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This site contains a selection of the latest news produced by Phil Dowding PR on behalf of its clients. Editors... if you would like more information on any story or a high resolution image (or alternative images), please call Phil Dowding on (01202) 697201.

Tuesday, 25 December 2012

Photography for Questa Voce

Questa Voce is a new, large-scale singing group set up to provide a chorus and soloists for concerts and events. They are professionally-trained to the highest standards in all styles of performance and singing including opera, classical, musical theatre, jazz, oratorio and contemporary. Involved in live performance and recording, they are a new force not to be missed.

Our photography was set in an Elizabethan manor house in Dorset; small group shots, entire group and an individual session with each member. The images were first seen in the programme for the group's acclaimed December 2012 performance, Questa Voce sings Christmas.

www.questavoce.com

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Groveley Detection: new web app simulates use of Incus ultrasonic gas detectors

Engineers can quickly determine approximately how many Groveley Incus ultrasonic gas leak detectors would be needed to monitor a process area, thanks to a new web app.
   Groveley Detection’s free app allows the user to input plant size, area of coverage, gas pressure, gas temperature and background ultrasonic noise levels. 
   It indicates approximately how many Incus detectors are required to protect a hazardous area under given circumstances. The app is a first step before embarking on an ultrasonic mapping survey to monitor background ultrasonic noise levels and determine optimum positioning of the detectors – which is always advisable when utilising UGLDs.
   Ultrasonic/acoustic gas detectors instantly detect gas leaks by 'hearing' the sound generated by escaping gas, rather than responding to specific measurements of LEL or ppm.
   It is the only commonly-available method of detection able to detect a gas leak without the gas cloud needing to come into direct contact with the detector. The technology is impervious to wind, fog or gas dilution and is therefore very reliable in outdoor installations. 
   To try the free app, register at www.groveley-ultrasonic.com

Friday, 31 August 2012

New ultrasonic gas detection website


Hazard detection specialist Groveley Detection has launched a new website that focuses entirely on its ultrasonic gas detection equipment and solutions – www.groveley-ultrasonic.com
   Ultrasonic or acoustic gas detectors instantly detect gas leaks by 'hearing' the sound generated by escaping gas rather than responding to specific measurements of LEL or ppm.
   Managing director Robert Bennet said: “Ultrasonic is the only commercially-viable method of gas detection without the gas cloud needing to come into direct contact with the detector. The technology is impervious to wind, fog or gas dilution and is therefore very reliable in outdoor installations. Our intrinsically safe and flameproof sensors detect gas at the speed of sound.”
   Groveley also manufactures aspirator-type gas sampling systems and catalytic gas detectors. And it markets Simtronics’ GD10P and GD10PE point infrared gas detectors as exclusive UK distributor.
   A new corporate video on the website shows Groveley’s expanded new premises and upgraded production facility.
www.groveley-ultrasonic.com

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Groveley Detection: largest order for its GDU-Incus ultrasonic gas detectors is shipped to Papua New Guinea LNG

Hazard detection specialist Groveley Detection has shipped 31 of its GDU-Incus ultrasonic gas leak detectors to the new upstream LNG plant in Papua New Guinea – in Groveley’s largest Incus consignment to date.
   The units – supplied against two orders to a total contract value of $350,000 – will monitor potential gas leaks in the LNG plant gas compression areas and other areas with pressurised gas.
   Ultrasonic gas detectors instantly detect gas leaks by 'hearing' the sound generated by escaping gas and is the only method able to detect gas without the gas cloud needing to come into direct contact with the detector. The technology is impervious to wind, fog or gas dilution and is therefore very reliable in outdoor installations.
   The GDU-Incus incorporates four independent sensing heads to allow unobstructed sensing and a larger detection range.
   The Papua New Guinea liquefied natural gas (PNG LNG) project is a new gas project built to handle three large gas discoveries in the southern and western highlands of the country. It includes gas production, processing and liquefaction facilities, as well as offshore and onshore pipelines.
   LNG cargoes are due to start in 2014. The PNG LNG project has an estimated lifespan of around 30 years, by which time it could produce around nine trillion cubic feet of gas.
www.groveley.com     Picture by Phil Dowding

Wednesday, 1 August 2012

New worship software package gives synchronised control for band and projection


A new worship software tool has been launched for worship teams that seamlessly joins up the functions of lyrics, chords and projection – all controlled from a single source.
  Worship, Inc stores and maintains all a band’s lyrics and chords on laptop or tablet PCs, then displays them as a live playlist to each member through standard Wi-Fi.
  It ensures all musicians always have the same words and chords. Songs can be transposed at click of a button by the worship leader and instantly displayed to each musician. 
  The Worship, Inc package is being offered free for a three-month trial, fully-functioning. Without entering credit card details and with no commitment to purchase, musicians can load in their songs, invite up to ten friends to join the group, share and subscribe to playlists.
  Phil Read of Charthouse Data Management, the Dorset-based company that created the new software, said: “It makes the process of sharing songs flawless, simple and very fast.
  “Worship leaders are excited because gone are the days spent photocopying chord sheets or coordinating slides. This has been designed with corporate worship and band leaders in mind, providing everyone present with a unified, but personal, view of the songs being played.
  “Musicians can carry all their songs and chords on a tablet PC or laptop – no more lugging that big binder around with them. 
  “And projection is simpler because the package enables remote control of the projector display from anywhere on the network. A singer, pastor or even someone sitting in the congregation can select the media to display, ensuring you have the right words all the time.”
   Guitarists can use capo keys to display the appropriate chords for using a capo, while leaving the song in its original key for other band members.
  Song lyrics and chords are stored and distributed from a central website and to all musicians. During a service, songs can be added into the playlist as inspiration leads and the song is instantly made available to other band members and projection.
  Lyrics can be projected verse-by-verse in large meetings where the size of text is important, or displayed as the whole song for small groups. Worship, Inc can also be used to display all the media needed during a service, including videos, pictures and recordings.
   The Worship, Inc package costs £12.99 for a single user, £57.99 for five users and £275.99 for up to 25 users.
   For more information and to download a free trial, visit worshipinc.com

Picture by Phil Dowding

Friday, 20 July 2012

Groveley Detection: one-stop-shop fire and gas field equipment for Breagh Alpha and Clipper South

Hazard detection specialist Groveley Detection has provided one-stop-shop fire and gas field equipment for RWE Dea’s new Breagh Alpha and Clipper South platforms in the North Sea.
   Equipment to a combined value of over £250,000 included Groveley’s GDU-01 ultrasonic gas leak detectors; flame, gas and smoke detectors and alarm beacons.
   The GDU-01 is an omni-directional ultrasonic airborne leak detector that ‘hears’ pressurised gas leaks and provides instantaneous response over a large area of coverage.
   Groveley Detection’s managing director Robert Bennet said: “Our engineers handled pre-commissioning and commissioning of all the fire and gas detection equipment.”
   The Breagh field is one of the largest natural gas discoveries under development in the UK Southern North Sea.
www.groveley.com

Monday, 16 July 2012

Artist Jan Dowding at Indi's

Dorset artist Jan Dowding has become resident artist at Indi's, the newly-opened contemporary Indian restaurant in Wimborne.
   Jan, a former Poole Pottery 'traditional' paintress, now produces abstract paintings on canvas, mostly in oil, using high-impact colours.
   More than 20 of her more recent paintings are on the walls at Indi's, which opened to acclaim on Sunday July 15.
   The restaurant – with its Michelin-starred executive head chef Saurav Nath – occupies the fomer Pudding & Pie public house premises.
www.jedart.co.uk    www.indis.co.uk
Picture by Phil Dowding

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Groveley Detection and Simtronics extend exclusive agreement


Simtronics’ GD10P PIR gas detector plus Groveley EEx d local display
Simtronics has extended its exclusive UK agreement with Groveley Detection for a further two years, retaining Groveley as its exclusive UK distributor for GD10P and GD10PE point infrared gas detectors.
   Groveley MD Robert Bennet said: “I am absolutely delighted to renew our very successful partnership with Simtronics. This relationship, which was started in 1998, has been of great mutual benefit to both our companies and we look forward to continued cooperation in the future. It is a key part of our strategy moving forward.”
   The key advantages of Simtronics’ products are that its detectors do not require field calibration and come with a full five year warrantee.
   Mr Bennet said: “Simtronics’ infrared gas detectors differ from other manufacturer’s models because they use silicon-based, solid-state infrared sources. These sources are so stable that once a GD10P gas detector is factory-calibrated, it needs no adjustment onsite throughout its working life, so saving on maintenance and service costs.”
www.groveley.co.uk          Picture by Phil Dowding


Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Groveley’s GDU-Incus is tested by Micropack Engineering

Groveley Detection’s GDU-Incus ultrasonic gas leak detector has been independently tested by Micropack Engineering at its facility in Aberdeen.
   The GDU-Incus is designed to detect a pressurised gas release while remaining unaffected by background noise within the ultrasonic frequency range and noise outside the ultrasonic frequency range.
   The unit underwent vigorous testing to demonstrate proper operation in the most hazardous environments for the oil and gas industry – detecting gas leaks and avoiding false alarms despite unwanted alarm sources under conditions typically experienced offshore.
   False alarm testing included typical routine maintenance operations such as jet washing, grinding and cutting, with their elevated audible noise levels.
   MICROPACK (Engineering) Ltd is based at its own purpose built facility at the Grampian Fire Brigade's Fire Training Centre in Portlethen, Aberdeen. This is the only facility in the Grampian area permitted to burn 'fires'. This uniquely benefits Micropack in the expertise and facilities available to us in the area of Fire and Gas Detection research work.
   For more information on the GDU-Incus visit www.groveley.com or contact Groveley’s local agent in your area.

Thursday, 28 June 2012

Groveley Precision Engineering re-invests in new machinery

Groveley Precision Engineering has re-invested in new machinery due to increased aerospace and defence contracts, following its award of the SC21 bronze award supplier accreditation.
   In its latest £30,000 investment, Christchurch-based Groveley has installed a new five-axis machining centre and an 8-axis turning centre.
   And it will shortly recruit an additional machine programmer.
   Around £40,000 of the cost came in the form of a grant for energy-efficient machinery from Business Link’s IYRE scheme.
   The machinery was so large that Groveley needed to fit larger access doors and lay a new floor to take the extra weight. 
   Managing director Peter Bennet said: “SC21 has helped us increase our competitiveness by raising quality and speed of job turnaround for all our customers in their various industry sectors.
   “The aerospace industry has said it will increase by seven per cent each year for the next 15 years and we aim to win our share of that work.”
www.groveley-precision.co.uk     Picture by Phil Dowding

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Groveley Detection appoints Australian distributor

Hazard detection specialist Groveley Detection has appointed Sydney-based ProDetec Pty Ltd as exclusive distributor for its ultrasonic gas leak detection range and gas aspirator detection systems in Australia, New Zealand, East Timor and Papua New Guinea.
   ProDetec is a specialised fire and gas sales and service company working in the oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, manufacturing, food, pharmaceutical and water treatment industries.
   Its systems and equipment have been used by major oil and gas operators and manufacturers since the 90s.
   ProDetec general manager Buddy Barakat said: “The Groveley Detection range of ultrasonic gas leak detectors and aspirators is of the same high quality product type that our customers expect from ProDetec.”
   Groveley’s managing director Robert Bennet said: “ProDetec is an ideal company for Groveley to partner with as they have the same excellent proactive approach to servicing their customers’ needs as we do. They now form a key part of our ongoing strategy for global expansion.”
www.groveley.com
www.prodetec.com.au

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Convenience boosts sales of hanging baskets

Growing and production of hanging baskets has seen a 75 per cent boost at the Golden Acres garden centre group – probably due to their convenience and instant colour injection.
   The group grows its own bedding plants to make into hanging baskets - and this year will produce more than 5,000 baskets for sale in its five centres in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Warwickshire.
   It also supplies its hanging baskets for sale at other garden centres throughout the south.
   Group plant area co-ordinator Emma Green (pictured) said: “It takes a lot less water and time to maintain hanging baskets than garden beds, so for convenience – and because of the rising cost of water – many environmentally-aware people are focussing their efforts on baskets this year.
   “And most people buy them pre-made, as complete baskets are better value for money than buying the components and making them up.”
   This year’s production at focusses on using two or three colours – with red, white and blue being particular favorites – rather than traditional multi-coloured baskets.
   Emma said: “For many people, using colour themes in the garden is becoming as important as using them in their homes.
   “We still produce traditional wire and moss baskets, but most of our production is with rattan and plastic baskets, for their value.”
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     Picture by Phil Dowding

And now for another 75!

It’s all happening at Child of Hope's slum-based school… although it couldn’t make room for the expected intake of children in February because the school’s next floor wasn’t ready, staff have come up with a solution to take in another 75 children – hot-desking!
   So some of the school's classrooms now do double shifts, and while the existing children still attending school until lunch, the new pupils arrive at 1.30pm for their lessons.
   Well… 1.30pm is the start time, but those kids are so keen to start, they are hanging off the school gates from around 12 noon. They love it.
   It means very little extra in the way of running costs, as staff are already paid for the whole day.
   That takes the total number of pupils to 280, with around half (148) now sponsored. The new floor should be finished by December or January, which will allow the UK-based charity to educate a further 50 children.

Monday, 18 June 2012

Dahlia resurgence at Golden Acres


Dahlia sales are booming at Golden Acres Garden Centre in Landford – and staff say there is a resurgence of interest in the old-fashioned plant.
   The centre’s Judi Watkins said: “Dahlias flower all summer, they last for years, are very colourful and low-cost – all of which make them great value for money!
   “Sales at the centre are around 32 per cent higher than the last few years and it’s great to see the historic plant regaining its popularity. There's probably no plant that gives the gardener a more spectacular reward than the Dahlia.”
   Golden Acres grows its own Dahlias at its group nursery, where the huge colour variety makes a spectacular sight in the glasshouse.
   Dahlias are flexible for use in summer borders, in patio containers or as cut flowers, often flowering until the first frosts.
   Judi added: “They make gardening easy and most gardeners rarely grow just one. They range from the miniatures, just a few inches tall, to the huge-flowered, big glossy-leaved plants that grow up to five feet and bloom with flowers 10 or 12 inches across.
   “And they are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and situations.”
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     Picture by Phil Dowding

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Groveley Detection supplies ultrasonic gas leak detectors to Pembroke Refinery


Pembroke Refinery
Hazard detection specialist Groveley Detection has supplied and commissioned six of its GDU-Incus ultrasonic pressurised gas leak detectors to Chevron’s former Pembroke Refinery, now owned by Valero.
   The units will monitor potential leaks on a natural gas pipeline, covering a metering skid, pig catch area and pressure let down station.
   Groveley Detection’s managing director Robert Bennet said: “After market analysis by our client, the GDU-Incus was selected as the best for the application – one reason being that the product is built in the UK.”
    The hemispherical airborne leak detector has the ability to ‘hear’ deadly gas leaks even in the harshest of weather. It has a -55°C to +85°C operating temperature range for functionality in the most extreme environments, extended area coverage and features include self-testing and cleaning. 
   Groveley’s site engineers carried out a full mapping and system functional verification as part of the commissioning procedure.
   The Pembroke Refinery is located on the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. Opened in 1964, it was first owned by the Regent Oil Company and is one of the largest, most complex refineries in Western Europe.

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Golden day for classic cars on July 8


The annual judging event of classic cars owned by the Test Valley Motor Enthusiasts takes place on July 8 at Golden Acres Garden Centre, Landford – and visitors to the centre are invited to take part in the judging!
   Organisors expect around 60 vehicles, which will be judged by club members in four categories – saloons, sports cars, motorcycles and miscellaneous (including stationary engines, tractors and commercial vehicles).
   Visitors can vote for another category – the car or motorcycle they would most like to take home – and results will be announced during the event.
   The cars will arrive from 1.30pm and judging starts at 3pm.

Thursday, 26 April 2012

UK business could help Child of Hope finish its slum school

In a recent speech, UK Prime Minister David Cameron suggested that business has a moral responsibility to society. He rightly applauded some of the great businesses which he believes are showing moral leadership, and gently urged the business community to be more transparent and honest about this. He said that corporate social responsibility has made great strides in recent years.

So, Dorset-based charity Child of Hope – which has buildt a quality school in the heart of Uganda's desperately poor Namatala slum, and is currently expanding it – invites corporate leaders to help them make a huge difference to another 400 slum children and their families by completing its school. Call its office in confidence on (01202) 605082.
www.childofhopeuganda.org

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Charity auction raised £2,000 for slum kids in Africa


A charity auction and dinner – for Dorset-based charity Child of Hope – raised just over £2,000 to help complete a school for slum children in the heart of the Namatala slum district in Uganda.
   Guest auctioneer was sports journalist Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, Sky Sports and GMTV.
   Lots included a pair of Gareth Bale’s football boots, a Tottenham Hotspur FC football shirt signed by Jermaine Defoe, a VIP day for four at Newbury Races and a Bournemouth beach hut for a week.
   Details of the school’s progress can be found on website www.childofhopeuganda.org       
   Picture by Ben Lawrence

Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Child of Hope: Looking to the future


Dorset-based charity Child of Hope wants to help more and more of the slum kids of Namatala in Uganda. So it presses on to finish building its school to take the maximum of 600 children (from the current 200) in around four years.
   In the meantime… the kids in Namatala that are lucky enough to come to its school have changed… now when they talk of growing up, instead of a soul-destroying future scavenging food on the rubbish tip, they say they want to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer or a nurse. They have lifted their eyes, and you can see life and hope in them.
   The charity is taking a long-term view. The Child of Hope primary school is built to last decades; it’s not a flimsy structure that could collapse within three to four years. As some do. And the local community is taking notice. They know the charity isn't blowing hot then cold, here now, gone next year.
   So looking ahead to 2016 when it hopes to have completed the current school… then they want to build a secondary school – as there isn’t one in the region good enough to match the quality of education they are giving these children. They will have just 12 children of secondary age in four years, so they can start quite small, gradually increasing (as they are doing now) to take 200 secondary pupils within the following four years. 
Picture by Moses Okotel
www.childofhopeuganda.org

Thursday, 29 March 2012

Golden Acres helps West Parley village go greener with more trees


West Parley village is going greener – by planting more trees around its streets.
   Local garden centre Golden Acres contributed by donating five trees and more have been given by residents in memory of loved ones – in all 16 new young trees are growing around the village.
   Member of the parish council and volunteer co-ordinator Alan MacDonald said: “We are keen on the benefits of more trees and consultation with the residents confirmed what we felt.
   “It’s not just our visible areas along roads, we also own and are currently revitalising Parley Wood with a large team of volunteer residents.”
   In fact, the parish council boasts a whopping 120 volunteers from among its 3,600 residents – and they regularly clear litter from the roads, maintain flower displays, distribute leaflets, and clear hedges and pavements.
   West Parley Parish Council is a new council that came in on a landslide election in May 2011.
   Chairman Richard Heaslip said: “This village is actually one of the oldest in the area, but now its survival depends on establishing its identity, or it could just be seen as part of Ferndown and Bournemouth. 
   “We’re in the Doomsday Book, we have a Saxon Church and Iron Age hill fort – it’s a lovely rural area but you don’t see much of it just driving through. So increased numbers of trees are helping create the identity we want.”

Picture by Phil Dowding


Premier league sports memorabilia feature at charity auction


Sports journalist Darren Lewis
RINGWOOD: A pair of Gareth Bale’s football boots, a Tottenham Hotspur FC football shirt signed by Jermaine Defoe, and a Bournemouth beach hut for a week, all feature at a charity auction and dinner on Saturday, April 21.
   The event at the St Leonard’s Hotel will be hosted by top sports journalist Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, Sky Sports and GMTV.
   It is organised by Dorset charity Child of Hope, which is building a school for slum children in the heart of the Namatala slum district in Uganda.
   Tickets cost £20 per person, which includes a three-course meal. Full list of lots, details and online ticket sales are on website www.childofhopeuganda.org, or contact Child of Hope on 01202 605082.

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Charity auction of sports memorabilia... and more


Dorset-based slum kids charity Child of Hope is holding a charity auction and fundraising dinner – with some amazing lots from premier football clubs and a great mix including other sporting memorabilia and tickets. Fancy a beach hut on a Bournemouth beach for a week?
   The event will help raise thousands of pounds towards the completion of its school in the Namatala slum district of Mbale, Uganda – which will make a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of children who currently have very little hope for any kind of education and employment.
   The event – near Ringwood, Hampshire, will be hosted by top sports journalist Darren Lewis. A football writer for the Daily Mirror for ten years, Darren is a regular on the Premier League, Champions League and International Beat… plus Sky Sports News as well as radio stations TalkSPORT and Five Live, and occasional appearances on GMTV and CCN. He is named among the 50 most influential black people in the game, along with England captain Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Chris Kamara.

For more information, click here
Date: April 21, 6.30pm for 7pm 3-course dinner 
Venue: St Leonard's Hotel, Ferndown, Dorset, BH24 2NP 
Cost: £20 per person. For online ticket sales, click here

Now… could you pass this information on to someone you know who might be interested in one or more of those lots - or simply getting to meet Darren lewis? Bit cheeky... we know, but it is for some of the poorest children in Africa...

Thursday, 15 March 2012

TV’s Julian Richards unveils epic timeline at St Michael’s School, Colehill


Archaeologist and TV/radio presenter Julian Richards – from TV series ‘Meet The Ancestors’ – unveiled an epic timeline that has been specially produced for St Michael’s Middle School at Colehill.
   The timeline consists of 12 panels depicting significant events and people during the 2,000 year period from Christ to the present day.    They cover a corridor wall 17 metres long and two metres high.
   It was designed and produced by illustrator Amanda Waite, who lives in Colehill, and whose two daughters attend the school.
   Head teacher Paul Nation said: “This is a creative and unique project that has enabled children to work together, research and discuss the most important moments of the last 2000 years.  
   “For everyone to see their ideas and sketches crafted into a superbly creative timeline has been an unforgettable experience.”
   The project took Amanda seven months over a two year period to research, obtain copyright permissions and produce as vector images on computer using a stylus pen and tablet. The final panels are printed on vinyl and wrapped on panels fixed to the wall.
   She said: “Before I began, we invited school pupils to take part in a competition to come up with concepts and ideas for the panels. Their ideas were amazing and many were incorporated.
   “My favourite part is a concept from one of the children’s three top entries – poppies growing out of the gun turret of a World War 1 tank.
   “It’s a powerful tool to impact and inspire children for learning. It covers all areas – history, arts, mathematics, inventions, politics, religion and English.
    Paul Nation said: “I want to thank our active Parents Association for their financial support, and I am especially grateful to Amanda for her creativity and commitment to what has become a two-year labour of love.”
   Amanda Waite is a professional illustrator who has produced work for advertising and design agencies. Her current project is her first children’s book.
   Julian Richards will return to St Michael’s soon as part of his work with schools, engaging children to help them discover the history and heritage of their land. 
   And he will be will be back on TV soon with a new series on BBC 4 called Meet the Ancestors – Revisited.

----------------------------
Pictures by Phil Dowding. For alternative images, click here
For further details:  
• Paul Nation, St Michael's School  (01202) 883 433
• Amanda Waite  07538 349 748
www.archaemedia.net (Julian Richards)

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Weber BBQ Experience Roadshow rolls into John Browns Garden Centre


Barbecue manufacturer Weber will take its BBQ Experience Roadshow to John Browns garden centre in Three Legged Cross on Easter Saturday.
   Chef Dan Cooper – who has cooked up feasts for celebrities including Lily Allen and Alex James – will demonstrate delicious barbecued dishes and show visitors how to perfect Weber’s ‘roast’, ‘grill’ and ‘bake’ techniques.  
   The roadshow features a specially-equipped 1970s chrome Airstream Land Yacht, recently found in the USA and shipped to Somerset to be refurbished and re-fitted.
   Centre manager Jeremy Green said: “As well as demonstrations there will be plenty of opportunities to sample the delicious, freshly-barbecued food – and take away some recipe cards to try some exciting new creations at home. And it’s all free!”
   The latest gas and charcoal Weber barbecues will be on show, along with cookware accessories, and there will be offers on all Weber products throughout the bank holiday weekend.
   The roadshow will fire up from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday April 7.

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Howard is new plant area manager at Cadnam Garden Centre


Howard Ley has been appointed plant area manager at Cadnam Garden Centre, part of the Golden Acres group.
   His career began after qualifying with City & Guilds 1, 2 & 3 in Horticulture at Dartington Horticultural College, when he joined a local garden centre.
   More recently he was horticultural manager with a large garden centre group in the south west.
   His favourite plants are bedding and herbaceous because of their vibrant colours - he has a fairly small courtyard garden where he grows them in containers.
   Howard said: “Even though I’ve previously always lived in Devon, I’ve known Cadnam Garden Centre for years because my wife’s parents live in nearby Totton. It’s a great centre to move to because customer service is high on its priorities.”
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk  
Picture by Phil Dowding

Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Golden Acres: nursery expands online


Dorset nursery group Golden Acres has launched a specific trade website to enable its commercial customers to quickly choose plants for delivery around the south.
   For the first time, the nursery’s entire range of plants can viewed individually and an availability list downloaded for faster telephone ordering.
   The free online service will suit customers such as shops, garden centres, gardeners, landscapers, farm shops, pubs and local authorities.
   The site – www.goldenacrestrade.co.uk – will also shortly publish the nursery’s offers and promotions.

Picture by Phil Dowding

Thursday, 5 January 2012

Groveley Detection: Ultrasonic detectors supplied to Perenco’s Trent platform


Perenco has included 12 Groveley Detection ultrasonic gas leak detectors in its refit of the Trent gas production platform in the southern North Sea.
   Groveley supplied its UK-built GDU-Incus ultrasonic pressurised gas leak detectors, which it commissioned and tested to Perenco’s performance specification. 
   The hemispherical airborne leak detector has the ability to ‘hear’ deadly gas leaks even in the harshest of weather and a -55°C to +85°C operating temperature range ensures functionality in the most extreme environments. It has extended area coverage and features such as self-testing and cleaning. 
   Groveley Detection’s managing director Robert Bennet said: “Beforehand we provided a full ultrasonic mapping survey to verify the location and quantity of detectors and worked with Perenco to optimise the system layout in the event of a leak.”