Antique metal look is just stunning

Bespoke furniture producer Kirolite's latest one-off project for a 115 Sunseeker yacht has been installed – a bar mirror in distressed bronze finish, complete with two shelves in gloss traditional walnut burr veneers with a modern twist of stainless steel polished rails.

We love the amazing new antique-metal-look finishes... perfect for on board a luxury yacht or in a beautiful home or hotel.

The requirement: An old-fashioned-style saloon mirror to be positioned above a small bar cupboard.

The effect: We overlaid a bronze antique effect on an original hardwood and MDF frame. This was sprayed with the finish of metal filings, with the top layer burnished off to expose the metal, a ragged process with acid to obtain a suitably-mottled effect, polished, left to tarnish, then sealed with top coat… all done in-house.

The result: A gorgeous finish… and one that can be used to make many wood products look like they’re made of distressed metal. The finishes are limitless!

Charlotte Richards, a new-generation grower

Charlotte Richards has been appointed a director of her family’s horticultural business – Golden Acres – which her father Paul started in 1980.

   Charlotte (19) is currently working her way through every department of the business to gain experience.

   The company is a large specialist grower of bedding plants – three million plants each year – and also owns five garden centres in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Warwickshire.

   Formerly at Bournemouth School for Girls, Charlotte said: “I’m learning the business from the bottom up and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

   “I love plants especially bedding, which are so varied and colourful. That’s entirely what we focus on in our growing nurseries in Hampshire and Dorset. Then we sell the plants through our own centres and also supply to other garden centres around the south.”

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk  
Picture by Phil Dowding

Groveley Detection wins its largest orders for ultrasonic gas leak detection

Groveley Detection reports it has won its two largest order for ultrasonic gas leak detectors.
   For commercial reasons the company cannot yet divulge the client’s details, but two new Australian contracts will mean the supply of 224 of Groveley’s GDU-Incus detectors for an offshore installation and 149 Incus units for an onshore facility. The combined order value is in excess of $3.5 million.
   Delivery will be completed by June 2013, and Groveley is employing eight new staff members and expanding its factory to boost production.
   Managing director Robert Bennet said: “The technology is still relatively new and we believe this is the world’s largest order for UGLDs. It has focused us clearly on further growth.
   “Our Incus detector uses piezo technology rather than microphones, so it is extremely stable. It’s an all-British patented product; developed and manufactured at our Dorset factory.”
   The GDU-Incus offers a coverage area of up to 40m (pressure, leak size and background noise level dependent), a detection range between 25kHz to 100kHz and an instantaneous speed of response. The IP66/67-rated detector provides protection from the harshest of weather with a -55°C to +85°C operating temperature range.
   Each GDU-Incus is factory-set and requires no field calibration. It needs minimal maintenance and reliable operation is ensured using a continuous electronic self test.
www.groveley.com    Photography by Phil Dowding

Groveley Detection announces record year with 18% turnover boost

Hazard detection company Groveley Detection has announced a record year with an 18 per cent increase in turnover to £4.7 million for its latest financial year, which ended in May.

   It reports that profits in the period more than doubled, due to a higher proportion of its sales being own-build products than equipment it distributes.

   Managing director Robert Bennet said: “We have maintained sales of gas detection systems we sell in the UK as a distributor, and at the same time we have hugely increased sales of our own products, mainly to export markets. The main cause of that is our new Incus ultrasonic gas leak detector, which has allowed us to expand widely into world markets.

   He said: “We have made our name as problem-solvers; companies around the globe approach us with situations they need a solution for. Most locations we install equipment in are extremely hazardous – no two sites or facilities are exactly the same.”

   The growth meant the leasing of further premises adjacent to its factory in January, allowing Groveley to double its production capacity.

www.groveley.com      Picture by Phil Dowding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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