects in the industry, including the automotive industry, the utilities industry and the transport industry.

Assembly Solutions Ltd. works closely with the companies that choose them to provide cable assemblies for both one-off custom projects and assembly line production runs. Their reputation for delivering high quality at competitive prices is second-to-none

For more information on ASL’s cable assemblies, wiring harnesses and control panels visit http://www.assembly-solutions.com

Lake District Hotels Ltd host fashion show in aid of the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team.

A fundraising fashion show hosted by The Inn on the Lake at Glenridding has resulted in a £400 donation to the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT).  This follows donations and practical support on event and raffle ticket sales from the hotel’s staff earlier this year.

“We recognise the commitment and tremendous value of the Team,” said General Manager, Gary Wilson, “and it’s good to be able to help out where and when we can.  The fashion show and lunch was organised by the Maureen Cookson Fashion House down in the Ribble Valley and we decided that Patterdale MRT should be the main beneficiary from the fundraising.

The event sold out quickly – there was even a waiting list for tickets at one point – and raised a significant sum for charity.

John Williams, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Association Chairman, and Team members, Mike Blakey and Martin Cotterell, recently received a cheque for £400 from Gary at The Inn on the Lake, part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group.

“We get tremendous support from so many businesses around the valley, many of them members of the Ullswater Association,” said John. “We really appreciate this donation and would like to take the opportunity to thank the team at The Inn on the Lake hotel in the Lake District and the organisers of the fashion show for their work, enthusiasm and effort on our behalf.”

For more information on the Lake District Hotels Ltd group events visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

Bassenthwaite Lake
Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the largest of the Lake District at approximately 4 miles long and ¾ miles wide. Despite its size this long and narrow lake is very shallow, at its deepest point it reaches a depth of just 70 feet. The Lake is easily accessible with the A66 dual carriageway running along the western edge. The laybys are extremely popular for people wanting to take pictures and a spot of bird watching.

Coniston Water
Coniston is the third largest of the lakes and is approximately 5 miles long and ½ a mile wide. The lake is hugely popular with tourist due to its large expanse of water, which contains a number of tranquil islands, as well as the stunning scenery. The lake was famously the setting for the book Swallows and Amazons as well as the setting for Donald Campbell’s ill fated attempt to break the water speed record.

Derwentwater
Derwentwater is approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide making it the widest lake in the Lake District. The lake has a number of islands within, one of which contains Derwent Island House which is open to the public just 5 days a year. The huge Skiddaw overlooking the lake and the nearby market town of Keswick make Derwent one of the most popular lakes for visitors.

Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest of all the lakes in the Lake District at approximately 9 miles long and ¾ of a mile wide. Regarded by many as the most beautiful of all the lakes, Ullswater often finds itself compared to lakes in Switzerland, such as Lucerne. This favourable comparison is thanks to the beautiful scenery with mountains to one side and green fields and woodland on the other. The lake is great for water sports, with canoeing, sailing and wind surfing particularly popular. There are also the more relaxing steamer boats that take you on a cruise of the lake.

Windermere
Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District and is the largest in the whole of England at approximately 10.5 miles long and 1 mile wide. As well as being the largest of the lakes Windermere is also the most well known and has long been a very popular attraction for tourists. Many of the tourists who do visit end up taking part in at least one of the many on water activities available. These range from wake boarding, sailing and canoeing to a more sedate pleasure cruise.

About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Borrowdale Gates – one of the best Hotels in Keswick providing luxury base for your Lake District holiday.

With packages tailor-made for both ‘him and her’, the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey is the perfect remedy for mind, body and soul.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dredging has become an essential operation in process of flood prevention through increasing an area’s capacity for holding or carrying water away.
Dredging requires not only the correct craft but also the correct dredging equipment which is mainly the dredging bucket. Each type of dredging project requires a different type of bucket as each location and material required to be dredged is different.

Dredging buckets are made by the process of the fabrication of steel through welding. They are either constructed in a workshop or onsite depending on the nature of the usage and location. Dredging buckets can range from 3m3 to 25m3. The first process is to design the bucket using CAD software and then the drawing service. It is these critical initial stages that enable the bucket to be fabricated.
The materials used in the construction of dredge buckets, excavator buckets and mining buckets are highly sophisticated. The steel is high strength and abrasion resistant with tungsten or chromium carbide wear protection systems. Each bucket is ESCO wear resistant encompassing their protection systems and are bushed and line bored.

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

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

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

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

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

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

With its top quality food, beautiful historical buildings, race course and spectacular scenery, it’s not hard to believe that Cartmel attracts a cosmopolitan visitor. Luckily, Cartmel offers some stunning 5 star 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).

Newby Bridge sits on the banks of the River Leven which issues from the southern basin of lake Windermere and is overshadowed by the Finsthwaite Height. Leaving the A590 you cross a handsome, five arched, stone bridge spanning the Leven, and are immediately confronted with the Swan Hotel. Smartly refurbished, the Swan has a good bar and dining, with gardens and grounds running down to the river The village is very small, a few houses dotted along the lane leading toward Lakeside.

The Leven is for the most part private fishing, however there are reasonable areas, both from the Swan’s grounds and a little west of the bridge, where you can get down to the waters edge.

Walk around to the western shore and you have Fell Foot Park, a National Trust parkland, with lakes shores where you can swim, fish, hire boats and rent mooring.

The Leven is famed for salmon, and about a half a mile beyond the bridge, towards Backbarrow, it becomes fierce and turbulent, with impressive rapids and white waters. These rapids are a draw to canoeists, where throughout the year scores of these fragile little craft, all brightly coloured, can be seen struggling against the river’s might.

Along the river lane is the Newby Bridge Halt, one of the stops where you can take a short journey on the steam railway line. Volunteers keep the Halt in immaculate order, with flowers and shrubs and lickerty spit paint work, and when the train is standing at the platform huffing and puffing the picture is one of a more genteel age.

To take full advantage of Newby Bridge and the surrounding villages visitors should look to stay the week in one the area’s fine Lake District cottages and self catering holiday homes.

There is such an emphasis for buying the right gift that is both memorable and unique.

According to the Giftware Association, the gift industry is worth and estimated £10 billion per year. This is made up of various sectors such as traditional gifts, design led gifts and cards and gift wrap.

Unlike Christmas, a Birthday is a special day for the person who Birthday it is solely. This makes it even more important that a special gift be sent. At Christmas time, the shelves are filled with generic Christmas gifts and it is very hard not to buy a gift set. Buying a Birthday gift is the perfect opportunity to purchase a present that is personal and unique.

Quirky or unique personalised gifts, no matter what budget, can be extra special. A real emphasis should be on the thought, not the budget. Thoughtful Birthday gifts can be worth so much more than an expensive item which has hardly any thought. This is especially true with children. How many times does it happen that a child will be more
taken with a smaller gift but that is fun, than the main present that cost fortune?!

Special gifts are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face no matter what age as well as the giver of the gift. Quirky gifts are available now for example, grow your own chilli plants, to become a laird or lady, or own a share in playboy.

The giving of gifts is not just birthday’s, sending Wedding gifts or at Christmas anymore. Easter, Mother and Father’s days, Christenings and moving house are seeing increasing amounts of gift giving. Everyone likes receiving presents so it enables even more excitement than just on the usual days.

Finding the right gift has never been easier now we have the internet. The online gift industry is huge. Having the choice of so many online retailers at a touch of button means a special gift can always be found and the ability to have the present gift wrapped and sent direct to the receiver makes it even easier.

Windermere is a popular destination for people of all ages, all tastes and all interests. Of course, Windermere is very famous as a base for walking the Lakeland fells and for doing many other outdoor activities but more and more visitors are coming to Windermere for a bit of luxury.

To add to the already long list of Windermere’s attributes and lures comes luxury. Windermere has some of the most stunning buildings with many of the larger residences being luxury hotels. In recent years, some of the luxury hotels have taken their attention to detail to another level. They have refurbished, redesigned, added on, decorated and paid even more attention to detail than before. Windermere now has some of the best hotels in the country and more than rival some of the famous hotels in south.

Dining has become a more prevalent factor in many Windermere hotels these days. Hotel restaurants often used to be of a pretty poor standard even when the hotel itself was of a high standard. Michelin starred restaurants are now common practice in hotels with big name chefs taking control at these luxury complexes.

Windermere couldn’t be in a better location for a restaurant to obtain top quality produce. Cumbria the Lake District has some of the finest local produce in the country from lamb and sausage to cheese, bread and cream. It really isn’t hard to understand why the Lake District is also now home to some of the finest restaurants in the north of England. Being relatively close to the coats means even the freshest seafood can be found.

Attention to detail is key for a luxury hotel from the service to rooms and outside areas. One hotel in Windermere which has seen recent refurbishment has produced a collection of rooms without compromise, most with patio doors leading onto the gardens and with either spa baths or hot tubs. They have also created luxury suites in a renovated Lake house with many having stunning views over a private lake. Constant refurbishment is essential in luxury hotels for complete perfection. Its gardens are as well looked after as the inside of the hotel with different seating areas. Their aim was to create a terrace that comprised different ‘rooms’ for people to sit in. This has been created by breaking up the terrace with different materials and features such as ponds with water features and raised beds. During the day, the south-facing terrace enjoys the sunshine, and at dusk the sunset can often be enjoyed with pre-dinner cocktails. On warm evenings the terrace is candle lit. Pathways lead from the terrace to the south gardens and to the wild meadow and llama paddock.

The special services available set a luxury hotel apart from the rest. Organisation of spa treatments for example, private dining rooms, chauffeurs and touches such as the turning down of bed covers at night.

Penrith is a welcoming market town and a great base from which to explore Eden.

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 accommodation providers being cyclist friendly.

For a wheelchair user, deciding on the best method of travelling is a decision strewn with difficulties and making the wrong choice can be a costly mistake.

The following points are general observations that should be considered before making a decision about whether to opt for a converted, or an adapted vehicle.

With converted wheelchair accessible vehicles the structure and layout has been fundamentally and permanently altered to accept a passenger in a wheelchair. Whilst an adapted vehicle has had adaptations added which can subsequently be removed, for example upon resale of the vehicle.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Pros:
• If you have a complex seating system, you can remain in the same seat
• If you are not able to use any other means of transfer, or your partner is not able to assist you in using an alternative transfer system, then a WAV may be suitable
• If different wheelchair users use the same vehicle, then an adaptation may not be suitable for each user

Cons:
• You are ordinarily sat directly over the rear axle, so you feel every bump in the road
• Your seating height is much higher than a car seat, so you tend to sway more, which can lead to travel sickness for some passengers
• You cannot easily communicate with the driver or other passengers when in the rear of a vehicle which can be noisy, of particular importance if the passenger is likely to require monitoring
• You are ‘on display’ as a disabled person in your wheelchair
• The vehicle will always be a converted wheelchair accessible vehicle, so when it’s time to sell, you can only sell it as a WAV (adaptations can be removed and the vehicle becomes ‘standard’)
• You require up to 2 metres behind the vehicle to fold down the ramps to then gain access to the WAV. This distance can be reduced, by having a lowering floor WAV, but the additional cost can be up to £5000, if it is an option at all
• Securing the wheelchair once in place can be onerous on the carer, who may well have to be very agile and dextrous. This can be addressed to some degree by installing electric restraints, but these come at additional cost
• The majority of WAV conversions are done to ‘van based’ cars, so the level of comfort and options can be restricted, relative to a standard vehicle, as well as the performance of the vehicle against ‘non van derivatives’, not to mention noisy.
• The conversion can dramatically reduce the luggage space in most vehicles

Read the rest of this entry »

Wearing the correct dance costumes and shoes is important for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons for wearing the correct dance costumes for a particular dance style is to evoke the feeling, style and period of the dance. Dancing is physical so comfort is high on the agenda. With comfort also comes safety as a salsa dancer would not want to be wearing a full, bellowing skirt although they would when carrying out a ballroom dancing routine.

Dance costumes are specifically designed and constructed to aid the dancer in each particular dance, to be comfortable, unrestrictive and enhance the dancer’s for the dance. Dance is such a visual sport that costumes do play a huge role and they also help the dancer get into the role within the routine. A ballroom costume for example will be flowing and give a graceful feel whilst an argentine tango costumes will be fitted and more revealing to match the style of the dance. Dance costumes are now far more comfortable and allow for far more movement today. Lycra and other technical fabrics allow the costumes designer to design the most intricate and show stopping clothing. You only need to look at the Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars programmes.

Colour plays a huge role in the look of the costumes which then, in turn, can portray a different image of the dance. A classic and beautiful waltz costume would suit a pastel shade whereas for a fiery tango, it would be red or black for example, most definitely not a pastel shade. It is rare to see a dance costume made fully in a patterned fabric. A patterned fabric can distort the body and in competitive dance, it can hinder dancers as the judge cannot correctly see the alignment of the body.