Firestyle Magazine: Issue 6 - Winter 2016

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 

New fire engine 

piloted in Hampshire 

CWS Fire Station 

a Time Capsule IN DUDLEY 

Mazda MX5 

TEST DRIVEN 

& REVIEWEd 

Lifeline LAUNCH 

A NEW Fire Suppression System 

Clapperboard UK LTD 

award winning charitable organisation 

and film production company 

FIRESTYLE MAGAZINE - ISSUE 6 

The International Emergency Team 

increasING the standards of fire safety overseas

Welcome to the sixth edition of the Firestyle Magazine! 

On behalf of the Firestyle, I would like to thank you for purchasing space in 

the magazine, as this enables members to receive their copy free of charge. 

In addition, funds are made available to be used for the benefit of our 

members and the activities of the organisation. 

We would like to give thanks for the following individuals for their 

contributions towards the magazine: 

• Nick Fletcher • Helen Taylor 

• Paul Brady • Tracy Mason 

• Jackie Armitage • Mehrban Sadiq 

• Imran Khodabocus 

• Clapperboad UK Ltd 

Alec Power 

Director 

Bob Hickman 

Magazine Editor 

Lead Designer: Adam Blakemore 

Graphic Designers: Stephanie Best & Visha Chandler 

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brands, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which 

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in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or 

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CONTENTS 

The International Emergency Team... Page 6 

Wilmslow IS new home for Search & Rescue vehicle.… Page 11 

West Yorkshire appoints new Chief Fire Officer… Page 12 

Mariner on call for disaster relief… Page 13 

send your school to Cheshire’s first ‘Safety Central’… Page 14 

New fire engine piloted in Hampshire… Page 15 

CWS Fire Station a Time Capsule in Dudley… Page 16 

Terror attack and derailed train scenario… Page 18 

I NEED MY SPACE… Page20 

VOLVO TRUCKS STRIKES BACK WITH COBRA… Page 21 

Paul Brady lookS at Chancellors Autumn StatemenT… Page 22 

Sprinklers help preserve world’s most famous warship… Page 24 

ART DECO by Nick Fletcher… Page 26 

Peace, love and muddy paws… Page 28 

Lifeline Launch NEW Fire Suppression System… Page 29 

Find your own National Trust winter wonderland… Page 330 

A student’s hideaway, home for the holidays… Page 34 

Imran Khodabocus advises On Family Law … Page 35 

Clapperboard UK LTD… Page 36 

Break Your Bad Beauty Habits… Page 44 

HAIR & BEAUTY - New Year, New You… Page 46 

BMW 3-Series 330E… Page 48 

Mazda MX5… Page 50 

Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi… Page 52 

PUZZLE PAGES… Page 54 

TRACY MASON TRAVEL FEATURE… Page 56 

PUZZLE ANSWERS… Page 58

FIRE SERVICE RELATED 

The International 

Emergency Team 

Introduction to IET: 

The International Emergency Team 

(IET) is a voluntary organisation born 

following the efforts of Mehrban 

Sadiq, from the Tyne & Wear Fire 

and Rescue Service, to increase the 

standards of fire safety overseas. 

The IET is primarily focused in 

the Punjab region, which is split 

between Northern India and 

Pakistan. 

There are over forty volunteer 

members within the core group of 

the IET, having a range of skill sets 

that help effect change in the area, 

ranging from paramedic training to 

educating future architects. 

Despite being the National Chair for 

the Asian Fire Service Association 

(AFSA) during 2014 - 2016, Mehrban 

has always felt from a young 

age that his calling was for the 

emergency services. 

Mehrban’s current role within the 

Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue 

Service’s Community Safety 

Department enhanced the skills he 

required in; planning and organising 

events, delivering fire safety 

presentations, and working with 

diverse communities. 

Mehrban’s Pakistani background 

is what makes IET so prosperous – 

being familiar with the language and 

culture, and the main challenges 

within the region, Mehrban can not 

only offer aid but also ensure that 

procedures are put into effect and a 

real difference is being made. 

Visiting the Punjab: 

Mehrban visited the Punjab Emergency Service’s headquarters in 2013, undertaking humanitarian work in 

conjunction with Punjab Rescue 1122, and it was then decided that a scoping expedition would be undertaken 

the following year. 

In April 2014 a small team consisting of five members, was 

welcomed by Dr Rizwan Naseer, the Director General of 

Punjab Rescue 1122, and were invited to assist in; assessing 

current capabilities, develop existing practices, policy, and 

procedure, and to initiate the foundation for future liaison 

and potential training facilities. 

06 

Punjab Rescue 1122 is 

the largest emergency 

humanitarian service 

in Pakistan with an 

infrastructure that 

encompasses all of the 

thirty-six districts of the 

Punjab. It was initially 

formed as a medical 

response agency and 

has since developed 

a fire and rescue 

capability in response 

to the major risks 

inherent to the region. 

A visit to the site of the new Training Academy 

was organised and detailed discussion took 

place concerning the new training tower 

provision and fire-ground facilities. 

Another reason pertaining to the success of IET 

is the well-established link from the organisation 

to the government-level - whilst the team also 

visited Islamabad, they met with the District 

Emergency Officer and the Prime Minister of 

Kashmir as well as the Governor of Punjab. The 

visits allowed for an introduction to the team 

and the scoping study, and future assistance 

the IET may be able to provide as part of 

continuing training and development project.

The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) has benefitted from technical expertise and the professional advice 

from the various exceptional emergency and disaster management professionals. The service shares a strong 

bong with IET as a result of Mr. Mehrban Sadiq’s selfless devotion and co-ordination, undoubtedly proving that 

humanity has no geographical, social, or cultural bounds. 

- Dr Rizwan Naseer, General Director, Punjab Rescue 1122 

Following the scoping study in April 2014, a second visit to the region was made in January 2015 to 

assess the progress in the area in the following ways; 

• The progress of the construction of the new Training Academy 

• The progress and implementation of the Draft National Fire and 

Life Safety Code of Pakistan 

• The design and final construction detail of the fire training tower 

• The progress of the training syllabus 

The continuous evaluation of the aid in which IET provides is another key reason for their success. 

07


Areas of change: 

Training: 

Training was provided covering 

both firefighting and prevention, 

and fire safety, to cope with the 

extreme weather conditions – which 

range from seasons of monsoon 

to severe heat. The geographical 

hazards created as a result include 

landslides and earthquakes, and 

thus search and rescue expertise 

was also administered. 

Paramedic training was also 

relayed, which included first aid and 

first responders training. 

08

Education: 

With a key focus on fire prevention, education becomes highly significant. Consequently IET has played an active 

role in the education within primary schools, delivering fire safety key messages, as well as advising future architects 

within University of Engineering and Technology Lahore regarding the construction of safe buildings. 

Assistance: 

The IET played a role in the paramedic motorbike launched in Punjab 

this year. Fundraising from England and Scotland allowed 10 paramedic 

motorbikes to be donated. The motorbikes were manufactured in Punjab 

to facilitate and accommodate their own unique needs. The project 

was highly successful, and the Punjab government ordered 900 extra 

paramedic bikes which created 3,000 jobs! 

Local expertise is used in a manner in which the use of resources is optimised. When overhauling the current fire 

appliances, rather than having to purchase new appliances, existing appliances were modified within the Punjab 

factories, which enabled the water pumping system to be reformed. 

09


It is an excellent example showcasing great teamwork, that the development and the implementation of training 

schemes and the accompaniment of other local training officers to Pakistan, is all done on a voluntary basis, and 

has achieved so much. 

- Mohamed Iqbal Saddal, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service retiree 

Aspirations for the future: 

There are high hopes for IET in the future, including branching out of Punjab 

to neighbouring countries such as; India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. 

Currently the IET works alongside various charities in order to raise funding to 

support their activities, however there is still a long way to go. 

Please contact 

Mehrban Sadiq directly for donation 

and volunteering information: 

mehrbansadiq786@gmail.com 

Special Thanks To Active Members: 

• Muhammad Ahsan 

• Mohammed Ali 

• Rubina Bhatti 

• Rehana Iqbal 

• Baiju Panchmatia 

• Neil Pickersgill 

• Mohammed Rayaz 

• Mohamed Iqbal Saddal 

• Keith Trotter 

Special Thanks for Donations: 

• West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service – donating over 2,000 ex-uniforms 

• West Midlands Ambulance Service – donating medical equipment and spinal boards 

• North East Ambulance Service – donating medical equipment 

• Scotland Fire and Ambulance – assistance with the motorbike project 

• First-Aid, Asian Business Connexions, On Time Ltd, Heaton Mosque, and Newcastle Sikh Gurdwara – kind 

donations and support. 

10

Wilmslow Fire Station 

is new home for Cheshire Search 

and Rescue vehicle 

Wilmslow Fire Station has become home to one of Cheshire Search and Rescue Team’s 

(CSAR) vehicles, with the Toyota Hilux now sharing the station yard with the fire engine. 

The Hilux, one of several CSAR vehicles 

based across the county, has been 

fitted out to a specific design for 

CSAR. It’s capable of carrying a 

full search team along with all the 

equipment they need to operate 

effectively. This equipment includes 

full rescue trauma and critical care 

(RTACC) kit including medical gases, 

several stretchers and casualty 

extrication devices. 

There are personal flotation devices 

and helmets for water rescues (worn 

with other personal protection 

equipment), ropes, lighting, alongside 

a laptop and printer to help plan and 

print out detailed mapping for search 

areas. 

Station Manager Duncan Palin 

said: “We are pleased to be able 

to help Cheshire Search and 

Rescue in this practical way. They 

are a team of volunteers who are 

on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a 

year. They receive no government 

funding at all but deploy in all 

weathers to help firefighters, police 

and the ambulance service 

when required. This initiative brings 

equipment and expertise together 

under one roof and will ensure an 

even closer working relationship 

when operational together.” 

Simon Lane, CSAR Team Leader 

added: “Wilmslow Fire Station is a 

perfect location as several team 

members live within two miles 

of the station. Having use of this 

facility means we can collect the 

vehicle quickly and aim to further 

improve our response time from 

call out to being fully operational 

in the field.” 

The team covers all 900+ miles 

of Cheshire and a third of the 

callouts are to assist neighbouring 

Mountain Rescue teams. Their 

primary role is to assist Cheshire 

Police in searching for missing 

and vulnerable people and 

they also assist other statutory 

emergency services and rescue 

teams, particularly in adverse 

weather. 

If you are interested in becoming an on-call firefighter at Wilmslow Fire Station, visit 

www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs/on-call-firefighter-recruitment or for more information about 

Cheshire Search and Rescue please visit the website - www.cheshire-sarteam.org 

11


West Yorkshire 

appoints new Chief Fire Officer 

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority is delighted to announce the appointment 

of John Roberts as the new Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of the Service. 

Mr Roberts, who is currently Deputy 

Chief Fire Officer of South Yorkshire 

Fire and Rescue, will replace West 

Yorkshire’s current CFO Simon Pilling 

on 1 February 2017. 

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue 

Authority’s (WYFRA) Executive 

Committee, led by Chair of the 

Authority Councillor Judith Hughes, 

managed the selection process. 

Councillor Hughes, said: “While the 

exceptional quality of candidates 

made it a difficult decision to make, 

Mr Roberts proved himself to be 

outstanding both during interview 

and on paper. 

“Mr Roberts has had particular 

success in the past with progressing 

partnership work and we look 

forward to him moving the Service 

forward here, while at the same 

time bringing a period of stability. 

“I know I speak of both myself and 

my councillor colleagues when I 

say that we look forward to working 

with Mr Roberts and we are excited 

about what the future holds.” 

Councillor Hughes added: “I 

would also like to wish CFO Pilling 

the best for his retirement. He has 

been an outstanding Chief and his 

experience has proved invaluable 

to the Service in recent years.” 

CFO Simon Pilling said: “I would like 

to congratulate Mr Roberts on his 

appointment and wish him well 

when he takes the reins next year. I 

am confident he will be a real asset 

to West Yorkshire and that his hopes 

and ambitions for the Service will 

bring real benefits to the public we 

serve.” 

Mr Roberts said: “I am looking 

forward to leading WYFRS, despite 

the many challenges ahead. The 

fire and rescue service continues to 

operate in uncertain times, with the 

requirement to make further savings. 

However, I am confident that WYFRS 

will continue to deliver a high quality 

level of service to its communities. It 

goes without saying that WYFRS has 

an excellent reputation, and it is a 

privilege to have been selected.” 

Mr Roberts started his career at 

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service 

and carried out a secondment in 

the Department for Communities 

and Local Government before 

moving to South Yorkshire Fire and 

Rescue in 2009. He was appointed 

to the position of Assistant Chief Fire 

Officer in 2012 and Deputy Chief Fire 

Officer in April 2015. He is married 

with three young children and a 

keen football player and supporter, 

being a fan of Liverpool FC. 

12

Mariner on call 

for disaster relief 

Barrus is continuing its support of the Water-safe UK Search & Rescue 

Team in 2016 with the supply of Mariner outboard engines. 

WUKSART was established in response to the 

National Flood Enhancement Project led by the 

Department of the Environment, Food & Rural 

Affairs (DEFRA) in 2009. This Government led 

project was designed to officially collate all the 

water rescue assets around the UK and then type 

them against National standards with the aim 

that when widespread flooding takes place these 

assets can be called on. 

The purpose and aim of Water-safe is to provide 

response and support to the official Emergency 

Services in a range of situations, including water 

rescues, flood relief and support during times of 

adverse weather conditions, natural disaster or 

civil emergency, missing people search and to be 

able to provide support at incidents as required. 

Since 2009, Barrus has supplied seven Mariner 90hp 

engines and four SeaSearch inflatable rescue 

boats to Water-safe on preferential terms. Mariner 

6hp engines have also been supplied for their 

Mountain Rescue activities. 

Primarily WUKSART covers the County of Derbyshire 

with support to both the local Fire & Rescue 

Service and the Police. All the team members are 

voluntary and from disciplined backgrounds they 

have the skills and experience required. 

The team were called out during the devastating 

Storms of Desmond and Eva in December 2015 

and last year attended numerous incidents in the 

widespread flooding of Cumbria, Lancashire and 

York. 

13

Book now 

to send your school to Cheshire’s 

first and only ‘Safety Central’ 

Schools can now pre-book visits to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s 

‘Safety Central,’ Cheshire’s first and only interactive and life skills 

education centre, due to open in September 2017. 


The Service is building the state-of-theart 

facility at the junction of the M6 and 

M56 near Lymm. It represents a £4m 

investment in keeping the people of 

Cheshire, Halton and Warrington safe 

from accidents and avoidable harm. 

Online booking for Safety Central’s two 

schools’ programmes is now open for 

the 2017/18 academic year, marking 

another major milestone in the centre’s 

development. 

Safety Central Manager Mark Shone 

explained: “We’re really looking forward 

to welcoming people of all ages to 

a safety centre which has something 

for everyone. As an organisation, we 

strive to make safety engaging and we 

are thrilled that Cheshire Fire Authority 

supports this goal. As the authority funds 

the running costs of the centre, Cheshire 

east, Cheshire west and Cheshire, 

Halton and Warrington schools can visit 

for free. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for schools 

to engage with their children and young 

people on topics ranging from fire and 

road safety, to drugs and alcohol, cyber 

security and gender identity in a way 

that is fresh, interactive and is going to 

leave a lasting impression.” 

If your school would like to visit Safety 

Central, all you need to do is arrange 

transport to and from the organisation, 

which is easily accessible to most of the 

county in under an hour. 

The centre’s two pioneering 

programmes ‘Safety Quest’ and 

‘Lessons4Life’ offer essential safety 

and life skills lessons for year 5 and 

6 pupils at key stage 2 and year 9 

pupils at key stage 3, delivered in a 

fun and inspiring way. Promoting key 

themes of wellbeing, personal safety 

and citizenship, the programmes are 

available as a half day or full day 

experience, with core and optional 

activities to suit your school’s specific 

needs. 

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Cashin 

said: “Safety Central’s programmes will 

not only be targeted at schools, but 

also new parents, older people and 

the carers of people who need support 

to live. They will cover the hazards that 

they are most likely to encounter in and 

around their homes and communities 

and are devised and written with the 

aim of reducing accidental deaths and 

injuries from fire, at home, on the road 

and in the community.” 

Cllr Stef Nelson, deputy chair Cheshire 

Fire Authority said: “This is an exciting 

development that will benefit this 

and future generations as we strive to 

achieve our vision of a Cheshire where 

there are no deaths, injuries or damage 

from fires and other emergencies. 

Safety Central, the area’s first purposebuilt 

education and life skills facility, will 

deliver educational programmes in 

an interactive way to ensure visitors to 

the centre take away important safety 

information.” 

Safety Central is currently only able to 

accept bookings for our Key Stage 2, 

Key Stage 3 and bespoke group visits. 

Details of our new parents’ and older 

peoples’ sessions will be published in 

early 2017. 

If you have questions about the 

programmes, please don’t hesitate 

to call us during office hours on 01606 

868700. More information and news 

about the centre can be found at 

www.safetycentral.org.uk 

14

New 

fire engine 

piloted in Hampshire 

A state-of-the-art vehicle is being piloted 

on the streets of Hampshire. 

The Intermediate Capability (IC) vehicle 

is equipped with cutting-edge ultra-high 

pressure lances (UHPL) and the latest 

rescue gear. 

It is also slightly smaller than traditional 

engines making it easier to manoeuvre on 

busy city roads. 

The pilot IC is based at St Mary’s Fire 

Station, in Southampton, and has already 

been used in incidents from fires and traffic 

collisions to automatic fire alarms and 

hazardous material call outs. 

There will soon be more prototypes around 

Hampshire; at Southsea, Rushmoor, 

Basingstoke and Whitchurch. 

The pilot vehicle is being shaped 

by firefighters on the frontline who 

are scrutinising every aspect of its 

performance. 

If successful, after feedback and 

suggestions from crews, the engine may 

be rolled out across the county during 

2017. 

The IC vehicle is part of a strategy that runs 

alongside the pioneering SAVE approach that 

could shape the future of modern firefighting 

and was devised by Hampshire Fire and Rescue 

Service. 

The Scan, Attack, Ventilate, Enter pneumonic 

represents a strategy that will give greater 

protection to firefighters through embracing 

modern technology including the wall-piercing 

UHPLs and thermal-imaging cameras. 

This approach will be delivered by a new, more 

effective, three-tier vehicle fleet ranging from 

traditional-style engines to a First Response 

Capability vehicle. 

The IC vehicle can be crewed by between two to 

five firefighters. 

Deputy Chief Officer Neil Odin said: “I am 

delighted that our teams across Hampshire have 

worked hard in the development of a new way 

of firefighting and the launch of this pilot vehicle is 

focussed on bringing the very latest technology to 

our firefighters, keeping them safer while delivering 

a faster more effective capability.” 

The early feedback from the St Mary’s firefighters 

is that they are pleased with the new vehicle and 

the capability it provides. 

15


CWS Fire Station 

a Time Capsule in Dudley 

16 

The workforce at the Alan Nuttall 

Partnership in Dudley has opened 

the doors on a long-locked room 

to find the headquarters of an 

old company fire brigade almost 

perfectly preserved, more than half 

a century after it stood down. 

The story has been featured by the 

BBC with the story being read by 

over 80,000 people and the interest 

has spread far and wide; into 

Europe, the US and even Australia! 

The huge National Works site, which 

has belonged to the Alan Nuttall 

Partnership Limited since 1986 – 

some thirty years, has also been 

home to these items which pre-date 

Nuttalls, by some decades. 

For those who may not know, the 

factory was built in 1915, on the 

instruction of David Lloyd George, 

as a munitions factory for the First 

World War. The manufacturing 

continues on the site to this day, 

although the products have 

changed over the years, once 

home to the infamous Bean Cars. 

For several decades later it was to 

the Co-operative Wholesale Society 

(CWS) – Dudley Co-op. 

The vintage equipment dates from 

that period, when CWS had their 

own works brigade 1934-1971 

according to current research. 

As Nuttalls celebrated their fiftieth 

year in business in 2016, there had 

been an ongoing hunt for historical 

stories from around factory floor. 

The 50 Years of Nuttalls campaign 

has featured long standing 

employees and celebrated our 

fantastic past project work. The 

story of the old Fire Station was 

mentioned and the team couldn’t 

resist the curiosity, so it was opened 

up to take a look,and gain access 

to the firefighters’ old station, which 

has been mothballed behind a 

padlocked door on the ground 

floor since the 1950s. 

“We’ve always known it was here,” 

said Matt Hornblower, Operations 

Director, “but this is such a large site, 

there are little corners that no one 

goes into. But recently we came in 

and had a good look around, and 

we still keep finding things. Anna 

Bamford our marketing manager 

was keen to follow up on the story 

when I mentioned it to her and we 

made our way across the site to 

take a look. We were both in awe 

of how wonderfully preserved the 

room is, despite a bit of dust, there 

are drinks, buckets of fire sand and 

even a newspaper!” 

The most impressive piece in there 

is a pump trailer, powered by a 

petrol or diesel engine. Still bright 

red, with ‘CWS DUDLEY’ lettered 

in gold on the front, it looks as 

though all it needs is a bit of a 

wipe-down. There is still air in its tyres 

and just a few spots of oil on the 

floor beneath. The documentation 

which is still with it suggests it dates 

from the 1950s, when the Co-op 

had its own on-site fire brigade; a 

necessity for factories as large as 

this one, even once a national fire 

service had been established. 

The trailer pump still has its number 

plate: RJ9012, which belongs to 

the trailer and we have been 

informed that this supports it being 

from around 1934. They were part 

of a limited run and each had a 

consecutive number plate – right 

up to 9,999. I wonder how many 

are still around today? 

Perhaps even more striking are 

the uniform jackets and caps, 

still hanging from hooks on the 

green-painted walls. In some 

cases the names of their wearers 

are still chalked above them, as 

if they walked out one day and 

never came back. Names still in 

evidence include I Silk, W. Price 

and A Round.

Hanging on the opposite wall is a row of neatly rolledup 

canvas hoses, along with a single gas mask and 

also among the items is a certificate awarded to one 

of the men the name is hard to read but could be 

Jones when the Dudley brigade entered competitions 

with other Co-op forces from around the country. 

There are even a few programmes from such events 

dating from the 1950s. 

These names have sparked delight in some local 

families as they’ve excitedly called in to tell all about 

the Brigade. Astonishingly, one of the Firefighters got in 

touch and relayed some of his fantastic memories of 

competing against other fire crews at competitions! 

Including pictures of a particular success in 1963, 

when the team won both group and individual 

competitions. They’d have been taking part in such 

contests, racing each other to perform drills such 

as assembling equipment and rolling out lengths of 

hose. Some of the original competition booklets and 

magazines remain in the room. 

The question now is what to do with such a find. 

“We’re having such a fantastic response to the story. 

It’s delightful to reunite families with the history of their 

recent ancestors and astounding to see the amount 

of people who are keen to hear what happens with 

the find. As the Black Country Museum is such a close 

neighbour, we have invited their curators to review 

the pieces and that has proved so useful in dating 

and giving the story. We’re continuing to work with 

them, along with some archivists, to make sure that we 

preserve this jewel of Black Country and UK history,” 

concluded Anna. 

We know that some of you, many of whom have 

years of memories in the Black Country, might be 

able to help fill in the blanks of the story – so please do 

mention it and see if your memories can help us. If you 

think you could help, you can contact Anna Bamford, 

Marketing Manager on 01384 245100, or by email at: 

anna.bamford@nuttalls.co.uk. You can follow the story 

on twitter using the hashtag #NuttallFireStation. 

17


Terror attack and 

derailed train scenario: 

Fire chief passes ‘rigorous’ test 

The Hampshire county’s fire chief has been put through his paces 

with a scenario that featured terrorist attacks, derailed trains, 

multiple fatalities and hundreds of people unaccounted for. 

18 

More than 50 people were involved 

in the immersive assessment of 

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service 

Chief Fire Officer Dave Curry which 

lasted half a day and tested his vast 

experience. 

As well as the train explosion the 

exercise also included attacks 

at East Cowes and Plymouth 

where festivals were being staged 

and thousands looked set to be 

stranded. 

The scenario also featured the 

evacuation of a high-rise building in 

the centre of Southampton that was 

hit by a smoke plume following the 

incident. 

Organisers made sure only limited 

information was available and 

there were constant interruptions 

to put the chief under even more 

pressure and recreate the stress of 

an ongoing emergency. 

Issues from a cracked road and 

traffic management to social media 

rumours were all factors CFO Curry 

had to deal with. 

During the off-site scenario he also 

had to consider pulling in resources 

from elsewhere to give full cover 

to other areas as, in the case of a 

real attack, firefighters would still 

be called to a normal number of 

incidents. 

CFO Curry said: “The details of the 

scenario were completely unknown 

to me until my pager went off in the 

morning and it started to play out. 

“It was clear a lot of effort had 

gone into making the exercise as 

challenging as possible which is 

exactly what is needed. “This not 

only served as a rigorous test of my 

skills and decision-making abilities 

but also helped us make sure HFRS is 

prepared for anything – something 

every firefighter thinks about.” 

Every incident commander from 

crew manager to the chief has 

to be assessed every two years in 

addition to other exercises and drills.

The chief passed the assessment 

which may now be rolled out to 

other fire services. 

Academy Station Manager 

Craig Gregory said: “The chief 

fire officer demonstrated his 

leadership and command 

skills throughout a challenging 

incident scenario testing both 

tactical and strategic thinking. 

“He was joined by strategic 

managers from partner 

agencies to resolve a significant 

scenario affecting Hampshire 

and the Isle of Wight.” 

The assessment organiser and 

Academy Trainer Karl Manners 

said: “I would like to thank all the 

internal staff and external agencies 

who have made this assessment 

as challenging and realistic as 

possible.” 

The scenario was planned down 

to the most minute detail with fake 

radio bulletins on the incident being 

played as the chief was being 

taken to the scene and a press 

scrum afterwards featuring a former 

member of the national press. 

Previously, he was the Director of 

Prevention, Protection and Road Safety 

on the Chief Fire Officer’s Association for 

a three year term and been a Director 

of CFOA’s trading arms. He is also 

currently South East Regional Chair of 

the Association of Principal Fire Officers. 

A Londoner by birth, he joined Surrey 

Fire Brigade in 1986 moving up the 

ranks to be Assistant Chief Fire Officer 

in the county in 2001. He led on the 

development of an Integrated Risk 

Management Plan for Surrey and was 

then in charge of Service delivery. 

Dave joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue 

Service in 2004 as Deputy Chief Officer. 

Dave holds a Masters in Business 

Administration and a Master of Science 

in Fire Command and Management. 

Having completed the Brigade 

Command Course in 2002, he was 

the first person in the Fire Service to 

be invited to undertake the Defence 

Strategic Leadership Programme. Dave 

has also undertaken the Top Managers 

Programme run by the National 

School of Government and recently 

completed the Windsor Leadership Trust 

Development programme. 

Dave was appointed as Chief Officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue 

Service in January 2015. 

Dave was the Director of HFRS’s 

trading arm 3SFire since its inception in 

February 2013 and until April 2015 and 

is the Service’s diversity lead on sexual 

orientation. 

19


Bad parking and bizarre driving 

sparks fire service campaign 

A new campaign has been launched as fire chiefs say the number of incidents in which motorists 

hinder emergency service vehicles with erratic driving and poor parking is worse than ever before. 

The I Need My Space campaign comes after an increasing number of drivers have delayed 

fire engines getting to incidents. Motorists are putting lives at risk by blocking off roads and even 

stopping on box junctions outside fire stations. However, it is not just parking that is the problem and 

firefighters say some drivers are not sure what to do when they hear the sirens blaring. Some slam 

their brakes on immediately and risk causing an accident while others try to tailgate behind the 

vehicle which can cause a crash particularly if more than one engine has been deployed. 

Assistant Chief Officer Andy Bowers said: “The issue of motorists blocking the paths of emergency 

services vehicles is worse than ever before. 

“Some drivers are parking opposite one another making an entire road inaccessible while others 

are actually stopping by station exits, often in the hatched areas”, 

“On the road we have to deal with motorists who are unsure what to do to allow emergency 

vehicles to pass, and often slam on their brakes the minute they hear the siren, as well as people 

who try and tailgate when we have gone past. 

“Everyone should make sure that they know what to do for emergency vehicles, and ensure that 

their actions do not slow our vehicles down. 

“Please also remember that although you may only hear one siren, there may regularly be more 

than one emergency vehicle responding. 

The golden rules are: 

CALM: Don’t panic or speed up in an attempt to get out of the way. Don’t go through red 

lights or veer into a bus lane as you will still be prosecuted. Do not attempt to outrun a fire engine. 

You are not allowed to drive down the hard shoulder. You will still be breaking the law. 

ALERT: Turn distracting music down and check mirrors to help determine the direction and 

number of emergency vehicles. Look for somewhere safe to pull in but avoid kerbs, pavements, 

bends and junctions. Watch out for other motorists braking suddenly. 

RESPONSE: Indicate, check your mirror and move to the left when it is safe to do so. Wait 

patiently to ensure all emergency vehicles have gone and then safely move back out into traffic. 

The Highway Code rule 219 states: “You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, 

doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing 

headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights. 

20 

When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate 

action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. 

If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, 

a bend or narrow section of road.

VOLVO TRUCKS STRIKES BACK 

WITH COBRA AT THE EMERGENCY 

SERVICES SHOW - BIRMINGHAM NEC 

Volvo Trucks exhibited a special 12-tonne 

GVW FL-240 Fire Appliance fitted with the 

installation kit for the latest ‘Cobra’ high 

pressure, ‘cold cut’ fire extinguisher system 

and 100% recyclable co-polymer, plastic 

bodywork by Strong’s Plastic Products, at The 

Emergency Services Show, which was held at 

the Birmingham’s NEC. 

Visitors to the Show inspected the 3.8 metre 

wheelbase FL-240 on the Volvo Trucks stand, 

which features the ‘Cobra’ cold cutting 

extinguisher technique that uses a mixture 

of water and cutting agents, delivered 

at very high pressures via a nozzle system 

mounted on a lance, carried and directed 

by the firefighter. The technique can rapidly 

cut through all known types of construction 

materials, including concrete. Safety is aided 

as the fire is combatted from the building’s 

exterior via a hole so small that oxygen 

cannot reach the source of the fire. 

Thanks to the ‘Smart-Shaft’ drive-line system 

installed on the FL-240, the ‘Cobra’ C360 

kit installation can be operated either 

simultaneously or independently in conjunction 

with the Godiva water pump fitted to the 

vehicle. 

Specification of the Volvo FL also includes 

fitment of the Allison AL205 6-speed automatic 

transmission with PTO and a six person crew 

cab. The drive axle is air suspended. 

Volvo Trucks offers a range of Euro-6 vehicles 

for the Emergency Services from the tough 

and durable Volvo FL and FE to the highly 

flexible Volvo FM. 

All are available with a large range of cabs, 

trims and horsepower ratings from 210hp- 

460hp to suit all requirements from 10-tonnes 

upwards and all are available with fully 

automatic or automated gearboxes. 

21

Finance 

In this feature Paul Brady Dip PFS a partner in St James Place Wealth 

Management takes look at the Chancellors Autumn Statement 2016 

The Chancellor’s first and last Autumn Statement avoided radical proposals, but offered 

pointers to where tax policy might be headed. 

While much of the Autumn Statement confirmed measures previously publicised, there were 

some new announcements. Key themes following the Brexit vote were around investment in 

infrastructure and positive, albeit reduced, growth forecasts. 

22 

Pensions 

There were no significant changes 

made to pension legislation. Tax 

relief continues to be available at 

the individual’s marginal rate and 

employer contributions continue to 

be exempt from National Insurance. 

The Autumn Statement again 

confirmed that salary sacrifice 

arrangements relating to pensions 

will not be affected by the wider 

application of NI to new salary 

sacrifice arrangements for certain 

benefits after 6 April 2017. 

The government has launched a 

consultation paper over its proposal 

to reduce the Money Purchase 

Annual Allowance (MPAA) on 

tax-relievable contributions to 

money purchase schemes from 

£10,000 to £4,000, which would take 

effect from 6 April 2017. The MPAA 

applies to individuals who have 

taken benefits as Uncrystallised 

Funds Pension Lump Sums, who 

have taken income from a Flexiaccess 

Drawdown arrangement; 

including those converted from 

Capped Drawdown or who 

purchase a flexible annuity. The 

Treasury estimates that only 3% 

of individuals over the age of 55 

make contributions of over £4,000. 

This figure is above the current 

proposed statutory maximum 

level of contributions under 

Auto Enrolment in 2019; and the 

government intends to ensure that 

the MPAA will not adversely affect 

contributions to Auto Enrolment 

schemes. 

Finally, the government 

announced that it will be 

publishing a consultation paper 

designed to tackle pension scams, 

including banning cold calling in 

relation to pensions, giving firms 

greater powers to block suspicious 

transfers and making it harder for 

scammers to abuse ‘small selfadministered 

schemes’ (SSAS). We 

have no details at this stage. 

Taxation 

The Income Tax Personal 

Allowance will increase to £11,500 

from 6 April 2017. The higher rate 

tax threshold will rise to £45,000 

from 6 April 2017, as previously 

confirmed in the Budget of 

March 2016. The Chancellor has 

re-affirmed the government’s 

commitment to raising the Income 

Tax Personal Allowance to £12,500, 

and the higher rate tax threshold 

to £50,000, by the end of this 

Parliament. 

As announced in the Budget of 

March 2016, the government 

will create two new Income Tax 

allowances of £1,000 each, for 

trading and property income. 

Individuals with trading or property 

income below the level of the 

allowance will no longer need to 

declare or pay tax on that income. 

The government confirmed that 

the 0% starting rate for savings 

income will remain at £5,000 for 

2017/18.

National Insurance 

The National Insurance threshold for employers (secondary) and employees (primary) will be aligned from April 

2017, meaning that both employees and employers will start paying National Insurance on weekly earnings above 

£157. The currently weekly threshold for 2016/17 is £156 for employers, and £155 for employees. As announced 

in the last Budget, Class 2 National Insurance contributions will be abolished from April 2018. Self-employed 

contributory benefit entitlement will be accessed through Class 3 and Class 4 NICs. 

Chargeable events gains 

As announced in the Budget and following 

consultation, the government will legislate to 

avoid the disproportionate tax charges that arise 

in certain circumstances from life insurance partsurrenders 

and part-assignments. The legislation 

will allow applications to be made to HMRC to 

have the charge recalculated on a just and 

reasonable basis to allow fairer outcomes for 

policyholders. The change will take effect from 6 

April 2017. 

The government will also legislate to give HMRC 

the power to amend the list of assets that 

Personal Portfolio Bond policyholders can invest 

in without triggering tax anti-avoidance rules. 

The changes will take effect on Royal Assent of 

Finance Bill 2017. 

Non-domiciled individual. 

The government will consider how benefits 

in kind are valued for tax purposes, and 

the use of Income Tax relief for employees’ 

business expenses, including those that are not 

reimbursed by the employer. 

Tax avoidance 

The government is continuing its review into the use of 

disguised remuneration schemes by employers and 

employees and proposes to extend these provisions to 

include the use of such schemes by the self-employed. No 

further details are available at present. 

As signalled in the Budget, the government will also consider 

the introduction of penalties for any person who has 

enabled another person or business to use a tax-avoidance 

arrangement that is later defeated by HMRC. Draft 

legislation to this effect will follow shortly. Importantly, these 

provisions will not apply to “tried and tested” arrangements 

permitted by the legislation such as pensions, ISAs, VCTs, 

EISs etc; as, to take effect, the arrangement has to be first 

“challenged” by HMRC. 

The government will also introduce a new legal requirement 

to correct a past failure to pay UK tax on offshore interests 

within a defined period of time, with new sanctions for those 

who fail to do so. 

However, it is important to remember that, just because 

something is ‘offshore’ (e.g. an offshore fund or an offshore 

bond), this does not necessarily mean that it will be subject 

to attack. 

Corporation Tax 

The government confirmed its commitment to 

reduce the level of Corporation Tax to 17% by 

2020. 

Capital Gains Tax 

The tax advantages linked to shares awarded 

under Employee Shareholder Status (a special 

employee status where certain statutory 

employment rights are given up in exchange 

for shares) will be abolished for arrangements 

entered into on, or after, 1 December 2016. 

Offshore funds 

Investors with offshore reporting funds will no 

longer be able to deduct performance fees 

from the funds’ reportable income for tax 

purposes. From April 2017, fees will instead 

reduce any tax payable on disposal gains. 

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and Enterprise 

Investment Schemes (EISs), and Seed Enterprise 

Investment Schemes (SEISs) 

ISA/Junior ISA limit 

From April 2017 the ISA limit will rise to £20,000, as 

previously announced. The Junior ISA limit will increase 

to £4,128. The government also announced its 

intention to launch a new NS&I bond with a £3,000 limit 

and indicative 2.2% gross interest rate growth over a 

three-year term. 

Should you wish to discuss any 

of the detail contained in the 

note, please do not hesitate to 

get in touch. 

Contact Paul Brady on 

0121 355 2473 or email 

paul.brady@sjpp.co.uk 

23

GENERAL INTEREST 

Sprinklers will help preserve 

the world’s most famous warship 

for generations 

It is the most famous warship in 

the world and for years reigned 

supreme on the high seas, terrifying 

enemy fleets as it hoved into view. 

The 250-year-old vessel led the 

Royal Navy in battles during the 

Napoleonic Wars, the French 

Revolution and the American War 

of Independence. 

However, HMS Victory is most 

famous for being the flagship of Lord 

Horatio Nelson during the Battle of 

Trafalgar and the ship on which the 

legendary seaman died in action. 

Now this iconic relic of British naval 

history has protection against 

future dramas and can continue to 

inspire awe in visitors for generations 

to come, thanks to the National 

Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) 

and Hampshire Fire and Rescue 

Service (HFRS). 

The two organisations have worked 

together to ensure this national 

treasure, which has presided over 

key moments in the country’s naval 

history, does not go up in flames. 

Work to create a cutting-edge fire 

safety system started after a blaze 

ravaged the historic Cutty Sark 

in 2007 while it was undergoing 

conservation work. 

The wooden construction of the 

Victory, and the fact that it is 

subject to an ongoing programme 

of maintenance work, puts it at risk. 

However, the flow of air through 

the ship and its traditional gun 

ports would cause water droplets 

to be blown away if the usual 

method of spraying mist was used. 

The organisations also had to 

work together to come up with 

a design that would sensitively fit 

into the aesthetics of the ship, and 

introduce ultra-modern necessity 

without sacrificing its historic charm 

and majesty. 

24

Eventually, a bespoke sprinkler 

system was installed that would 

release different-sized water 

droplets on different decks, with the 

larger, heavier droplets being more 

resistant to the wind. 

The pipework and sprinkler heads 

were positioned with painstaking 

care to avoid spoiling the character 

of the vessel. 

HFRS Group Manager Dave Smith 

said: “It is a privilege to work so 

closely with the Royal Navy and the 

National Museum - and, of course, 

the Victory. 

“Being from a naval family, I feel a 

personal affinity with the ship and as 

a firefighter I am extremely proud to 

be able to help influence decisions 

to ensure its future. 

“The sprinkler system will 

complement our firefighting 

technique should a fire break out. 

“We enjoy a close relationship with 

the the NMRN and the Royal Navy, 

and this gives us the opportunity to 

affect fire safety on vessels ranging 

from the Victory to its modern-day 

equivalents, such as the destroyers.” 

Group Manager Smith added 

that countries from across Europe 

and beyond have contacted the 

service to seek advice or ask about 

the its pioneering work in this field. 

He said: “We are seen as a leading 

light. Our work in the field of 

maritime fire safety really helps put 

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service 

on the map.” 

Head of Historic Ships at The 

National Museum of the Royal Navy, 

Andrew Baines, said: “The idea to 

provide this kind of specialised fire 

protection started after the fire on 

the Cutty Sark. 

“It cannot be put into words how 

important the Victory is; it is truly 

iconic. It is an overused word but in 

this case it is true. 

“It is a sole survivor from a bygone 

era of sailing, made by the hand of 

man. 

“Every pipe, head and bracket had 

to be signed off to ensure it didn’t 

look out of place. 

“The best I can say about the 

fire protection system is that I 

don’t notice it - which is the most 

important thing. 

“I sleep easier in my bed knowing 

this system has been installed. The 

Victory came to us having survived 

for centuries. It is our job to ensure it 

lasts for another 250 years plus.” 

25


ART DECO 

b y N i c k F l e t c h e r 

Art Deco was a design movement which 

took hold soon after the First World War, 

and reached its crescendo in the late 

1920s and early 1930s. It was a form of 

design rebellion against all that had 

gone before and consequently it can 

often look as bizarre as it is beautiful. 

26

It is frequently a combination of abstract painting, 

Egyptian and Aztec style motifs, weird geometric shapes 

and patterns, and striking colour combinations. Yet it 

can also utilise the soft natural forms of flowers, trees and 

animals. Like its predecessor of twenty years earlier, Art 

Nouveau, which was popular around 1900, Art Deco 

manifests itself in both small ornamental items, furniture, 

and even buildings. 

Among the best known exponents of Art Deco are Rene 

Lalique, a Frenchman whose glass work is particularly 

admired, and also the British potter Clarice Cliff, whose offbeat 

designs and strong use of colour were a sensation 

when first produced and have won her an enduring 

following. 

There is a notable difference between the Art Deco 

of the 1920s and that of the 1930s. The twenties were 

a great age of fun, flappers danced the Charleston, 

the first talking film the Jazz Singer was astounding, 

Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered – and in itself 

influenced the Art Deco movement. 

In the 1930s, many people saw the prospect of another 

world war in the offing, and thirties Art Deco is slightly less 

frivolous and has bolder, straighter, more precise lines and 

detail. Ironically, it was world war two which snuffed out 

the Art Deco movement. 

The whole Art Deco movement stemmed from an 

exhibition in Paris in 1925 which was called Exposition 

Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. 

It’s easy to see why they shortened it to just Art Deco! 

The emphasis of this exhibition was to try to encourage 

the creation of an entirely new decorative style adapted 

to modern life, but still based on individuality and 

craftsmanship. 

Top jewellers such as Cartier produced art deco pieces, 

and so too did British based companies such as Royal 

Doulton. For a decade between about 1925 and 1935, 

Art Deco took Britain by storm, and reached its zenith 

with complete buildings being created in the Deco style. 

Notable examples include the BBC building in Portland 

Place, and the Hoover building at Perivale, in West 

London. 

These days almost anything Art Deco finds a ready 

market though prices can vary enormously. Furniture 

is especially sought-after, with fine examples fetching 

thousands of pounds. Pottery is also very popular for while 

Victoriana has become unfashionable, Art Deco design 

is still seen as cool and elegant. While it still possible to pick 

up interesting Art Deco vases, clocks and other small items 

by non-famous makers for £50-£100, finer pieces by noted 

designers and manufacturers can run to hundreds and 

often many thousands of pounds. Rare Clarice Cliff vases, 

for example have fetched as much as £20,000, though 

£1,000-£2,000 is more typical. 

27


Peace, 

love and 

muddy paws 

Many of us take to the road with our 

pets and if we are lucky enough 

might even have a place for them 

at our desks. But much as we love 

them, now and again our furry 

friends can pose a few challenges 

when we’re driving. Here are some 

tips for those driving with pets. 

• Try not to feed your pet right before 

you leave or when you’re on the road, 

but do keep a supply of their favourite 

biscuits or treats so you can stay in 

control. Never let dogs off the lead in a 

car park or motorway service area. 

• Keep your pets out of the front 

seat and off your lap. Driving with an 

unsecured pet in the front seat could 

distract you at a safety-critical moment. 

You never know when your pet 

might react to something they think is 

interesting outside the car. Ideally dogs 

should be behind a guard or correctly 

strapped in in the back seat. Cats 

or smaller creatures should be in an 

appropriately secured carrier. 

• Leaving your pet alone in 

the car, no matter what the 

temperature might feel like 

outside, is a big no. 

• Try to take along familiar 

toys and bedding to provide 

a relaxed setting. This allows 

greater comfort on the 

journey. 

• Don’t change up the menu! 

A sudden switch in your pet’s 

food before the journey 

can upset them (and their 

stomach!) and that’s not 

what you want when you’re 

stuck in the car together. 

• Take water and a bowl with 

you to keep your favourite 

companion well hydrated. 

• Take frequent stops for 

exercise and calls of nature. 

Keep a supply of poo bags in 

the car just in case. 

• Don’t let your pet stick its 

head out of the window. It may 

enjoy the draft but it’s a major 

league distraction for you and 

other drivers as well as being 

potentially very damaging for 

their eyes. Dog’s eyes were 

never designed to travel at 

60mph! 

An unhappy pet equals an unhappy driver so always plan and prepare well in advance for any journey with a 

furry friend. An unrestrained dog or cat becomes a projectile in the event of sudden braking, potentially injuring 

drivers, passengers and pets alike. Just as with a child in the car fit the best equipment, which is custom designed 

for your size of pet and everyone will arrive relaxed, content and ready for action.” 

28

Lifeline Launch 

Breakthrough New 

Fire Suppression System 

Following the successful introduction of the Lifeline Zero 

3620 fire suppression system, Lifeline has launched the 

new Zero 3620 Fire-marshal, a further development 

of the original system, designed to meet the increase 

in demand as more categories are required to 

use systems approved to the FIA 8865 suppression 

standard. 

Lifeline’s new Zero 3620 Fire-marshal offers exceptional 

performance but offers a significant cost reduction 

when compared with the current generation of FIA 

8865 approved systems. Zero 3620 Fire-marshal meets 

the FIA’s demanding 8865 standard and has been 

tested and developed for use with unleaded petrol, 

diesel and E85 fuels. 

Housed within a single fabricated aluminium cylinder, 

it discharges into both the engine and cockpit. It is 

activated using the same Zero 3620 intelligent control 

box that continually monitors the systems integrity 

and internal battery advising the user of any potential 

issues. The system is plumbed to both the cockpit and 

engine using aluminium tube, connected using high 

quality lightweight aluminium compression fittings and 

is supplied with sufficient lengths of delivery pipework to 

ensure the best possible packaging within all vehicles. 

The engine side of the system discharges 1.0 kg of 3M 

NOVEC clean agent suppressant through one high 

discharge outlet to quickly knock down the fire, which 

is then supplemented by two further coolant outlets, 

utilising Lifeline’s patented* dual discharge technology. 

The system also has the added benefit to allow two 

further coolant outlets to be fitted should their be 

multiple areas in the engine bay that need to be cooled 

down to help prevent re-ignition. 

The cockpit side of the system discharges 3.0 Kg of 3M 

NOVEC through two cloud burst outlets, developed 

specifically to disperse the suppressant efficiently 

throughout the entire cockpit, quickly knocking down 

the fire. 

“We took a significant step forward in terms of driver 

safety when we introduced the Zero 3620 system, and 

with Zero 3620 Fire-marshal, we have made another 

leap” explains Lifeline’s managing director Jim Morris. 

“We can now offer a real cost-effective alternative to 

the many teams and competitors that require FIA 8865 

approval for their fire suppression system.” 

The system is now available and anyone wishing to 

know more, should contact Lifeline’s technical sales 

team on +44 (0)24 7671 2999 or sales@lifeline-fire.co.uk 

Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems are based at purpose 

built premises in Falkland Close, Coventry, UK and have 

a worldwide network of distributors whose contact 

details can be found on the Lifeline website 

www.lifeline-fire.co.uk 

29


Find your own 

National Trust winter 

wonderland 

South West 

Killerton, Devon 

The gardens at Killerton are home to trees and plants 

from around the world, collected by the Acland family, 

resulting in a forever changing rich tapestry of colour 

all year round. A visit to the Chapel is a must during late 

winter, as the grounds bloom with colour from winter 

flowering cyclamen, while around the garden enjoy the 

red colours of berries and the flowers of Persian ironwood 

(Parrotia persica) and Camellia sasanqua. Don’t forget 

to visit the unique Bear’s Hut, meet the Dartmoor ponies 

on the Clump, and explore the wider parkland using one 

the six walking leaflets. Wherever you roam at Killerton this 

winter, there is something to discover. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton 

Stourhead, Wiltshire 

Stourhead is a beautiful, tranquil place to visit 

during winter. There’s plenty of fresh air on offer in 

the surroundings of this world-famous landscape 

garden, where a magnificent lake reflects classic 

temples, mystical grottos and swathes of surrounding 

trees. The buildings and statues in the garden are 

a key part of Henry Hoare II’s carefully constructed 

views. They form focal points around the lake, as if in 

a living painting. Discover the intriguing Grotto and 

peer through its circular opening to see the Temple 

of Apollo and the Temple of Flora beautifully framed 

by the Grotto’s volcanic rock. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead 

30

There’s nothing better on a crisp winter’s morning than 

venturing outdoors to explore frosty landscapes and 

spot winter wildlife. 

From spectacular landscapes and peaceful parklands to exotic colour with rich scents, National Trust 

gardeners and volunteers have been working hard to create these beautiful winter wonderlands. 

Here’s a selection of some the great places just waiting to be discovered during the cold winter months: 

Trelissick, Cornwall 

With the mild maritime climate at Trelissick 

early flowering rhododendrons and 

camellias bring colour to the garden 

from February onwards. The borders are 

scattered with hellebores, cyclamen 

and snowdrops and the river views 

are framed and silhouetted by last 

year’s rhododendron mop heads and 

towering trees. If it gets too chilly there’s 

always somewhere to shelter in the 

summerhouses. Enjoy warming soups and 

hot food all winter long in the café, where 

every treat you buy helps the National 

Trust care for special places like Trelissick 

for winters to come. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick 

Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire 

Dyrham’s garden offers a spectacular scene in winter with patches 

of colour peeking out through the winter trees including bright 

blue porcelain berries and vibrant red dogwood. Take a wander 

through the crisp grasses in the perry pear orchard and enjoy 

picture perfect scenery as you look over past the bee hives towards 

St Peter’s Church. Follow the serpent path alongside the ponds 

back towards the courtyard garden where you might even spot a 

few robins darting about. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park 

31


32 

South East 

Mottisfont, Hampshire 

Mottisfont’s winter garden has matured into a beautiful and unique 

landscape, full of horticultural treasures. Stroll along paths through winterflowering 

shrubs and both late- and early flowering perennials, rich in colour 

and scent. Brilliantly coloured dogwood bark and silvery ornamental bramble 

provide splashes of colour alongside berries and fruit even on the shortest days 

of the year. Gullies of foliage appear to wind through the banks of willow like 

water and spill into the stream. As winter continues, the garden becomes a 

refuge for other late flowering shrubs such as mahonia, sweet-smelling winter 

honeysuckle and daphne. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont 

Ham House, Surrey 

Discover frosty topiary in the formal Cherry Garden glistening in the winter 

sun. Then take a crisp winter walk across the Ham House estate to the mazelike 

Wilderness. Part of the original 17th-century garden, the Wilderness has 

16 compartments to explore and is transformed into a winter wonderland 

during the cold months. Finish your tour with a stop at the Kitchen Garden and 

discover the vegetables and herbs still available at this time of year. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden 

Osterley Park and House, Middlesex 

Meander through the ever-evolving Winter Garden at Osterley which provides 

bursts of coloured bark, fabulous leaf shapes and seed heads in abundance 

during the winter months. Covered in a thick haw frost, every branch and 

berry is defined. A highlight at this time of year is the Clematis Urophylla ‘Winter 

Beauty’. Its delicately fragrant, waxy, white bell-shaped flowers shoot through 

lush green foliage even in the depths of winter. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park-and-house 

Midlands 

Biddulph 

Grange Garden, 

Staffordshire 

Biddulph Grange is one of 

the most exciting survivals of 

the great age of Victorian 

gardening. The garden was 

the vision of one man, James 

Bateman, who from 1841 

spent more than twenty years 

collecting plants from all over 

the world. The plants and 

trees were brought together 

at Biddulph amid rock-work, 

topiary, tree-stumps and an 

extraordinary collection of 

eclectic garden buildings 

designed by Bateman and 

Edward Cooke. Take a stroll 

through the Pinetum during 

the winter months where the 

path weaves its way between 

conifers, hollies, yews and 

monkey puzzle trees, which look 

especially enchanting with a 

frosting of snow. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ 

biddulph-grange-garden

Wales 

Bodnant Garden, Conwy 

Bodnant’s winter garden has now been open for 

almost four years and with its colourful and fragrant 

plants it brightens up even the coldest of winter 

days. Discover coloured-stemmed birches, bright 

bergenias and bulbs such as snowdrops, iris, cyclamen 

and crocus. Enjoy the scent of winter shrubs such as 

hamamelis, daphne and sarcococca. At weekends 

during the winter months you’ll be able to enjoy a 

warming cuppa in the bottom of the garden at the 

Dell tea stop. With hot drinks, snacks and a warming 

fire, it’s the perfect place to pause and reflect while on 

your way round the garden. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden 

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of 

Glamorgan 

Discover Dyffryn Gardens’ enchanting series of intimate 

outdoor rooms. In the Kitchen Garden you’ll be able 

to spot flourishing home grown vegetables such as 

curly kale, sprouts and cabbages. Wander through the 

arboretum past bright red holly berries and discover the 

winter roses on a frosty walk down the winding paths. 

Warm up in the glasshouses where you’ll find a bright 

and airy vinery, a cacti house and a tropical feeling 

rainforest blooming with orchids and banana trees. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens 

Colby Woodland Garden, 

Pembrokeshire 

During the winter months Colby welcomes a surprisingly 

rosy colour palette. The woodlands are full of holly with 

bright berries while the edges of the meadow are lined 

with red dogwood, and in the walled garden you’ll 

find pink hellebores. White bark birch trees sparkle in 

the winter sun and the aptly named rhododendron 

‘Christmas Cheer’ is in flower from late January. The 

paths are dog-friendly too, perfect for getting the 

whole family out for a winter stroll. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/colby-woodland-garden 

North 

Dunham Massey, Cheshire 

Dunham Massey’s Winter Garden is the largest of 

its kind in the UK. The seven-acre garden is home to 

over 500 different plant species and a further 1,000 

shrubs providing plenty of distractions from the cold - 

from striking white-stemmed silver birches and bright 

dogwood barks to colourful berries and flowers. 

Beneath the trees, thousands of bulbs spring to life 

over the cold season, including snowdrops, white 

cyclamen and striking blue winter irises. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey 

Sizergh, Cumbria 

With winter comes the opportunity to discover 

Sizergh’s newly created stumpery and take in 

the seasonal planting in the garden, showcasing 

coloured and textured bark as well as winter berries 

and bulbs. The twisted trunks of the Acers in the rock 

garden are laid bare amongst the limestone and 

iced-over rock pools. After a bracing stroll around 

the gardens warm up with a hot drink and a tasty 

treat from the café. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh 

Wallington, Northumberland 

Leave the formality of the house behind this winter 

and explore the wonderful 18th-century pleasure 

ground waiting for you in the woods at Wallington. 

Follow the growing winter trail and take in the 

seasonal planting through the East Wood, with trees, 

shrubs and plants showcasing coloured and textured 

bark and winter berries. Discover the mini-lake 

covered in a sprinkling of frost and the enchanting 

Walled Garden, where the Edwardian conservatory 

bursts with colour and scent all year round. The 

grounds at Wallington are open all year round. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington 

Every single visit supports the National Trust’s conservation work, looking after special 

places for people to enjoy for years to come. 

33


home for the holidays 

Providing a space to sleep, study, relax and reflect, a shepherd’s hut made by 

master hut maker, Plankbridge, can give students the independence they need 

when they return home from university for the holidays. 

Ideal as a guest room for the rest 

of the year, during academic 

breaks a shepherd’s hut can 

be transformed into a blissful 

bolthole, allowing students to 

enjoy all the comforts of the 

family home while maintaining 

their sense of newfound freedom. 

A hut for all seasons, complete 

with a wood burning stove and 

240v electrics, the timeless 12’ 

by 6’6” Victorian footprint with its 

corrugated iron exterior continues to 

be reimagined for the modern world. 

The new outdoor retreat can even 

offer parents the freedom to make 

more of their own homes, now able 

to convert the old bedroom into an 

office, gym or en suite bathroom. 

Following graduation, the options are 

endless with these uniquely versatile 

and mobile shelters, enabling parents 

to provide children with a living 

space while their first homes are 

found or allow them to take the 

huts with them as they fly the nest. 

The shepherd’s hut can even be 

converted for the next generation, 

as a playroom for grandchildren, 

all the while bringing the family one 

step closer to the great outdoors. 

Plankbridge shepherd’s huts start 

from £16,500 plus VAT and measure 

12’ long. Longer and bespoke 

designs can be quoted for. 

34

The Family Law Company by Hartnell Chanot has been serving fire service personnel and their families 

for over 20 years helping them to resolve their marital disputes in a non-confrontational way. 

Imran Khodabocus a Solicitor at The 

Family Law Company advises do not put off 

until tomorrow what you can do today 

As a family law solicitor, clients often tell me ‘I wish I had done this!’ so I’d like to 

highlight a few things, in the context of a relationship, that you might want to think about. 

Making and altering your Will 

It’s amazing how many people don’t like 

to think about their Will. If you die without 

having a Will, what you own at the time of 

your death (known as your ‘estate’) will be 

distributed in accordance with the law rather 

than in line with your wishes. This can mean 

that those you wanted to help will be left with 

nothing. For example, if you are not married 

or are in a civil partnership when you die, 

your partner is not legally entitled to anything. 

In the same way, if your circumstances 

change and you haven’t altered your Will, 

your estate could benefit someone you 

didn’t intend it to. It’s important to remember 

that even if you have separated from your 

spouse or civil partner, they still may end 

up inheriting from your estate. This may, for 

example, be at the expense of your children 

from a previous relationship. 

Formalising a separation 

You may have been separated from your spouse or civil partner 

for some time and simply haven’t got round to formalising 

things. It’s important to realise the process doesn’t have to be 

unpleasant. Providing the other person agrees in writing, it is 

possible to get to get divorced or dissolve a civil partnership if 

you have been living separately for a period of two years. This 

could be the case even if you have been living under the same 

roof. You do not need the other person’s permission if you have 

been apart for five years. For some people, getting divorced or 

dissolving a civil partnership can actually mark the beginning of 

a new chapter in their lives. 

Finances 

Getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership has a bearing 

on your finances. This is because it is one way of ‘unlocking’ the 

possibility of resolving your finances through a court order. When 

a couple has separated, they may have agreed between them 

how to divide anything they owned together. However, usually 

an informal agreement like this is not legally binding. Unless such 

an agreement is ‘converted’ into a court order, even you are 

divorced or your civil partnership has been dissolved, your ex 

could still apply to the court for something out of your estate. 

Cohabitation agreement 

If you are not married or in a civil partnership, what should you 

be thinking about? Unmarried couples have no automatic 

legal rights to a share in assets such as a home - even if you 

have been paying the mortgage. Apart from getting married 

or entering a civil partnership, you can also consider preparing 

a cohabitation agreement. This is a legal document that can 

be enforced, rather like a contract. It sets out who owns what 

and how any assets will be divided should you separate. A 

cohabitation agreement is a very important thing not to put 

off. It needs to be carefully prepared and each of you must be 

given the chance to seek legal advice about it. 

LAW 

Contact Imran or 

Rachel Buckley 

on 01392 457 155 

Declaration of Trust 

If you are thinking of buying somewhere together and 

are putting more money towards your home than 

your partner, please do not ignore a Declaration of 

Trust. This is a legal document which acknowledges 

how much more you have contributed and provides 

that you should be compensated in the event that 

your home should be sold. 

Depending on your circumstances, these are just 

some of the things that you should think about 

addressing, and not put off until it’s too late! 

35

CLAPPERBOARD 

CLAPPERBOARD UK LTD 

Introduction by Director, 

Maureen Sinclair 

36 

Hello, I’m Maureen Sinclair, 

Director of Clapperboard UK 

Ltd, an award winning, small 

charitable organisation and film 

production company. We are 

delighted to start the New Year 

off with our new partners Firestyle 

Magazine as we embrace some 

exciting new joint initiatives 

this year. I’d like to take this 

opportunity of introducing myself 

by giving you some personal 

and professional background 

information. 

I initially set up the Clapperboard 

Youth Project in 2004, whilst 

heading BAFTA’s regional 

offices. I was fascinated by the 

professionals, and their roles 

‘behind the scenes’ in film and 

television productions, such 

as; make-up artists, location 

managers, set designers, camera 

work, directing, writing, etc. and 

was frustrated that young people 

didn’t know about these kind of 

career opportunities. 

My idea was to bring creativity 

into education and communities 

across the North West of England 

through developing exciting 

education film-making and media 

initiatives in partnership with other 

organisations and young people 

some from deprived areas who 

display challenging behaviour and/or 

suffer from mental health and other 

disabilities. To date, more than 2,000 

people between the ages of 7 to 

28 have actively participated in our 

projects, producing award winning 

short films on issues that affect them 

(hate crime, identity, disability, race, 

gun, and knife crime) giving them a 

voice. Our short films have gained 

recognition regionally, nationally and 

internationally. 

One of the questions I’m asked 

regularly is how did I end up working 

in the industry of moving image. 

My career background has been 

a bit of a fluke... I went to school 

in Kirkby and left without hardly 

any qualifications as I wasn’t at all 

academic. However, I did enjoy 

a secretarial course provided by 

the school that I passed with a 

distinction and these skills came 

in very useful when I decided to 

leave Liverpool to travel across 

Europe in the late 70’s. Eventually, 

I ended up living in Amsterdam, 

securing secretarial employment in 

the legal department of Cinema 

International Corporation, which 

was a new company set up 

by a group of multinational film 

companies (Paramount, Universal, 

MGM etc.) to combat video piracy. 

It was incredibly innovative and 

a very new organisation, so I was 

taken on board and had the most 

brilliant professional experience. I 

had a lot of freedom to develop 

my role and was promoted quickly 

after setting up a staff Video Library 

and organising regular screenings 

as we had the privilege of seeing 

all the new film releases in the 

company’s private cinema! I also 

was able to travel extensively 

giving me opportunities to mix with 

other cultures, still one of my great 

passions.

creative talent behind the camera 

(writers, directors, producers, etc.), 

and fortunately, I got the job to set 

up the whole project together with 

its new Director Roger Shannon who 

encouraged me to enrol at Liverpool 

John Moore’s University to study a 

degree in Media and Cultural Studies 

to compliment my work. Roger also 

encouraged me to develop my 

production skills, organising high 

profile events regionally, nationally 

and internationally to showcase 

the talent here in the Regions, 

at film festivals such as Cannes, 

London and Edinburgh, to name 

a few. Promoting the feature films 

produced by new and emerging 

Liverpool talent, such as acclaimed 

writer Frank Cottrell Boyce’s first 

feature film Butterfly Kiss, directed 

by award winning director Michael 

Winterbottom, their first collaboration. 

Jimmy McGovern’s first controversial 

feature film Priest . Both Frank and 

Jimmy have since won multi awards 

for their television and feature films 

such as Millions , The Railway Man 

(FCB) and Hillsborough, The Street , 

Common (JMcG). 

Professor Phil Redmond with Acclaimed 

Liverpool Actor, David Morrissey 

Approaching my thirties, my 

husband wanted to go to university 

to study Criminal Justice at Liverpool 

John Moores, so I returned home 

reluctantly in 1986. I didn’t have a 

clue what I was going to do, but a 

friend of mine told me about a new 

TV channel that had started up – 

Channel 4 – and a Liverpool weekly 

TV soap called Brookside produced 

by Mersey TV. I immediately wrote to 

them and to my surprise, was invited 

for an interview at their new offices 

on Rodney Street, they offered a 

position as Office Manager. I was 

there for seven years, the last five 

years working directly for the creator 

Phil Redmond and his wife Alexis at 

the Childwall set Campus Manor. 

During this period Liverpool City 

Council had set up the Liverpool 

Film Office after the success of the 

Liverpool award winning feature film 

Letter to Brezhnev written by Frank 

Clarke and starred his sister Margi. 

The Film Office was one of the first in 

the UK, and its role was to promote 

Liverpool as a film city and increase 

the amount of film productions 

nationally and internationally. At 

the time Liverpool had just been 

given the Objective One status from 

Europe, which meant there was a 

lot of funding coming in to help the 

local economy and some would be 

allocated to the creative industries. 

A creative agency was set up, 

MIDA (Moving Image Development 

Agency) to work with the Film Office 

and its role was to promote the 

Award Winning Liverpool Writer Jimmy McGovern with Clapperboard volunteers 

Amy Campbell and Sarah Donavan 

After three exciting and successful 

years at MIDA and when our funding 

was due to end, Roger told me that 

BAFTA was looking for someone to 

set up and run a new office branch 

based in Salford Uni Media Centre, 

to promote their work in the northern 

regions and my name had been put 

forward. It was 1993, I didn’t want 

to work away from Liverpool as my 

husband had only recently passed 

away, but my colleagues, close 

friends and family were encouraging 

and told me to go for it. So I did and 

worked for them for almost ten years, 

setting up a second BAFTA office 

in Liverpool sponsored by Bermans 

Solicitors. During my time at BAFTA 

I had to raise sponsorship, increase 

a more diverse membership, 

develop and produce many new 

initiatives from scratch and premiere 

numerous feature films and television 

programmes. Whilst working for 

BAFTA, with no additional funding 

for staff, I was able to offer work 

experience to students, trained 

them and eventually when I raised 

enough sponsorship, was able to offer 

them paid employment. I think it was 

during this period where the idea of a 

film youth project began. 

My role as Head of BAFTA North, 

was well rewarded with so many 

privileged experiences, attending 

all the BAFTA awards ceremonies 

which gave me an opportunity to 

invite sponsors and volunteers who 

had helped along the way. I also 

travelled extensively and met many 

wonderful people whom to this day 

continue to support Clapperboard. 

After I left BAFTA to concentrate on 

setting up the charity Clapperboard 

UK Ltd, I started working together with 

the Creative Partnership Merseyside, 

going into secondary schools with 

a production team, delivering 

workshops to bring creativity into 

education. For example, we would 

make five minute short films to help 

young people understand the work 

of Shakespeare delivering lessons in 

a contemporary way. I would then 

enter the films into Film Festivals to 

gain profile and recognition. 

37

CLAPPERBOARD 

Clapperboard UK has a great track 

record of training young people 

including our volunteers, graduates 

and undergraduates. Through our 

successful network of partners, 

we have helped them to find 

paid employment in the creative 

industries. I’ve always trained young 

people throughout my career in 

media, which is really satisfying and 

an achievement I’m very proud of. 

Many of our volunteers and trainees 

have gone on to work in the industry 

of moving image gaining roles 

with award winning production 

companies such as Red Productions 

in Salford, BBC North West, Lime 

Productions and LA Productions. 

Liverpool Writer-Actor Neil Fitzmaurice with Mersey Care-NHS Group ‘Rearrange’ 

The Mersey Care Group of students 

who we have worked with for the 

past 2 years is another great example 

of our achievements. We developed 

creative production workshops to 

train them to have skills ‘in front of’ 

(some want to have the opportunity 

to act) and ‘behind’ the camera 

and subsequently set them up as 

an independent social enterprise. 

We then commissioned them to 

work with us. Now Mersey Care 

have their own in-house production 

company and won’t need to use 

Clapperboard to produce their 

publicity films in the future, they now 

can commission Re-Arrange Film 

and Media. This could be seen as 

doing ourselves out of a job, but it’s all 

about giving people an opportunity 

they may not have previously had. 

CALLING ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS!!! 

Does your organisation need a Promotional or Viral Video!? 

ClapperboardUK can produce your PR or Marketing content at community prices, over any 

period of time with an inclusive skills sharing model, using your employees or cohorts to develop the 

content, whether it be in front or behind the camera. 

Save Money by paying community rates, costs negotiable, whilst at the same time 

enabling an award winning charity to enable others! 

Check out examples below... 

Gtr Manchester Fire and Rescue Service celebratory film for fortieth anniversary. Forty Faces Forty Years 

http://www.clapperboarduk.com/videos/40-faces-40-years-2014/ 

Viral Video for British Heart Foundation. Neil Fitzmaurice/Jasmin Franks (11000 hits) Smoking In Cars. 

https://youtu.be/dunyvutPWHA 

If you have any ideas feel free to get in touch!? 

info@clapperboarduk.com • www.clapperboarduk.com • 105 Boundary Street, Liverpool, L5 9YJ 

38

Clapperboad Awards Ceremony with actors Tony Maudsley and Alex Fletcher with students from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi 

I also started the Clapperboard 

Annual Award Ceremony to 

premiere the films and celebrate 

the work of young people, 

which had a fantastic response. 

Clapperboard won Liverpool 

Echo Pride of Merseyside Award 

for Best Community Event in 

2014, when we held the event at 

Hope Uni’s fabulous Capstone 

Theatre and 2015’s Ceremony 

was our 10th Awards anniversary. 

When I refer to ‘we’.. also at 

Clapperboard’s helm is Colin 

Farrell, Youth Worker and Business & 

Creative Development Manager, 

who has kept Clapperboard 

afloat by successfully applying for 

funding as well as developing new 

partnerships, delivering the creative 

workshops with our participants 

and producing the end result, a 

short film documentary or drama. 

In 2009 we introduced a new 

initiative, Clapperboard Presents..., 

a series of high profile event 

screenings with the creative talent 

(actors, directors, producers) 

in attendance where they 

participate in a Question and 

Answer session with the audience. 

These special fundraising events in 

partnership with Picturehouse at 

FACT, help to raise much needed 

funding to continue our projects. 

The first was a screening of Life 

is Sweet, launched by award 

winning actor Alison Steadman 

OBE (Abigail’s Party, Pride and 

Prejudice, Fat Friends, Gavin and 

Stacey) which received much 

publicity. Many more screenings 

followed supported by acclaimed 

industry talent actors such as; 

Stephen Graham (Snatch , This 

is England, Boardwalk Empire, 

Gangs of New York, Pirates of the 

Caribbean), Jimmy McGovern 

(Dockers , Hillsborough , The Street, 

Moving On), Willy Russell (Our Day 

Out , Shirley Valentine , Blood 

Brothers , Educating Rita ). 

Honesty Bates Brown with her 

Clapperboard Award for Best Actress 

39

CLAPPERBOARD 

Award winning Liverpool actors Christine Tremarco, Alison Steadman and John 

Henshaw. Alison said, “It’s an honour for me to be returning to Liverpool. Not 

only to this great city but to support the Clapperboard Youth Project which 

aims to bring both new and existing talent together in these monthly events 

that will raise much needed funds”. 

Award winning Liverpool 

actor Stephen Graham said 

”I’m made up to be back 

in my home city and able 

to support Clapperboard. 

It’s fantastic what they are 

doing to help young people. 

Hopefully some of them will 

choose the same career 

path as me and follow in my 

footsteps.” 

Award winning Liverpool playwrite 

Willy Russell said “I’m delighted to 

be associated with Clapperboard 

and glad to be able to make some 

small contribution to a project that 

concerns itself with engaging the 

spirit and creativity of the young. 

If I was remotely still young myself, 

I know I would be knocking on 

Clapperboard’s doors and trying to 

be involved”. 

As previously mentioned, I have been 

very fortunate to have been helped 

along the way by some amazing 

individuals including above professionals 

from the world of film and television 

who have given their valuable time to 

support Clapperboard (including my 

present Board members: Perri Allain 

Hughes, Jonathan Ford, Iain Hoskins, 

Cllr Patrick Hurley, Michelle Langan, 

Steve McDermott, Felix Schroer, Lynn 

Saunders) and organisation such as 

Merseyside Police, Liverpool Echo, 

Bermans Solicitors, Liverpool Film Office, 

Ma Boyles, Frederiks, Liverpool Hope 

University, Pinewood Studios, British 

Board of Film Classification, Pinewood 

Studios, BBC, Red Productions, Lime 

Pictures, Liverpool Film Studios, Hope 

Street Hotel, Bill Elms Associates, 

amongst others, all who have helped 

with Clapperboard UK’s legacy. 

However, sadly, with the present 

government’s austerity implementations, 

like most charities we have had our 

funding drastically reduced. Most of our 

income, unlike much larger charities, 

goes directly into our projects – not into 

anyone’s salary, or into PR, marketing 

etc., as everything is done ‘in-house’ 

delivered by a very small team. In the 

past our work with young people 

covered the whole of the North 

West and further, but because of 

lack of funding, the past 2 years 

we have focussed on Merseyside 

as we are fortunate to receive 

funding from Mersey Care-NHS, 

Sefton Carers, PH Holt and Arts 

Council-Lottery. 

To conclude, our successful 

work with young people and 

adults who may have issues can 

sometimes be challenging, but at 

the end of the day those people 

are being empowered to have a 

voice and have their say in telling 

their stories whilst learning how to 

create and produce a short film. 

They can be involved in every role 

from script to screen, including 

pre and post-production and 

they are also able to be involved 

with the actual high profile 

awards ceremony (brochure 

design, event management, 

marketing, PR etc.). There are 

lots of opportunities here that 

allow young people to gain 

work experience and at the 

actual Awards evening itself, 

they are presented with a 

special Clapperboard award for 

their achievements by the many 

celebrities that give up their time 

to support us. When I see the 

young people’s reaction and the 

fantastic praise and feedback from 

their families who attend, it’s very 

emotional. That’s when I realise why 

I do this job, as it’s the positive end 

result that makes it all worthwhile, 

seeing them achieve so much with 

the assistance of Clapperboard’s 

team and our many kind supporters, 

funders and sponsors. 

Finally, we have extended our work 

by offering technical expertise 

to companies who would like to 

promote and market themselves 

through the medium of film. We 

offer a charitable rate and have 

recently produced short promos for 

Tobacco Free Futures supporting 

their anti-smoking campaign with the 

Liverpool writer-actor Neil Fitzmaurice 

and Hollyoaks actress Jazmine Franks 

who both starred in the film, aimed 

to highlight the risks of smoking in cars 

with child passengers. Now, doing so 

is against the law. We also produced 

a short film for Liverpool Housing Trust 

to use for staff training. 

Clapperboard’s annual awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 4th April 2017. If you would like to 

sponsor a Clapperboard Award or take out an add in our annual brochure that is distributed regionally, 

nationally and internationally, or would like to find out more about Clapperboard, you can visit the website at: 

www.clapperboarduk.com or call Maureen Sinclair on 07973783140. 

40

REEL VOICE! 

ClapperboardUK in partnership with service user 

adults have developed Sefton Creative Hub, a radical 

initiative using digital media and film making to tell 

stories, give voice to service users and inspire change! 

Matt Masison tells us his experience so far…. 

Sefton Creative Hub members from Southport outside their first meeting place. Many Thanks to Southport Community Fire and 

Ambulance Station for their support. 

The Sefton Creative Hub is new 

initiative offering adults 18+ who 

have a relationship with Aspergers 

or Autism, the chance to come 

together to learn, share skills and 

build the foundation of new 

relationships, whilst discovering new 

opportunities that can lead to a 

better quality of life and possibly the 

start of a new career or education 

route through the medium of digital 

media. 

It is a radical and innovative 

partnership led by service users 

and delivered by ClapperboardUK. 

We presently have two groups, 

one based in Crosby, supported 

by Sefton Carers and a group in 

Southport who regularly meets in the 

Atkinson centre. 

I’ve been going to the Sefton Hub 

in Waterloo for over ten weeks 

now and my experience mostly 

has been a pleasant one. The 

first week, was an eye opener for 

me, albeit an emotional one as I 

always wanted to do movies as a 

child, but I was keeping that dream 

away from myself because I was 

too afraid of success. I could never 

see myself as a director of a large 

group that wanted to explore 

the human condition through the 

medium of movies and short film 

production. I needed to do that 

for a long time, because I wanted 

to overcompensate for my lack 

of verbal speech. I could connect 

with people, and interact in a way 

that I want, loud and proud, not 

being misunderstood, not being 

dominated by fear. 

I began to work with others like me, 

who had a keen interest in the visual 

medium and wanted to create 

something of our own and learn 

the necessary skills to do that. While 

others like me may not have had 

confidence to use a camera, or 

how to work with one, I had some 

experience that I could bring to the 

group. I found an arena where I 

could pass on my experience, learn 

what it means to direct someone 

and be more confident with my 

own voice 

The groups meet weekly and 

during ten weeks, most of us have 

written a synopsis and a script for 

our own personal short film, two 

of which are already ‘in the can’ 

and in post production. We take 

on either acting or behind the 

camera technical roles on each 

others short film thus enhancing our 

experiences and learning whilst 

doing. The films are personal stories 

about ourselves or something about 

us which we want to share with the 

outside world, unafraid and proud 

of what we have accomplished, 

and through helping each other 

have become stronger, more 

self aware, and open to the new 

possibilities of what’s to come. The 

films will be shown on 4th April 2017, 

at ClapperboardUK’s annual award 

ceremony where we will celebrate 

all the films ClapperboardUK has 

produced, with all films up for a 

Clapperboard award. 

Its a very exciting time for myself and 

all the members of Sefton Creative 

Hub. If you would like to get 

involved we are still open to new 

members in the two areas of Crosby 

and Southport. You can email Jo 

Seddon, our project co-ordinator for 

more information on; jo.Seddon@ 

carers.sefton.gov.uk. 

Matt Masison is a film maker and 

writer for Sefton Creative Hub and 

ClapperboardUK 

41

CLAPPERBOARD 

Maureen Sinclair & Colin Farrell 

carol fundraisER 

Clapperboard UK celebrated Christmas with a Clapperboard Presents fundraising event in partnership with 

Liverpool Pride, and in memory of the late Liverpool BAFTA Award winning writer Arthur Ellison (Brookside, The 

Street, Accused and Moving On) who sadly passed away last October. This quote from acclaimed writer Jimmy 

McGovern who worked with Arthur says it all... 

42 

“Arthur Ellison could talk for England. 

One night he got his jaw broken in a 

fight outside a pub, that shut him up 

for a while and, unable to speak, he 

resorted to writing. It was good so 

he kept at it. He wrote for Brookside, 

Hollyoaks, The Street, Accused and 

Moving On. His scripts were always 

about real people facing real 

problems in real streets, always full 

of humour and passion and energy. 

He was a wonderful storyteller.” 

Arthur Ellison and Jimmy McGovern. Jimmy 

McGovern said “I’m a great admirer of 

Maureen Sinclair and what she has achieved 

through her dedication and commitment to 

the Clapperboard Youth Project, with very 

little funding. It’s a wonderful creative way of 

empowering young people and giving them 

an opportunity that most of us never had”. 

Award winning feature film 

CAROL tells the story of a 

young woman in her 20’s, 

Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara 

won an Oscar for her role), a 

clerk working in a Manhattan 

department store and 

dreaming of a more fulfilling 

life when she meets Carol 

(Cate Blanchett), an alluring 

woman trapped in a loveless 

convenient marriage.

Before the feature, we screened 

Clapperboard short WHAT SIDE ARE 

YOU ON? which focuses on hate 

crime and was made in partnership 

with students that we worked with 

in the past, from the Academy 

of St Francis of Assisi. Arthur Ellison 

worked on the film’s script together 

with young film-makers from The 

Academy of St Francis of Assisi. 

When the films were premiered, 

drama student Kieron Bimpson won 

a Clapperboard Award for Best 

Supporting Actor. 

Kieron participated in a Question 

and Answer discussion with a lively 

audience of more than 100 guests 

that included Clapperboard’s 

Board, Sponsors, Funders and 

Partners including Hollyoaks actor 

Jacqueline Boatswain who said that 

she really enjoyed both films and 

had a great evening. 

Kieron talked about his journey 

from a young drama student to 

fulfilling his dream as an actor with 

parts in BBC’s Justice, ITV’s Vera 

and Gary Oldman’s new feature 

film Hunter Killer due for release this 

year. He said….“it’s fantastic that 

Clapperboard can help give young 

people like me opportunities to work 

in the film and TV industry. Maureen 

Sinclair and Colin Farrell have 

always been there to encourage 

and guide me along with my drama 

teacher at the Academy. 

Teacher Nicola Ousey said. 

“Arthur was just brilliant to work 

with during the production of our 

short film with Clapperboard. He 

helped us all understand dialogue 

and made the whole script writing 

process fun”. 

The special event was hosted by 

Clapperboard Director Maureen 

Sinclair with Joan Burnett from 

Liverpool Pride. Nik Powell award 

winning Producer (Company of 

Wolves, Mona Lisa, Fever Pitch, 

Twenty Four Seven) and Head of 

the National Film School Chaired 

the Q and A. Nik said “I am 

delighted to be involved in a small 

way with Claperboard, a project 

which clearly enables people’s lives 

in a big way”. 

Afterwards all guests celebrated 

at a post reception at Frederiks 

on Hope Street who served 

complimentary drinks and all had 

the opportunity to network with 

industry professionals. The evening 

was well received and a fun night 

was had by all. 

This special Christmas fundraising 

event was supported by Liverpool 

Pride & Unisen, PH Holt, Liverpool 

Film Studios, Hope Street Hotel, 

Frederiks, and Bill Elms Associates. 

Clapperboard UK Ltd is a non-profit 

making charitable organisation 

and has worked successfully with 

more than two thousand people 

between the ages of 7-28 across 

the North West bringing creativity 

into their lives. 

Left to right.. Acclaimed producer Nik Powell, Hollyoaks actor Jacqui Boatswainn, Clapperboard director Maureen Sinclair, 

Liverpool actor Kieron Bimpson. 

For further information about Clapperboard UK and to see our events please check our website 

www.clapperboarduk.com 

or contact: Maureen Sinclair (Clapperboard UK) on 07973 783140 or email info@clapperboarduk.com 43

Fashion & Beauty 

44

y Helen Taylor 

It’s the start of another new year, which means that there has never been a better 

time to leave your bad beauty habits in past. If you’re guilty of any of our top 5, then 

you’ll need to act fast to break them for 2017. 

Bad Beauty Habit #1 

Sleeping with your make-up on 

Never - no matter how tired you are - go to bed 

with any trace of make-up still on your face. 

Mascara that hasn’t been removed will quickly 

dry-out your eyelashes, making them brittle and 

weak. Last night’s foundation will clog your pores, 

leaving you prone to nasty break-outs. 

The Solution 

Establish a cleansing routine 

Make cleansing your face a priority. Dedicate 15 minutes 

in the evening to your skin: cleanse, tone, moisturise and 

apply your face and eye creams. 

Always keep a pack of cleansing wipes next to your bed, 

so that if you return home after a big night out you can still 

attempt to remove some of your make-up. 


Using heat stylers on 

your hair everyday 

If you straighten, curl or blow dry 

your hair every day you will be 

causing damage to your tresses 

that could result in split ends, 

dried-out lengths and dull-looking 

locks. 

The Solution 

Try something new 

Try a new style - maybe sweep your hair up, or use hair accessories to attain 

a different look. Find products that cater to your needs; if you want straight 

lengths then use a straightening shampoo and conditioner. 

You don’t have to say goodbye to your much-loved heat styler altogether, 

instead use it more sparingly and ensure that you spritz your hair with a heat 

protecting product first. 


Using make-up that is past its best 

Some plead ignorance, others say they can’t let go, but whatever excuse 

you’ve got for not throwing that ancient mascara away won’t cut it when 

you hear the truth about out-of-date make-up. 

Although your cosmetics look innocent enough, after being opened they 

offer a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. And over time, you can end up 

suffering from some seriously nasty eye infections, skin irritations and blemishes. 

The Solution 

Regularly clear-out your 

make-up bag 

Mascaras, liquid eyeliners and 

lip glosses should be thrown 

away every 3 or 4 months. 

Foundation is ok for around 

12 months, as are lipsticks and 

eyeshadows. 


Getting stuck in a make-up rut 

You’ve been applying your make-up the same way for 

as long as you can remember. You haven’t updated the 

colour of your cosmetics for many years and you’ll only 

ever buy certain products. 

It sounds like you’re stuck in a make-up rut. 

The Solution 

Get a professional opinion 

The easiest way to break this bad beauty habit is to 

seek some professional help. Visit any one of the top 

beauty counters in your favourite department store 

and ask for a make-over. Most consultants will be more 

than happy to help you find a new-look and often this 

service is free. 


Overlooking your eyebrows 

Full, thick eyebrows are a massive trend at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that 

you can forget about your brows completely. 

Eyebrows serve as a frame for your eyes and by creating the right shape you can 

instantly lift your face, draw attention to your eyes and look altogether more beautiful. 

So, if you’re guilty of over-plucking or over-growing your brows, it’s time for a change. 

The Solution 

Pay a visit the salon 

You can’t beat professionally 

sculpted brows. Whether 

you choose to have them 

waxed, tweezed or plucked, 

your beautician will assess 

your needs and leave them 

looking perfect. 

45

Fashion & Beauty 

New Year, 

New You 

By Helen Taylor 

You’ve had a fantastic Christmas and a fabulous 

New Year but as great as all those champagne-filled 

parties were, the late nights, weeks of socialising and 

care-free indulgence will have certainly taken its toll 

on your skin, hair and, not to mention, your waist line. 

It’s that seasonal vacation from the watching the 

calories, skipping the daily skin-care routine and using 

heat styling tools excessively on your hair, that leaves 

us all crying out in January for some products and a 

routine that will put back what the partying took out. 

So, it’s definitely the right time to detox. Firstly, getting 

rid of the telltale dark circles that have emerged after 

countless late nights will immediately create a fresher 

looking face. Use a specialised eye cream and 

remember to apply lightly, so as not to rub or pull at 

the delicate eye area. 

Putting much needed moisture back in to dried-out 

skin, instantly reveals a more youthful and refreshed 

look. Alcohol consumption, harsh winter weather and 

centrally heated rooms sap essential oils from the skin 

- with all three combining at this time of year, fine lines 

and wrinkles are sure to appear. 

Refreshing the skin with a detoxifying and cleansing 

face mask is the first stage for post-party pampering. 

Thoroughly removing deeply ingrained make-up - 

that’s been lurking in the pores will ensure a blemishfree 

complexion and a perfect base to absorb much 

needed moisture. 

Gentle exfoliation removes blackheads and prevents 

the on-set of blemishes, but can be a little harsh on 

sensitive skin, so use a fine grain and apply with care. 

It’s easy to assume that oily skin doesn’t need to be 

moisturised, but it certainly does. Always choose 

specially formulated products that will not be too rich 

for greasy skin. 

Typically defined by having dry and oily parts, 

combination skin has a greasy T-zone (forehead, 

nose and chin), combined with flaky, dry cheeks, 

and so, needs to be treated with special care. It is 

worth investing in quality products that will address 

this problem without exacerbating either part of the 

skin. In extreme cases though, the only real solution is 

to treat sections separately. 

Always speak to a specialist skin care consultant 

when trying to find out what will work best for you. 

Expert advice and free samples - that you can try 

out at home - will be sure to save you money in the 

long term. 

It takes time to improve the look of tired, dull or 

blemished skin, but with perseverance you’re 

sure to look glowing. 

To complete your newly refreshed and 

rejuvenated look, turning attention to your 

locks is vital. Left frazzled after weeks of curling, 

straightening and styling, hair needs to be 

nurtured back to health. 

If you’re finding that dry, split and unsightly 

ends are making your tresses totally 

unmanageable, not to mention unsightly, 

then now is the time to book in with your 

stylist and try a whole new look for your 

hair. Loosing a few inches will greatly 

improve the appearance and feel of 

your lengths. 

Forget home hair colouring and instead 

opt for a salon applied colour that will 

even out dry hair and instantly add a 

gleaming shine. Avoid blonde and 

instead choose light-reflecting hues 

of deep brown, red and copper for 

sumptuous locks. 

Use intensive conditioning 

treatments weekly to repair weak 

ends and ensure that you make 

time to properly care for your hair. 

Remember: a glossy mane 

is key to creating a youthful 

appearance so when its 

combined with a fabulously 

refreshed complexion, it will 

leave you looking totally 

flawless for the coming year. 

46

47

MOTORING 

BMW 3-Series 330E 

Take a good look at the pictures of the best selling BMW 3-Series and see if you can notice any difference, probably 

the answer is no there isn’t anything different but this particular derivative is the 330E and a BMW plug-in hybrid. If 

you notice the front near side wing there is what appears to be a petrol filler flap, that is the giveaway, this is where 

you can plug in the vehicle to transform it from petrol to electric mode. In fact there is little else to differentiate 

this from a conventional 3-Series. The very small discreet E-Drive badge on the rear pillar is a further giveaway. This 

E-drive will be appearing soon on quite a few more vehicles within the mighty BMW empire, writes Bob Hickman. 

48 

The big advantage of this new 

hybrid technology for BMW is the 

CO2 emissions are reduced to 

a mere 44 g/km, so if you are a 

company car driver the benefit in 

kind taxation will be less than half 

as a conventional 320D and this 

seriously is impressive. However the 

benefit in kind comes at a price, the 

hybrid 3-Series is considerably more 

than its petrol and diesel derivatives. 

BMW has employed a set of lithium 

iron cell batteries and they have 

placed them under the boot floor so 

there is a slight reduction capacity 

but not sufficient to worry about. 

The batteries provide power to 

an 87bhp electric motor which 

is situated within the gearbox 

casing. This gives an extremely 

alien concept because the vehicle 

suddenly becomes a silent vehicle, 

to drive on pure battery power is 

somewhat disconcerting initially but 

you soon become used to it. Add 

in the 182bhp petrol and you have 

a vehicle that gives tremendous 

thrust and motive power through an 

8-speed gearbox. 

BMW purists will be pleased to note 

that the new hybrid derivative 

is still rear wheel drive, in electric 

mode the vehicle still retains its 

BMW characteristics and will still 

give excellent driver response, it 

meanders silently and relatively 

speedily in pure electric mode 

when in the city, but give the 

throttle accelerator a quick tap and 

instantly the traction control disables 

and the entertaining factor of 

engine power kicks in and you have 

a vehicle that is very responsive. 

The 3-Series has nearly 250bhp at 

its disposal when you add together 

both the petrol and electric motors. 

There are 3 modes to choose from, 

you can go pure electric, choose to 

maximise between the two or you 

can have a battery save, dial the 

factors in and the cars electronic 

brain works out for you. The battery 

capacity for mileage seems to 

be about 25 miles in pure battery 

mode which possibly doesn’t seem 

a great deal but lets not forget this 

is not a pure hybrid that you are 

dependant and reliant on battery 

power, it is quite easy to allow the 

vehicle to drift along in battery

power and then allow the petrol 

engine to take over or regenerate 

the battery if necessary. I found 

plugging in a conventional 13amp 

3 plug took about 4-5 hours to 

recharge the batteries and this 

then gave it sufficient power for 

25 miles as previously stated and 

almost marginally over 70 miles on 

a flat section of road. If you have 

access to a fast charge system 

then you should be able to get 

the batteries topped up to 100% in 

perhaps 2 hours but of course this 

is still a detrimental factor to the 

vehicle and another reason why it 

is necessary with this configuration 

and type of battery and power cells 

to have petrol power. 

As always with a BMW there is a 

quality factor and the cabin just 

shouts at you that this is top drawer, 

high quality performance vehicle 

that you will enjoy being cocooned 

in for your journey, whether it be a 

lengthy motorway sojourn or just in 

and around town. 

For me the jury is still out on the whole 

aspect of hybrid configurations of 

battery and fossil fuel power and I 

am still to be convinced of the merits, 

especially as some of the more newer 

engines are so fuel and carbon 

efficient that they seem to outweigh 

the advantages of the battery power. 

From a driving dynamics the 330E 

is a little heavier than the 330 

conventional variety, but this did 

not seem to have a detrimental 

effect to the power and handling 

of the vehicle. From behind the 

wheel there is virtually no difference 

between a 330E and other vehicles 

within the 3-Series, you immediately 

become comfortable and used to 

the kidney shaped dashboard that 

is a normal familiar factor on the 

3-Series. 

The 330E with all the extras fitted by BMW on the test 

car had an on the road price of £42,350. The actual 

car on the road without the extras was £34,235. 

49

MOTORING 

Mazda 

MX5 

The latest incarnation of the superb Mazda 

MX5 really seems to be able to do all things for 

everyone who aspires to own it or drive it. This 

4th generation, first appeared in the 90’s has 

really gone back towards its original concept, 

the latest version is both shorter and lighter 

than the model that it replaces and this has 

to be a bonus point in respect of the handling 

and general dynamics of the vehicle, writes 

Bob Hickman. 

The MX5 really is one of those cars that has 

always looked the part, the new derivative 

is now offered with a 1.5-litre or 2-litre engine 

and whilst you may think that is not a 

particularly powerful configuration because 

of its lightweight front engine rear wheel 

drive configuration, power is not really what is 

necessary to have sheer out and out fun in this 

delightful vehicle. 

My particular test car was equipped with the 

1.5-litre engine, this produces 131 bhp and is 

more than sufficient to give a feel good, bit of 

fun grin on your face from driving it. This engine 

allows the vehicle to have a top speed of 

127mph, and gallop up to 0-60 in marginally 

over 8 seconds, a combined fuel is quoted 

as 47 mpg, however during my extensive 

opportunity of testing the vehicle and over 500 

miles in a variety of roads I achieved marginally 

over 40mpg. The CO figure at 139/g/km is 

never going to put it in to the very cheap tax 

but then hey who cares. 

The MX5 is about agility, its new engines are 

smaller and this allows them to be tucked in 

and the vehicle sits lower, this helps in respect 

of handling. Extensive use of aluminium for 

bonnet, boot and wings have also added to 

weight saving. 

50 

The general shape, although it looks a bit more 

muscular at the front, still has its DNA from its 

original pop up headlamp model of the 90’s 

and I don’t really believe that any one is going 

to fall out with the new design.

The boot on the MX5 is a little smaller 

than some of the competitors in this 

market place but it was more than 

sufficient for a long weekend break 

and although there is very little room 

behind the seats it was possible to 

tuck a few odds and ends primarily 

a coat or a fleece but these 

became inaccessible when the roof 

was lowered. 

The roof itself was simplicity, no 

electric motors here, press a little 

switch on the top of the windscreen 

and it folds back beautifully and 

clicks in to position. Very easy ,very 

simplistic, a one handed operation 

which is a further bonus. 

The interior is simplistic and doesn’t 

tax you with a plethora of various 

knobs switches and dials,there 

is no glove box on the MX5 but 

if you look between the seats 

there is a cubbyhole that you can 

place items out of the eye of any 

miscreant. 

The MX5 is one of those vehicles 

that is about the fun factor and 

the only way to experience this is 

to actually get out and take it on 

those twisty B country roads and 

it will put a grin on your face. The 

only real negative was the noise 

that was transmitted back in to the 

cabin when the roof was actually 

in the up position, having recently 

tested a German high value cabrio 

vehicle that showed just how good 

convertibles can be and I was a 

little disappointed with the amount 

of wind and road noise that was 

transmitted, perhaps more insulation 

work could be done. 

The MX5 is an out and out little 

sporty derivative, all the models 

however do come with front and 

side air bags to protect in the 

unfortunate situation which you 

perhaps get a little too excited in 

your driving and there are various 

electronic gadgets that have 

been incorporated should you 

become a little too adventurous. 

To have a vehicle equipped as the 

MX5 is with air condition, electric 

windows, alloy wheels, and LED 

lights does suggest that this is 

not a sports car it is a saloon, it is 

amazing just how efficient and 

useful those features are and how 

we have become used to them. 

The MX5 1.5-litre Sport Nav that I 

had the privilege of testing has an 

on the road price of £22,795, it has 

as standard a 3-years or 60,000 

miles warranty and servicing is 

required every 12 months or 12,500 

miles. 

51

MOTORING 

52

Kia 

Sportage 

1.6T-GDi 

The Kia Sportage has been one of the Kia success stories, and 

now Kia has introduced a new 4th generation of the vehicle that is 

probably one of their best sellers, writes Bob Hickman. 

The Sportage range between £17,995 and £31,495 and there is quite a huge selection of choices to 

be made. There are 4 engines, 3 gearboxes, the choice between front or 4-wheel drive and there 

are 5 levels of trim, the top specification being the particular vehicle that I had on test recently, 

the GT-line. What I particularly liked about my derivative was the 1.6-litre engine which produced a 

healthy 174 bhp but what was impressive to me it drove all 4 wheels. This particular Sportage is not 

just a look at me I am a 4-wheel drive look alike, this was a genuine 4-wheel drive vehicle, so when 

the good old British weather turns a bit nasty, think, icy or horrendous rain you are going to have that 

security of 4-wheel drive if you have chosen this particular derivative. 

It has a high CO emission of 177 so it is not going to be cheap to tax and the fuel figures quoted 

are 37mpg, I only managed to achieve 34mpg on a combined cycle on a variety of various roads 

including an odd bit of motorway but primarily around town and on country roads. 

The 5-door body shape is new and as in keeping with a lot of manufacturers is slightly longer by 40mms, 

albeit the wheelbase has increased and this does generate just that little bit of extra interior legroom. 

The floor has been cleverly lowered, again if you are not quite as able as you would like to be, this makes 

for a vehicle that is easier to get in to. 

The cabin is generally comfortable, it is a pleasant area to be cocooned within and in the dark trim it 

seemed to suit the vehicle although I do like lighter head linings and the tinted windows all round tend to 

diminish the ambiance of being ensconced within this vehicle. 

The boot on the Sportage is a bonus it is exceptionally wide and even allowing for the wheel arches you 

can store a tremendous amount of luggage within this, the rear seats do fold back and you then have 

almost 1.5 metres of transit van type of luggage carrying capacity. 

It was gratifying to note that the 1.6-litre engine performed quite well, the 6-speed gearbox had excellent 

ratios, and whilst I am a critic of some manufacturers it was possible to utilise both 5th and 6th gear around 

town, they had not been incorporated in to the vehicle just to allow for extra fuel economy. 

The specification on my derivative was very high, the 19” alloy wheels really set the vehicle off, and the 

LED ice cube front fog lamps and the LED day running lights and rear tail lights are an attractive option to 

the vehicle. The electronic equipment within my vehicle was easy to understand and very easy to operate, 

the BlueTooth system, one of the easiest that I have come across to lock in my mobile phone. The Satellite 

Navigational System proved to be an easy companion and the wonderful reversing aid allied to a reversing 

camera proved to be simplicity in itself when you came to reversing this larger size vehicle in to a confined spot. 

All the Kia range come with the superb and industry leading 7-year or 100,000 miles warranty. 

53

PUZZLES 

PUZZLE PAGES 

ANSWERS ON PAGE 52 

ACROSS 

9 Last longer than garment 

showing striking deterioration (7) 

10 Preserve “Farewell!” in a 

choral setting (7) 

11 Queen for round about a 

month? (7) 

12 Yorkshire hamlet’s grain 

mound (7) 

13 Prince almost meeting king in 

Belgian town (9) 

15 Artist largely concerned with 

cash (5) 

16 Pressure on queen to admit 

German company’s foraging 

rights (7) 

19 Last character in “Funny 

Lady” in a state of confusion (7) 

20 Dance event suitable for all, 

even the beginner (5) 

21 Diatribe of prince on film (9) 

25 Sings sweetly in conflict; sings 

to leave benefits (7) 

26 Slick movers get duchess right 

on board (7) 

28 Trainee king finds new 

queen (7) 

29 Dramatic situation is put 

down to the French (7) 

DOWN 

1 Antsy, one might say, on account of sound equipment (6) 

2 Waterloo, perhaps Wellington’s place leading a 

detachment of lines (6) 

3 Mock a fool who’s lost his way (4) 

4 Primarily appointed Round Table hero and original king (6) 

5 Sheep’s head in spicy sauce produced the runs? (8) 

6 Musical breaks during schooltime take energy – sound 

asleep by one! (10) 

7 One’s cast-off, ill-fitting and smeared (8) 

8 Prince takes a big part in prostitution (8) 

14 Avoid meat without fat coating, accepting 

nothing to eat at first (5,5) 

16 Prince gorges on kitchen scraps (8) 

17 African reign in a turmoil (8) 

18 Photograph setting of public appearance (8) 

22 Unit is disbanded where it stands (2,4) 

23 Looked closely for evidence of haematuria (6) 

24 Headdress of Africa’s queens (6) 

27 Restraint from playing up like stink (4) 

54

55

TRAVEL 

TRACY MASON TRAVEL FEATURE 

56 

My partner and I would like to 

do something really different, we 

are not great fans of the normal 

package holiday and neither of 

us are over fond of sunbathing, 

beaches and all inclusive. 

Do you have any suggestions 

of somewhere interesting to go 

without a long haul flight involved? 

Only two and a half hours 

away and with local flights from 

some regional airports you may 

like to consider 4 or 5 nights in 

Reykjavik, Iceland. With Icelandair 

now operating from London, 

Birmingham, Manchester, 

Aberdeen and Glasgow there is 

no better time to visit the beautiful 

country of Iceland, home to 

some of the world’s greatest 

natural wonders. Iceland has 

dramatic landscapes crafted 

over thousands of years by 

volcanic activity. Travel into the 

remote countryside to witness the 

incredible northern lights dancing 

across the night sky or visit the 

numerous rivers carving their 

way through the landscape with 

spectacular waterfalls. 

The number one tourist destination 

is Gullfoss , “Meaning Golden 

Falls”, one of Iceland’s most 

beautiful and, without a doubt, 

Iceland’s most popular waterfall. 

Gullfoss is a magnificent 32 metre 

high double waterfall on the 

White River ( Hvita). The flow of 

the river from the regular rains and 

the glacial runoff particularly in 

the summer months, makes it the 

largest volume waterfall in Europe. 

There are the powerful geysers to 

enjoy at Geysir, the geothermal 

area where the Strokkur hot 

spring erupts into the air every few 

minutes. The Great Geysir located 

in the Haukadalur Valley in west 

Central Iceland, is one of the most 

amazing geysers in the world, and 

as one of the first described in 

print in the 18 th Century, the word 

geyser has been derived from its 

name. It is believed to have been 

active for about 10,000 years and 

can throw hot water up to 70 

metres when it erupts. 

Explore the Pingvellir National 

Park, the most important site in 

Iceland in terms of its history, culture 

and geology. A UNESCO World 

Heritage Site the Park is home to 

Iceland’s largest natural lake and 

the place where the two tectonic 

plates of North America and 

Eurasia split and drift apart. The Park 

is also the site of Iceland’s oldest 

parliament, the Althing founded in 

930. 

Located 20 minutes south of 

Keflavik airport is the Blue Lagoon, 

Iceland’s most famous attraction. 

A unique natural pool of mineral 

rich, geothermal water located in 

the middle of a lava filed on the 

Reykanes Peninsula, you can relax 

and enjoy the healing properties of 

the natural spa with its iconic bright 

blue water, whilst enjoying a Blue 

Lagoon Cocktail! 

As well as all the natural geological 

wonders of Iceland there is also 

all the wildlife to enjoy. You can 

set sail from the Old Harbour, in 

the capital of Reykjavik, in search 

of humpback whales, orcas and 

white-beaked dolphins on a winter 

whale watching tour, with the large 

population of herring and capelin 

attracting everything from killer 

whales to the harbour porpoise. 

Reykjavik lies about 40 minutes 

from the airport with regular shuttle 

buses taking visitors into the capital 

where the majority of the 330, 

000 Icelanders live and work. The 

creative and cultural heart of the 

nation, it is well worth spending time 

taking in what Reykjavik has to offer. 

Visit the National Centre for 

Cultural Heritage to discover some 

of the most important medieval 

manuscripts in the world, including 

many of the oldest Icelandic sagas, 

or listen to a traditional recital. 

The National Gallery of Iceland 

houses a large collection of works 

by major Icelandic artists of the 

19th and 20th centuries. The Harpa 

Concert Hall is the home of the 

Iceland Symphony orchestra and 

the Icelandic Opera with a very 

contemporary design. 

The Hallgrimskirkja, is the main 

landmark in Reykjavik and the tower 

can be seen from anywhere in the 

city. Construction of the church 

began in 1945 with the iconic 

tower, there are panoramic views 

of the whole of the city from the 

observation platform at the top, 

and finished in 1986. The design is 

inspired by the shapes and forms 

that lava creates when it cools into 

basalt rock.

As you would expect there is an abundance of locally 

sourced fresh fish to eat with an abundance of top 

restaurants and hotels to pick from. Salmon in Iceland 

is a great delicacy, served in many different ways and 

specialities include smoked lamb (Hangikot), dried 

fish( Hardfiskur), curds ( Skyr) and marinated herring 

(Icelandic sild). 

The cost of living is generally higher than the UK with 

alcoholic beverages especially expensive but there are 

a number of cheaper options like the World’s Best Hot 

Dog Stand located next to the Radisson Hotel 1919. 

The hot dog must be ordered with everything on it, 

mustard, ketchup and fried onions…………. 

Iceland is a destination that has to be top of your Travel 

List and not to be missed. It is a lot closer that you think! 

A three 

night city break in 

Reykjavik at the Apotek 

Hotel including flights, 

accommodation on a bed 

and breakfast basis and 

transfers starts from 

£745 

per person. 

57

PUZZLE ANSWERS 

PUZZLE 

ANSWERS 

58

Firestyle Magazine: Issue 6 - Winter 2016

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